sales - LJN Blog Posts - Landscape Juice Network2024-03-28T13:14:53Zhttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/salesTV Garden Makeovers and Managing Expectationshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/tv-garden-makeovers-and-managing-expectations2021-01-26T10:12:35.000Z2021-01-26T10:12:35.000ZAngela Lamberthttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/AngelaLambert15<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8478630674?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div>Garden makeover shows vs customer expectations. A rant.</div><div> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div>I'm not normally one for ranting on social media, but I spotted a question in one of the landscaping forums on a well known social media platform this weekend - all about qualifying the lead.</div><div> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div>Customers in general, don't realise (or don't care) that costs landscapers time and money to visit a site and prepare a quote. But all too often, those quotes are rejected for being far higher than the customer expected. All because a celebrity gardener had done it for a third of that cost on the telly. To add insult to injury, the client feels that the landscaper is trying to rip them off. </div><div> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div>Sadly, garden designers and landscapers can't influence what happens on telly land - but we can do our homework before committing to visit a potential client. That way, if you don't think the client will be a good match for your offering, you can politely decline the opportunity to quote.</div><div> </div><div>My pal Paul Baker at My Garden Design is a landscaper and knows all too well the pain of being stuck at the computer creating quotes, and so he has very kindly shared his "cheat sheets". Simple questionnaires (one for phone enquiries and one for email enquiries) that help reduce the risk of wasting a day following up a lead that will never come to fruition. This blog on the My Garden Design website talks about qualifying sales leads and leads to the FREE downloadable forms.</div><div> </div><div>You do need to register as a trader to be able to access the forms but it's super-quick, totally free and you won't be bombarded with spam emails.......Paul hates sending them as much as he hates receiving them lol</div><div> </div><div>Here's the blogpost</div><div> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div> </div><div><a href="https://mygardendesign.co.uk/5-questions-to-ask-the-client-before-a-site-visit">https://mygardendesign.co.uk/5-questions-to-ask-the...</a></div></div><p> </p></div>New Sales Appointment for Dennis and SISIShttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/new-sales-appointment-for-dennis-and-sisis2014-06-13T10:30:29.000Z2014-06-13T10:30:29.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>Dennis and SISIS, divisions of the Howardson Group, a leading British manufacturer of innovative world class turf maintenance equipment, have announced the appointment of Ewen Wilson as northern area sales manager, incorporating Scotland, Ireland and Northern England with immediate effect.</p><p>This management restructuring announcement follows the retirement of Alan Ronaldson after twelve years’ service with the company. As part of the restructure, Ewen will also continue his export responsibilities for USA, Middle East and Scandinavia, having worked for the company for almost 30 years.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314218288?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314218288?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>For the last 90 years Dennis has been producing professional mowers synonymous with sports stadia and fine lawns across the globe and often referred to as the 'Rolls Royce of mowers'.</p><p>Since 1932 SISIS has been designing and manufacturing innovative turf maintenance equipment for both natural and artificial surfaces. Now part of the Howardson group alongside Dennis the two product portfolios provide groundsmen, greenkeepers and gardeners with a truly comprehensive range of British manufactured high quality products.</p><p>Ewen’s new responsibilities will include providing product advice and assistance to customers and dealers within his region, as well as attending seminars and exhibitions.</p><p>Announcing the appointment, Toby Clarke, sales manager for Dennis and SISIS, commented: "We had a large void to fill with the retirement of Alan and I am delighted that Ewen will now be responsible for this area. He has a wealth of experience of all of our products and his experience and industry expertise will be invaluable".