winter approcahing do u take time off?

Build up a list of pruning and clearance jobs that you can get stuck into in to January and February. It not only means work but it also means a rest from normal maintenance.

As Steve mentions, I would try and introduce the notion of an idea to the client and discuss what we could achieve for a certain price long before the weather changes.

Back in about 2000 we took over from the groundsman at North Foreland Lodge School who had been maintaining the grounds for over fifty years.

At the meeting with the Bursar it became apparent that they had a huge rat problem due to everywhere (other than the immediate front of school) being overgrown with a massive amount of old materials and machinery hoarded around the groundsman's shed and yard.

On top of this, waste cooking oil from the kitchens was brought down and stored (dumped) alongside the sheds.

The school was broke and I struck a deal with the Bursar to put six men in for a month at £10.00 per hour (plus Vat). This served two purposes, one it let them have a big job done and a much reduced cost and two we were able to work in January.

We eventually got the school up to a good standard and carried on with the contract for three further years before it did eventually run out of money and close.

Replies

steve loftus October 25, 2008 at 8:07pm

sounds good to me, but over the year we try to introduce a new project or idea to the client,this not only gives the client a fresh look to the garden/patio/decking but keeps the hours ticking over.
it could even be things such as ,jet wash patios,benches and tables,then oiling timber ,all these things keep the pennies rolling in.
we also try to sign people up for a years contract,work out hours/year,then divide by 12 and you and the customer have a fixed monthly income,you may not do hardly any hours in jan ,but they get to spread the costs,works for us,but you need to keep good records of hours worked and a copy to the customer.
our job sheets are signed before we leave site.
Classic Gardens October 25, 2008 at 10:00pm

I dont spend anything during the summer and save it all.
I then spread my savings out and take it easy over winter.
My staff takes two months off in jan and feb unpaid.
I invest in the tools i need in april just b4 the season kicks in.

Its worked so far for me (touch wood)
PRO

Phil Voice October 27, 2008 at 7:24am

Build up a list of pruning and clearance jobs that you can get stuck into in to January and February. It not only means work but it also means a rest from normal maintenance.

As Steve mentions, I would try and introduce the notion of an idea to the client and discuss what we could achieve for a certain price long before the weather changes.

Back in about 2000 we took over from the groundsman at North Foreland Lodge School who had been maintaining the grounds for over fifty years.

At the meeting with the Bursar it became apparent that they had a huge rat problem due to everywhere (other than the immediate front of school) being overgrown with a massive amount of old materials and machinery hoarded around the groundsman's shed and yard.

On top of this, waste cooking oil from the kitchens was brought down and stored (dumped) alongside the sheds.

The school was broke and I struck a deal with the Bursar to put six men in for a month at £10.00 per hour (plus Vat). This served two purposes, one it let them have a big job done and a much reduced cost and two we were able to work in January.

We eventually got the school up to a good standard and carried on with the contract for three further years before it did eventually run out of money and close.
ian October 28, 2008 at 8:18pm

ok good ideas thanks.
Ofer El-hashahar October 28, 2008 at 11:49pm

It's a good question,Back home (israel) about 2 month of worm winter was spend on marketing-meeting people that can recommended about me to potential customers.(lawyers,hair dresser even a taxi driver,happy customers-I used to give them a cd with a simple power point slide show of my work).

here winter is longer and colder so any job is welcome.
I just installed to my customers the strimmer resist lawn edging.
It make the gardens looks better,will save work next year and you can make a bit extra profit.
feel free to contact to get the trade price list prices .plantsfromzion@gmail.com
http://best4garden.co.uk