[Rons Landscaping]

First of all, I would like to thank all of our customers that have made post here on "Talk Of The Villages" it is very much appreciated. Recently I have been reading comments here about how people feel about Mansfield Landscaping Company self promoting there own business. I don't feel that it is a bad thing to do at all, in fact I am seriously thinking of doing this also, let me explain why. When we finish a landscape project the home owner always thanks us for a job well done, and many times they ask me if I would post there remarks here on "Talk Of The Villages" for them. I have not done this for them because I really don't have the time to do this, but I am having second thoughts about this. A lot of people do not know how to make a post, and I feel I am letting them down. They would like there comments heard here on Talk Of The Villages because that is how they heard about us to begin with. I don't feel Mansfield Landscaping is really doing any thing wrong, after all we are both sponsers here on Talk Of The Villages and we do use this for advertising purposes and I think peoples comments should be heard. It's good to hear positive comments about companys that do a good job, and care about the quality of there work. "MERRY CHRISTMAS"

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Ron's Landscaping Inc.

They would like there comments heard here on Talk Of The Villages because that is how they heard about us to begin with.

Perhaps this isn't a fair observation. But I think the comments appear more genuine when they come unsolicited, directly from people who have used the landscaping service themselves, rather than from the Landscaping Company who did the work.

If a member has heard about a landscaping company on TOTV, all they need to do is push the "reply" button on that thread to post a favorable comment.

[OBXNana]

Just had my "I get it moment", I THINK. Ron, are you saying you have customers that have said what a good job you've done or send you a letter stating the job you completed, exceeded the customers expectations and you feel you may want to post their comments on this forum? If so, you could post their comment, state the comment was from a customer, and put the customers initials. You then can add, anyone on this forum can PM and you will provide the persons contact information for a personal referral. You would first have to get permission from the person making the favorable comment prior to giving the person that requested personal information. (YIKES, can't think how to reword the last sentence!)

We have written letters of praise to several contractors (not in FL) that have posted our comments on their site. We have granted permission many times for them to give our name and number to perspective customers for our feedback on the contractors work.

I may have misunderstood the post and I apologize in advance.

[Rons Landscaping]

Originally Posted by Sprinkler Buddy

If it were me, I would just post the before and after pictures of your most recent completed work with your customer's permission. Not all jobs come out the best, usually because the homeowner wants it done a certain way and ignores suggestions. Choose what you post wisely! If someone likes what they see, they'll call you or refer someone they know looking for your services.

I know it's tempting to want to post your customers comments yourself, then you know its here but few will take it as the truth when you do. I have fought myself back from doing it for those reasons as a sponsor here as well. I have a few customer comments scattered on this forum by members here on TOTV. I'm sure you'll get them as well, it takes time though, most customers aren't on this forum.

I think I will still tell the customer to post it theirself, because it really does look more genuine coming from them rather then from me even though it is there words that I would be using. I think the only time I might post for them is if they really want me to do it for them. I would rather have it done by them, it just looks more professional and believable.

[jhrc4]

Ron, I do appreciate you coming forward and trying to justify Mansfield Landscaping practice of self promoting, but really it isn't necessary either for you or them to do this.

I have actually viewed the new Mansfield web site and the completed landscaping projects are pretty impressive and some are not. Let's put it this way it is like any business for example a Restaurant who self promotes and attracts customers and said customers are really disappointed ( Havana, Luigino's ) etc. You I am sure get the point. So why do it, let the customer take the initiative, write in their words along with before and after photo's submit their opinion and bingo.

Ron, You have just lost a potential customer.

[KathieI]

Ron (and Steve Mansfield), I see no problem whatsoever with you guys posting the comments from your customers ESPECIALLY if they ask you to do it. You are right, there are many, many people who do not know how to post on this forum and are not computer literate and would probably very much appreciate your doing that chore for them.

I asked Steve (or his rep) to post the pictures for me, even though I know how to post on here, but posting pictures takes a long time and I don't have the time to learn how to do it. And, so they did... and I thank them.

Why you wouldn't use Ron as a possible contractor just because of this statement is truly absurd. Ron, I think you're post was very nice and although I have been using Steve Mansfield for all my redo's of landscaping over the past 5 years, I would consider you for a second bid if you would like to give me one. Merry Christmas to you, too.

[renielarson]

From a personal perspective: I always read reviews before I buy anything. I mean this seriously and I do it religiously.

However, personal reviews are most important to me. I overlook company reviews because I consider them slanted for their benefit.

That is why I personally post reviews on Trip Advisor. I feel people need to know personal, first hand experiences and whether or not recommendations are positive or negative.

When I read reviews I note who posts them. I put more worth in a personal post, from someone who has first hand knowledge. I put little worth into a business post.

