2020 Brings Major Changes in My Lawn Service Prices / Invoicing / Billing

[@patientlywaiting4018]

I watched this video and was inspired, and put a few ads up on facebook to try to add a few more customers for this upcoming season. My wife saw my ads and it inspired her to put up some ads for her photography business. How about that positive chain reaction?! Thanks for your dedication Dan! Your videos have helped my a lot in the early stages of my business and even now still continue to motivate me to tighten up and stay at it! Good luck to everyone this year! Hopefully it starts early, with all the rain and heat! :)

[@DansVlog]

Patiently Waiting Great comment! Thank you!

[@sleve_mcdichael_]

I like the sign. No fancy graphics or slogans. Just straight to the point. Tell the customers what they need to know.

[@DansVlog]

Exactly! Especially with people being so busy they don’t have time to read through all the bull crap

[@andrewsvlogs9110]

Honestly, I like this move. Really interested in seeing where it goes.

[@DansVlog]

Thank you

[@livinginmontgomeryalabama]

Excited about all the changes Dan. Thanks for being an inspiration and having the heart of a teacher.

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Britt! I appreciate you very much

[@exit0394]

Dan you have inspired me. I think I am gonna give it a go this season. Have one neighbor who is gonna hire me to mow and get their yard looking like mine and another who wants to hire me hourly to do some occasional yard work. Gonna start small and see how it goes as I will be doing this after my 9 to 5. The good thing is it is all right across the street so I don’t have to travel at all.

[@DansVlog]

That’s perfect!

[@tedaut]

Dan , you were right !! I put business cards out last september and didnt get any calls . Now all of a sudden this past week ive gotten 5 calls off those business cards I put out last september . I can't believe they saved the cards.

[@DansVlog]

They sure do!! For months and years!

[@gregmodernlawncarelodica.4525]

Only thing I’m think’n about is every 14 days grass in California grows tall just in one week, that something to think about too!! Great advice though Dan!✌️

[@DansVlog]

Greg Lind, MODERN LAWN CARE LODI CA. I don’t really have that problem here. Most people want their yard done twice a month. It’s hard to find people willing to pay $160 a month for four cuts a month especially in the summer when Georgia power doubles our electric bill from June through September

[@knowyourfaith7479]

How's 25 yards within a 1/4 mile radios of my house for route density? I live in a senior mobile home park. I have several customers that are on fixed monthly billing due to the fixed income issue. How do you keep your legs from getting beat up when string trimming? I was wearing light weight scrub bottoms but they are just too hot. I've convinced my 15 year old grandson lawn service is the best way for him to earn decent money. Really pushing him to do quality work, communicate and be dependable. Thank you for the effort producing the videos.

[@robbiejeffrey4618]

I like your thinking and outlook of this method. This could be a game saver for smaller businesses.

[@DansVlog]

Thank you

[@marksmith7374]

How many years have you been in business, how many lawns do you have and what is your average price per cut????

[@DansVlog]

You got a lot of videos to watch my friend.

[@MrFuzzyscreen]

love to see innovation in your business. i may have to steal this idea in the future.

[@DansVlog]

Do it!

[@MrFuzzyscreen]

@@DansVlog it works!

[@MrFuzzyscreen]

​@@DansVlog done

[@maquedaslawnmaintenancevlo3989]

Dan I have a question, no one mows here in Kansas during November -February but leaf removal is very popular could I possibly replace mowing with doing leaf removal& cleaning up the yards in those months?

[@DansVlog]

Yes absolutely

[@davidb9271]

Dan, that’s pretty much exactly how the pest control company that I work for does it. About $40 per month, I show up 3 times a year.

[@jcamacho92jc]

Just found your channel and your already one of my favorites, great content and your not afraid to share the real information that matters 👌👍

[@DansVlog]

Thank you!

[@louroberts5567]

Great video. Informative, concise signs! Great job, Brother!

