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Advice On Gardening
I am now starting my own gardening business at the age of 20 and i would like to know if anyone here has any advice which you think i should need.
I have my own van and gardening equipment, petrol machines, and hand tools etc but i lack in experience that a "gardener" would have, so i have been taking on work which is just to gain experience like grass cutting, hedge trimming and weeding. I have been taking on work which at the moment is with retired women who cant look after their own gardens, i have been to price jobs with trouble as to how long a job will take me to complete. I have been charging £10 per hour which most of the retired people are having trouble with because of there pensions. My recent problem is that i am not charging enough to cover for petrol for my equipment, dumping rubbish and travelling to and from clients house. As you can see what problem i am faced with, i was just wondering if anyone hear can advice me what to do with my pricing? I feel as if i am charging people a high rate of £10 per hour, but i am not getting any profit out of this when i have bought petrol, travelled to clients house and dumped rubbish which there is alot of. Please can somebody help or have any of you people on hear and been in the same situation and want to help me out? |
Advice On Gardening
"Rotax100uk" wrote in message s.com... : I am now starting my own gardening business at the age of 20 and i would : like to know if anyone here has any advice which you think i should : need. : Funnily enough I started gardening as a job nearly 2 years ago now, I have learned a lot mainly through my mistakes, this NG has been very helpful :) : I have my own van and gardening equipment, petrol machines, and hand : tools etc but i lack in experience that a "gardener" would have, so i : have been taking on work which is just to gain experience like grass : cutting, hedge trimming and weeding. : : I have been taking on work which at the moment is with retired women : who cant look after their own gardens, i have been to price jobs with : trouble as to how long a job will take me to complete. I have been : charging £10 per hour which most of the retired people are having : trouble with because of there pensions. : : My recent problem is that i am not charging enough to cover for petrol : for my equipment, dumping rubbish and travelling to and from clients : house. You cannot afford to collect rubbish or garden waste, dispose of it on site, chuck it in their bin or let the them get rid of it, as well as being very time consuming tipping charges cost a fortune, skips also are not cheap, how much do you think it would cost for a skip? tell them to set aside a small area for a compost heap or to burn what is left. If they still insist that you take it then tell them there is a hefty charge for disposing of waste, actually its better to get that out of the way first so there is no misunderstandings later. : As you can see what problem i am faced with, i was just wondering if : anyone hear can advice me what to do with my pricing? Obviously you cannot afford to be out of pocket or you will end up out of business, forget domestic work, you need to get the big contracts if you can find them, no, I am certainly not going to part with this information, bear in mind gardening work proper only lasts for about 6 to 8 months of the year, you have to earn enough to carry you through the winter :) If i am charging people a high rate of £10 per hour, but i am : not getting any profit out of this when i have bought petrol, travelled : to clients house and dumped rubbish which there is alot of. : : Please can somebody help or have any of you people on hear and been in : the same situation and want to help me out? I can help you out if you get a really big contract, keep me in mind, Est 2002 :) |
Advice On Gardening
"Rotax100uk" wrote in message s.com... I am now starting my own gardening business at the age of 20 and i would like to know if anyone here has any advice which you think i should need. I have my own van and gardening equipment, petrol machines, and hand tools etc but i lack in experience that a "gardener" would have, so i have been taking on work which is just to gain experience like grass cutting, hedge trimming and weeding. I have been taking on work which at the moment is with retired women who cant look after their own gardens, i have been to price jobs with trouble as to how long a job will take me to complete. I have been charging £10 per hour which most of the retired people are having trouble with because of there pensions. My recent problem is that i am not charging enough to cover for petrol for my equipment, dumping rubbish and travelling to and from clients house. As you can see what problem i am faced with, i was just wondering if anyone hear can advice me what to do with my pricing? I feel as if i am charging people a high rate of £10 per hour, but i am not getting any profit out of this when i have bought petrol, travelled to clients house and dumped rubbish which there is alot of. Please can somebody help or have any of you people on hear and been in the same situation and want to help me out? The lads who do my work charge £7 per hour, then an extra £30 if I need rubbish removed. Have you a shredder? Shred branches and either leave it there, or take it away to use as mulch or start composting yourself and sell the compost. As you have no skills as such you cannot charge top whack. There are plenty of people who will take on small maintenance jobs for not much money. Make sure you have some good insurance too in case you manage to accidentally damage someones property. |
Advice On Gardening