</p><p>Ewen can be contacted on 07967 597439 or ewen.wilson@sisis.com</p><p>For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter @DennisMowers and SISIS @SISISMachinery. You can like the Facebook page – <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK">www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery">www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery</a>. You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.youtube.com/DennisMowers">www.youtube.com/DennisMowers</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery">www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery</a></p></div>Complete Weed Control Announces Appointment of New Sales Specialisthttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/complete-weed-control-announces-appointment-of-new-sales2014-05-23T10:13:50.000Z2014-05-23T10:13:50.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>As part of its plan to significantly increase business and provide customers with the highest level of service, Complete Weed Control has appointed Ben Smith as a new member of its head office team with immediate effect.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314216495?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314216495?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-left"/></a>A former general manager at Ingleby Barwick Golf Academy, a nine-hole golf course and driving range in Teesside, Ben has a strong sales background with a keen knowledge of the golf sector. He joins Complete Weed Control as sales manager, and will be based at the company’s head office in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.</p><p>Announcing the new appointment, Ian Graham, the company's managing director, said: "I am delighted that Ben has joined our already successful team as he brings a wealth of experience from his time at Ingleby Barwick Golf Academy and a proven sales track record. His appointment will ensure that we can continue to build on the success that we have created over the past 40 years.”</p><p>“As we develop new expanding both our range of services as well as our delivery network, a strong sales team is essential. Ben joins a strong team to accelerate this process. His knowledge will benefit not only our franchisees but also our customers. This appointment is part of our ongoing growth strategy and further strengthens our commitment to our team."</p><p>“Ben will, in addition to our core business, be focussing on building the winter maintenance leg of the organisation. Although the Complete Ice Control brand was introduced to generate work in what were traditionally the quieter months, it has become a considerable contributor to the group. As such, we now feel it is time to direct some additional resource into this growing element of the business.”</p><p>Established in 1972, Complete Weed Control is the largest specialist weed control and vegetation management company in the UK. Each franchise operates to a common set of standards and procedures in providing a comprehensive service of weed control, plant pest and disease control, hydro-seeding and other related services to their customer base of sporting venues, local authorities, schools, airfields, cemeteries, industrial sites, highways & parks nationwide and remains the only company offering these services on a truly national basis.</p><p>For more information, please contact Complete Weed Control’s National office on 01325 324 277 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.completeweedcontrol.co.uk">www.completeweedcontrol.co.uk</a>. You can follow Complete Weed Control on Twitter @CWCLimited.</p></div>Purchase of SISIS Aer-Aid by Golf Course Leads to Multiple Saleshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/purchase-of-sisis-aer-aid-by-golf-course-leads-to-multiple-sales2014-02-03T13:21:13.000Z2014-02-03T13:21:13.000ZFusion Mediahttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/FusionMedia<div><p>The Emerson Country Club in Sejong City, South Korea has recently upgraded its turf maintenance machinery with the delivery of a SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid 1500 tractor mounted aerator by local SISIS dealer Arcwin Co, which has led to six further sales of the machine in the region.</p><p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314184209?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3314184209?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-left"/></a>The course is considered one of the region’s best, so Head Greenkeeper Chang Gue-Oh chose what he considered to be the best aeration machine on the market and after-sales service available to care for the course.</p><p>“We had a gas exchange problem on our greens and our previous machinery did nothing to help with the problem,” explained Chang. “We visited a recent demonstration day by Arcwin Co and were astounded by the SISIS Aer-Aid. It was so quick in its operation yet left minimal surface disturbance and since our purchase we’ve not only completed our aeration tasks quicker, but also saved resources which can be better spent on other areas of the course.”</p><p>The Aer-Aid system injects air directly into the root zone speeding up the aeration process, moving air uniformly throughout the root zone for complete aeration and not just where the tines have penetrated the surface. The cam trigger mechanism ensures that the air is always at the bottom of the tine penetration enabling treatment to be targeted precisely by the operator.