Just my two cents worth.

[redwitch]

I really do ignore posts that are self-promoting like those posted by Mansfield. Really don't care if they are done at the request of the homeowner or done because Mansfield got permission to use the homeowner's words. I take them with a very large grain of salt.

At the same time, if I see a brand new member praising a contractor to high heavens, it becomes a question of whether the post was sincere or done to get a discount or an extended warranty or some other benefit for posting here (that has been Mansfield's practice before doing the postings themselves; not sure if folks still get extended warranties on plants for allowing Mansfield to post their words or not).

Personally, I think before and after pictures are truly the best ways to go. People can see your work and then PM you asking price, etc. As the saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words.

[Villager Audio Video]

I have found that if you exceed your customers expectations, they want to tell the story and talk about their experience. If you continue to do so, people will know.

[Serenoa]

Ron, if you decide to post your customer's reviews please, please insist that they write them themselves, IN THEIR OWN WORDS. No suggesting by you as to what they should say, no coaching whatsoever. I think what most folks despise about some of the company posted "reviews" is that they sound so phony, because each & every review says basically the same thing over & over again with almost identical words & phrases. You only have to read two or three before it becomes blatantly obvious who actually composes them, and it isn't the customer. Just be real & let your reviews be real.

[rdhdleo]

Originally Posted by TheVillagesAV.com

I have found that if you exceed your customers expectations, they want to tell the story and talk about their experience. If you continue to do so, people will know.

Well said! And as I have said before The Villages AV well exceeded our expectations!

[rdhdleo]

Originally Posted by Ron's Landscaping Inc.

First of all, I would like to thank all of our customers that have made post here on "Talk Of The Villages" it is very much appreciated. Recently I have been reading comments here about how people feel about Mansfield Landscaping Company self promoting there own business. I don't feel that it is a bad thing to do at all, in fact I am seriously thinking of doing this also, let me explain why. When we finish a landscape project the home owner always thanks us for a job well done, and many times they ask me if I would post there remarks here on "Talk Of The Villages" for them. I have not done this for them because I really don't have the time to do this, but I am having second thoughts about this. A lot of people do not know how to make a post, and I feel I am letting them down. They would like there comments heard here on Talk Of The Villages because that is how they heard about us to begin with. I don't feel Mansfield Landscaping is really doing any thing wrong, after all we are both sponsers here on Talk Of The Villages and we do use this for advertising purposes and I think peoples comments should be heard. It's good to hear positive comments about companys that do a good job, and care about the quality of there work. "MERRY CHRISTMAS"

Well said Ron and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Bonanza]

Well, here's another opinion regarding companies touting their own company and making comments about their work and their 'happy' customers.

No, I don't think it's in good taste or the professional thing to do. As a matter of fact, it actually makes me suspicious and I probably wouldn't use that company. Word of mouth is one of the best recommendations for a person or company. Seeing their work and comparing it to other jobs is great.

Beware of those who pat themselves on the back!

[Yorio]

Happy New Year to all TOTVers. I do search TOTV posts when I am trying to find good contractors and services. So far I have not been disappointed. The best advice I can give is to see who is posting recommendations. Many recommendations given by long time TOTV friends are sure bet that comments are genuine. I am sure comments by new TOTVers many times are genuine too but I kind of shy away from selecting. Sometimes friends of contractors and service also make postings and I have no way of knowing what is what. This is usually avoiding selection made by TOTV comments which are usually made by junior members. I may miss some good contractors and services by going this route but I'd rather be safe than sorry. As I said so far so good.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Ron's Landscaping Inc.

First of all, I would like to thank all of our customers that have made post here on "Talk Of The Villages" it is very much appreciated. Recently I have been reading comments here about how people feel about Mansfield Landscaping Company self promoting there own business. I don't feel that it is a bad thing to do at all, in fact I am seriously thinking of doing this also, let me explain why. When we finish a landscape project the home owner always thanks us for a job well done, and many times they ask me if I would post there remarks here on "Talk Of The Villages" for them. I have not done this for them because I really don't have the time to do this, but I am having second thoughts about this. A lot of people do not know how to make a post, and I feel I am letting them down. They would like there comments heard here on Talk Of The Villages because that is how they heard about us to begin with. I don't feel Mansfield Landscaping is really doing any thing wrong, after all we are both sponsers here on Talk Of The Villages and we do use this for advertising purposes and I think peoples comments should be heard. It's good to hear positive comments about companys that do a good job, and care about the quality of there work. "MERRY CHRISTMAS"

I'm a relative newcomer, but it seems to me that Talk of the Villages
is for residents. I don't think that suppliers, companies, professionals, etc., should be making comments and posting things here. If they want free press, they can take out an ad and pay for it.