A quick story about a bad experience when I first started my gardening business. As a result, a new company policy was born. Thanks for watching.
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@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel, please like and subscribe. See you next time👍🏻
@nota83862 жыл бұрын
I think we all know that the ULTIMATE insult was that it was Fosters lager!
@davidfrench1619Ай бұрын
A friend in need is a pain in the arse!
@ourtwotube29 күн бұрын
My neighbour is a glazer/window/door/lock fitter, I have had him in a few times for jobs, every time he's laid i'll do it for £x amount, I've always said to him to do it for his asking rate, exactly because I understand people have bills etc and I'm not looking for mates rates, I'd just rather give the work out locally, always pay cash. That's how we should treat each other with businesses.
@Grow_Up_Man552 күн бұрын
I’m a bit late to this one! 🤣 But totally agree. For some reason there’s an expectation that manual workers like us, or lower paid workers, are fair game to haggle down, to ask for favours or the old chestnut, ‘while you’re here, can you just…’. But at least the conversation isn’t quite as awkward when you don’t know them. It’s the same with tips. Taxi drivers and waiters seem to be the accepted receivers of tips. Gardeners on the other hand - not so much. I can’t think of any other reason than historical precedent. You can’t really say a taxi driver has put more effort into a particular job! But yeah, I also avoid working for people I know for the same reasons as you do. Great story.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 күн бұрын
Thank you , appreciate your comment and thoughts.
@4101421092 жыл бұрын
You usually find people who want something for nothing have plenty of money!.
@tilerman2 жыл бұрын
'Don't work for family or friends'. You can say that again. And not only that, being a van owner i regularly get asked 'oh, can you help pick up and drop off (enter white goods/large furniture item)' Thing is when i do it's not me helping, it's me doing.
@Danceup-dh6kn23 күн бұрын
I agree. I've been bitten by working for my family. They expect cheaper prices, but I can't afford to do that.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices22 күн бұрын
They certainly do.👍🏻
@dalydetailz21202 жыл бұрын
Hi Rob. I feel your pain mate. I have lost so many friends because they seem to think I'm some sort of a charity. How anyone can expect you to spend all day working, and swallow costs to your business for the waste removal, is beyond taking the piss. But, we live and learn !
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment Kev. Unfortunately people take a lend. 👍🏻
@lpatterson50056 күн бұрын
Absolute shit heap of a human man a crate of beer that cost probably £15.. for a days graft nuts
@g.williamswilliams84422 жыл бұрын
My sincere sympathy and total empathy mate. I'm a sparky, and have been in a very similar situation... they use the " Wife " as a blocker.. In reality they know exactly what they are doing, it's very crafty teamwork between husband and wife..... Absolute Shysters... In my experience,... long story short, I spent a whole 5 days wiring up a new kitchen for a mate,.... I got absolutely fuck all for my time.... he used the " Mrs won't be happy card"... Twats.. We live and learn
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment. Your so right, we live and learn. 👍🏻
@chrismaplethorpe67812 жыл бұрын
This is why i dont do electrical jobs for people any more. Cable alone is a big expense before adding on other materials then the work involved chasing walls out then plastering afterwards. So just refuse now. I just use the Part P excuse now. Dont have it or need it due to working on heavy industrial stuff.
@six75292 жыл бұрын
Blokes like that need a damn good slap
@markhitachi2 жыл бұрын
i’ll tell you one that happen to me. i do car bodywork for a living. a friend asked me to take a look at his wife’s car as she had scraped the back bumper on her car at time. so i drive roughly 15 miles to the house look at the car. take the back bump off drive home again repair & paint the bumper drive back again a few days later. fit the bumper. the wife wasn’t there. the husband says she’s away shopping she’ll ring you later about what she owes you. i said ok. now bare in mind i was out the price of the paint, primer, lacquer etc. probably £60 roughly.. i never heard a word from any off them again wouldn’t answer my txt msg or phone calls. i was shafted big time. you dead right rob don’t do anything for family & friends.. all the best for the season ahead.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
That’s terrible, people can be awful. Thanks for watching and your comment.
@YukinagaFinn26 минут бұрын
Jeez..... I wish I'd come across your channel much earlier. I'm such a mug when it comes to business. Really have to toughen up.