</p><p>“Over the past twelve months; we have seen a significant increase in the number of demonstrations and sales of the Aer-Aid, not just overseas but also in the UK,” said Ewen Wilson, Dennis and SISIS Export Manager.</p><p>“Greenkeepers, course managers as well as groundsmen and contractors like that the machines can be used all year round due to the large selection of tines which help to break up compaction allowing water, air and nutrients to penetrate the root zone. Constant use helps to produce a sports surface that is less affected by weather changing weather conditions.”</p><p>“The wide range of tines available combined with the low maintenance and quickness of operation are all great advantages of the SISIS Aer-Aid,” said Chang.</p><p>For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact SISIS on 01332 824 777 or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sisis.com" target="_blank">www.sisis.com</a><br/> For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow SISIS on Twitter @SISISMachinery and like the company’s Facebook page – <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery">www.facebook.com/SISISMachinery</a>. You can also view the latest SISIS videos by visiting <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery">www.youtube.com/SISISMachinery</a>.</p></div>April sunshine boosted garden centre saleshttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/april-sunshine-boosted-garden-centre-sales2013-05-21T15:48:45.000Z2013-05-21T15:48:45.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p>PEOPLE were busy in their gardens in April (2013) according to The Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) results for the month.</p>
<p>Outdoor plants and seeds and bulbs sold particularly well during the month with sales up 11.87% and 15.99%, respectively, in comparison to April 2012.</p>
<p>Peter Burks, Chairman of the GCA, explained: “We have had a testing few months with unseasonably cold weather and we were all relieved to see some sunshine in April.</p>
<p>“Because people weren’t able to be out in their gardens before April we saw a huge surge in sales. Gardeners were itching to get out planting.</p>
<p>“Most areas saw good sales during April, garden sundries were up 12.8%, furniture and barbecues up 5.83%, hard landscaping up 22.7% and catering up 6.48%. Overall sales were up 7.62% for the month.”</p>
<p>The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement.</p>
<p>Peter added: “Although our members had a good month in April they need strong sales to continue to be able to recoup any losses from the past few months. The overall year to date figures, calculated at the end of April, stand at 9.03% down.</p>
<p>“We’ve had a good start to May so we are remaining optimistic.”</p>
<p>The BoT reports produced by the GCA allow member garden centres to compare their trading positions with other centres.</p>
<p>For further information, please call 0118 930 8918. Alternatively, please visit <a href="http://www.gca.org.uk">www.gca.org.uk</a>, log on to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation">www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation</a> or follow the organisation on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GC_Association">www.twitter.com/GC_Association</a>.</p>
</div>Marshalls Plc: Trading updatehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/marshalls-plc-trading-update2013-05-15T06:14:53.000Z2013-05-15T06:14:53.000ZPhil Voicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/philvoice<div><p>Trading Performance</p>
<p>Marshalls' revenue from continuing operations for the nineteen weeks ended 10 May 2013 was £103 million (2012: £109 million), a decrease of 6 per cent. Underlying activity was in line with expectations but the delay in the normal seasonal upturn due to adverse working conditions, including the coldest March since 1910, reduced revenue in the period. Order intake has recovered strongly since the middle of April to offset the shortfall and the programme of cost reduction and cash realisation measures, instigated in 2012, continues to deliver positive results.</p>
<p>In addition to the Group revenue from continuing operations, the quarries and associated aggregate businesses, sold on 30 April 2013, had revenues of £3 million (2012: £3 million) in the period. This will be treated as a discontinued operation.</p>
<p>Sales to the Public Sector and Commercial end market, which represent approximately 65 per cent of Marshalls' sales, were down 6 per cent on a continuing basis. The Group continues to devote resources to its sales effort and is pleased to announce that it has recently secured a contract to supply stone cladding to a significant project in the City of London that is expected to generate sales in excess of £5 million over the next two years.</p>