"Rotax100uk" wrote in message s.com... I am now starting my own gardening business at the age of 20 and i would like to know if anyone here has any advice which you think i should need. I have my own van and gardening equipment, petrol machines, and hand tools etc but i lack in experience that a "gardener" would have, so i have been taking on work which is just to gain experience like grass cutting, hedge trimming and weeding. I have been taking on work which at the moment is with retired women who cant look after their own gardens, i have been to price jobs with trouble as to how long a job will take me to complete. I have been charging £10 per hour which most of the retired people are having trouble with because of there pensions. My recent problem is that i am not charging enough to cover for petrol for my equipment, dumping rubbish and travelling to and from clients house. As you can see what problem i am faced with, i was just wondering if anyone hear can advice me what to do with my pricing? I feel as if i am charging people a high rate of £10 per hour, but i am not getting any profit out of this when i have bought petrol, travelled to clients house and dumped rubbish which there is alot of. Please can somebody help or have any of you people on hear and been in the same situation and want to help me out? -- Rotax100uk Rotax100uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ten pound an Hour is a good rate to earn if you are just beginning Just try and control your costs. I never give my customers an hourly price I give them a "job and finish" price. for example if I look at an average garden and estimate it will take me about an 1.5 hours (based on 10 pounds an hour the price would be 15 pounds) Doing the garden regular and working out the best routine for that garden you will find that you will reduce the time spent at the garden but still get the same price even better if you had a helper the task should take half the time but yet again still earn the same price. At my peak myself and four fellow gardeners walked away from a garden in 6 minutes flat and the standards was still maintained. Talking of standards of work this is where your key is to more work. I would rather lose an hours pay than leave a job at a sub standard level. If you don't have a blower get one, they always impress the customers and you can blow any drive in minutes. beats a brush hands down. Clean up at the end of the job is always as important as the job. You can cut the best hedge in the world but if you leave a mess the job is wasted. Regarding waste tell your customers you charge extra for taking the grass clippings away you will be suprised how many of them find a little corner for you to put it in :) I could go on but my wife is trying to dress me for a wedding . Good luck with your venture learn as much as you can and keep your standards high. Best wishes Martin Heames www.thegardenspider.com ("thegardenspider.com" something I am playing with any advice or suggestions most welcome) posted via www.GardenBanter.co.uk |
Advice On Gardening
"Just Molly" wrote in message : : The lads who do my work charge £7 per hour, then an extra £30 if I need : rubbish removed. Have you a shredder? Thats what your lads need Molly, a shredder, save you £30, I have been thinking about getting one but this would mean having to buy a trailer to carry it, but then I ask myself have I got enough of the right type of work to justify the expense, its not absolutely essential unless you are a tree surgeon, then its a must have. :) : As you have no skills as such you cannot charge top whack. There are plenty : of people who will take on small maintenance jobs for not much money. What skills do you think he might need? : Make sure you have some good insurance too in case you manage to : accidentally damage someones property. : How much is business insurance likely to cost ? only you mention there are plenty of people who will take on small maintainence jobs for not much money, who are these people who can afford to work for "not much money". |
Advice On Gardening
The message
from "Martin Heames" contains these words: Regarding waste tell your customers you charge extra for taking the grass clippings away you will be suprised how many of them find a little corner for you to put it in :) Hey, don't waste those clippings. Look round the neighbourhood for signs of keen gardeners, and slip a note through their door asking if they want a regular supply of lawn clippings for mulches or compost heaps. You'll find someone like me :-) I happily take all the clippings I can get from a local contractor, a mutual benefit. For the OP; this contractor works his routes so that he spends a whole day working on contracts within one area, which greatly reduces travel time and petrol between that day's clients. Janet. |
Advice On Gardening
The message
from "Dermuid" contains these words: "Just Molly" wrote in message : As you have no skills as such you cannot charge top whack. There are plenty of people who will take on small maintenance jobs for not much money. What skills do you think he might need? As an absolute minimum, the ability to recognise common weeds, know how to control them, and distinguish them from the annuals the client just planted out. The ability to recognise common shrubs plants and trees, and care for them appropriately, at all times of year. (So that he doesn't winter-prune large azaleas hamamelis or camellia as if they were buddliea, or lime the rhododendrons). : Make sure you have some good insurance too in case you manage to : accidentally damage someones property. : How much is business insurance likely to cost ? only you mention there are plenty of people who will take on small maintainence jobs for not much money, who are these people who can afford to work for "not much money". They are the kind of anonymous feckless unskilled door-knockers who have no overheads, and offer to fell your tree on the cheap. Having no skills or insurance, if the said tree falls onto an overhead service cable, car or conservatory, the client is left with an enormous bill and no come-back. Janet. |
