How To Spot And Avoid Time Wasters

We've all done it - most of us have done it several times. Spent many hours on a site visit and preparing a quote for a client, only to discover they've decided not to go ahead with the work. It can cost an absolute fortune in time and fuel.

I'm noticing that I'm getting a lot more queries than usual at the moment, and there are quite a few people who either have unrealistic expectations of what a garden makeover will cost, or they're actually just trying to pick my brains and get some ideas so that their Mum's, cousin's, husband's, friends, nephew can do the work for them.

Over the years I've learned which questions to ask when someone first phones to enquire about a landscaping job. Questions that will help me to decide a) Whether that person has a realistic expectation of what landscaping involves and b) Whether the job will be a good fit for my business

If I don't feel that a project is for me, I'll politely decline and save myself the job of measuring up, preparing a quote and then chasing for an answer.

Want to know what those questions are? Head over to the My Garden Design website, where you can download my questionnaire for free.....(you will need to create an account and log in to it - downloads are in the useful documents section and are only for tradespeople).

Alternatively, call me on 0333 577 9886, email hello@mygardendesign.co.uk or leave me a message in the comments and I'll happily email you a copy of the questionnaire.

https://mygardendesign.co.uk

I had one a few weeks back, a recommendation from a colleage. He had done the hard side but does not do soft work. She wanted lots of large shrubs to cover the new CB fence to hide it for a wedding next June!

She wanted Laurel, F***ing awful plant & this was the fiirst time I have actually quoted for them. I hate the stuff. I also gave her other options, Privet & Yew. I itemise the quote, No. of plants, pot size etc. She came back too expensive.

My colleague was back there a couple of weeks ago, the family have planted it all up with Laurel themselves!!!

On the other hand I looked at some regular garden maintenance last Saturday, half day weekly. I could not get away from the woman 80 mins of her moaning about the previous gardener, horses pooing at the bottom of the drive (why is it the owners don't come back & pick it up?) etc etc. I chose to decline the job, I'm not that desperate!

"Cheers Tim yes the HSA130T arrived quickly via DPD and machine is exactly as expected, feels almost like I stole it, last time I looked that stockist had T and R versions of both 24 and 30 inch length, same amazing price. I tend to use my cabled…"

"That's an outrageous price considering what a set of replacement blades would cost! Being tethered to the battery is tiresome but the 130R is awesome at munching through chunky hedges"

With the winter season fast approaching, I'm wondering whether this is the year I invest properly in providing and advertising winter services (gritting, snow clearing). My main questions would be: Is the pay worth the initial investment in the kit…

Comments

Neil Darby October 15, 2022 at 5:09pm

I had one a few weeks back, a recommendation from a colleage. He had done the hard side but does not do soft work. She wanted lots of large shrubs to cover the new CB fence to hide it for a wedding next June!

She wanted Laurel, F***ing awful plant & this was the fiirst time I have actually quoted for them. I hate the stuff. I also gave her other options, Privet & Yew. I itemise the quote, No. of plants, pot size etc. She came back too expensive.

My colleague was back there a couple of weeks ago, the family have planted it all up with Laurel themselves!!!

On the other hand I looked at some regular garden maintenance last Saturday, half day weekly. I could not get away from the woman 80 mins of her moaning about the previous gardener, horses pooing at the bottom of the drive (why is it the owners don't come back & pick it up?) etc etc. I chose to decline the job, I'm not that desperate!