Garden Maintenance Customers, Treat You Like An All You Can Eat Buffet.

[@VGM-UK]

It's been a while since I did my 4 year stint as a self employed garden maintenance guy. I gave up during lockdown, but I think in my heart I had already given up 12 months earlier and just need that push away. Here in Norfolk I just found customers hard work and soul destroying. Many of them wanted and expected an hourly rate, and the times I had to drum into them that I have to run a van and supply and maintain lawnmowers, hedge cutter, strimmer etc. and still earn at least the minimum wage all year long. That I don't get paid Bank Holidays, or Holiday entitlement, or sick pay, or a company subsidised pension scheme for old age. I think looking back I was just not mentally strong enough to deal with customers face to face, I was always the kind of guy that wanted to please the world and go that extra mile for customers, hence I have a lot of respect for people doing this solo as a fulltime job.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for sharing your experience. All the best to you.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

I know this is from last year but it resonates so much with my own experience. Being a gardener is a lonely business so it’s great to hear that your experiences are identical to mine. I ditched full maintenance about a year ago for the same reasons as you. I now offer the regular grass care and tell them I’ll quote for anything else they want doing. Works better for me, but even then they can try to screw you over. Like when I quoted £120 for a conifer hedge, only for the customer to put me off doing it for the next three months. Then she was ready. By that time it had put another two feet of growth on it! Safe to say, I told her I’d have to re-quote!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I totally agree with you.👍🏻

[@gazzer504]

Hiya Rob, love your videos! Here's a good one for you. I took on a new customer recently with a huge plot. At the meeting I got the feeling she was going to be a pain but I ignored my gut feeling. Later on I messaged a detailed quote and my price, she agreed and I was set to make my first visit the following week. 20 minutes later she messaged me back telling me where she would like me to make a start (fair enough). And then continued on instructing me to bring annual bedding plants, perinnals and compost. I politely messaged back saying basically I'm here to service your gardens, I'm not in the business of doing my customers shopping for them. I dropped her straight away.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Some people are unbelievable. Replace with better.👍🏻

[@margarettaylor601]

Hi , I do gardening for a dissabled lady who is exactly on the buffet line. You've just finnished packing up your tools & cleaned up when she appears at the window, " can you JUST do this & that , Oh and whilst your here could you JUST " it never ends. Thankfully she is happy to pay the extra hours but has no regard for the rest of your days work going down the pan ! M

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your a kind person. I would let go.

[@commercialtreecare2023]

Have had many a customer like this, and one scenario was pretty much how you described, Pensioner was adamant that i Weed her patio which would of taken me an extra hour at least, i constantly explained that i couldn't as it would make me late for my next customer, she was Very Persistent and the outcome was as i predicted, i lost the customer that i was going to be late for, as that was the last time i could do her garden before she had to go overseas for a Month or two. I even lost the Pensioner that made me late for the other as she had found someone Cheaper. I'm leaving the garden maintenance industry for good, can't compete with the Never ending stream of new Gardener's and Handymen/Gardener's that are charging stupidly low hourly rates

[@sixtysecondsofstephens2386]

My thoughts exactly. What puts me off doing jobs self employed is like you say the customer wants more and more.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

It’s a challenge managing their expectations.👍🏻

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

We garden maintenance chaps are not only under valued, but are also expected to do all manner of jobs around the property! I don't mind being helpful, but some people take the piss! Been in the business for around 30 years and now thankfully, cutting my workload down! Some people think it's easy, but it can be really hard graft!!!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree with you 100 percent. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. All the best.

[@diesel_man99]

There's no sweat coming out of the electricians or the plumbers and people don't bat an eye when they make up a number and multiply it by 4 😂 but they have a big problem when we ask for a few quid. Like I said it's insulting and disrespectful.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree with you 100 percent.

[@pauljordan4318]

😅😅 why don't you go be an electrician or a plumber then if it's so easy. On a more serious note. You obviously don't know many electricians or plumbers if you don't think they break a sweat. There's a reason why so many tradesmen have bad knees and backs by the time they are 40 you know. The grass isn't always greener

[@piercegalligan]

​@@pauljordan4318Ur wrong I've worked with many electricians and plumbers and other tradesmen and I can tell u first hand they're useless when it comes to manual labour 😂. U may as well have a child with u cause they would be better. That's why they get into these trades cause the work is alot more handy. But there not going to be bent over with there back or legs when they get older. U have to do hard work for that😂

[@pauljordan4318]

That's why tradesmen have labourers. Don't want to get their hands dirty 😂

[@diesel_man99]

@@piercegalligan Ur completely right ✅

[@BIMMY2488]

Keep up with the Van chat Rob. As a gardener it's what I can relate to the most. It's reassuring to hear the difficulties what you come across regarding the customers. It's nice to know it's not just me or the other gardeners who tune into your channel. You always have a solution to these problems and we thank you for it!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you . Appreciate your kind comment. All the best.