Advice On Gardening
"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message ... The message from "Dermuid" contains these words: "Just Molly" wrote in message : As you have no skills as such you cannot charge top whack. There are plenty of people who will take on small maintenance jobs for not much money. What skills do you think he might need? As an absolute minimum, the ability to recognise common weeds, know how to control them, and distinguish them from the annuals the client just planted out. The ability to recognise common shrubs plants and trees, and care for them appropriately, at all times of year. (So that he doesn't winter-prune large azaleas hamamelis or camellia as if they were buddliea, or lime the rhododendrons). : Make sure you have some good insurance too in case you manage to : accidentally damage someones property. : How much is business insurance likely to cost ? only you mention there are plenty of people who will take on small maintainence jobs for not much money, who are these people who can afford to work for "not much money". They are the kind of anonymous feckless unskilled door-knockers who have no overheads, and offer to fell your tree on the cheap. Having no skills or insurance, if the said tree falls onto an overhead service cable, car or conservatory, the client is left with an enormous bill and no come-back. Couldn't have put it better mesel' |
Advice On Gardening
You cannot afford to collect rubbish or garden waste, dispose of it on site, chuck it in their bin or let the them get rid of it, as well as being very time consuming tipping charges cost a fortune, skips also are not cheap, how much do you think it would cost for a skip? tell them to set aside a small area for a compost heap or to burn what is left. If they still insist that you take it then tell them there is a hefty charge for disposing of waste, actually its better to get that out of the way first so there is no misunderstandings later. By the way, you are a registered waste carrier I take it? Steve |
Advice On Gardening
"shazzbat" wrote in message ... : : : By the way, you are a registered waste carrier I take it? : Steve : : We are talking about non hazardous plain old garden waste here which anyone can take to a landfill or refuse station, no licence required. |
Advice On Gardening
"Dermuid" wrote in message news:9SmDc.846$_R3.700@newsfe5-win... "shazzbat" wrote in message ... : : : By the way, you are a registered waste carrier I take it? : Steve : : We are talking about non hazardous plain old garden waste here which anyone can take to a landfill or refuse station, no licence required. Wrong. Whilst a person can take their own waste to the landfill site, a person who removes waste by way of business, whether it be hazardous or not, needs to be a registered waste carrier in accordance with the environmental protection act 1990. Also the carrier must complete a controlled waste transfer note, and both the holder and the carrier must retain their copies for three years. Once you are charging, either directly or as part of the overall charge, it becomes controlled waste according to the above act. If the carrier is not registered, the holder of the waste, in this case the householder, can be fined UKP2000, and the carrier can be fined UKP2000 plus confiscation of their vehicle. These penalties may have been updated since I last looked them up. Steve. Registered waste carrier DOR24207/0001 |
Advice On Gardening
"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message : What skills do you think he might need? : : As an absolute minimum, the ability to recognise common weeds, know how : to control them, and distinguish them from the annuals the client just : planted out. The ability to recognise common shrubs plants and trees, : and care for them appropriately, at all times of year. (So that he : doesn't winter-prune large azaleas hamamelis or camellia as if they were : buddliea, or lime the rhododendrons). : This is handy to know, I would also add that you need to know about soil types for planting and know what conditions are best for the plants before planting to grow. : : : Make sure you have some good insurance too in case you manage to : : accidentally damage someones property. : : : : How much is business insurance likely to cost ? only you mention there are : plenty of people who will take on small maintainence jobs for not much : money, who are these people who can afford to work for "not much money". : : They are the kind of anonymous feckless unskilled door-knockers who : have no overheads, and offer to fell your tree on the cheap. Having no : skills or insurance, if the said tree falls onto an overhead service : cable, car or conservatory, the client is left with an enormous bill and : no come-back. : I have seen the type of unskilled worker you speak of but they rarely work out cheap, the plan is to get onto your property so they offer to do a job very cheaply, a total bargain, so cheap that you would have to be stark raving mad to decline such an offer, once on your property they will cause damage or invent problems and tell you they need doing, loose tiles on the roof is the favourite, then they offer to repair the damage they luckily discovered, good job we were here and all that, by the time they finish with your property, long story etc you know what I mean, this is why you should never accept a low quote. |
