Jimbo, there's a lot of companies where you pay quarterly, semi-annual or annual. My goodness, it's a convenience for the homeowner not to have to pay monthly. I get quarterly statements and pay them sometime in the middle month. I know our guy is going to be around so I do it. I'm sure these guys get stiffed plenty of times.

Jimbo, since you aren't living here yet, why are you so worked up about this? IMHO you are going to be missing out on one of the best lawn services available here. Good luck trying to find someone who does a good job and is dependable and actually answers the phone when you call. Most lawn services here offer different payment plans and most offer discounts if you pay in advance. Chill out, you need to relax and enjoy the easy life.

Haaa, I know how to relax....I'm going to be living there very soon and only need service in summer while away.

It just irritates me how folks there bow to those demands, if everyone said no guess what it wouldn't happen.

The owner just explained, its not a demand!

Every biz in the world has a % of loss in one form or another.

How about the folks that paid up front that got stiffed?

Not sure how you get that meaning.

If you don't pay up he will not work for you, sounds like a demand to me.

jimbo, it sounds like you should set up your own lawn care business in TV.

Bill :)

Bill I'll tell 'ya one thing if I did, I would own that vertical,
less face it the real reason these mom & pops do this is because they are under capitalized more than likely.

Tell me why they can't setup software in a POS system to take monthly payments by credit card after that month's work is completed on an auto pay method.

My mistake

We use a local guy named Daryl Hicks and are very happy with his work. He's been in business for many years and does many homes in The Villages. His wife, Pam, is the bookkeeper. He's dependable, very honest, and conscientious. Many times he personally cuts our grass. We leave for extended periods and have always returned to an immaculate yard.

Summer Service
 

Jimbo,
I'm also in Fernandina and have decided to weed whack my patio villa lawn for the time being. My problem is what to do when I'm away in July and August. It sounds like you are in the same boat. The way the system seems to work down here, if you don't sign up for 12 months, then they won't cut your lawn while you're away for 2 months. The way I plan it, I will have to cut it myself Sept thru Nov, it's dormant from Dec to Mar, then I'll do it myself again April thru June. If this doesn't work out for me, then I'll be forced to pay close to $500 a year for my tiny lawn to be cut. I've been told on this board already about what a great deal this is. Well anything is a great deal if you have enough money to pay it. Personally I'd like to use $500 for something else and I don't mind spending 30 minutes a week to maintain the yard.
Have you come up with a solution for July and August?

There has to be someone who will do it when needed.......

Bob, Stellar really does have a monthly payment program option. I have the signed copy of my contract from yesterday right in front of me, and I can tell you this for a fact.

I saw Matt Stout from Stellars yesterday and purchased the SHOWSTOPPER package for $1995. I did not do this hastily. I did my homework for a number of months and struggled leaning as much as I could about them before making my (our) decision. The monthly payment option for that package is $199.50 per month. (other lesser packages have a similar pricing structure)

What this all means is that if the annual option is selected, you will benefit by getting two months (11 & 12) free of charge while receiving service for all 12 months. That's a savings of $399 to you by choosing the Annual plan.

If that weren't good enough, right now they are having a holiday special by offering an additional two months on the annual package you chose, for the first year. That means you get an unbelievable four, that's right 4 free months (months 11, 12, 13 & 14) for an unbelievable savings of $798 for the first 14 months. After the 14th month are completed, you'll then have the option to renew for 12 months only, unless of course they have any specials going at that time. Gosh, the savings alone are more than I've previously paid for a year. How can I beat a deal like that!

What it appears they don't do is contract for less than a year. You have to commit for the full year. The choice is only with the payment option... monthly or yearly!

When you're away for the two months, do you use a homewatch? if so, they 'might' know someone who would mow for the two months. Doesn't hurt to ask them.

I do not understand the reluctance to sign a contract and pay up front. We did that for the mowing up north, paying by the season. It's just not for the whole year because there is no whole year of grass and shrubs growing. When winter came along, we paid up front for a season of snow removal.

It's not uncommon, and IMO it's not a big deal. If some company's going to stiff you over that, they won't be in business long. And doing proper research ensures you won't do business with a company that would stiff you in the first place.

I stand our decision to go with Stellar. There's no "attitude" from anyone in the company, and they are quick to respond. Plus they do an excellent job, so there's very little reason to call them to begin with.