[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Ski Bum

More like 15 minutes, but point well taken. I have been in landscape maintenance for 40+ years. Plan is to move full time in 7 years... but might make that sooner if I can generate some income in TV. I have been watching your comments on the possible opportunities.

Here's the reality of lawn care as a small businessman. 10% of your clients take 90% of your time, because that's what they do. Some people complain about everything... I'll refer to past TOTV threads for reference and proof. And if you refuse to serve them, they slander you. I saw a thread on lanai windows today doing just that.

Everyone has your phone number, and they all call you all day and night.

It's impossible to take a two-week cruise, or similar vacation.

People do not understand what it is like to work outside. They treat you like you are working in their dining rooms. Weather doesn't matter, dirt, a stray grass clipping, noise, bugs, etc. do not belong on their lawn.

To be efficient, you have to schedule a number of lawns per day. But don't come too early, during my Bridge club, or after Happy Hour. And would you please call an hour before you come, I have a few things I want to talk to you about.

The worst is just what you say about the 5 minute job... everyone has a a "while you are here" chore to do, and they don't think it should cost much. Realize that it takes 5 minutes just to say hello and explain the job. It takes another 5 minutes to record the work, and then bill it once you get back to the office. And I have a schedule to keep.

Note that I am not talking about finding and keeping good labor, the cost of insurance, expensive equipment, with the associated maintenance and storage... that's all a given.

I have learned over the decades to manage these issues. The industry has been good to me. But it is far from rosy, especially has a small business. That's why larger companies fill the void. The receptionist doesn't care about your complaint, she just passes it on. The sales guy is the professional excuse maker and feather smoother. Accounting will make sure you pay on time. A small businessman has to fill all of those roles.

And oh yeah, that dead lizard has been sitting in the middle of the driveway for weeks. Why haven't you picked that up yet?

Amusing post. People are people. Were it that easy they would do it themselves and yet they tell you you should do more and charge less.