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Lou

[@anthonysell9704]

Great video Dan but the only question I have is what would you do if a customer does not pay you during the off-season or up and leave high and dry during the mowing season

[@DansVlog]

What if they do it in June? In business, you’re always going to come across shit bags that are going to want to game the system and it takes time to build a business with trustworthy customers. If it’s a big concern for you, insist on pre-pay… Many lawn service companies do it.

[@anthonysell9704]

Thanks for the information keep the videos coming

[@Mcdevin281]

So I want to do the magnets but most of the mailboxes in my area are plastic do u know of anywhere else to stick them

[@DansVlog]

Mailbox post. If not, get regular cards and stick them in the door jam. Don’t knock, just leave the card and walk away

[@tedaut]

@@DansVlog I was thinking about doing the magnetic business cards too Dan but all the mailboxes in my city use those community mailboxes that hold like 15 or 20 slots in one spot instead of having a mailbox at each home. I think they are made of aluminum .

[@joeshearer1247]

Tape

[@tedaut]

@@DansVlog Do you only go door to door dropping business cards very early in the morning ? I work swing shift so it's hard for me to get up at 4 am because of my work schedule. Is there an advantage doing it that early ? Thanks Dan

[@iplaycod056]

Good luck this year 👏🏻

[@DansVlog]

Thank you

[@KenMrKLC]

About 5% of my accounts prepay for the season at once and I give them a discount. I use these funds to help with winter bills. My mowing season is only about 8 months 26 weekly cuts. If we get snow (I plow) its a profitable winter, if we don't the prepays get me through without dipping into savings. There are many ways to do things, This is a great plan as well that you are doing. Customers like simple. Just make is sound as simple as possible, too much selling them on it scares people.

[@DansVlog]

I agree, quick and to the point. Take it or leave it

[@swatson0061]

Are you requiring them to agree to a full year of services for this deal? Or just service as needed?

[@DansVlog]

swatson0061 full year on a handshake

[@swatson0061]

@@DansVlog copy that brother. Thanks again

[@perryspradlin5929]

What do you do for weekly visits? Then after the first freeze drop to bi/weekly.

[@DansVlog]

I said 14 day schedule March thru Nov and 1 time a month Dec thru Feb.

[@perryspradlin5929]

@@DansVlog yes I see all the figures for that. But what if you had weekly accounts?

[@anthonyayala]

Super smart idea. What happens if they want to terminate after the summer season? Do you have them sign and annual contract? Great stuff as always Dan. You're a great entrepreneur. Have a great 2020. I look forward to watching you all year.

[@paulburns3788]

I Dan it's Paul again how's the weather down there up here where I live it's cloudy it looks like rain but I doubt it I hate being inside the house so I find things to do some of the time I hate this virus we have all around how's your family doing my family's okay how you doing with this virus round

[@DansVlog]

I am doing good with the virus. Keeping the kids safe

[@chuckrohrer8119]

Dan I cant go 14 day how would handle that thanks

[@DansVlog]

Do the math! Figure out how many times in a 12 month you’re going to cut the yard, multiply it by the amount of money you would charge them on average without anything super extra and whatever that amount is divide it by 12 and that is your 12 equal payments. Now it’s up to you if you want to reduce it down a few dollars and make it so they get a free cut or not

[@jtrom]

HI Dan. Thanks for your videos and sharing your knowledge in a no nonsense way. I'm in the process of building out my PW/lawn care business and trying to get up to speed with understanding how the equipment and business works. Your videos, especially the rig layout and explanations of the equipment, along with the mixing and spraying techniques have helped me a lot. I also really like how you make an example of how to do things with very little equipment in order to exemplify that the job can get done as long as you put in the time and effort no matter what equipment you have to use. Question, Don't your clothes get all spotted when you use straight SH for your mix? lol . Also have you ever felt the need to wear a mask? I know you mentioned eye protection in one of your videos. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to your 2020 videos. Peace.

[@DansVlog]

Thanks Joseph. Ya my clothes get a bit spotted here and there I just use the same clothes when possible if I know I am going to be washing houses. As far as a mask, I have not needed one cause I am always outdoors with any chems but I certainly support other's choices to use one.