@HeathMaintenanceService2 жыл бұрын
On starting out on my own for the first time in my life I was eager to take on everything and anything. Scared to turn things down. No experience of pricing work up. Looked at a side on picture of a conifer hedge. I didn’t bother going to look. Guessed at how long it would take to cut to the ground. No thought on how I was disposing of the waste! And stupidly said I would do the lot, taking waste and all. Not even got a van sorted yet! Got there and told him I’m going to have to walk away. Eventually agreed on a price to cut to ground level and he would organise removing the waste. Painful! But lessons learnt that day!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great comment, thanks for watching. All the best .
@kebabtank2 жыл бұрын
I think the old saying goes "When it comes to money, you know no one" That includes jobs on the side and personal property. I am a former landscape gardener, and when I had the van, friends and family would contact me all the time to help them out. I really should have been a lot firmer with some of them. I won't go into the personal property side of things, but all I will say is: Never lend tools to anyone, ever!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment. Your so right.👍🏻
@Mat-kr1nf2 жыл бұрын
Neither a borrower nor a lender be. Valuable advice my mother was told by her mother, then told to me!
@jameswyeth82232 жыл бұрын
@@Mat-kr1nf I got the same advice i stick to it too.
@janejohnson71202 жыл бұрын
Totally agree. You know what you are worth and people just prey on your good nature. I personally would have emptied the waste bags back on his property!
@pablo9364 Жыл бұрын
I have had exactly the same. Ask yourself what sort of person would prey on your good nature??? How must that person think to do that. It infuriates me !! Thank god we do not think that way 🙏
@olliebob83702 жыл бұрын
I did a job all day on a Sunday, spent all day, he was over the moon, he said “il pop round later” I said “brill, no worries” he came round mine with a ruddy cake 🤣
@paul756uk22 жыл бұрын
Yeah, been there. If they gave it to you in cash it'd barely make a quid. There's no shortage of people like that.
@tropmaj2 жыл бұрын
I love his get out clause "the lass won't be happy" enough said!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
We live and learn, thanks 🙏 👍🏻
@jameswyeth82232 жыл бұрын
My mate has a saying to blokes who are under the thumb ! "Take your bollocks out of your wife's handbag" lol
@cjbrad25822 жыл бұрын
Oh yes rented my house cheap to a friend paid every month as agreed till he moved out no problems it can work. Next a family of long term friends moved in charged them a cheap rent as I thought I could trust them everything went sort of OK for 18 months, then didn't pay the rent. So I was going to get them out till their friends beg me to let them stay and they paid what was owning in arrears, stupid I did so. Over the next 3 months I got £200 in rent and paid £6000 to put the house right after they moved out. And to top it off I was the bad guy from my so called friends. Fingers burnt big time.
@COLLECTORSCORNER1979ANT2 жыл бұрын
TRUST NOONE.ONLY THOSE WHO PROVE TIME & TIME AGAIN TO BE DECENT GENUINE HUMAN BEINGS.
@jonwatson6542 жыл бұрын
Remember once I did a job for a young couple, friends of friends. I said it would be about £400. I broke a bone in my foot falling off a ladder on the job. Went back the next day and finished the job with a moon boot on in agony. I invoiced them £450. They made such a fuss about the 'extra' £50, I just walked (hobbled) away. Told them not to ever phone me again. I was raging. I actually know tradesman who ask for a reference from prospective clients before they'll work for them. In my experience it's cowboy clients not cowboy tradesman.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
I agree with you 100 percent. Thanks for watching and your comment.
@tc93082 жыл бұрын
100% right rob if I have to work for friends I actually quote more
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great ideas Tom, thanks for watching. 👍🏻
@gjclark24782 жыл бұрын
Been s/e gardener and grounds maintaining since 2001, I can relate 🙄 I reduced a beech hedge for my brother who lives in a national trust house and it's hedges had to be kept immaculate. Trimmed it on the Saturday thinking it was job done but the parish councillor said it was not low enough, and my brother asked me to lower the hedge by another two foot........ I did the following day (a Sunday) with loppers and chainsaw, it was another full days work. Thinking I was going to paid a mates rate to cover fuel, wear and tear and a few beer tokens, I was offered a family barbeque............ Never again 😕
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great comment, we live and learn.👍🏻
@lewisdean222 жыл бұрын
My father asked me to help him lay some slabs for a path at a church , my father wasn’t getting paid and was being asked by his then daughter in law. The path was about 40 metres long and the auld slabs had to be lifted and new ones put down. We spent all day Saturday on a day that rained non stop for about 10 hours to get it finished for the Sunday. My father got a lovely letter from the minister for all his help and to thank his helpers, i went a bit crazy and said just a helper , never felt so under appreciate. And not one tea or coffee or biscuit .
