[jnieman]

Service Smart knocked on our door today and gave me a large brochure advertising many services including pest control, lawn treatment, mowing service, etc. It seems like a good price and I would like to use them. I first wanted to check with you all to see if you've gotten good service from them especially since they want a one year contract and full payment up front. I am mostly looking for someone to get our lawn back in shape since the fungus made a mess of our front lawn. The mowing we do ourselves.

[Xavier]

Originally Posted by jnieman

Service Smart knocked on our door today and gave me a large brochure advertising many services including pest control, lawn treatment, mowing service, etc. It seems like a good price and I would like to use them. I first wanted to check with you all to see if you've gotten good service from them especially since they want a one year contract and full payment up front. I am mostly looking for someone to get our lawn back in shape since the fungus made a mess of our front lawn. The mowing we do ourselves.

"Service Smart" (a fairly new start up) is owned by Kenny Smith who also owns "Once A Year Termite and Pest Control." "Once A Year" was widely used within The Villages a couple of years ago. That is, until many, many of the yards under their care died. Mine being one of them. "Once A Year's" promise to replace the sod, in many cases, didn't happen. Now-a-days you can drive throughout The Villages and you won't see a Once a Year Truck anywhere.


About two days after I fired "Once A Year." a "Service Smart" Salesman knocked on my door and said that he was stopping at all of the old "Once A Year" customers and assured me that they would do all of the things that "Once A Year" didn't do to take good care of my lawn. The salesman even said he used to work for "Once A Year" and actually belittled "Once A Year's" business practices. I told him I needed a few days to think over his offer. Suspicious about how he knew that I had fired "Once A Year," I did a little checking on the Internet. That's when I found out that "Service Smart" and "Once A Year" were owned by the same owner and management - Kenny Smith. When the salesman returned a few days later ... let's just say he left with his tail between his legs - I wasn't home, but my wife explained in no uncertain terms what we thought of their deceptive approach of doing business. I cannot tell you how many times I've told this story to friends in The Villages! BEWARE!

Xavier

[jnieman]

Thanks so much for your information. I had been unable to find any information on the Better Business Bureau and from others. It was strange that I didn't get any responses to my question also. It is so great to have the veteran members like yourself help keep us out of trouble! A big thank you goes out to you!!

[LittleDog]

I would be very hesitent to hire anyone who is soliciting business door to door.

John

[Happinow]

I think Stellar has a huge obligation to "keep up the good work" here in TV. After all that has been said about their reputation on this forum, they know they had better live up to all of the good publicity. At this point, I don't think you can go wrong hiring them. They know that both good and bad word travels fast! I'm certainly going to give them a try when I move.

[KansasGirl]

Hello - we decided to go with Service Smart and paid for the year. HUGE mistake. They are not reliable and our lawn and hedges are in need of mowing and trimming. We have called multiple times and still no response.....so today we canceled the service and asked for a refund.

The woman said no problem, didn't ask why we wanted to cancel. She said a check would be mailed. I will post if we do not receive a check. I would NEVER recommend Service Smart.

[Bryan]

Any lawn or landscaping service that REQUIRES you to pay up front should be a Hugh RED FLAG! If they offer a discount for paying in advance - well, you take your chances on the value of the discount being worth the hassle of getting a refund should the service suck - your call.

[Paperboy]

Originally Posted by Stellar

If you are still looking for a company, we'd love to have your business. Check out our website, StellarResidential.org. Also, if you search "stellar" in the search box in Talk of The Villages you can see all the wonderful things your neighbors are saying about us.

Hoping to hear from you,
Marty Rouse/ Owner
352-553-2597
StellarResidential.org

I have had Stellar for 2 yrs. & we're COMPLETELY satisfied with their work!

[e-flyer]

Originally Posted by Bryan

Any lawn or landscaping service that REQUIRES you to pay up front should be a Hugh RED FLAG! If they offer a discount for paying in advance - well, you take your chances on the value of the discount being worth the hassle of getting a refund should the service suck - your call.

I see very few offering payment as services are rendered. Can you tell me if any of these companies offer pay as you go?

Stellar
Dean
Zoysia Green
Any others out there?

[anarick]

Originally Posted by e-flyer

I see very few offering payment as services are rendered. Can you tell me if any of these companies offer pay as you go?

Stellar
Dean
Zoysia Green
Any others out there?

Contact Deans. I believe they have a monthly plan.

[Sharfrfla]

I have been trying to reach service smart lawn care for a week. No answer just a recording saying their business hours. No ability to even leave a message. Does anyone know what has happened to service smart. I need to know if I should get another service. Thank you. Sharfrfla@aol.com