[@davidhammond2280]

Hi Rob. Our tag line for the last 30 years in all our marketing is Gardening a Pain ? Let us take the Strain ! 😮 it should really read Customers a Pain ? Let them go ! We had a new client call us yesterday ( we’ve been 3 times and just received his first invoice ) big house big garden big charge. All agreed and signed by him and his wife. Anyway he rung up and said the invoice was higher than he thought ( no idea why as it was 3 x quoted figure he had agreed ) he said why have you quoted for blowing / sweeping my patio ? I said well when we cut / strim the lawn some bits land on your patio. Well that’s your rubbish not mine he said 😮why are you charging me to blow the rubbish you made off my patio ? The whole office stopped work as we were all stunned by this comment. WTF ! Stunned silence. I kept my cool and said we won’t bother blowing anymore then and left at that. I should have said we’ll take 15p off the invoice. That’s probably how these rich people get their money in the first place. 😡😡 great video again

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I wouldn’t be revisiting this customer. He would have to find someone else to do his back breaking work.

[@commercialtreecare2023]

Spent 25 yrs in the Garden Maintenance business and am about to leave it all behind for good. Have been doing a few courses in Ecology and such, I'm a member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and have a few other Accreditations. Constantly battling the Never ending stream of Handyman Gardener's that are charging Next To Nothing (£10 to £15 an hour) i was charging per job, which was equivalent to £25 an hour. I have just done a Survey for the Canal and Waterways Trust, £260 for about 3 hrs work, that is where I'm at now. So glad when i finally leave the garden maintenance industry for good. 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Good luck with your new business venture.

[@markbayley2925]

Thanks for the mention Rob, I've tried running my business different ways over the years, when I started I had loads of bolt ons, then specialised in skilled maintenance (my love), I've employed staff, use annualised billing methods, bought cheap new tools, bought battered branded second hand tools, bartered with customers, walked away from customers laughing made a load of mistakes along the way. But I learnt and as Jim Rohn once said sucess is like a combination lock, you might be nearly there, you just need that last number, then everything opens up (or something like that). The next chapter for me is my son has become a qualified tree surgeon, last October and we are in the very early stages of getting the new business of the ground, he laughs at me when he finds out how much I've charged for hedge trimming, as tree surgeons can charge alot more for the same job, because people expect them to charge alot, just like your plumbers.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Mark, all the best with your new venture. 👍🏻

[@bobaverage]

Appreciate the information, just moved away from twindling tree work and just getting my first mowing customers.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Best of luck!

[@ched999uk]

Listening to your van chat is very helpful, not just for gardeners. The worst words to hear 'could you just....'.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your so right. All the best.

[@stuartdarch2966]

I love these van chat’s they’re blinking brilliant

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Stuart, all the best.

[@adamstockton67]

Well said Rob. People do not see value in what you do. They also need to appreciate all the outcasts that must come out of a £35 per hour job. 5 mow, blow and go a day sounds like a great plan. Love the van chats.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Adam. All the best to you.

[@neilward8545]

Hi Rob you’ve reached the place where I was 9 years ago . Mow blow and go , don’t do any weeding anymore back breaking knee destroying and for very low reward I tell all now customers right from the off I don’t do weeding . Great topic Rob

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Neil. We all need to live and learn. All the best.

[@daveh1081]

Another first class van chat Rob! Your honesty is the main reason my I watch.......you've given me a few reality checks!! A couple of issues I've had recently. No 1 One of my weekly customers is starting to spend more time abroad. It's grass cutting and maintenance. On the day I do his, I do 3 biggish gardens and I travel 1 hour each way to do all three in a (long) day. He's asked me not to cut grass while he's away.........just get it ready for when he comes back!! He's a good payer and right now, that sort of helps because I've gotten behind with some hedge trimming and it gives me an opportunity to catch up on maintenance/hedge trimming in his garden. It sets a bad precedent though. I've made my mind up that when he goes away for 6 weeks (soon), it's getting cut fortnightly........not being left for 6 bloody weeks and then a mad day sorting it out for his return!! If it becomes a regular thing, it calls in to question the sense in driving 1 hour each way to do two gardens......the whole idea is that it's only worth the drive to hit all three gardens in one day!! Hmmmmmmmmm????? No 2 issue.......and get this! A customer (I've done a bit of painting for her in winter) at a block of flats I do actually had me track down and order a replacement bog seat for her! Her plumber said "oooooh, it'll be 3 months love!" In other words sod off! Then when I got the seat, she made it difficult for me to get in and do it!! So I'm down £72 on a bog seat and I just wanted rid of the thing!! Anyhow.......I've done it now whilst on my last visit to do the gardens. Haven't a clue what to charge her for sourcing it and fitting it. In a very long winded way, I'm saying I'm getting tired of being obliging and "accessible" (as she referred to me). When can you fit me in for that punch in the face Rob? Best wishes bruv!! Dave (North Yorkshire)👍👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I totally understand where you are coming from Dave. Charge the lady £80 for purchasing and fitting the big seat. Plus cost of seat. We all need to get tough in business. If in doubt get rid and replace. Good luck.

[@owenparsons2972]

Hi,Rob. I do regular garden maintenance every day, that's my bread and butter I add on couple of mow and blows, every day to bump up the daily money intake, works well. Winter surcuritey, good money in the summer. Best of both.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Sounds great! Thanks for watching.