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
That’s terrible, thanks for the comment.👍🏻
@piercegalligan3 жыл бұрын
Brilliant story. That's why I always see what they want done and then say to them the price before I start.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
I agree with you, lesson learned. Thanks for watching and your support .👍🏻
@barrymichaels26632 жыл бұрын
I know exactly what you're talking about mate, people will always try to take advantage of you no matter what.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Your right Barry. Thanks for watching.
@davidchester4293 ай бұрын
Always baffles me how people will pay a stranger but expect theor mates to work for less
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 ай бұрын
You’re so right. Thank you.
@nathanieldavis1168Ай бұрын
Great to see you learning from that lesson. Thats wisdom. The lesson was worth the petrol and disposal charge - can't even get that on a MBA!
@rjp6662 жыл бұрын
Hope you kept the Fosters. Reminds me of a Hedge cut I took on a few years back it was 40 metres long by 3 meters high , I stupidly looked at it one winters evening after dark. The following week I turned up with my tools then my heart sunk to the lowest level ever and my jaw clunked on the toe of my boots, their before me stood this menacing PYRACANTHA with thorns the size of spears 😱😱😭😭😭 I returned home that evening looking like a pin cushion that had fought the battle of all battles . Never quote for a job after dark.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Pleased it’s not just me, thanks for watching and your comment.
@jamesshanks93383 жыл бұрын
Good video Rob. I did several visits to a particular Customer, just small maintenance work. They did pay and gave me lots of LAUDETS. However I believe that because they knew me things became to familiar if you get my meaning? I did another visit earlier this year and charged them £120: for the work carried out, ie; hand weeded all the stoned areas, trimmed up some small Ornamental Conifers and redifined all the edges of the Lawn. I was due to go back and do some more work. I made contact with them and when speaking with the Wife she said that they thought it was a BIT DEAR 😡. She said her husband said that I charged them £30: an hour as I was there 4hrs, I said I was there 5hrs plus.I came off the phone and I said I don't want to ever work for these people again!!! The Moral of it all, FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT. Regards Jim from J.S.G.S N.IRELAND.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
Great comment Jim, thanks. It appears that we all go through the same issues. Your so right, don’t get to close to customers, we run a business not a charity. All the best. 👍🏻
@tilerman2 жыл бұрын
A friend of mine wanted some work done and as we are both tradesmen, i suggested that i will give him 4 days for his job, leaving him owing me 4 days. He disagreed. Because he considered his trade to be above mine, he said he would owe me a day and a half. He actually said that and i felt embarrassed for him.
@davidjohnson48022 жыл бұрын
I can relate to this. I work in the pest control business i started doing favours for certain neighbours and treating their problems. This was the worst days work i ever did .....I had people at my front door at all hours asking for work to be done then never having the cash on them to pay. The final straw was when I was going on holiday and loading my luggage and kids into the car , when a very shirty woman came over and started demanding that i treat her next-door neighbour's rat problem. ...NOW... I had never met this woman and told her to phone a local company as I was going on holiday. She then stormed off saying she would not be recommending me for future works !! Needless to say, I have moved to a new house and do not do any local work . My personal life is now my own.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Pleased it’s not just me, thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@matthewsmith27872 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a right Karen that lady.
@patrickwalsh71782 жыл бұрын
Rob not all friends and family/ neighbours are like that. My mate two doors down has his own little one man gardening business and I get him to help me when I need a hand, I always pay him straight away. Rob but I do know where you are coming from--those tight wads are all over the place, they do not see the effort etc that goes into not only getting a business started but paying your own bills. From what you have said on here you have learnt a valuable lesson, good luck to you they won't catch you again.