Advice On Gardening
"Just Molly" wrote in message : They are the kind of anonymous feckless unskilled door-knockers who : have no overheads, and offer to fell your tree on the cheap. Having no : skills or insurance, if the said tree falls onto an overhead service : cable, car or conservatory, the client is left with an enormous bill and : no come-back. : : Couldn't have put it better mesel' Neither could I but then I personally would never risk hiring such a person even if he offered to work for nothing. |
Advice On Gardening
"shazzbat" wrote in message ... : : "Dermuid" wrote in message : news:9SmDc.846$_R3.700@newsfe5-win... : : "shazzbat" wrote in message : ... : : : : : : By the way, you are a registered waste carrier I take it? : : Steve : : : : : : We are talking about non hazardous plain old garden waste here which : anyone : can take to a landfill or refuse station, no licence required. : : : Wrong. : : Whilst a person can take their own waste to the landfill site, a person who : removes waste by way of business, whether it be hazardous or not, needs to : be a registered waste carrier in accordance with the environmental : protection act 1990. Also the carrier must complete a controlled waste : transfer note, and both the holder and the carrier must retain their copies : for three years. Once you are charging, either directly or as part of the : overall charge, it becomes controlled waste according to the above act. If : the carrier is not registered, the holder of the waste, in this case the : householder, can be fined UKP2000, and the carrier can be fined UKP2000 plus : confiscation of their vehicle. These penalties may have been updated since I : last looked them up. : Well it would appear that the landfill I went to were not doing their job then, not once was I asked if I was registered to carry waste, cash or account, yes, maybe they thought it was my own waste :) |
Advice On Gardening
"Dermuid" wrote in message ... "shazzbat" wrote in message ... : : "Dermuid" wrote in message : news:9SmDc.846$_R3.700@newsfe5-win... : : "shazzbat" wrote in message : ... : : : : : : By the way, you are a registered waste carrier I take it? : : Steve : : : : : : We are talking about non hazardous plain old garden waste here which : anyone : can take to a landfill or refuse station, no licence required. : : : Wrong. : : Whilst a person can take their own waste to the landfill site, a person who : removes waste by way of business, whether it be hazardous or not, needs to : be a registered waste carrier in accordance with the environmental : protection act 1990. Also the carrier must complete a controlled waste : transfer note, and both the holder and the carrier must retain their copies : for three years. Once you are charging, either directly or as part of the : overall charge, it becomes controlled waste according to the above act. If : the carrier is not registered, the holder of the waste, in this case the : householder, can be fined UKP2000, and the carrier can be fined UKP2000 plus : confiscation of their vehicle. These penalties may have been updated since I : last looked them up. : Well it would appear that the landfill I went to were not doing their job then, not once was I asked if I was registered to carry waste, cash or account, yes, maybe they thought it was my own waste :) Very probably. If you go with a car and trailer there won't be a problem, they assume you're a householder dumping your own stuff. If you turn up in a van/pickup,they start to get sniffy, especially if it's a site run by contractors as opposed to staffed by council employees. And of course you could say it was from your own garden even if it was trade and you'd probably get away with it, but on the 577th visit they're definitely going to be suspicious. Most sites I have seen have signs saying "no trade waste" Then it's off to the commercial waste site to pay the steep charges plus landfill tax. Of course like all "environmental" legislation, this has done the environment more harm than good, since the cowboys are now more inclined to "fly tip" than before, but they're not going to let that put them off. Steve |
Advice On Gardening
"shazzbat" wrote in message : Very probably. If you go with a car and trailer there won't be a problem, : they assume you're a householder dumping your own stuff. If you turn up in a : van/pickup,they start to get sniffy, especially if it's a site run by : contractors as opposed to staffed by council employees. And of course you : could say it was from your own garden even if it was trade and you'd : probably get away with it, but on the 577th visit they're definitely going : to be suspicious. Most sites I have seen have signs saying "no trade waste" : Then it's off to the commercial waste site to pay the steep charges plus : landfill tax. Of course like all "environmental" legislation, this has done : the environment more harm than good, since the cowboys are now more inclined : to "fly tip" than before, but they're not going to let that put them off. : The recycling ones do not allow vans, car and trailer yes and only if the waste is from your own house, having said that, you can tip trade waste at the recycling site if you know the bloke in charge, he will turn a blind eye if you offer him a drink ;) Fly tipping has become a big problem, a mate of mine works for a council contractor and all they do all day everyday is collect fly tipped material around the county, as soon as they clear one lot its replaced within hours sometimes. |
Advice On Gardening