[@chuckrohrer8119]

Thanks Dan

[@georgemyers6518]

Great video as always Dan. I like your new way of doing business a lot.in a roundabout way it’s kinda like streamlining.very efficient. Please keep the videos coming

[@DansVlog]

Thank you George

[@steveschaefer6212]

Great business plan. 👍

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Steve

[@bentonbryant8207]

I thought about this exact strategy a few months ago the only difference is I was going to require card on file.

[@DansVlog]

Card on file is very dangerous. You can’t just put other people’s info on an unsecured computer or cloud based Software program. If something happens where hackers get it... you are in deep doo doo

[@michaelgutter2004]

Never heard of anybody having any problems with having a card on file. I’m not saying it’s not risky, but the evidence shows there’s been no problems

[@kimberlyblake1786]

@@michaelgutter2004 Credit Card companies require PCI DSS (Payment Card Info Data Storage Security) compliance if you plan to store CC information. It's very involved and costly to have the required security. If you get hacked and consumer info is stolen and you don't have a PCI plan in place the fines are huge and you may have to make restitution to the customer for any losses they incurred due to the breach. Dan is right...having CC on file is dangerous and not worth the risk..unless you can afford expensive firewall and encryption software beyond what is on a standard PC.

[@whitneyince3612]

Are you using an bill software to automate your billing ?

[@DansVlog]

Yardbook.com

[@tristonlochner6370]

I must have missed it, what do you use for billing? Yardbook I presume? Love your videos, found this one extremely helpful!

[@DansVlog]

Yes I do!

[@LilybetMells]

Great and very informative vlog Dan :))

[@DansVlog]

Thank you

[@GraspHisLove]

Are you contracting everyone for 12 months? What will you do if people drop off in the winter/slow season

[@DansVlog]

People aren’t just going to drop off in the winter, at least where I live in the south we still can come around easily once every 3 to 4 weeks and clean up the property. I can understand this model would definitely be a bit riskier when you have four or five months of snow on the ground but it’s not like that here in the south. If you’re concerned and think maybe a customer is going to be shady you can always have them sign a service agreement, but people are good.

[@davidb9271]

Also, we take payment right out of cc.

[@DansVlog]

Sweet!

[@paulmiller1571]

Can you get the cases for Galaxy Samsung A40

[@DansVlog]

Unfortunately no, I can only get the cases for the most popular models

[@melsantos3401]

Man I really like this idea!

[@DansVlog]

MEL SANTOS Thank you

[@inspiredx3866]

Great breakdown Dan.. gets to be a financial science.

[@DansVlog]

Thank you

[@brownslawncare6261]

Great video, Sounds like a WIN WIN to me!!! Hope it all works out. Thanks Dan.

[@DansVlog]

Maybe! We’ll see

[@BillyGoatLawnService]

Dan this payment plan works! Third of my customers pay this way. Perfect for long term clients on fixed incomes.

[@DansVlog]

Great to know!! Thank you

[@rlcaustin2603]

How do you get customers to commit?

[@DansVlog]

Well that’s up to you. You can have them sign a quick service agreement explaining your business model or you’ll know in your heart any previous customers that switch over to this aren’t going to drop you in a winter because you already have a good relationship with them. Plus you’re still coming around in the winter it’s not like you’re going to ghost them unless you’re in the extreme snowy conditions for five months then maybe this isn’t going to work for you. Remember, I am in the south we could actually mow all year here and some lawn services do. Also, I am a pretty good judge of character when I talk to people and I look at their property. I could pretty much tell right away if somebody’s going to try to screw me or if they’re responsible respectful people that see this for the good benefit that it is for them.

[@rlcaustin2603]

Makes sense and that’s what I was thinking as well. Thanks for the information. I’m really considering this idea.

[@James-lu9jf]

Excellent projection Dan so glad you're going to be back regular soon. You're also looking really well so doing something right! Also what happened to the reactive lenses as I noticed you are wearing new glasses

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Michael. I get an exam and new glasses every year.

[@James-lu9jf]

You're looking very fit, relaxed and happy Dan and don't forget more cooking videos!