[@keithhill3027]

Really enjoy your weekly van chats Rob I’ve been retired for 10years now but I can relate to your comments I done what your doing and got the T-shirt.Take care my friend.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Keith. I hope your enjoying your retirement. 🙏👍🏻

[@Owen-wx5ex]

Always cathartic to hear what you've been thinking for so long, great vid as always Rob, take care mate.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Owen.👍🏻

[@ianeglintine882]

Fantastic vlog Rob totally agree we look after gardening and grass cutting residential properties for property management company fees are crazily low and what the residents expect is crazy mate they'd have us there all day and night and still want more. I also have experience in plumbing bathroom fitting and they don't bat an eye lid when charged 2k to install a bathroom that takes 4 days !!!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your so right. I am getting quite skilled at letting problem customers go. As for my reputation, anyone who knows the people I let go, would understand my decision. All the best.

[@robpgardens7592]

I thoroughly enjoy these chats Rob. It's funny how often they conincide with my own experiencees. My first thought about the maintenance clients was to get them replaced by ones that work better for you. In some ways making a plan is a form of procrastination etc etc... I then noticed that Mcphee has released a video today saying the same thing much more convincingly than I ever could. Happy gardening and all the best.

[@mcpheesgardeningservices]

Thanks for the mention Rob has inspired me to do the utube videos not has popular as him but he got me out of my comfort zone to do it ,,love Robs channel and its an absolute credit to way he has had so much h success with it but again thank for the shout out mate .

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Geoff is an absolute legend. I love watching his videos. All the best.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Geoff, your a gentleman.

[@darrentynan2999]

Your words resonate; I am a convert to mow & blow for next season.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Me and you both.👍🏻

[@mycolliesandme268]

Mow blow and go days are good for sure, but when the green gold stops growing there is no mowing,as you know ofcourse depends on the weather climate and the soil, in hot dry weather in some gardens the grass stops growing and in others it keeps on growing.and then its winter. Actual gardening is hard on the body and time consuming for sure ,dont i know it, especially at 55.and some weeks I have a day off to recover. But it keeps me in work through out the year. Down here in the west, Hereford England ,next to wales. I couldn't get by on just mowing. But yes some customers, I know, pain on the mind as well,don't need that, walk away bye bye. But there are some I've had for many years and they make it all worth while and rewarding. Good to listen to your van chats as usual, we all sit in our vans with all these thoughts and feelings going on in our heads, with nobody to talk to that gets it. ATB 😊👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I appreciate different areas of the country need to work differently. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@andobreslin8735]

Hey Rob. I'm just about to become a Gardener for the company I'm doing Support Work for. I've briefly spoke to one of the Co Owners of the the Company. I'm aware of some of the prices the previous Gardener got, for at least one of the properties they own. I said that I was happy to be paid the same as the previous Gardener & she replied "Oh great! £12.50 an hour then!" Proper trying it on.. I immediately replied that I'll be expecting business rates as that's exactly what I will be. She replied "Let's see how it goes.." Which isn't exactly a proper reply. She wants to meet on Tuesday with the other Co Owner. I'm expecting about £500 a month (for twice a month maintenance) for the 4 properties. One small Garden, one fair size medium and 2 large Gardens. I'm in Devon (so a bit more than the north) & know my worth. Shall I hold out saying a price when I meet them on the day?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Charge your worth. No one can run a business on a low hourly rate. I would price per job. For example, property one. 90 minute visit every two weeks equals £45 per visit to be paid on the day of each visit via bank transfer. I hope that helps. Good luck.

[@andobreslin8735]

​@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservicesThanks Rob. I'm aware that the previous Gardener got about £60 for one of the medium sized Gardens. So I'm measuring it from that. It's difficult to find the balance of attractive quote and knowing your worth. I don't even mind if I don't get it. I'm positive that I can get started with the Gardening regardless 👍🏻

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good luck.

[@kieranthorburn8421]

Definitely agree with you Rob! I do 6 hours. Week for a chap garden maintenance with mowing hedges etc, he’s fantastic and even increased my pay after a year without me asking! But he’s the only maintenance visit on my schedule as all the rest have bitten the dust after taking the Micky too many time! Best of luck Rob

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I would like a dozen customers like him. All the best.

[@williamking1554]

yep

[@markopolo-1]

Absolutely don't go out of your way to chase commercial Rob, we had it and they were never happy, it was a housing estate, would rain and the residents would complain we hadn't weed killed, tried explaining to the committee contact that we can't weed kill in the rain, but didn't stop them contacting us every week to say there had been more complaints, eventually we gave it up because it was taking more of our time than it was worth. For day to day business, I've said it previously, we do Mon-Wed grass cuts, and Thur-Fri everything else. We DO NOT enter into maintenance programs, but instead offer a quote to do the job, we don't do regular maintenance either, if someone wants their hedges cut or garden dealt with, we go as a one off job and charge accordingly. If they express an interest in "regular" maintenance, we simply tell them we can come back however often they wish, but we would charge each time. That way it avoids customers taking the proverbial. We had a sweet old chatterbox of a woman the other day ask if we could nip the top off a small tree for her as she couldn't reach it with her clippers, we do her grass and our initial instinct was to say no problem but then we thought if we do that one time what will she expect after that, so told her we could pop round this Friday and do it for her, £20 (it really is £20 too much). However, it's not the money we're really after, it's the principle, 5 minutes there, 5 minutes somewhere else and so on soon adds up to an hour of work we're not getting paid for. For us, it's a matter of charging for jobs as and when we do them, it's worked for us and we'd encourage anyone to do it and not get involved in "regular maintenance" for an average cost.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

The voice of experience. Thanks for sharing your experience. All the best.