@tracer11272 жыл бұрын
I don’t know how I stumbled across this, but here’s a few words of wisdom. As a bathroom and kitchen fitter I wouldn’t even change a tap for someone without looking at it first. Sure if it’s a small job and you want to help someone out that’s great but never be a busy fool.. your price is your price, you are not a charity’s and if they can’t afford you they will have to look elsewhere. Never loose sleep about how much you charge. The cheaper guy might not want to live the same lifestyle as you. The amount of times I hear so and so will do the job for this is unbelievable. I always say well if he is so cheap and can do you a good job why have you asked me to quote on it.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great comment thanks.👍🏻
@robertlees75282 жыл бұрын
Sage advice. My late dad always said to me you are far too accommodating. Over the years this has led me to being a taxi service money lender and the worlds best shopper...quoted to me prior to being given a shopping list. Family and friends!!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
We all need to learn to say no. Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@noswaluk2 жыл бұрын
It’s funny I have a very similar story to yours. I’m not a tradesman but like cutting my lawn. I got a new next door neighbour asked me if I could do his as he worked off shore. He said he would pay me. So one Sunday I cut my lawn then carried my lawnmower over to his got my big extension lead out to reach his house using my electric. Took me over three hours to do his front lawn and the two back ones. There in a big slope too. Thought to myself when he says how much what should I say. I had a good think and though it’s worth A minimum of £30 iv missed half a day seeing my daughter and used my electric to cut it. If he gives me more it’s a bonus. He came round my house when he returned from work with 4 cans of Stella. Unlike you I just smiled and said thanks. Raging inside.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great comment, we live and learn.👍🏻
@bobaverage23 күн бұрын
I think I'm lucky with a close inlaw that I work for, they listen to what I say and are pleased with what gets done. But going forward I wont be taking on any other friends or family as you say. It's not worth the awkwardness.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices22 күн бұрын
That’s what I have found.👍🏻
@walesdad2 жыл бұрын
I've been a bricky all my life, now near retirement, and I learnt the hard way many years ago. I was out of work at the time, I'm probably going back to the late seventies, and money was tight. My mother said that some family friends wanted a garden wall built at the front of their house and would I do it. Of course I would, a job for a couple I'd known for years, nice and local, all pound notes, what could possible go wrong? Being young, eager and bloody daft, I dived right in. Three days later, and being too bashful to mention money, I finish the wall. Still no mention of money from me and certainly no mention from them. The male half of the couple was giving me a lift back home and I thought that when we get back to my house, well then he'll put his hand in his pocket. No fear of that, just a "...thanks a lot " and that was that. Didn't even get offered a slab of 'Fosters'. I got out of the vehicle and walked into the house, mad at them, mad at myself and if I'd have had a cat I'd have kicked him where the sun will never shine. Told the "Old Lady' to never ask on behalf of friends of hers again and I've always tied to stick to it. Simply not worth the aggro and advice to any youngsters starting off ? DO NOT DO FAVOURS !
@JS-zz2hz4 ай бұрын
And loading out, knocking up and laying bricks is one of THE hardest types of graft you can do. I learned the hard way too, did a days work for a relative while unbeknown to me her husband was making silly videos of me. I didn't find it funny...years later I helped him out on a job and spent WEEKS chasing my money. Never again.
@ciararespect42963 ай бұрын
Why didn't you demand money or just kick the wall down? Don't kick cats
@jameswyeth82232 жыл бұрын
Good but sad story Rob its amazing how some chancers sleep at night, great for you to put in a video for people, I've come unstuck by not viewing jobs and under charged, i look at all jobs now. Years ago one of my first customers (big garden tidy) told me she didn't see why she had to pay for me to rake up and bag the waste only for the trimming time ! so wanted to deduct money. We had a debate she did pay but couldn't understand why i didn't go back lol.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
People equals problems, not all but a great deal. My view is , difficult customers get let go. Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@garrypepperman Жыл бұрын
Cracking storey, but very true and lessons learned
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Жыл бұрын
Absolutely. Thanks for watching and your comment.
@tonysmith83792 жыл бұрын
That's a bad experience indeed. I've had my fair share of crappy experiences. You lose time and money. And also spend days feeling upset about it. The Only positive is it's a learning experience. Be careful not to let it happen again. Cheers from Australia.
@kellbell94162 жыл бұрын
No favour's for neighbours. Love it. Very true tho. Great advice for anyone starting a business venture. 👍🏻
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Kell, all the best. 👍🏻
@TheGreyGardener19902 жыл бұрын
Shocking from that bloke. Steep learning curve as you say, and at least you got a video from it!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Cheers mate.
@letsgetdigging7418 Жыл бұрын
Well said rob, I am busy trying to ditch friends family and neighbour jobs I’ve took on.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Жыл бұрын
It’s the only way. All the best.👍🏻
@brenfit42572 жыл бұрын
That is very true.....l agree 100 per cent....lm tradesman myself...