[@DansVlog]

Gotcha buddy, thank you

[@diazsancho9758]

Thanks Dan for the update. Are you going full time in lawn care?

[@DansVlog]

You’re welcome... no

[@ericlarsson7109]

Nice sign you have for your Company and i like your KZbinvideos and learn me stuff

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Eric

[@elcslawncarecommunitychannel]

Just wondering, Do you have sales tax in your state?

[@DansVlog]

Yes we do but unlike many blue states, we don't have tax on service or labor... only parts. So mowing a lawn is tax free for a customer but selling them mulch or plants IS taxable.

[@elcslawncarecommunitychannel]

@@DansVlog Thanks for the response. I live in Kentucky and our Ex-Republican governor Matt Bevin lol made sales tax for service and labor for lawn care. It started 2 years ago. Thanks for the vid.

[@rockybigdog8506]

What service and or program are you using for invoicing and record keeping?

[@DansVlog]

Yardbook dot com

[@green_day_freak]

This is a brilliant idea!

[@DansVlog]

Hi Beka! Good to see you back!!

[@thebincleaner]

Hey Stranger Glad to see you're getting back into the Lawn Business... Head down and crack on pal ;) I look forward to your future videos...( I've started my own lol )

[@thebincleaner]

I don't know if this would work for you, but I take a customers mobile number and add them to Whatsapp...I then send them a jpeg calendar of the dates I'm due :)

[@DansVlog]

That’s really smart!

[@coaltarp]

It would help to put softer surfaces around the room your recording in to help with echo. Rug on the floor or specially hung on wall would greatly improve sound quality. Keep up the great advice for side hustles, period.

[@DansVlog]

I was about to hand an old blanket on the wall I was facing to help deaden the echo!

[@b20em1]

Yes I’ve been doing this for years, it also allows me to still pay my two guys 3 days a week weather we work or not. I started this in 2012 I did loose roughly around 15-20 clients but clients that don’t agree with it shouldn’t be mowed by a legit buisness. You’ll make them back up eventually and be stressed free. Do you implement if it rains or say have like a hurricane or something where you can make it to them for a week?

[@DansVlog]

So far all my customers love it. I think it will take time to build but the end result will be much better and smoother

[@jayusher576]

Great vid straight forward pricings 💪👍

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Jay

[@tlcsnowteam]

great video buddy I charge for the season are you going to caps

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Jorma. CAPS?

[@tlcsnowteam]

Are you going to have hats 🧢

[@DansVlog]

Oh lol I am working on that

[@bravos4929]

What if they only use you during peak season and cancel you out before winter

[@DansVlog]

Bravo's That will not be the agreement and if they do that to me I have the right to put a lien on their property. They will have the option if they want to do it by the cut because maybe they’re moving away in a few months or they just don’t want to do the 70 a month then I will let them know their lawn will be whatever I decide it’s going to be per cut. I do have flexibility

[@lukeherbert25]

Thanks for the tips !!

[@DansVlog]

My pleasure Luke

[@markhoffman5719]

Keeping it simple. Good idea.

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Mark

[@maximosolis8401]

I can see people getting upset expecting to pay “only $70 a month”, according to the sign, but then get “surprised” by being charged more due to them having a bigger yard. I obviously get what your trying to do. hopefully they dont give you issues.

[@DansVlog]

Maximo Solis So if somebody sees my trailer sign and calls me all excited that they’re only going to have to pay $70 a month and then they get upset when I tell them that that trailer sign is not for their neighborhood I’m supposed to be concerned with that? Hell no… Life’s a bitch! I’ll tell them the price for their house depending on their property and if they don’t like it they can get somebody else.

[@maximosolis8401]

Dan's Vlog lol knew you werent gunna like my comment. All Im saying is that the sign that says “$70 a month, no surprises”, can be a bit misleading when thats not gunna be the price for everyone. love what you do tho. keep doing your thing. will continue to be a subscriber to the channel :-)

[@caseywalker5889]

@@maximosolis8401 I understand where you are coming from.

