[johnkeegan]

We offer a full one year guarantee that includes plant and labor as well. With plant loss numbers similar to Dale's it's really an annoyance more than anything.
Unfortunately we have one nursery chain that actually offers a "lifetime warranty." Of course, that's only on the plant. I stress to customers that you have to dig it up, drag it back to the nursery and bring back the new one and replant it...And you better have the receipt.
Also, when figuring out the markup to help cover the potential losses, don't just use some random percentage. Be sure to factor in site conditions, size of the plant and it's past history of problems. Some plants are near bullet proof and others not. Planting a 10-12 foot White Pine (they seem prone to 1st year problems) at the top of a steep bank on a manicured lawn better not have the same "guarantee markup" as a 18-24" Blue holly (seem invincible) next to the garage.
Has anyone tried offering the option of two levels of pricing to customers, one with a guarantee and one without? Or an extended warranty for an added price?