<p>Sales to the Domestic end market, which represent approximately 30 per cent of Group sales, were down 8 per cent. Encouragingly, the survey of domestic installers at the end of April 2013 revealed order books of 8.5 weeks (2012: 7.5 weeks) up from 7.8 weeks at the end of February 2013 (2012: 6.3 weeks).</p>
<p>Continued progress has been made in developing the International business, with revenue to date in 2013 increasing by 7 per cent and representing 5 per cent of Group sales.</p>
<p>On 30 April 2013 the Group received cash consideration of £17.5 million from its sale of quarries and associated aggregate businesses to Breedon Aggregates England Limited. This has further helped reduce net debt which at the end of April 2013 was £28 million lower than at the same stage in 2012. The Group is on course to improve on its target of achieving a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2 times by the end of 2013.</p>
<p><strong>Outlook</strong></p>
<p>The Construction Products Association is currently forecasting a reduction in UK market volumes in 2013 of 2.1 per cent with the majority of this reduction in the first quarter. For 2014 and 2015 the forecast is for growth of 1.9 per cent and 3.9 per cent respectively.</p>
<p>Marshalls has built increased financial and operational flexibility into its business model and remains focused on product innovation and a range of initiatives to deliver sales growth and improve trading margins. There is no change in expectations for the current year and the Group continues to be well placed to benefit as market conditions improve.</p>
</div>New web service helps nurseries sell more plants to gardenershttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/new-web-service-helps-nurseries-sell-more-plants-to-gardeners2013-03-05T13:20:45.000Z2013-03-05T13:20:45.000ZLandscape Juicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/LandscapeJuice<div><p>GreenPlantSwap is a new online marketplace for nurseries. It is the first location-based online marketplace for nurseries and gardeners.</p>
<p>Nurseries and growers create their own self-serve web pages and list the plants they sell in the Plant A-Z. This provides nurseries with the opportunity to list their stock with ease and reach a much wider community of gardeners in their local area and nationwide.</p>
<p>GreenPlantSwap is built a round a central database of more than 21,000 detailed plant species and varieties, with an availability map for each plant.</p>
<p>Gardeners can also sign up for membership to swap and sell plants grown at home. GreenPlantSwap will attract gardeners in volume to help them find the plants they really want for their gardens. This provides an excellent plant-keen audience for member nurseries to sell to.</p>
<p>GreenPlantSwap overcomes the challenges many nurseries face in building their own website, listings their plants and trying to attract customers.</p>
<p>No technical ability is needed to create a nursery page or list plants. You simply sign up, create your nursery profile and list plants once, archive listings when stock runs out and activate again when more become available.</p>
<p>As one nursery member put it: “It’s a no brainer. We’ll close our own website, save money and yet reach many more gardeners online.”</p>
<p>GreenPlantSwap is an annual membership service. As a special introductory offer, nurseries can join for £1 and get 3 months’ trial membership. Unlike other online services, there are no other fees or sales commission. Once gardeners find the plants<br />
they want, they buy direct from the nurseries.</p>
<p>GreenPlantSwap - <a href="http://www.greenplantswap.co.uk">www.greenplantswap.co.uk</a> - is the first location-based garden<br />
plant marketplace. Built around a database of more than 21,000 detailed plant<br />
species and varieties, with an availability map for each one, the service is designed to<br />
make it far simpler for nurseries to list and sell plants using the power of the web.</p>
<p>For further information, contact Amanda Clow on 01225 290205, 07540 855746 or e-mail amanda@greenplantswap.co.uk</p>
</div>What do you have on your shopping list this weekend?https://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profiles/blogs/6660693_BlogPost_235812008-04-23T19:30:00.000Z2008-04-23T19:30:00.000ZPhil Voicehttps://landscapejuicenetwork.com/profil/philvoice<div><img alt="Logo_small_top_stgeorge2" title="Logo_small_top_stgeorge2" src="http://perigordvacance.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/04/23/logo_small_top_stgeorge2.jpg" border="2" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" />With the weather set give most of the UK a blissful weekend, garden centres will hopefully enjoy a good run at the tills. After all, garden centres still have employees to pay so fingers crossed there will be an improvement. I have added a post on <a href="http://www.landscapejuice.com/2008/04/weekend-heatwav.html">Landscape Juice</a> enquiring what might be on the shopping list at the garden centre. What about you, are you planning to spend or save your money? Any views are welcome.
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