[@kevindumm2349]

Great vid as always Dan ! I watch all the vids numerous times. The only question I have is if you put the $ 70 per month and no surprises, which I like. Is what about people calling who potentially have a higher priced lawn due to size of lawn, distance etc ?

[@DansVlog]

I only put the business card magnets in the neighborhood where I would charge 40 a lawn. If it’s a big pie shape lawn or a big corner lot or if they read my sign and call me from another neighborhood where they are much larger properties I explain to them that that’s for normal lots and that their price would be whatever I think their price would be.

[@dandylawnandmaintenance4407]

You know when they tell me they are on a fixed income I tell them so am I.

[@DansVlog]

I gotcha

[@gerardmcmanus]

Good luck, hope this works well for you.

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Gerard

[@trevino0405]

Hi Dan, or anyone here that can help. I plan on starting a small lawn care business. I only plan to do this as a side hustle 10-15 yards a week. I am in Texas. I have all equipment I need and experience but I have no idea what type of insurace I need. Any suggestions? Do I need a company name?

[@trevino0405]

thanks in advance!

[@DansVlog]

Luis Trevino hiscox. Com is who I use

[@JChamberlin]

Dan, you mentioned hitting the gym near the end of the video. Do you plan on talking about your fitness and diet in an upcoming video?

[@DansVlog]

If there becomes a demand for it

[@JChamberlin]

@@DansVlog I demand it! Sorry. I mean, I respectfully request it. :D Have a great day, Dan. I like your ambition.

[@TheOGPoohBear]

@@JChamberlin SAME Here

[@ianwithredbird]

Can't stand a bush frolicker! Great video Dan!

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Ian

[@iitsJustMj]

I like the new changes 100%

[@DansVlog]

Thank you MJ

[@iitsJustMj]

Dan's Vlog No Problem

[@Smithereens77331]

I like it! Should work well👍🏻

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Chris

[@truckin00man]

How do you keep your customers from dropping you in the winter time? It seems you’re risking a few months worth of payments

[@DansVlog]

If you feel sketchy, have them sign a Service agreement, otherwise, if you give them good service and do your part, they won’t drop you. Sure you will have the idiot here and there and ya just replace them. Most people are good people.

[@davetires7300]

Are you originally from Georgia DannO?

[@DansVlog]

No I grew up in South Florida

[@seanriley5492]

Set up auto pay for your customers. Set it and forget it.

[@DansVlog]

Thank you GREAT idea!!

[@t-money1182]

What's a good app you would recommend for auto pay?

[@seanriley5492]

Verg gahs The easiest and free way would be to have the customer use bill pay through their bank. They put it in the same as if they were paying any other bill using your account and routing number of your bank with the reoccurring monthly charge. You can also look at Venmo or use the square and take a credit card but both have a fee. We have found the first way to work well. You may have to walk a customer through it to set up but worth it in the long run. No more hunting money. Hope that helps.

[@t-money1182]

@@seanriley5492 thank you! I appreciate the reply man.

[@strykerv1620]

Charge a fee for people who want to take your time to look at their photos or chat. Loved the video otherwise. I was trying to figure out the amount of cut and all. good break down. I did an excel page to give me range of prices for 10 or 12 month contracts

[@DansVlog]

Thank you and good luck

[@georgerotundo5067]

you're not just selling lawn service. you're selling peace of mind by keeping HOA off their backs.

[@DansVlog]

That is true

[@AlbertoGonzalez-yu3pe]

I'm confused but I operate in central Florida anyway

[@DansVlog]

Confused?

[@AlbertoGonzalez-yu3pe]

You doing contracts this year

[@bishbash6547]

Dan, did you leave the Trash Business? Good business plan moving forward...

[@DansVlog]

Listen to what I say in my videos. I said Gym, WORK, edits then Fortnite.

[@bishbash6547]

@@DansVlog Sorry Dan, guess I don't understand the reply...I dont even know what fortnight is? I didn't mean to tweak you..Take care...

[@DansVlog]

I’m not tweaked, yet lol!