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment and supporting the channel.👍🏻
@marshman53192 жыл бұрын
I’ve been a Gardner self employed 27 years this year and my 2 golden rules 1 never work for family and friends/// 2 learn to say no...the latter being hardest of the two especially when you start out 👍
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
I agree with you 100%. Thanks for watching and your comment.
@marshman53192 жыл бұрын
And I still can’t spell gardener 😂😂😂😂😂😂
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Blame the spelling auto correct, that’s what I do. 👍🏻
@AndrewSmith-el5fs2 жыл бұрын
This has only worked out to my benefit once in 4 decades gardening. Quite recently a pal wanted 'advice' on a new lawn, which I gave, he did all the work and I agreed to put down the turf. He did a good job prepping, just a fine tune with the rake and we were away, he bought every turf to me from the front to the back of the property. Went and did first cut for him and he paid me well over the odds considering he did all the hard graft - I felt sooo guilty !! Weird but you kind of expect to take a hit on that kind of job. Nice change though !
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment Andrew, we live and learn.👍🏻
@Hunter-type2 жыл бұрын
Think you have dealt with it really well by sharing your story here.... hopefully he will watch this and muster some empathy at last....
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
You might be right. All the best.
@david219682 жыл бұрын
Best advice is to make crystal clear the price and what is expected (with all customers including friends and family)
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
I agree Cameron, thanks for watching .
@thomasdolby33712 жыл бұрын
This is so true and I think your attitude is perfect I’ve been burned many times and I never learn taking something from this
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Thomas, all the best.👍🏻
@mitch36832 жыл бұрын
Never a true word said👍done loads a favours for friends and family, just feel like I’ve been mugged off. If I ever have a mate do work for me, I pay em well and £10- £20 tip for a beer!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Cheers Mitch, we live and learn. 👍
@mickbrooks81142 жыл бұрын
Simple answer don't do it
@charliep65332 жыл бұрын
Good vid mate,you have to ask why friends and family want you to do their work. They’ll say because they won’t trust anyone else but they’re really after a cheap price 100%. Did a job for someone close who was on at me for ages to lay some paving and can well afford to pay the going rate, I’d reckon if it was anyone else it would have been £2k plus for labour. When they asked I said it’s ok,thinking they’d pay me £500 or something and I’d have been happy with that as I just wanted to get the job out of the way.After all the wows and plaudits I’ve received the grand total of zero. So your bang on with what your saying👍
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Charlie, everyone learns the hard way , I certainly did.👍
@robertmcgloan12572 жыл бұрын
I always hated friends and family getting me to do jobs for them . its the mate Rate they are looking for . and once you have done the job cheaper for them to help them out . no sooner have you finished and they are parading a new car or a foreign Holiday. and they wearing you like a badge telling everyone how cheap they got the job done
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Couldn’t agree more.👍🏻
@noswaluk2 жыл бұрын
Just found your channel tonight. Was only going to watch one video and two hours on I’m still here. Love your honest stories. Your a funny man. Good luck with everything.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@skellyste60502 жыл бұрын
Ya bang on mate same as money an friends ya done thth right thing ya cud ov lost ya head strat to fight or out
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Your right, thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@AlanMcCarthyguitar2 жыл бұрын
As a tiler and guitar teacher I hear you , I ve been a fool far too often in this regard, hating myself for being a mug , great channel you have here , interesting talks and content
@starman19692 жыл бұрын
I know the feeling. Down the years I did a few jobs for friends of friends, and some of them didn’t go well. The worst was working all day to tidy a front & back garden. It was a difficult job and I also had to get rid of a ton of rubbish. The customer wasn’t happy and never paid me a penny, despite all I’d done. On top of that, I had to pay my friend £80 for helping me, and another £20 for the tip.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
We live and learn. Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@hugostieglitz2382 жыл бұрын
Best advice to any soul traders out there!! Family are the worst believe me.. I have the same ethos.👍👍
@slwilliams752 жыл бұрын
Agree 100% 👍🏻
@wisher21uk2 жыл бұрын
If you ever want to lose a “friend” lend them some money 😁
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
I agree, thanks for watching and your comment. 👍🏻
@wisher21uk2 жыл бұрын
@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices and I’m only in South Shields lol
@Ratsotone2 жыл бұрын
That bloke took the piss out of you, he will have known you weren't gonna do it for free, he's tried it on and it paid off, and I wouldn't have given a toss if his missus wasn't gonna be happy or not, you did the job and you wanted paying for it, but one thing for certain is, you should have left him with his rubbish. People like that make me sick, I'm a builder and I've got a few horror stories, but why do these spineless bastards always involve their missus, if I give a verbal estimate, usually for small jobs, as soon as he says, I'll have a word with our lass about it, and I get that a lot, you know you're not going to hear from him again, he's not man enough to tell you to your face, so he uses his missus as an excuse, I always give a wry smile when that happens, because the guy has just laid his cards on the table without even realising it
@bradroller60729 ай бұрын
Another great video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices9 ай бұрын
Thanks again!
