[sandim]

Hi all,

We've been thinking about sending out renewal letters this year (something new for us, usually we just continue with the same clients)

Along with their renewal letter, we were thinking about addding a little checklist of items that they could check off if they were interested in having us perform that service.

We thought maybe this might get them thinking about their property needs for this year.

What does anybody think of this and what do you all do at the beginning of the season to jump start business?

[Green4Me]

I did this last year and it generated over $40,000 in construction sales from my maintenance customers

[Matt Kulp]

Staying in touch of your current clients is always important, especially if they are not completely sure what all you do. I would go one step further and along with the checklist, call or stop by the customers you send the letter to. Let them know you are available for different services other then what you perform for them currently, you can also ask for referrals or anyone they know that could use your services. We still hear all the time from our current clients that they don't realize we do certain services, and we have been working for them for years.

[4seasons]

Doing it that way is how we have 75% of our work. We mail out last week of jan- 1stwk feb. We also offer a program for refferals( if we get the work).

[sandim]

Sounds good! Thanks for all the input, I appreciate it. Nice to know we're not the only company who's clients say " I didn't know you did that" even though we've mentioned it.

4seasons...if you don't mind my asking, what program do you offer for your referrals?

[site]

We make sure to thank customers for their past business and ask them to contact us if there are any issues they wish to discuss. We throw in a "Field Guide to New England" National Audubon Society book as a thank you gift for good customers. People love it.

[4seasons]

Sandim,

As of right now we offer for every refferal job we get we offer 3% off any service we do. Or they can accumulate up to 10% off. People like it especially if they hold for larger projects.
My dentist offers a $25 gift cert. for every refferal.
Another thing we just started doing- last summer we entered into a company called Team National or National Companies
We offer anyone that is a member 10% off from 200-2000 and 5% off from$2001 up. Might and another one in there for anything over 20 or 30k -2% off.

[sandim]

Site...
You must've read my mind. Last year we gave very inexpensive containers filled with greens to our good clients and realized this year we didn't have time. I love the idea of the National Audobon Society New Enlgand Field guide!

4 seasons...
That's a great referral program. We've been wanting to implement something like that but weren't sure how to do it. The percentage across the board is a really good way to do it. Thanks for the advice.