"Dermuid" wrote in message news:ltnDc.857$_R3.180@newsfe5-win... "Janet Baraclough" wrote in message : What skills do you think he might need? : : As an absolute minimum, the ability to recognise common weeds, know how : to control them, and distinguish them from the annuals the client just : planted out. The ability to recognise common shrubs plants and trees, : and care for them appropriately, at all times of year. (So that he : doesn't winter-prune large azaleas hamamelis or camellia as if they were : buddliea, or lime the rhododendrons). : This is handy to know, I would also add that you need to know about soil types for planting and know what conditions are best for the plants before planting to grow. : : : Make sure you have some good insurance too in case you manage to : : accidentally damage someones property. : : : : How much is business insurance likely to cost ? only you mention there are : plenty of people who will take on small maintainence jobs for not much : money, who are these people who can afford to work for "not much money". : : They are the kind of anonymous feckless unskilled door-knockers who : have no overheads, and offer to fell your tree on the cheap. Having no : skills or insurance, if the said tree falls onto an overhead service : cable, car or conservatory, the client is left with an enormous bill and : no come-back. : I have seen the type of unskilled worker you speak of but they rarely work out cheap, the plan is to get onto your property so they offer to do a job very cheaply, a total bargain, so cheap that you would have to be stark raving mad to decline such an offer, once on your property they will cause damage or invent problems and tell you they need doing, loose tiles on the roof is the favourite, then they offer to repair the damage they luckily discovered, good job we were here and all that, by the time they finish with your property, long story etc you know what I mean, this is why you should never accept a low quote. I cannot agree with the last statement. Someone who is just starting out in business and who needs recommendations might well offer a cheap quote simply to get the business up and running. |
Advice On Gardening
The message 9SmDc.846$_R3.700@newsfe5-win
from "Dermuid" contains these words: "shazzbat" wrote in message ... : : : By the way, you are a registered waste carrier I take it? : Steve : : We are talking about non hazardous plain old garden waste here which anyone can take to a landfill or refuse station, no licence required. Didn't you do *any* homework before setting yourself up as a gardening "business"? Janet. |
Advice On Gardening
The message 9SmDc.846$_R3.700@newsfe5-win
from "Dermuid" contains these words: "shazzbat" wrote in message ... : : : By the way, you are a registered waste carrier I take it? : Steve : : We are talking about non hazardous plain old garden waste here which anyone can take to a landfill or refuse station, no licence required. Didn't you do *any* homework before setting yourself up as a gardening "business"? Janet. |
Advice On Gardening
"Janet Baraclough.." wrote in message ... : The message 9SmDc.846$_R3.700@newsfe5-win : from "Dermuid" contains these words: : : : "shazzbat" wrote in message : ... : : : : : : By the way, you are a registered waste carrier I take it? : : Steve : : : : : : We are talking about non hazardous plain old garden waste here which anyone : can take to a landfill or refuse station, no licence required. : : Didn't you do *any* homework before setting yourself up as a gardening : "business"? : : Janet. : Of course I did, as far as I am concerned waste disposal has nothing to do with gardening so I no longer accept it, I suppose you will tell me now that I am not a gardener unless I am registered to transport waste. |
Advice On Gardening
On Fri, 25 Jun 2004 22:58:27 GMT, Rotax100uk
wrote: I am now starting my own gardening business at the age of 20 and i would like to know if anyone here has any advice which you think i should need. Like any new business venture it is going to take time and hard work to get things going .... I'm in my 50's and started up 3 years ago with an ad. in local paper - just a few lines in classified section. Garden maintenance - covers all sorts of things tho I did have a bit of experience with my own gardens . Got all sorts of enquiries and visied them all . I've found plenty of people will pay at least £12 ph for general maintenance and older people too ....... there are many with money who just need some muscle and are happy to advise you as you go along - a good way of learning. The younger set ( working 12 hr a day just don't have the time but have the money ) they just want regularly kept neat gardens. Started mainly grass / hedge cutting , pruning , weeding , fence & shed painting .. anything to build up and get things going. Always did a good + tidy job plenty of advice etc. Soon established list of regular clients and thro word of mouth obtained further work. Have put my price up a couple of times since I started and only lost a couple of clients so must be doing something right ! Tips :- If you don't have a chainsaw get one and learn how to use it safely ! Plenty of lighter work on smaller trees undercutting ( pardon pun ) tree surgeons much higher rates' Do smaller fencing jobs erect+ repair etc. Fencers charge well over odds ... Same with turfing + laying patios - learn how to do it . Also spraying weeds .. Quote seperately for anything out of the normal garden maintenance work. As you gain clients trust you will be able to advise (sell ) your ideas regarding planting / landscaping etc. and supply materials - an extra source of income.. Put business cards thro doors of houses on new developments - many need help with establishing new gardens. Quote cheaply to get one under your belt that you can use for reference etc. Try to get a client base near together so you reduce costs + save time. Last but not least DO YOUR HOMEWORK the internet and this NG in particular is a wealthy source of info. Just ask .... one thing about gardeners is they love to share their knowledge. As you go along and gain more experience you will be more comfortable in dealing with people and it will generate more business. You are young and if you are enthusiastic and willing enough you will make it .................. there's plenty of work out there - I just wish I was younger ! Good Luck |
