FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing for mowing starts with size of lawn, but there are many factors that go into a bid. How often is it mowed? What kind of turf is it? How thick is the turf? Do we need to mulch or use a grass catcher? Are there hills or terrain that require special manuvering? Are there fences or gates? How much trimming will need to be done? How much edging needs to be done and how often? Are there mature trees that drop sticks that need to be picked up each week? If we do use a grass catcher is there a place to put the clippings, or do they need to be taken to a recycle center? All of these items affect the amount of time it takes to perform the work. On the surface we provide a service. We take care of your lawn. But ultimately, we have to be paid for our time, use of equipment, materials, and other required expenses such as taxes and insurance. Two like size residential lawns may vary significantly in price depending on the time that is required due to its unique features.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Customer calls, I interview with the customer either by phone or in person, I either google the property, or visit if I have questions. I offer our pricing based on the interview. Customer accepts or rejects the offer. We perform the first service. Customer reviews the work to see if it meets expectations. I review the visit to insure that the opportunity was within the parameters of our bid. If necessary, adjustments are made to insure customers quality expectations are met. There are no contracts. A relationship is built on trust and continues on that basis. As long as the customers expectations are met, and the invoices are paid, both parties are satisfied, and the experience is stress free.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold the required state applicators license for fertilizer and pesticides. I have a green belt certification in lean manufacturing. I have found that the "team" and "quality" focus of this area of manufacturing translates very nicely to lawn maintenance. I do enjoy learning and am widely read. I am particularly interested in learning about ways folks can create a "sustainable" lifestyle on an average sized suburban lot. I grew up on a 40 acre strawberry farm in Oregon, and have a Bachelors degree in an unrelated field with an emphasis in Business Administration as well.