10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Request - your ideas

by Aussieguy
8 replies
Okay, the story:
In my area, there are a couple of the usual franchise lawn mowing services. We used a local non-franchise guy who was in semi-retirement, did a decent job (nice bloke) and about half the price of those services, but he has just fully retired.
Unfortunately, we haven't had a good experience with the new guy that he sold his business to. He put the price up straight away (no problem at all). But he does a really bad job. After a few bad jobs, we decided it was time to sack him. For this post, let's call that business: "happy gardens".

We didn't know of anyone else offering a mowing service in the area, but I happened to see the flyer of a brand new guy in the local shop window. Nice colour flyer. Checked it out and he has a one page business card type of website (same as the flyer). Got him around for a quote. He's dearer than "happy gardens" and cheaper than the franchise guys. Let's call this business "landscape and lawns".
Wife and I are really happy with this guy - very professional, and a great customer manner.

So of course, I'm thinking - how can I help this guy? He's new to the area. He has clients in a nearby town, but isn't picking up any in our town. He has tried a flyer drop once apparently (don't know how many) and got either 1 client or 1 query from it (can't remember - he was talking to my wife about it).

Now, I could probably do him a bit nicer / more informative website than he's got - but I don't think that will do a thing. In fact, I'm not so much thinking internet marketing at all.

Basically - here is a new guy, offering a great service at a slightly higher price than the original "happy gardens" (but still cheaper than the franchise guys).
But the "happy gardens" guy has all the local clients simply due to the previous owner building the business up etc.

Now - we can't be the only unhappy customers (we are not that fussy!).

How could the new guy from "landscape and lawns" overtake "happy gardens"?

What are your suggestions?

My thoughts at the moment are to do flyers in the mail - but to persevere and do a series of 5 or 6 rounds before giving up on that idea.

Over to you....
#ideas #request
  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    Get him ranked higher in google places, would be a start.

    Direct mail can work... cold calling can definitely work. Door to door will work.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5202235].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aussieguy
    google places shouldn't be a problem to rank no 1 in this town (no one else is - the results that come up are all for nearby areas).

    I wonder if he's thought of door to door, hmmm...I imagine that could really work, just introducing yourself like that. Maybe dropping off flyer/brochure/business card and saying g'day......
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5202275].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author uppergrade
    Cold calling definitely work but choose right time to do this . Dnt do this in early working hours. Try to call them in their lunch breaks so they have some time to listen you patiently.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5203240].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by uppergrade View Post

      Cold calling definitely work but choose right time to do this . Dnt do this in early working hours. Try to call them in their lunch breaks so they have some time to listen you patiently.
      I would suggest not being picky about cold calling. You can prop businesses, or residential.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5205454].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author karensworld
        Just an idea.
        Maybe have him visit any local realtors office and property management offices and give his flyer offering a " free" mowing before the house closes or people move in.

        Realtors love to do cool things for their clients and then the realtor can give his info to the new homeowner to "continue the sevice"

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5208210].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author localvseo
    Couple ideas:
    1. Try another flyer drop for say 50 houses. A soft sell intro "new to area etc" and offer 1 free cut or a free weeding or something as an intro. Don't do too many in case the response is too high and he can't deliver. See what response is with that.
    2. Find a guy who is already servicing the area such as gutter repair or some other home service that is needed on an ongoing basis. Offer to give him50% of first month's payment for any referral in area that turns into a paying customer. Takes a little longer but long term value out of a lead partner.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5204824].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Does he have a website? If so, then obviously that needs to be improved.
    Hand business cards and/or flyers out.
    Advertise on free noticeboards in shopping centres and community boards, etc.
    Advertise on sites such as gumtree and craigslist and any local sites as well.

    These are only a few tips but I am sure you'll get more.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5204944].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Little lawn signs.

    Signs that announce that "This Lawn Is Now Being Pampered By...<Name>" and the phone #.

    Start taking over the neighborhood!
    Signature
    >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 10+ Year Vet]

    >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5209842].message }}

Trending Topics