[@messapressurewashing1744]

Like the video but....... this doesn't seem to work in the real world. You give them a discount all growing season and then in November they cancel and don't pay. Maybe I'm not looking at it the right way, but I would have a hard time writing a check in the winter for lawn service. Would love for it to work but I don't see how. Thanks for the great video though!

[@DansVlog]

Do you live in the south where we can mow all year? I choose to not mow in the winter because I take a break but many lawn services mow all year even if they only come once every three or four weeks instead of once every 1 to 2 weeks so it’s really not that big of a deal. This winter, I will be servicing my customer’s thru winter once a month

[@Justthemow]

It’s not an option every other week is every other week no skipping I also charge 10 $ more for bi weekly

[@DansVlog]

Good deal!

[@willieslawncareservice.8436]

Come on man 💲70 a Month How about a 💲101🎯😜👍

[@DansVlog]

Maybe $102!?! 🤣🤣

[@goldtopsrock]

That’s assuming people will pay you before and after Christmas when bills are tight. Good idea though but may be risky.

[@DansVlog]

Bills are also super tight in the summer when Georgia Power DOUBLES the cost of kw’s AND summer fuel prices go up for some unknown reason.

[@mystorymylife9998]

I was thinking the same thing. Sounds extremely risky

[@joeyyoung9517]

👍

[@DansVlog]

Thank you Joey

[@gottahavegoalsset]

If you have 100 customers with a $40 per lawn avg, you just gave yourself an annual pay decrease of $4000 while continuing to do the $4000 worth of work.

[@DansVlog]

Spring Park Shop If you have 100 customers… And if the plan is followed absolutely 100% to the tea and you never miss a cut due to weather maintenance or illness. Keeping the business efficient and not letting others screw up your route density will pay down that 4K. Not to mention the ease of invoicing and book keeping. Pros and cons in everything! I appreciate your 2 cents and is a valid point

[@sixthscentsfragrances2140]

Don’t do lawn care but like your business acumen

[@whatjsays]

😊💚

[@DansVlog]

Thank you!

[@tritip1102]

Right direction/idea, execution lacks what’s needed to motivate customer buying decisions.

[@DansVlog]

Crooner Fan I’m sorry, I don’t recall where I said it was a how to video on how to get your customers to commit to your business model, I thought this is just me telling you guys what I plan on doing going forward… Quit being so fucking critical. Hear a video’s message and improvise if you want to use it

[@robbiejeffrey4618]

After 6 month's of you trial and error of doing this please let us know the good and bad you have discovered by doing this system and let us know how the customer's has kept up with there payments and do you see this system being the way to continue

[@DansVlog]

Will do!

[@Orefamilylawncare]

Interesting marketing plan. Holy cow your cheap!!! Your gonna be the lawn guy that pisses the other guys off😂...I'm actually thinking about pushing a 12 month system myself.

[@DansVlog]

Darryl Ore Understand markets change everywhere you go. Around $40 a cut for the yards that I do is about the average price some charge 30 some charge 35 barely anybody gets 50. Just a little information for you before you spout off calling people cheap.

[@Orefamilylawncare]

@@DansVlog I think you took my comment wrong. Maybe I should have said low priced🤷

[@DansVlog]

Maybe you should just ask what the market in my area is and tell us what the market in your area is and let us decide what is cheap or low priced or low balling or whatever opinion you have. I am not mad, bro, just disappointed people jump to conclusions so quickly without asking questions.

[@Orefamilylawncare]

@@DansVlog very true sir. Here in central VA yards anywhere from .25 acres on up. Biggest I had was close to ten acres. A postage stamp lot gets you 35.00 and those homes are around 350k dollar homes. As far as invoicing, estimating, I use yardbook. Couple guys I know use this service autopilot deal and they like it as well. Mulch jobs I'm currently at about 90 per yard installed. Aeration no less than 75 . Just some rough figures we typically see here.

[@sandy4669]

If you married me would you mow my grass i will cook for you

[@DansVlog]

I do love to eat! 😂😂😂