[sandim]

Is anyone else affected by the ridiculous amounts of rain lately?? Seems like every other day or every few days we get 4" of rain in a day!! We're thinking about building an arc so if anyone needs a ride, let us know!!

What do do about spring cleanups? Hope it stops raining soon (not likely, this happened last year) or do wet cleanups? If we do wet cleanups do we charge the clients or eat the difference, or just give up and start collecting 2 of every kind of animal?

[jshilan]

Why don't you take this opportunity to call your customers and make them aware of the situation, that the weather is holding you back from doing clean-ups. Once the weather improves you'll be out there working for them.

This does several things:

1. It gives you the chance to speak to your customer or at least let them know that you are thinking of them. Since it is raining, nobody is calling you and you do have the time.

2. Let them know that the weather will most likely push back their clean-up date if they are used to a certain date or time. When you do get to them later they will be more understanding and if not just remind them of the conversation you had about the weather.

3. It gives you the opportunity to give customers the choice of paying more for a "wet clean-up" which may be as much as double, but you will get to them sooner then other clients. Some people may agree to it which is great, and the rest will realize that it would cost them more for you to do your clean ups now.

No matter what you can't lose. So call them, thank them for their business and educate them. Then, make sure your equipment is 110% because the rain will go way and the calls will come in, but by using this time wisely your clients won't be complaining, they'll just be checking in to see when they are scheduled. You'll probably get some new work out of it as well.

[sandim]

Excellent ideas Jody!!! I will do just that.

[jshilan]

Sandi,

I'm glad that you like the ideas and are pursuing them. Let me know how it works out for you.

However, if it does keep raining, please save me a seat on the Ark (table for 4) if you can swing it.

Jody

[sandim]

Hey Jody,

Just wanted to let you know that I took your advice and called several clients today to let them know that we would be out early to late next week (depending on the client) to do their spring cleanup. Not only were people super appreciative, but we even got a few we hadn't counted on!

Not only did this work out great, but I am a huge fan of client communication and will now call all of our clients in advance to let them know we're coming out to app.

Thanks!!

Sandi

[jshilan]

I'm glad it worked out for you Sandi and thanks for the follow up (to me too).

I have been in the design build industry for some thirty+ years between education, design and sales, hands on experience and now speaking and consulting. The one thing that I have realized is that there are no mysteries in this business, just creative solutions.

The great thing about landscape architecture is that it is all about problem solving and looking at the big picture. There are always problems and they need solutions, plain and simple. The problem could be drainage, screening, aesthetics, weather, language, operating procedures, sales, marketing, equipment, customer satisfaction (any new post on this site) or what to do when it is raining and you can't do your clean ups done. Every problem is just an opportunity to do something better if you just "think outside the box". (My kids are sick of hearing me say that.)

If most companies determined who their customers are, and who are not their customers, they could spend the time focusing and servicing their customers and minimize the time they waste on non customers. You would have happier clients, who pay for more services and value what you do. Naturally, it's much easier said than done, but it is all possible.

Another great benefit is that you could have more time to spend with your friends and family.

I'll get off my philosophical soap box now.

Glad it worked out for you and good luck this spring.

Jody

[sandim]

Jody,

I really appreciate your input. You've given me a lot of good ideas just in this post alone. Customer satisfaction and response is huge for me. I am constantly scanning GTX to see who has a question I may be able to answer. Giving back is awesome.

Thanks so much for your post...the best of ideas and the best of intentions can never compare to experience. Thks for sharing!

[GLAN]

Hmmmm.......charge more for doing cleanup the day after a rain......or rain the night before?

Wet, damp or dry.......it is what it is.....on what ever day it gets done.......Where I am...that would be a very hard sell.

In fact.....I know very well that if I tried charging extra cause it's wet......I wouldn't have those customers comes the next billing cycle.......or after the phone call