[@doomedbook1020]

You've got it. You're charging them for the time not spent doing the easier jobs.

[@moorgunandmarshes]

The great thing about your channel Rob is it reminds us either what we have had to face in the past, if we are experienced gardeners, and it brings a smile.And the pitfalls to avoid if your new to it. I can relate with the knee thing, the amount of walking behind a mower we do it is going to effect your cartilage. Nearing the end of a season you really start to feel it. I used glucosamine supplements for the old dog and it worked well, so even though I'm a little sceptical on `supplements', I gave it a go. Take it from me it works, I go through the whole season now without feeling at the end I just need to put my feet up and recover for two months. And I have a few years on you, so I have more wear and tear to start with. Just wondering if I should claim it back as expenses Lol. ATB Peter

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Peter. I will give it a go.👍🏻

[@joshuabush2569]

Good points, I do generally agree but my regulars keep me sweet over the winter. I guess it's different for everyone and depends on the customer. I don't really do Mow go and Blows but I do have a few very easy 2hr maintenance jobs which are nice and the rest is pretty much day jobs but I do agree they are hard work... I may consider going a bit more mow blow and go next year 👍🏻

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good luck with your business.👍🏻

[@jamosreef]

i know how to cut grass trim hedges prune trees weed borders much rather listen to your van rants/ chats love em keep it up 👍 rob your a legend 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you James.👍🏻

[@neilhatton6018]

I've gone full circle now whereby the aim is always to get a better standard of CUSTOMER, not garden.. where I was always chasing the bigger and more pristine gardens.. when I was green.. you quickly realise those big luxurious gardens can be a headache.. better to have a large round of small to medium sized gardens where you've flexibility. Motto is get better customers!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your right. It does take a while to work it out though.

[@grahamcolquhoun2295]

Rob your a happy chap, thank you for entertaining me, because you do man I would love to see a video of you talking about equipment maintenance and how you deal with breakdowns, because we all get them, I am lucky I started of life as a mechanic so I can do most of my repairs myself, but you can never tell what piece of machinery is going to let you down on on a particular day. It would be nice to hear how you deal with this problem.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Graham. All the best to you .

[@isaacsharp3713]

Great useful video as always Rob. You should start a podcast and get us gardeners on to discuss all the different ways we run our businesses and all the problems that come with it 😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I might go live one day and invite questions. All the best.

[@johnnyd9441]

Your spot on im heading exactly same directiion....i asked a woman once wud u ask your butcher to throw in a pound of sausages 4 nothing along with your pot roast .she said noooo..i said well y u keep asking me to do stuff 4 nothing...needless to say we parted company.....i dont mind doin the odd bit here an there but if its every week i either charge or normally i let them go..best of luck 😊

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I am getting a little tougher now. I say that I cant today, will give you a price for next time. All the best.

[@andyhawker1]

Hi Rob, great video as always. I’m about to give up a customer after working for them for three years, I go to them every fortnight and all I hear is weeding, weeding, weeding -I’ve had enough. I sat in college for three years studying Horticulture and hard landscaping. Also what are your thoughts on the Stihl multi tool in particular the larger engine four mix. Mine has lasted three years and plagued with problems. I’ve had a Shindiawa long reach for sixteen years and it’s great, good as new and very reliable. Once again thankyou for uniting and giving a voice to gardeners from all around the UK.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree with you . If you’re not happy with a customer, send her a polite message letting her go. Replace her with someone who appreciates your work. You will feel better. My Stihl combo is going well, fingers crossed 🤞. Thank you for watching. Good luck.

[@mcpheesgardeningservices]

probably mentioned a thousand times .target the right customer whether it be mow and go commercial or garden maintenance .with the right customer they are all good I hear too many complain about customers and to me thats a red flag in your business,,it takes time but to have a stress free business the key is to target your ideal customer, and to me the few the better ..let me explain I believe the less customers you have the better the stress level is because if you target the right customer and have total turn key product for them at high end dollars or quids in your country the better off you are ...We target commercial and sometimes the rate is over 250 bucks an hour and theres no stress because we deal with people who are not paying the bill out of their pockets so there's one avenue which you have identified...now mow blow and go is good but I have done it and had stress because to achieve a high end income you have to deal with many many customers and stress levels rise ...the complete garden look after to us is great but you have the right client the one that doesn't devalue your worth and you have to try and target that market and can take time..Its hard for me to compare you poms in your environment and I am clueless because we are fortunate to have 52 weeks of the year available to us and I dip me cap to you guys for doing that...I dont know your dollar value up there but 35 quid an hour seems very very cheap and yes I know people will say well if I raise it higher I will miss out ..True but to get the best customer that values your worth you be able to achieve a much better rate! I work 4 billable hours a day which produces an income at the high end of most gardeners in my area and its done with stress free because I only want the customer that values me...I have mentored newbies and have got them to target the best client for them and sometimes it might mean you have to leave your area but when there you have completed a simple quick stress free run and go home...Not you Rob but there is a lot of contractors that complain continually about customers and to me I see they have wrong customers.....I would not wait by the way Rob for next season I would be making moves now if you want commercial etc and replace now ,if your gardening customer doesn't fit the bill I would move NOW ...Why prolong it just do mate just DO ...all the best young fellow and go Aussies we've got the ashes lol gee how exciting is it and the poms down here in oz whinging hahaha all good love you all ,,cheers