Advice On Gardening
Rotax100uk wrote in
s.com: I have been taking on work which at the moment is with retired women who cant look after their own gardens, i have been to price jobs with trouble as to how long a job will take me to complete. I have been charging £10 per hour which most of the retired people are having trouble with because of there pensions. As you can see what problem i am faced with, i was just wondering if anyone hear can advice me what to do with my pricing? I feel as if i am charging people a high rate of £10 per hour, but i am not getting any profit out of this Your time has a value. You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly, and there are people out there who can afford to. In my own business (not in gardening), I find that the people who grouch about prices are not always the people who are actually hard up for cash! Be up front about your costs and experience and be prepared to walk away if the customer can't or won't agree to pay you to get the job done properly, cover your costs and leave you with enough to eat on! It's really hard, but you need to be able to do it. If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) A tenner an hour seems good value to me: I'd pay that for hedgecutting if I could find anyone who was interested! Victoria -- gardening on a north-facing hill in South-East Cornwall -- |
Advice On Gardening
"Victoria Clare" wrote in message . 240.12... Rotax100uk wrote in s.com: I have been taking on work which at the moment is with retired women who cant look after their own gardens, i have been to price jobs with trouble as to how long a job will take me to complete. I have been charging £10 per hour which most of the retired people are having trouble with because of there pensions. As you can see what problem i am faced with, i was just wondering if anyone hear can advice me what to do with my pricing? I feel as if i am charging people a high rate of £10 per hour, but i am not getting any profit out of this I can emphasise with the sense of charging a high rate. It suggests an inclination to think beyond the 'what's in it for me' attitude. It can seem like crazy money, but then you need to realise that there are professions where mere apprentises get paid far, far more. Your time has a value. You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly, and there are people out there who can afford to. Very true, but for someone with an inate sense of duty this can be the primary hurdle. In my own business (not in gardening), I find that the people who grouch about prices are not always the people who are actually hard up for cash! Be up front about your costs and experience Actually, although others seem to agree, I'm not so sure. I've never once got a client on the basis of my qualifications. I've never being asked for proof of them. The only thing I have ever being asked for is for proof of public libility innsurance (semploy) What I've found over the years is that irrespective of what I've stated I can do / am qualified at, people tend to make presumptions based on THEIR limitations. Not MINE. In terms of public perception of abilities, there seems to be a problem with being the person who pops in and does the usual general maintenance gardening jobs. For this reason, if jo public's readiness to presume incompetance on the OP, then is there really a need to confirm it? And if public perception is as unassailable as I have often found it to be, what difference will it make no matter how brilliant the OP might be? Albeit that I am in the process of wrapping things up, I'm curious as to whether people (jo public) want someone to be up front about their experience... or lack there of. .. as has being suggested. The other question is... do you (jo public) prefer a fixed price, or to be charged by the hour? and be prepared to walk away if the customer can't or won't agree to pay you to get the job done properly, cover your costs and leave you with enough to eat on! And pay income Tax. Like many others, my accomodation rent is more than my tax free allowence, therefore, every penny earned after that is taxable. It would be no use for me to say I haven't made any money because by my mere survival after rent, .... I have demontrated a taxable income. It's really hard, but you need to be able to do it. If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. More than that. I once had a client who wanted a fixed weekly rate for maintainance. On agreement, he asked would he be happy with his garden. I replied yes, but only if he was already content, as the level of maintainance on offer would be a current standards. Later in the year he asked tried wiggling out of payment on the grounds that he wanted major tree surgery carried out on his large tulip tree and as I han't seemed prepare to do so out of the tenner per week, then he wasn't happy. Ergo he wasn't happy with his garden and therefore owed me nowt. Someone else tried to say they weren't happy with their garden because of a plant someone else had in their own garden was offending the view, and as I had promised she would be happy with the garden, but she now wasn't because of the offending neighbours small bedding begonias... again the same wiggle. Get yourself a stop watch. Make a point of showing it off to your clients... that worked wonders for me once. If you are engaging in waste disposal, make sure to charge for you time to do so and re-coop any other expenses incurred. Like Victria said, You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - once they see what can be done in the time they will soon know whether or not they are getting good value. After all its all relative ( like incest ) ........ someone could charge half the going rate but take twice as long to get the same amount of work done as someone else. As I said previously I have found many clients who are willing to pay the £12 ph for 2- 3 hours a fortnight to have there gardens looking their best . To many its a neighbours thing and can work out profitable if you get a fair few in a small area . Re disposing of waste - I only get involved if it is worth my while i.e. the client is willing to pay ( Time bagging up or whatever + trip to tip ) usually on larger clearance / tree felling jobs. |
Advice On Gardening
Hello All,
Rotax100uk here, i have just read through all of your very good replies and i just wanted to say thanks for all the great advice, i didnt expect as many replies like this. Thanx again, very helpfull. |
Advice On Gardening
andrew wrote in
: If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour I bow to your experience. In my field, people want to know 'how much to get the job done' but I largely sell to businesses. Personally, I always ask for a 'job price' if I'm hiring someone for building or gardening work. It helps me budget. Victoria -- gardening on a north-facing hill in South-East Cornwall -- |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"andrew" wrote in message ... If you give people a 'job price' rather than a cost per hour, it's easier for them to see exactly how much they will have to pay, (though you do take a bit of a risk if it takes longer than expected.) But sometimes they do not want to pay 'job price', because they don't want to pay for any potential profit that might be gained. I have found with new clients that for regular maintenance its best to quote per hour - I too found this. But it took a bit of getting used too. Prior to arriving in UK I did just about everything by price. Be that cutting hedges, (priced at either cubic or square metre with prices ranging according to hedge type and height)planting schemes, lawns, patios... you name it, I'd work out a price. When the job was done and the customer satisfied there was simply the matter of payment. At that point I cannot reacall anyone asking; how much? How much had already being agreed before work commenced. The only people who I had ever known to charge per hour were cowboys whose main aim was to drag things out, or the otherwise clueless. On arrival to London, I adopted the same approach, but came up against a wall. The only way to stop me being taken advantage off, was to adopt the hour rate. I still think it's a bad idea, both for me personally, my business and the customer, but I guess; when in Rome... Usually, if circumstances allow, I point out that I can either offer an estimate, or a fixed price. But I find myself in the bizarre position of having to outlline the differences. I point out that in monetary terms the only difference is that I assume a risk in the case of the fixed price and in order to make allowences for that risk, inclusive of absorbing the cost of minor changes requested by him/her, the fixed price is around 10 to15% more than the estimate. The estimate is based on calculations which tend to be correct, but he/she assumes the risks (e.g. if more topsoil has to be dug out than expected so as to reach subsoil layer for foundations/footings.), but may just as easily turn out slightly cheaper. The response has often being to take the 'job price', but then upon payment time and based on their own calculations, object to the job price in favour of the estimate. I find borders along the lines of on sub normal intelligence. Crass backwardness is more blunt. They begin with "So... How much do I owe you NOW?" There was just one occasion when, because of one thing or another, the job price was slighly low, partly due to client changes and the client enquired if it still stoods and naturally I have said Yes, off course. Not a lot like him around. Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
"Victoria Clare" wrote in message . 240.12... Rotax100uk wrote in s.com: I have been taking on work which at the moment is with retired women who cant look after their own gardens, i have been to price jobs with trouble as to how long a job will take me to complete. I have been charging £10 per hour which most of the retired people are having trouble with because of there pensions. As you can see what problem i am faced with, i was just wondering if anyone hear can advice me what to do with my pricing? I feel as if i am charging people a high rate of £10 per hour, but i am not getting any profit out of this Your time has a value. You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly, and there are people out there who can afford to. I think it's worth repeating the above sound advice; You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly. As advice, it's right up there with the best. This becomes all the more pertinent when you encounter those who will seek to impose just such a "duty" (like as in a form of Tax), by attempting to prevail upon you to award them special low rates on account of how they were your first customer in the area. yadda yadda ya. The truth is that they gave you the job because at £10 per hour they were on to a good thing. They gave you the work because it was to their advantage. If it wasn't, then they wouldn't have. And as for the advantage created, which lead to the next customer and so