@wearejames12 жыл бұрын
Great video, I think you either do it for nothing, if it is a very small job, if you know they can't afford it, in the the hope they give you a small payment/token gift or will hopefully recommend you to someone who is willing to pay you on your terms. Or let them know you are in business and need to earn a reasonable rate to cover overheads and your valuable time from the very beginning. Doing a job, then talking money, is the wrong way around IMHO. If they want the job done cheaper, they could offer to help to reduce your time and therefore costs. Unfortunately some people just don't think any further than themselves and if they are friends and they treat you like that, well they probably not what I would call good friends. Yes, I can see why you did it, I think we have all be caught out like that, but a lesson learnt the hard way, but now well remembered with new rules 👍
@stoneynspidey4212 жыл бұрын
Hey Rob, cheers for your insight. I've started up in Essex, and doing nicely. One of my customers is my next door neighbour, lovely elderly lady. I followed your advice, set my price early and have to say a year in we get on better now than before. So glad I saw this. Cheers for now
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment. All the best.
@andrewweston8354 Жыл бұрын
Well done mate really enjoyed
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it thanks.
@monkey54592 жыл бұрын
Excellent advice! I've been involved in the 'you do a job for me and I'll do a job for you!' scenario before and it never works out amicable and can spoil a good friendship in the long run. Thanks for the video and good luck with your business 👍
@JohnAbbot-ee3xn Жыл бұрын
If a 'friend' tried this with me, they out .
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Жыл бұрын
I agree.
@adrianbrewer17082 жыл бұрын
100% with you. Thanks for sharing Rob. All the best. Adrian
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks.
@taximan2002 жыл бұрын
You’re quite right, I’m a black hack driver in Glasgow and a long time ago I learned not to pick up friends and family, was being mucked about so many times on a busy Friday or Saturday night. Only done it a few times but in the end I was losing money and time running about after them. It’s not worth the hassle…
@MyScottyboy12 жыл бұрын
I'm always "Snowed under", "too busy", or "it's beyond my skill-set".
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Pleased for you .
@gdfggggg2 жыл бұрын
TOO BUSY LOVE, is my go to excuse.
@johnbellamy64492 жыл бұрын
When I was a child my dad had a friend who came over on a Thursday evening, in the 1960s. They went for a beer. Dad's friend Jim asked dad if he could get 4 Morris wheel discs re chromed. Dad had them done and paid for them, 1pound for the four. When Jim took them home on that Thursday evening he said. I will pay you next week. He was never seen again. Friendship lost for 1pound.
@1977JohnBoy2 жыл бұрын
if he drove a morris he probably didn't live long enough to pay a week later lol
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great comment, thanks.
@spanishpeaches29302 жыл бұрын
Never do work for anyone who is related to your mates either! Best to work for those you don't know.
@peterhaigh57642 жыл бұрын
Yes rob been there done that I’m a self employed decorator what I hate is Neigbhours asking me to do work for them. too close to home. They have no idea what the rates are when you tell them it’s £180-£200 a day there gob smacked But we’re all living in the same street they know what it costs to live why am l different? we have a trade or skill but they think that we are getting the same pay as them who are working in a coffee shop on paye! We’re Self employed van to run, fuel, materials, accountant to pay, 20% tax, stamp, insure a van, maintain it. They’ve no idea! Sorry for the rant I’ve had a couple tonight By the way great content! 😀
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great comment, thanks for watching Peter, all the best.👍🏻
@0000stuart2 жыл бұрын
I just came across your Chanel . I'm a gardener up in Glasgow . Years ago I was £15 a hour . A customer messaged me to do her garden a few years after I'd charged £15 ... She didn't ask for a price . I did her overgrown grass ( 2 bins worth standing on the bins ) 4 ft off the bk conifer hedge , trimmed the front conifer hedge . 5 hours work + I took waste away in my truck , I said £110 ( to cheap ) She was on the phone saying that's to expensive ... She said she could go to £45 ! & If I sent my details she would transfer it ... I was so angry I said I tell you what since your not happy with the money call it free . People say I'm good & fair , I'll never forget & she lost a good gardener .