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Hello Geoff. I always enjoy reading your comments, the wisdom is second to none. I am trying to break into the high end commercial market. I have a few quotes to write up today. I will let you know how I get on. All the best , as for Cricket, it’s not for me. It’s an upper class sport here in the uk. I hope Australia 🇦🇺 wins every match.

[@eddie402009]

Thanks Rob, been learning a lot and love your videos, Geoff McPhee from down under here in Australia in Melbourne Victoria suggested I find you on KZbin and subscribe so that's what I've done, I'm actually in the Central West of NSW, a lot of your videos actually relate to us down under as well, anyway keep up the great work legend 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank Eddie, great to have you onboard. All the best to you. I love watching Geoff, he is such a great person. All the best.

[@SJ_ArbGM]

Yeah I have the same issues here Rob in kent

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Pleased it’s not just me. 👍🏻

[@audiguypaul6004]

You are bang on with the garden maintenance, and is the reason why I no longer take on new customers who want it. I'm also only doing fortnightly grass now for 3 days and 2 days commercial so work week on week off.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

A great plan. All the best.

[@samhewitt2422]

Totally agree rob and if you can do it fair play. I wanted to take Fridays off and have long weekends. Now I'm working 6 days a week just so I can pay for all the bills cost which have all gone up. Feels like have to work more then ever now

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I appreciate it’s tough at the moment. All the best.

[@gazwylam5375]

Great video rob I work in cramlington and have just let a maintenance contract go not worth it the mow,blow and go are the way forward 100% mate keep up the good work

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Gaz. All the best.

[@shanedavies6846]

i think we all love to watch the gardening videos mate and also the cab chat as such it seems to be the same for us all. i was talking with Pete last week about the growth on hedges at the minute, he said he was doing the same probably see that video later. and with the maintenance i was doing a lawn for someone they booked me in to do the lawn only i then get asked why i haven't got hedge cutter with me to cut an over grown hedge i said i can do the as an extra visit here is the price. they asked why the price goes up i said the work load goes up the price goes up. you got to love them lol all the best mate

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

People take a lend. All the best to you .

[@johnsweeney1712]

Rob, good to hear and see you… listen to the body, if the knees a creaking at this stage it’s well time to stay off them… pace yourself at least. That cuppa in the van plus a spleen vent to your KZbin followers seems to be doing you good.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you John. All the best.

[@NewickGM]

Maintenance is a pain mate, it’s a difficult one for me as I’m relatively new in business. I think after a while I’ll start dropping them but I’m stuck in the middle needing money to invest back into the business atm. You’re right though, the amount of times you hear “can you just do this” I normally just say straight away, if I have time I will, if not then next week and so far it’s worked well.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree with you. All the best.

[@johnoshea9619]

Good stuff good luck with everything

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you John.👍🏻

[@funkyduckproductions.8844]

Regarding customers wanting to haggle or want more for the same money. Who can blame them? A plumber, joiner etc takes years a training to get the correct qualifications. But when it comes to a gardener it's a different story. Partly due to the plethora of KZbin channels encouraging every man and his dog to join our industry and telling them what tools to buy and how to market themselves. The market is almost saturated with countless bods who have bought cheap, secondhand Facebook Market place equipment and have set themselves up charging a fraction of what we charge. With our expensive equipment and professional qualification. Mr and Mrs canny body know this and now expect to pay far less than what they would for any other trade. We really can't expect to have it both ways. This isn't a pop at you personally Rob. It's just a common sense observation. Supply and demand. The more supply the cheaper the item becomes.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your so wrong Gary. Every industry suffers from cheap unqualified people trying to do a job on the cheap. I have plumber friends who complain about people doing a weeks plumbing course then using KZbin videos to solves problems on jobs. Theses people charge peanuts compared to the highly skilled experienced trades person. This also happens in every trade from decorators to plasterers . For me it’s about weeding out the customer who wants to pay peanuts for a substandard service. This type of practice has happened since time began. Blaming you tubers like myself is totally out of order. Quite disappointed in your comment to be honest.

[@funkyduckproductions.8844]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Hi Rob. It's just my opinion. Because unqualified people have always undercut professional tradesmen doesn't mean it should be encouraged. Anyway. Let's not get bogged down in our difference of opinions. We agree on more than we disagree on. Don't be getting upset about my point of view. Life's to short. Enjoy the rest of your evening and keep the van chats coming 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your right. 👍🏻

[@robertwilliams2055]

Great chat Rob you've got to do what suits you and if its more hassle than its worth for you stick with you mowing. Sounds like you've had some bad customers. I got rid of my bad customers start of the year off thw back of one of your videos 🤣 best thing I did keep the van chat videos coming.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Rob. All the best.

