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Replies

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  Graeme @ BGS November 20, 2009 at 1:46pm

  Welcome Steve,
  
  There are so many - where to start!!!
  
  First two I would suggest is getting your hourly rate / fixed charges correct and address how you are going to handle green waste.
  
  But I would urge you to search the forums as there is load of information covering all this and so much more.
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  Dan Frazer Gardening November 20, 2009 at 4:45pm

  Buy a copy of paul power's book on 'How to start a gardening business'.
  
  I am just past the initial phase and now starting to get busy, most of the basic kit has been bought and I'm no longer nervous going to see clients and give prices for work. Literally after a couple of estimates you'll start to get comfy with it.
  
  Use discretion when it comes to costing. A local neighbour with their own tools vs a one-off job miles away that will have you running petrol equipment all day long obviously deserve different rates.
  
  You'll manage with a car and trailer to begin with so don't try and skin yourself alive buying a van right away.
  
  That's my tuppence worth!
• PRO

  Phil Voice November 20, 2009 at 8:02pm

  Steve
  
  We have such a great bunch of experienced people in all aspects of horticulture and landscaping - Just ask away.
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk November 21, 2009 at 1:08am

  be polite
  try and keep customers for repeat business
  try and give a receipt -even if they refuse. (its hard) but people accept it.
  
  drink plenty of tea. wear good 'work' clothes.
  be on time.
  tidy up after job
  ask for recommendations.
  clean vehicle regulary
  
  get business cards , so people dont loose your number./name !
• PRO

  Paul @ Ashgate Garden Care November 27, 2009 at 5:18pm

  Work your costs out and set your price accordingly.
  
  Don't be too disheartened if a few people say you are charging too much - you are business not a charity.
  
  Work out where to dispose of your green waste legitimately - The Waste Directory is a good place to start.
  
  Turn up when you say are going too, be polite and honest.
  
  Don't buy tools until you need them, but buy the best you can afford.
  
  Check the forum for advice - there is loads on there.
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  Angela Palmerton November 27, 2009 at 5:46pm

  Good luck with the new business Steve, you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago --- I did! All this advice is spot on. I started up about a year ago (having been doing it semi-professionaly/part-time for a while) and haven't looked back. The most difficult thing, for me anyway, is the charging and also the business development side of things. As A&J Owen said above, go for the "right" type of customer - these people can afford to pay for a good gardener, and personality often takes priority over your charges - people like to know they can get on with their gardener. Be upfront about potential extra costs you'll need to charge - just chat with the client periodically and mention that maybe they could do with some mushroom compost; or a new pot for the olive tree; or new wire for the overgrown rose etc etc etc -- then you can make it their decision to spend extra rather than surprising them. Also, on occassion there might be a larger project to take on within a regular garden which can't really be done in your set 1-day (or whatever) per week. Again, give suggestions to the client and more often than not they'll agree to extra time.
  
  I do this less now I'm more settled into things, but take notes - even just scribbles in a diary of what priorities are coming up in your gardens helps, especially when scheduling in trips to the nursery etc.
  
  Feel free to email me anytime if you want more advice
  
  You'll find you're in the swing of things in no time.
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  Steve Davies November 28, 2009 at 10:22am

  Thanks everyone for your support,it really is appreciated.
  
  Angela Palmerton said:

  Good luck with the new business Steve, you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago --- I did! All this advice is spot on. I started up about a year ago (having been doing it semi-professionaly/part-time for a while) and haven't looked back. The most difficult thing, for me anyway, is the charging and also the business development side of things. As A&J Owen said above, go for the "right" type of customer - these people can afford to pay for a good gardener, and personality often takes priority over your charges - people like to know they can get on with their gardener. Be upfront about potential extra costs you'll need to charge - just chat with the client periodically and mention that maybe they could do with some mushroom compost; or a new pot for the olive tree; or new wire for the overgrown rose etc etc etc -- then you can make it their decision to spend extra rather than surprising them. Also, on occassion there might be a larger project to take on within a regular garden which can't really be done in your set 1-day (or whatever) per week. Again, give suggestions to the client and more often than not they'll agree to extra time.
  
  I do this less now I'm more settled into things, but take notes - even just scribbles in a diary of what priorities are coming up in your gardens helps, especially when scheduling in trips to the nursery etc.
  
  Feel free to email me anytime if you want more advice
  
  You'll find you're in the swing of things in no time.
• 

  Jenny Peterson November 28, 2009 at 1:27pm

  I did maintenance when I was getting started and what helped me tremendously was to stay organized. I had a file for each client where I kept a copy of the contract, made notes every time I was there, had a checklist of tasks and a place to store receipts. It's easy to forget what you need for next week's tasks if you don't write them down. Then at the end of the month when I invoiced the client, I gave them each a synopsis of what I accomplished that month--they really appreciated that. Good luck to you!
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  Steve Snedeker November 28, 2009 at 4:34pm

  The biggest issue of them all is to do what you say you are going to do. Be on time. Answer your phone.
  
  Robin's advice was perfect. Maintenance especially is a service. Provide it with a smile. You will develop relationships with your clients and they will want to ask a lot of questions without looking too stupid. Be proactive and ask them if there is anything they want to know. Don't guess. If it's a toughie, get some expert advice first and tell your client you'll get back. Don't use bullsh!t ever, lol.
  
  The virtue of honesty is huge. It will make you money. Study your craft.
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  pete November 28, 2009 at 5:01pm

  Amazing! all such excellent advice --- I got Paul Powers' book some years ago but I'd say get Christopher Lloyd's book – The Well Tempered Garden – and live it .... (and dream of the cushy life: being a garden designer :-)