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Your so right Stuart. We run a business not a charity. Good luck for the rest of the season.👍🏻
@0000stuart2 жыл бұрын
@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices I'm just heading out , I'll definitely message you again . I'm lucky enough to be kept going pretty much all year although I do look forward to becoming a bit quieter in the winter as the body gets sore & needs a rest 🙂 I hope your business is going well 🤞
@davidcoleman60322 жыл бұрын
The world is full of tight arses,who don't want to pay you,but are more than happy for you to give up your soul for them,my ex boss is a prime example!Best wishes from down south!🙄👍
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks David, all the best.👍🏻
@davidprice69942 жыл бұрын
Now funny enough, my next door overheard me saying that I'm getting a new chainsaw and the first thing they asked was,,,, Oh Dave when you get your chainsaw, would you mind trimming my trees as i had a quote from a tree person and he quoted me £855.00 but I'm not paying that. lol you know what my answer will be then nooooo I'm sorry lol
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Everyone wants a free lunch. Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@billlovett59872 жыл бұрын
If family or friends ask me to do the job I will just give them THE BODY SWERVE Good video from the USA
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great advice.👍🏻
@geoffvalenti2 жыл бұрын
Good advice, Rob I'm a musician and I get asked to play, all the time, by not just friends and family but strangely by members of the public, who expect you to work for free, or cheap "because you enjoy it!" They don't grasp the fact that it's my living and although I try to make every experience in my life enjoyable, at the end of the day it's still work and there are lots of places that I'd rather be if I'm not being paid to play. As amateur musicians, they may enjoy their hobby, but to me it's work and whether I enjoy it is definitely secondary to getting paid. Most people glean some enjoyment from work, if they don't they're in the wrong job, but making work bearable or enjoyable, doesn't mean that they shouldn't get paid. Never work for friends and family is definitely one of my work rules. I don't mind being blunt with members of the public when they ask me to work for cheap, or free, but it's too easy to end a friendship or cause a family upset when you expect to be paid for work, and they expect you to do it for free, because "you like doing it"
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great comment, thanks for watching and supporting the channel.
@johnsweeney171211 ай бұрын
Great video. Rob that’s a great story if a bit painful for you… we call them “God Bless You” jobs. You handled it well in the end, learned your lesson, it might have saved you a bigger fall further down the line.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices11 ай бұрын
It was painful at the time. Taught me a great lesson. 👍🏻
@mattwhiting29232 жыл бұрын
Love the videos, starting out this April on my own. Videos have been helpful.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment Matt. Good luck with your business and let me know how you get on.👍
@mattwhiting29232 жыл бұрын
@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Thanks, yeah will do.
@mattwhiting29232 жыл бұрын
Also off to college to get qualified in horticulture and strimming and hedge cutting.
@Nickpaintbrush2 жыл бұрын
That bloke was no friend, it was just a major insult to your intelligence, and its not too late to send him a bill, nothing to lose mate!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Great point, thanks for watching and your comment.
@glenoxman79042 жыл бұрын
If his wife wasn't happy maybe he should of got her to do it 🤣 I can't believe for a minute it wasn't a try on. Not fair mate, not fair at all.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Cheers Glen. We live and learn. Thanks for watching.👍🏻
@RealCptHammonds3 жыл бұрын
Amen brother! Doing business with anyone you know will ALWAYS end badly!!!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
I totally agree with you. It’s difficult dealing with family and friends. Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@williamburgess47322 жыл бұрын
There are many of us with you, learn from our mistakes.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks William, appreciate your comment.👍🏻
@smoketillyoudrop13 жыл бұрын
I always remember once bitten twice shy, I remember the good customers but I will never forget the bad ones, life is a learning curve even at 51 for me. Keep up the good work mate love the videos 👍👍👍
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ian. Great advice. All the best.👍🏻
@thetruthk51382 жыл бұрын
That's true you can have 99 brilliant customer's and 1 stinker. But we all tend to dwell on the bad one as humans we just cannot cope with negativity and not being treat correctly/fairly and I believe it to be true whatever age we are !!!
