I mentioned to a client my rates may go fixed rates instead of hourly.
A few weeks back i happen to finish 15 mins early and left, driving straight past the client as she was comming home, she called me angrily that id left early.To be honest i just didnt keep track of the time that visit.
I said i will be introducing fixed rates and stepping away from hourly rates, as this was something i was intending to do . When i had a chat with the client my points got me no were and she turned it around saying if she left 15 mins from he work she wouldn't have a job and she does me a favor keeping me employed every week in the winter for 2 hours. But Now i feel like im being time watched even more, and now questioning of what im doing each visit. and why now i need to spend the same amount of time in winter as in the summer. Its like its really backfired me even mentioning a fixed price. I feel very annoyed and time-watched and almost quite anxious of going there. The client just cancelled a 2 weekly visits in a few weeks because of a holiday.... saying that the alarms mite go off or something stupid. None of these issues for the last 5 year ive ever had a problem with until i mentioned i might be changing to a fixed rate as time differs throughout the seasons. She also said all the garden work is now done which it is looks great but still minor things to do as ive been there each week all year round , so i suggested to jet-wash the algae on the patio, but my jet-wash broke and i explained i haven't really time to carry out this going to the trouble of hiring one etc and she threatened to cancel my visits as this is what she wants done and nothing else to do!
I also asked for monthy payment which she objected to and said no as basically wants to keep track of me each time.... what would you do i feel like ive gone back to school! all i wanted to do was issue a contract type fixed or hourly rate to know exactly what income im getting and set jobs each week, whether it rains or clients on holiday i need to make a living! and have several clients who cancel cos of a few drips of rain. how do you overcome these problems with clients that want all the control of you and the exact times you turn up and leave.
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So many things I could say here - but it seems she is employing you for time not tasks and so if you want to change that, you need to set out with her what tasks and to what standard the tasks 'per visit' will be.
However; and this is my main point, if you have worked hard to date, have done what is asked and you have been talked to in such a manner, walk right away. That is how to overcome such a problem.
Unfortunately an agreement is an agreement so if you've agreed with the client to supply so many hours then this must be honoured.
Probably the best solution is to look for a new client that you engage on new terms that are more suited to the way you want to trade.
I'm going to put my business head on here. This post in the BOG might just be worth the Premium subscription fee alone: http://landscapejuicenetwork.com/group/the-bog/articles/phasing-in-...
yes unfortunately 7 years ago this was the trend, oh know how of how to charge . With my new improved machinery i think its somewhat frustrating way to charge now especially using Honda pro etc,stihl backpack blowers and long pole stihl the early finish of 15/20 mins can easily be achieved. But its not a race i must learn to take it slower.
personally I would chin her off and find someone more appreciative of your work
If she is a client you want to keep, write to her and explain that you are now charging per visit, detail what she gets for her per visit price.
Explain that as you have invested in expensive equipment that it is no long viable for you to charge by the hour as you need a return on your investment and that it lets you work more efficiently
However I think this will all fall on deaf ears, your client has a bee in her bonnet and I would guess that you will either carry on getting abused or you will find someone else to take that spot in your diary.
For maintenance clients I use hourly rates but what I've found works is to have a basic 'visit charge' which covers up to the first 2 hours. "Up to...." not you will always get.....!
Most of my small clients pay this visit charge and no extra hours. Good for them and great for me as I get faster later in the spring I can fit more clients in!
Hi Ian,
Sounds like a bit of a nightmare scenario. Nobody likes being micro-managed, and having that feeling that she's watching you constantly isn't going to be good for either of you.
Have you considered being direct with your client and airing your concerns? If you've been providing good service to her for a while, it could be worth a go?
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