[@timward3912]

Totally agree with everything rob.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Tim.

[@jamesparker9079]

Hey Rob...good point made this week. I haven't ever regretted giving up my maintenance jobs.....the only maintenance i do now is on the commercial sites.....which dont ask questions or ask for extra!! Mow blow and go is definitely the way forward and with more customers you can create more witer work!! I.e. cleaning, clearing back, hedge cutting etc the biggest problem i have at the minute is keeping up with the baks payments.....we have around 100 lawns every 2 weeks and its a head ache trying to keep up with people who haven't paid....dont know how you go about it...but i seem to spend my life sending invoices!!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I am the same, sending invoices. Thankfully people pay eventually. All the best.

[@chrishutchy4388]

Great video, I have been self employed garden maintenance since 2007 and I know exactly what you mean, my way around things is to be crystal clear from the start, I have made a list of terms of business which sets out the rules and boundaries from the start, I ask the custom to read and agree to those terms from the start so that we are both in agreement of what we will do as part of their maintenance package.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Well said! Thanks for sharing your experience. 👍🏻

[@mattycooper316]

Keep the van chats up Rob 👍 i'm going to bin off some of my garden maintenance jobs as like you said it always turns into "Can you just" 😂 hope to see you at Saltex later in the year 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Matty . All the best. 👍🏻

[@paudielyons3918]

Rob, i thought that was the most stand out comment on the last video!! I laughed to myself when i saw it as your next video.😅😅

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Me and you both. All the best.

[@neilhatton6018]

Two hours a fortnight 🤣 It's true eh.. they expect miracles.. the worst is when you get a message which starts "we're having a party" it's always a headache those ones, worse still if it's a new customer.. with the party loooming.. and they dangle the carrot of the promise of "ongoing maintenance".. that never happens by the way.. I'd advise any gardener watching this to turn down the "we've a party on such and such a date" ... unless they're customers you've had a long time already.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your so right Neil. All the best.

[@frasermarshall9227]

I have 3 days a week of regular maintenance customers that pay an annual price split over 12 months. Works great helping keep cash flow in the winter, also allows me to get those extra one off jobs and mow blow and go jobs on the other days of the week. £50 a lawn cut minimum where I am based. Happy mowing 👍🏼

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

Roughly how large would the lawn be for £50 and is that a minimum charge? Thanks.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good stuff! Sounds like a great way to work. All the best.

[@frasermarshall9227]

@@malthusXIII-fo3ep 45 mins-1hr mowing 1 person with a 21 inch roller mower

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

@@frasermarshall9227 Thanks...that's a lot of mowing!

[@user-wn3go7bn1p]

100 % agree Rob. I’m a gardener in Doncaster, not an affluent area, there is a few nice villages though where I work. I’ve got one commercial grass cut. I cut the grass every week, takes less than an hour and I charge £75. There has happy as Larry. Domestic customers want blood ,sweat and tears for that money lol 😂 Had a plumber last week out to fix a dripping tap. He charged £75 for that. I was happy to pay cos he told me before he came. It took him longer to put his shoe covers on and off then the job. What’s the crack?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

It’s the same all over the uk. We need to value our worth. All the best.

[@chrismaughan7975]

Love a good van chat👍🏻

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you . Me and you both.

[@markhannan5167]

Love your van chats top man

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Mark.👍🏻

[@bradroller6072]

You are always saying the truth 👏🏻

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you . Appreciated.

[@daveraatz1328]

Right on, Rob. I always tell customers that say "I can do that in 15 minutes." "OK, I'll pay YOU $50 to do it and i want to watch." No takers so far. They think gardeners/landscapers are to deal with like used car sales. But accept the plumbers, electricians, roofers, mechanics bills at face and pay. Keep the van chats unless you have something unique and intetesting. We all know what a 50 year old white guy mowing looks like!😅

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cheers Dave. All the best.

[@mickeyhughes7244]

Great heading to the vid. I'm looking forward to watching this later.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jasonallen6889]

100% true keep up the good work.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you .

[@barriespencer6336]

Great chat

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you .

[@scottishgrasscutter4488]

garden maintenance work helped me start off. but yeah you are right its a pain and definetely replaceable 😊

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

So true! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@williammorris7895]

Yep! One of my regulars has started to become a pain. He's started making comments like "the hedge will take an hour" (I estimate about 2 hours, maybe 2.5) and "there's about 25% needed of what you did last time" (there isn't...). It's being tight on the bill, and I feel like I'm in a position where he's either gonna think I'm expensive, or, I'll have to compromise on the work and he won't be happy with the result. It's a job on the other side of town too, so it's also been one where I feel I need to get 4hrs+ just to justify the travel. He's a great guy... but it's turning into a poor business choice to keep him, so I might have to either drop him, or insist that this work takes longer than he thinks and see if he's ok with it. What I won't resort to rushing and a crap job, because then that's my reputation on the line. "I can do it myself" - Crack on then! - That was perfect 😂 Gardening and tree work have always been professions where people feel they should be getting cheap work. The best we can do as an industry is stick together and hold on to our value. (((As a tree worker for many years, but not anymore, and I know this is a bit twisted... but it was satifying to drive past their butchered trees, after they'd turned down our quote and gone with a cheap cowboy... suck it! 😂))

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I would let the customer go and replace with better. I am starting to do it more often now. If there is no respect, I move on.