@heytony4162 Жыл бұрын
Sorry that happened mate! That’s a difficult situation. I’m glad the lesson that came from it saved future nightmares like that though!
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Жыл бұрын
Thank you . We live and learn. All the best.
@gardeningintheheart16922 жыл бұрын
That is a hard wake up call. I have had a few. As self employed gardener. Thanks for your videos.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Cheers Adrian. Thanks for watching.👍🏻
@boyakka792 жыл бұрын
You are a decent humble man and clearly learnt from your lesson.Hope you get loads of work and good advice given to all.Cheers Steve.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Cheers Steve. 👍🏻
@vinimaguire81092 жыл бұрын
Yep ...been there done that too ..Ended up doing a whole day landscaping and tip run for a family friend who said she'd pay me soon as they sold the house and got settlement. Found out 2 months later it was a rental
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
That’s terrible, thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@edwardmcknight22803 жыл бұрын
Great video rob I know exactly how you feel and agree 100% love the videos 👍
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Edward, have a great day .👍🏻
@alias-_unknown99993 жыл бұрын
The best policy. Great video buddy 👍🏽
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
Cheers Mate, thanks for watching.👍🏻
@oldthumper8026 ай бұрын
Well said, I've fallen into the same trap, different business though but same thing. It's just a pity you had already stowed all the waste in the van 😉👍
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices6 ай бұрын
Your right. All the very best and thank you for watching.
@COLLECTORSCORNER1979ANT2 жыл бұрын
That friend don't sound like a very good decent friend atall. YOUR FRIEND WAS BANG OUT OF ORDER. Some people just don't think how would they feel in the same situation.which makes them totally selfish basically. Nobody should expect anybody to do anything totally for free especially thesedays with everything so expensive. You are 100% right friends & family will always try to take advantage.
@russellgaley31643 жыл бұрын
Excellent Advice, thanks
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
Cheers Russell, all the best.👍🏻
@stgr35779 ай бұрын
Love it love it love it 👍👍👍
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices9 ай бұрын
Thank you .
@waynesmiley54522 жыл бұрын
Been In that situation mate with a family member
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
We live and learn. Thanks for watching and your comment.
@ginggur172 жыл бұрын
Bang on mate, bang on. 👍👍👍
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@mr.giraffe7076 Жыл бұрын
I would never screw a mate with money. Never. I have legit helped friends for free out because I hate stealing their time.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@tonyhodgkinson45863 жыл бұрын
Lesson learnt Rob, I just wanna five ya a good hug because there ain’t many chaps would admit to that. I’ll add my neighbours a sparky and I asked him what he would charge for a couple of sockets fitted, he said he didn’t want anything but after the job i took him round some cash as a thanks, he never spoke to me after that for ages. Nought strange as folk.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices3 жыл бұрын
Cheers Tony. We live and learn. Thanks for watching and your comment.👍🏻
@granty49552 жыл бұрын
Well said 👌🏻 great advice - enjoy your Chanel 👍🏻
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your comment.
@troweltalk27192 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video pal never a truer word spoken got the T shirt on this 1
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@sammytheseal23072 жыл бұрын
Many friends are only friend(ly) until they need something from you... 😁 Imagine a person who you "know" - never say a word to you until... "Oh hello mate how are you. My car is making a noise can you have a look at it..." "Oh my telly stopped working I know you're handy with that sort of thing..." "Oh my missus has got a new phone can you set it up for her within the next 12 hours before we go to Spain, ideally at 4:15pm...." Grrrrr 😠😂
@sammytheseal23072 жыл бұрын
Or if they ask for a favour, I'll tell them I'm happy to have a look and give you an idea on price/a quote. Then there should hopefully be less surprise when the bill comes through and less confusion 👍 Lesson learnt really, onwards and upwards 🙂
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the comment and watching.👍🏻
@raymondboakes2 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed that story Rob ,been there got the badge,your so right in the end you just say no sorry,I'm too busy .Some people try to take the urine,if you let them.Keep on trucking mate.
@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices2 жыл бұрын
Cheers mate.👍🏻
@TheObSeRvErTheObSeRv2 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that MAXWELL , copt that too, so in future i would say ok i will come around and quote the job, there a hole would go tight and say oh i thought you would do it for free.!! i said to him when you get up and go to work for a boss do you do it for FREE,!!!