[Paul]

The year has ended and we've all gone over our books. So I'm wondering what changes you are going to make in your operation this coming year?

Next has this forum helped you in finding new things to try in your operation?

[AZTLANLC]

I'm goint to change the way we look at employees, I'm going to star making couple people responsible for running things.
I'm going to start tracking every single little thing.
I'm going to add some more budget for the advertisemt deparment and lower my cell bill, star sending e-mail invoices, online payment. Last year we spend over 2K in stamps, envelopes, checks, ink, paper alone, Is this too high? any ideas?

Originally posted by Paul
Next has this forum helped you in finding new things to try in your operation?

Not just that it has made me change all my initial way of performing any task.

[Lanelle]

Not just that it has made me change all my initial way of performing any task.

Wow, can you give some specific examples? This is very interesting.

[chc]

We'll be placing a lot more emphasis on training; operational safety, as well as trying to drive home the idea that an installation procedure works on all the jobs, not just that day's work. That has been a constant source of frustration in the last few years.
We'll also keep on trying to find that missing dollar; you know the one tha should be there, but isn't.

Forums are always a source of interest & knowledge; this one seems to have lot of knowledge folks that are serious about the industry - that' s refreshing.

[Will Pacala]

I have a few things but one of them is to put into effect a list I made up. I call it a materials loadiong list. It kind of reflects on my tool loading list taht makes sure that every tool is not only brought to the site but brought back at the end of the day. The material list makes sure that all materials are delivered when and where they are supposed to. This way there is not ime wasted running back and fourth trying to get stuff at the last minute! Othere than that not a whole lot to change.

[Tim]

Originally posted by AZTLANLC
I'm going to start sending e-mail invoices, online payment. Last year we spend over 2K in stamps, envelopes, checks, ink, paper alone, Is this too high? any ideas?

We tried doing just that, last year. Had many problems arise as a result. Many contractors claimed they never received their invoices, and refused to pay any surcharges. We also experienced a significant delay from the norm in the majority of the accounts involved in this practice.

Not only did this create bad will some of our customers, but our AR department had to dedicate extra effort just to get our invoices collected. It is my understanding that this ended up costing us more to do this, in the long run. We reverted back to the old "Paper Chase" method just a few months after implementing the idea. Tim

[dan deutekom]

Although I think electronic billing will eventually be the way of business I think we still have a long way to go before it is the norm. Everyone receives snail-mail and the paper gets put into the system. E-mail is checked when ever someone has the inclination and with all the spam it is often ignored or deleted without even looking at it. Also electronic address's are not very permanent or even tangible unlike a street address or postal box. Even if your client receives your e-bill it is up to the client to make a paper copy and make it "real" which is a step that most people like to ignore. I get an e-bill for my Internet service and I find that when I see the name of the company "I say I will open this later it is the bill" and all of a sudden it is forgotten while when I get the phone bill from the same company by snail-mail it is opened and dealt with right away. I think old habits and established protocols are hard to change. I do think that accepting payments electronically is great when from private customers but it would have to be through trusted sources such as the banks when paying utility bills. Services like Paypal still don't generate the required trust most people feel is needed.

JMHO

[AZTLANLC]

Originally posted by Lanelle
Wow, can you give some specific examples? This is very interesting.

All of my landcape experince comes from my former boss not school, and I always did thigns his way, but thanks to this site now I have a better understanding on things, like for example why use a plate compactor as heavy as posible so many of you recommend a minimum of 4000 pounds force, then the way many of you cut for the soldier course, thaks to stone who introduce me to the patner saw now my projects take less time, It's a long list and that's is the reason I say thanks to all of you.

I think you're right Tim I'll stay using paper.

[Tim]

One of the biggest compliments that you can pay to someone, is to believe in their advise. Thank you for making me feel needed today AZTLANLC! Tim

[HRLand]

I understand what you're saying about e-invoices being overlooked but I have to add that last year I started doing it and I have no complaints. I e-mail invoices to only 15 of my regular customers but I will try to up that number this year. The number of people who pay thier bills electronically (through thier bank) is growing every month.

[CountyMaterials]

I am pretty up with technology, but there is just something that I like about writing the check and seeing it go in the mail. All of my bills give me the option of paying online and my bank has the option. I guess that when I pay, I should be able to print out a receipt of the payment?? I don't know, I know I will eventually, but I just like "seeing" the payment go out.

[Stonehenge]

I'm going to get this thread back on track -

There are all kinds of things I do differently because of this site. But probably the biggest change has been an intangible one - those things that I used to see as really difficult, when I can see that someone else has done them, it makes it much easier for me to do, in my mind. And once that happens, it's just mind of matter.

[lx665]

Some changes and improvements I will be making in my business are: 1. I will plan my days better to maximize every minute. 2. I will improve my networking. I try to make one new contact everyday. It might be a simple as posting a business card or introducing myself to others who may need my services. 3. I will make contact with my existing customers and let them know of new services I offer. 4. This site has sparked my interest in paver's and retaining walls. I will be taking some classes soon offered by the different suppliers.

Some things I've learned from this site: I was going to upgrade my skid steer to a tracked machine. Now I'm not so sure, and I'm going to stick with my over the tire tracks. I learned a lot of small things such as the direct read grade rod.


John

[Bill Schwab]

We are adding one full crew, a Peterbuilt roll off dump truck and an irrigation service van. We are taking delivery on a Bobcat 463 with tooth bucket, brick clamp, auger and trencher on or about February 15.

We are training a key player, self starter/supervisor who is not afraid to get dirty.

I have written in my goal book by September/October to attend Compass training so that I can work on getting our net from the 9% we held this season to 15% while working at full effeciency.

We also want to reduce current backlogs of work from 6 months, down to 2 months. Even though folks are patiently waiting, we will do this to increase intake/ouitput.

We are also looking for the property to either relocate our home and place the shop on it, or a shop centrally located to where we work in San Diego County.

I really enjoy the hardscape forum in tGTX, and actuivley particpate in a few other industry realted forums. No matter how many times I do something, or how many times you hear/read something, there is always a tad bit to learn. So, Kudos to this forum, and Godspeed in 2004 for all of us.