[Mac]

from what i understand, "staycations" are the big thing this year in our area. Instead of spending money for a weeks time of relaxation away, we are seeing more people invest in their properties so they can enjoy all year round. For my maintenance bus, I have only seen an increase - not bragging. Im sorry to hear its so rough for some of you.

[Pelican]

Since I started this thread I've had a slight turn in optimism. I've been contacted by 3 existing customers to do some significant work, the trouble is they all want done at about the same time. I'm still having big problems collecting on maintenance accounts from some customers, cash flow is a big problem.

I've had a black cloud following me this season and I was bottoming out in frustration when I posted. Manpower issues, equipment issues and no new work coming in. Losing the account to the lowballer was the last straw, I refuse to lose money working. I'm still plugging away, things have to get better at some point. these things always run in cycles.

[GLAN]

I feel your pain.

I was where you are at a couple years back....Though I think my emotional status was worse.

I became more pro-active in my business.......prior to that I had kinda drifted away. Stepped up quality and response times.....expanded our service offerings and pushed and pushed more of we do regularly.

Got rid of the fear of increasing rates to cushion our profit margin......Our profit margin is not what it once was and is reducing over time.........but. Our increasing of prices has offset that.

My area is so cut throat and the amount of competing companies, both legit and fly by night is mind blowing.

My only saving grace is, has been and always will be......our longevity, persistence in quality and not guessing on what needs to be done to correct or improve the assthetics, value and health of a landscape.

I had started a thread yesterday regarding a blue stone patio.......I always have some crap running around in my head all the time. Even prior to starting the thread I was convincing myself to pass on the job......cause it wasn't something I do....Not that I can't do it or do it well.......

I just have an issue with time and scheduling........and pretty much thought I just didn't want to do it.

But.........This particular job is not something I haven't done before......not exactly using Blue Stone and having to make precision cuts........but hey.......I can do it.....I can schedule it ( if all goes as I see it going, and if the customer would be willing to wait a couple weeks )

So.....I'm going to do it.

[Malrex]

My business has taken a huge dump. I'm not as stressed as most of you as I only work by myself and don't have large machinery, but it is making me depressed with the lack of work. I've advertised out the ying yang this year and feel like its all been a waste of money (although I did lose about 10 lbs. walking everywhere putting up door hangers). Door hangers, newspapers, advertisements in a high end theater magazine, advertisement in a gazette, have a foot in with a realtor company, truck signs, job signs, in the phonebook...ok...mailings..havent tried that, but sheesh...can't really afford to do that right now. Alot of the bigger companies in the area are struggling as well, which gives me mixed feelings, happy that I'm not the only one, and sad that we all can't get some work.

I'm seriously considering just bagging the whole idea, which again, just depresses me, but I got to feed my family! Started to look for jobs today...hmm..truckdrivers or nursing...just nothing out there that interests me. Really in a quandry in what to do and not looking forward to the winter months. I have one more job to do this year...after about a month of nothing. After this job, more of nothing...I'm only one guy, you would think I would be able to get a few small odd jobs to tie me over...*sighs*.

[Sonnenblumen]

Reading the posts, I am stunned at the comments with so many of the comments here on this thread are scary in how closely they resemble the landscaping market conditions in Ireland.

This year has seen significant downturns in overall business, so many companies will experience some change, some will unfortunately downsize, some will take on loss making projects but this does not make sense, as the business is most likely gone. It's the start of what will probably be an 18 month run time for blood on the tracks following the sub-prime meltdown.

Here many builders have ceased new builds, and that has had lead to many problems, many construction job losses, liquidations, receiverships etc and knock on effects are being felt within the support trades/services including landscapers. The latter which were dependent on the new build area have taken a battering with many running to chase business in maintenance and private residential work.

Prices are keener in such a vicious circle and customer is king whereas for the last few years many felt they were being over charged because demand far exceeded supply.

I know many good landscapers are increasingly fearful of a quiet period. So far we have escaped generally unscathed, helped in part by a long lead time and also that we're operating at the high end where people still have money and confidence to spend same. I'd be a little more optimistic and buoyed by bookings for Spring 09, but no time to be complacent. Time to be proactive and invest in generating 09 business leads/enquiries. 09 is potentially a more difficult period so no room for complacency.

But still I will be on the offensive, operational marketing activities will be increased (advertising, promotional materials and brochures), participation at Trade Shows will also be up and other activities are under review.

I suppose during quiet periods cost control is critical but generating revenue also takes on a life support necessity, but for some especially smaller companies quick turn arounds might be feasible but for medium sized teams with considerable capacity, genrating income involves bigger challenges and different responses. Outside the box thinking for sales revenue is another possibility.

Another aspect some might consider is diversifying into product sales, eg sell something related to your business that you're very familiar with and can generate some additional revenue. For example, we offer Victorian Summerhouses and some of the enquiries have also involved solving a landscaping problem for the client.

A complimentary fit for us and a win-win for us and client.

In downturns there are no excuses if your house ain't in order, ie good brochures, good websites etc, these are basics no extras. I know some landscapers who have been over reliant on 'word of mouth', yes it still works but IMO the web is much more relevant for potential clients at the high end who are doing much more prep research before making any approaches.

Good luck to all, and may the good survive!!

[Mac]

Originally Posted by Sonnenblumen

I know some landscapers who have been over reliant on 'word of mouth', yes it still works but IMO the web is much more relevant for potential clients at the high end who are doing much more prep research before making any approaches.

I have been over reliant on WOM for some time now. I simply do no marketing - everything is referrals. I track my leads, proposals, and closing closely and have noticed a sharp decrease in leads/proposals this year but have not changed my closing rate at all. I dont suggest anyone put yourself in this boat if you aggressively need to grow your business. Im fairly comfortable where I am now so I am not concerned much.

[sandim]

Originally Posted by Sonnenblumen

I'd be a little more optimistic and buoyed by bookings for Spring 09, but no time to be complacent. Time to be proactive and invest in generating 09 business leads/enquiries. 09 is potentially a more difficult period so no room for complacency.

I suppose during quiet periods cost control is critical but generating revenue also takes on a life support necessity,

I agree with both of these statements. We're a young company and have been fortunate to grow on WOM, however, one big round of advertising just went out with really crappy returns. But, maybe back to school timing and all that good stuff are helping to hinder the inquiries. One more massive run in mid-September and then we'll start again in early spring.

[Sonnenblumen]

Originally Posted by sandim

I agree with both of these statements. We're a young company and have been fortunate to grow on WOM, however, one big round of advertising just went out with really crappy returns. But, maybe back to school timing and all that good stuff are helping to hinder the inquiries. One more massive run in mid-September and then we'll start again in early spring.

Always worth having a plan B, but better to focus on being positive. I know there can be some scary moments but somehow, the rabbit is always pulled from the hat!

[sandim]

I agree....heeeere bunny bunny bunny, heeeeere bunny bunny bunny!

[scl]

Define "crappy returns" on your advertising! In our business it seems there are few impulse buys. Not many are going to say " hey, soanso landscaping is having a 10% off coupon, lets build that new retaining wall!" Think more toward becoming the name of mention when these needs arise. Ad gurus call this "top of mind awareness". The ads will take hold when this economy breaks.