on, those customers in turn do not and will not provide you with work for the sake of the first customer. As with the first customer, you work for the subsequent customers because it is to their advantage. If you could not deliver on that service, then they wouldn't have you and it is therefore worth underlining for future reference that subsequent repeat customers are because of YOUR efforts and not some pathectic cheapskate who endevours to bleed you for even more than you are already providing. There are times when some sort of award scheme is appropriate. And I don't just mean the kind of kickbacks awarded to architects etc. I once had a customer who feigned a sense of insult because I would not give him such special rates. He protested that if it wasn't for him... etc. But there was a problem with his demands. He was and had never being the first customer in any area, nor would any of his neighbours employ me as a favour for him. They didn't much like him. He was a horrible man if ever there was one. And so I delighted in telling him that I do have just such a pricing policy for the right customer. I had specific, % commission incentives, for such customers and therefore he too could be one . All he would have to do is deliver on his claims. He never could. Mind you, that didn't stop him demanding just such discounts the following years. (& me reminding him how things really work!) So, do rememeber; You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly. You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly. It is not the accuracy of whatever financial honesty or pretence that is presented to you that you most be most careful about. It is when it comes loaded with attempts to impose their financial burden onto you, or in order to impose an illusion of real "duty" upon you. There are lots of two legged leeches out there. Watch out! & You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly!!!!! Patrick -- |
Advice On Gardening
In article , tuin man aquachimp@aquac
himp.freeserve.co.uk writes I think it's worth repeating the above sound advice; You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly. Absolutely! Though equally you can choose to if you wish. As advice, it's right up there with the best. This becomes all the more pertinent when you encounter those who will seek to impose just such a "duty" (like as in a form of Tax), by attempting to prevail upon you to award them special low rates on account of how they were your first customer in the area. yadda yadda ya. The truth is that they gave you the job because at £10 per hour they were on to a good thing. They gave you the work because it was to their advantage. If it wasn't, then they wouldn't have. Not necessarily - I have given work to people starting up mainly to give them a leg up. But again that is my own free will and I wouldn't expect repayment. So maybe you are right - the special pleaders had ulterior motives, it's your oldest customers who don't make a fuss who were the ones who had an element of altruism when they first gave you work ;-) -- Kay "Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river" |
Advice On Gardening
"Kay" wrote in message ... In article , tuin man aquachimp@aquac himp.freeserve.co.uk writes I think it's worth repeating the above sound advice; You have no duty to work for anyone who cannot afford to pay you properly. Absolutely! Though equally you can choose to if you wish. As advice, it's right up there with the best. This becomes all the more pertinent when you encounter those who will seek to impose just such a "duty" (like as in a form of Tax), by attempting to prevail upon you to award them special low rates on account of how they were your first customer in the area. yadda yadda ya. The truth is that they gave you the job because at £10 per hour they were on to a good thing. They gave you the work because it was to their advantage. If it wasn't, then they wouldn't have. Not necessarily - I have given work to people starting up mainly to give them a leg up. Yes off course. I accept that entirely and it was an unfortunate ommision for being so often all the more necessary. I had sat here for a while before sending thinking... now what was that other thing which was just as important. (-: The same principle applies when choosing a quote, which is why the price rank (top/middle/lowest quote) should not always be the deciding factor. But again that is my own free will and I wouldn't expect repayment. So maybe you are right - the special pleaders had ulterior motives, it's your oldest customers who don't make a fuss who were the ones who had an element of altruism when they first gave you work ;-) True. And recipricol. Especially if they are also the ones who point out that the "going rate" for gardening is unsustainable and do something about it. Quite a contrast to the special pleaders (-: Patrick |
Advice On Gardening
Rotax100uk wrote in message ws.com...
I am now starting my own gardening business at the age of 20 and i would like to know if anyone here has any advice which you think i should need. (snip...) Please can somebody help or have any of you people on hear and been in the same situation and want to help me out? What about some formal training and certification? I'm currently working in an office and the only thing that keeps me going (maybe a little dramatic!) is the dream that one day I'll be in a position to start my own gardening business. I've enrolled on a City and Guilds course in garden design and construction at a local college mainly to improve my knowledge but also with the assumption that formal qualifications will - in my dream - help to pull in the business. Am I wasting my time? |
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