[@tomreviews9668]

I have a couple of properties I feel I've falling behind on at the moment due to weed growth and the fact the customer doesn't/can't afford more frequent visits, but they haven't complained about it so far. I will continue for now and reevaluate at the end of the year. One-off hedges are by far the most lucrative jobs for me and I really enjoy the work. I've taken on more every year and its starting to have a compounding effect now. I may eventually bin the rest and specialise in lawn and hedge only.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Sounds like a great plan. Hedge work can be very satisfying. All the best.

[@mikeroutledge6929]

'M 54 now and have been at this work for nearly 30 years, i.m quite happy just earning £700 ish a week now, backs knackered, knees knackered, elbows knackered

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Keep moving forward Mike. All the best.

[@christopherstanton8015]

I've been doing this over 20 years seen it all mate it's a tough job and people don't want to pay 😕

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

It’s the same everywhere. All the best.

[@bobbelsekwol]

I think a lot of what you do is based on where your business is. I've tried commercial and it wasn't for me. Takes an age to get your money, dropped and picked up at the drop of a hat, faceless and above all, they don't care about any standards you have. I cut grass, left lines in it, fed it and got it looking ok. And no one cares. On the next number of visits I've mulched it wet and made a mess. And no one cares. Perhaps thats a bonus but i like to do a good job. I hope your books are full with jobs you want to go to rather than, its just money. Great vids mate. Love the van rants.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

You make some great point. I try to do jobs that I enjoy and the customer appreciates my value. All the best.

[@alex_n8863]

The other thing with garden maintenance is the amount of plant knowledge you need. Customers expect you to know the care of every species like you're a trained botonist; and still turn their nose up if you want decent pay! 😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree, for some reason we are seen as the lowest skilled trade’s person. All the best.

[@davidprice6994]

nice video matey, anymore jokes to tell lol

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Leave it with me. 👍🏻

[@edwyatt8810]

I wonder if the increasing use of robotic lawn mowers might make declining garden maintenance work more difficult in the coming years. Another advantage of garden maintenance work over mowing is that it can be done in weeks of wet weather or drought. But as Rob says it can be tiring and financially unrewarding.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your right Ed. All the best.

[@padthai411]

I will never translate an hours work doing mowing, to an hours work at someones property, because then they have got you. I always quote per job, individually as a one off. That way all overheads are covered for each job. I've learnt from experience. They will try and get your hourly rate so they can fix you for a quote to do this and that, adding each hourly rate. I don't even give people a price for an hourly rate if they ask. I always, always prefer to drive to a clients property to see what needs to be done. Again ive learnt from experience. Client asks for a mow, if you dont ask the right questions you realise it hasnt been mowed since last summer, it needs a big weedeater first, then let it dry out, and then after two weeks a mow. Especially in the countryside. Having a new plan for next year definitely sounds like the way forward, all the best. Oh and don't forget to add in for inflation.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

The voice of experience. Thank you .

[@waynehammerton5698]

Do what suits your own needs Rob sometimes you have to put yourself first especially if it's giving your knees trouble buddy

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Wayne. I agree with you, put yourself first. All the best.

[@waynehammerton5698]

All the best too Rob have a good week ahead buddy

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Sorry to be that guy who writes a gazillion comments, but here goes! I think of gardening like starting each day with a hundred quid in the energy bank. Every job I do I spend some of that £100. It’s not about time, it’s about effort. So digging over borders spends more of that cash than mowing. As does hedging. Once the money is spent I’m done. Can’t physically do anymore - not if I want to get up the following day and do it all over again. This might not be relevant for those young dudes in their twenties and thirties. I’m 55, so I need to protect what I’ve got left! So for me, jobs are priced on effort spent rather than time taken. Just my two cents worth.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

A brilliant comment, I may need to turn this into a video. Thanks.🙏

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices cheers. Just had to edit the ‘dogging’ to ‘digging’! Don’t want folks getting the wrong idea. 🤣

[@a.n.estatemaintenance]

I’m from Surrey (one of the wealthiest areas of the country - I am not one of those wealthy ones though 😢) however in this area I find the wealthier they are the worse they are. It’s got that bad to siv through bad penny pinchers my first question is not what would you like done, it is I do NOT work on a hourly rate and I will not be the cheapest gardener out there…. The penny pinchers cannot get off the phone quick enough, the fair honest customers say that’s fine you’ve come recommended and we know the standard of your work is reflected in the price.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

That’s brilliant. I may use that in the future. Thank you.

[@simonroberts577]

I love the variety of garden maintenance but you are absolutely right. £20 for a 15 minute front lawn always feels even better!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Great point! Thanks.

