[Jay]

I have been reading some of your sales and marketing related messages. I am interested because I would like to sell services from businesses in my area including landscaping. I live in a fairly rural area in far southern Wisconsin but I work for FedEx about 30 miles away in the very affluent suburbs of northern Illinois. The trades in our area are charging about half of what they are getting just 40 mins. away. I drive around all morning making contact with the owners of million dollar homes. I have already started selling ceramic tile installations and painting as an outside, commision based, sales rep. In the very early going I see huge potential for landscaping, particularly paving stone drives, walks, patios, etc. The problem is I know all about tile and paint but not so much about landscaping. I am done with Fedex and ready to go at noon each day. I guess the question is, does this type of sales help seem interesting? If so how can I make myself more attractive to the landscape companies in my area so they will give me a shot? With a little training I will be ready to produce...

Trade Finder

[Bill Schwab]

Jay:

Are you talking in Bannockburn, Kennelworth Long Grove, and Glenview, Evanston and so fourth? We did several homes in there, and the only way we got in was through an LA that recommended us.

That is an extremely hard market to break into, because there are several very well established companies that people have no problem waiting 3 years for them to implement plans.

I'm not saying don't do it, just that the expectations are beyond high, and the market is hard to bear.

Over time, it will pay off, just don't expect to go in blazing and start turning big bucks.

[tquandt]

Jay

I agree with Bill. In northern Lake County, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, the landscapers there are very established and don't have need for an independant rep. Some have been around for 40+ years. My brother in law works for Mariani in Lake Bluff, they spend a lot of money on training, education and certifications for their customer service reps (sales people) so they invest in their employees and expect a ROI. These well established landscapers also want total control from initial client contact through completion.

It is also status with who does your landscape on the North Shore. If you are not having Mariani, Scott Byron or Fiore doing your landscape you clearly don't have any wealth (sarcastic but true!)

Smaller landscapers may be interested as it could be a win-win situation. They can't afford a full time employee but want to increase sales. Look for companies that have a good rep, know their plants, are creative and provide exceptional customer service (easier said than done).

One final thought, you stated that "with a little training I'll be ready to produce". You will need more than a little training to be succesful in this industry. We aren't selling widgets. Reevaluate where the opportunity is. There are a lot of $10K - $15K projects out there that aren't a blip on the big boys radar screens.

Best of luck, TQ

[Stonehenge]

Jay - Check your Personal Messages (PM's).