[@tc9308]

When ever my customers ask for boarder work I change £80 hour take it or leave it

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

That will put them off. Or make you happy in your work. 👍🏻

[@davidlawrence7540]

Mow and go all depends on your clientele. Mine are mostly elderly and some require garden maintenance as well. This isn’t a problem for me, I just go with the flow. They never expect me to do anything extra for free. In fact most of them say I undercharge, and give me more. Along with tea and biscuits and sit down for 5 mins. I definitely earn more with the mow and goes I do, but helping people with other things as required isn’t an issue. I’m 58 so I’ll need help at some point. Comparing a fully qualified plumber to a gardener isn’t a good one! Anyone can run a mower around a garden and then strim it! I know I couldn’t install a boiler or repair leaking pipes.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

You make a valid point. Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@campervanjimbob3764]

They want sugar on top

[@Darren.73]

This bloody weeding borders is a pain in the arse I’ve just taken on two children’s nurseries with winter work to do as well and got rid of a few smaller gardens that were a pain to do and the customers were bad payers hope alls well thanks Darren owe by the way rob stop bloody moaning and get on with it 😂😂😂👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Me moan. I am a happy chap. All the best.

[@ciararespect4296]

4:59 if its back breaking not worth it unless its a massive amount way above what is average. Health comes before a few pennies in the bank Most people live according to their salaries so end up skint. Its human nature I think some customers feel like you're an odd job man I had a customer asking me to erect flat pack ikea unit and Guinea pig cage? I did it but was more awkward thsn expected so i underpriced. Then she asked me for a quote to paint a couple of bedrooms. I put a professional quote in and i could see her face turn like curdling milk 😂. Some think you're their little servant

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your so right. All the best.

[@Grahams-Grass]

😂 it's almost like we reading the same book .with the stories.. I've had so many the same as you and Lewis. How about going live once a month ... get the moans going 😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

It’s something I may do. All the best.

[@andrewthomas2406]

I know i am to cheap,my average mow blow and go is £12,but i do between 10 and 12 a day

[@dans2492]

You have to do 10-12 per day just to make any money and its easy to get 100s of customers when your undercharging everyone else and working for peanuts.

[@andrewthomas2406]

@@dans2492 but i am happy doing that

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good luck.👍🏻

[@stevelowepublicgov6693]

Can you give us mulching pointers

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I have done a few videos on the subject, leave it with me.

[@kellbell9416]

If they get to much pal just plant some Japanese knott weed in there borders and smile 😅😅 only joking btw 😂😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

😂 Thanks for watching and your comment. All the best.

[@davidrhead8740]

gardening maintenance here in Wigan is not a priority at all

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Sounds like a plan.👍🏻

[@adrian_dickinson]

Weeding's a pain tried to avoid it. I've got a Honda hrx426 in my fleet, now in a deal. I'm now wanting to lay stripes down, bloody vanity mower, to slow due to width & turning it around & the headlands cuts well. All I think about is you when using it & it makes me laugh. Anybody want to buy it it's for sale & it's mint 2014 I think. Good topic, van chat.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cheers mate. All the best.

[@BadRightEye]

I'm in the south end and I noticed a pattern in some people Expectations: High, Demands: High, Paying expectations: Low When: Now not later. Some people want it all and expect to pay a low price. I've had a customer decline my quote because I charge to remove garden waste for a clearance job, I told them I can take off the removal waste and they could find an alternative themselves such as council tip, garden waste bin or a hippo skip bag service but warned that waste removals charge £200 per van and hippo services charge £199 for their smallest collection. The grass is waist height and it would taken 4-5 hours. Apparently im "too expensive" and "I could do it faster on my own" I heard a friendly competitor quoted them around the same price I offered and they got asked to lower the price and the competitor declined instead of offering an alternative method. They know their worth and told me not to always bend down to customers to lower prices, if you can afford to lower it, then do it but soon as you're losing out say no. This is the same advice I have been given by my old boss, advice i hear from gardeners across the pond. I've worked in the industry for 3 years and now this is my first time running my own services, I know the prices of some competitors, I know my value and I know what type of jobs I prefer vs I dont prefer and type of clients I want and types I don't. I need to get my name out there so my prices are currently cheaper than I aim for originally. I aim to get domestic customers for few hours per customer and a few commercial customers to do a half to full day. I charge depending what is being asked so I avoid giving pricing ideas until I seen the property, confirmed what is expected and I go back to the office and work on the quote. One thing I dislike is lack of communication, this happens time to time and it delays work, in my experience with a company I've done a walkthrough with the boss with someone who had no idea what was wanted from their boss or even partner which made things difficult to give an accurate quote, after the quote was given it was 2 weeks of asking and answering questions through emails. So when I get this now, I'll answer it and ask my questions But I will ask if they like me to visit again and meet personally to walk through so we can be on the same page since the other person was not too sure what is expected. My 2 tips are: When defining keywords, confirm what you define those key words and what they define those keywords this could make a huge difference with one small definition. Take photos to help with quoting but ask permission first.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

A brilliant comment, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. Good luck with your business.

[@bw9979]

What ever happened to an honest days work for an honest days wage?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree with you.👍🏻

[@bw9979]

I think its lack of respect

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your probably right. All the best.