Identify And Get Rid. We Are Running A Business, Not A Charity.

[@johnsweeney1712]

Great video. As you discussed you set the standard in your business and if your customers fall below that… get rid asap 7:14 as there’s no respect or consideration. They wouldn’t keep you on if you failed to meet their standards. Keep up the good work.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good point!

[@LewisgardenservicesLtd]

Say no worries, increase their price next year to allow for the 'messing you about' and you've now got some time freed up to get onto some hedge/ clearing work etc. Tell your friend he'll encounter these things in business and crack on

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cheers Nathan. All the best.

[@jimmyspartacus6]

First cut next year be 3 times the cost

[@LewisgardenservicesLtd]

@@jimmyspartacus6 😅go for it, end of September can be fairly standard for final lawn cuts when the weather sets in or the grass stops but some run into December, swings and roundabouts right 👍

[@bobbelsekwol]

Treat people like they treat you. I've let one go because she asked if i could do her daughters grass. Went around and the grass is 12"high. So for £35, cut it back and went around every two weeks. Stupidly started of at £15 as i felt sorry for her. Single mother, two kids, bloke left her for someone else! After 3cuts, it was looking better, even fed it for her. Then the text. The nephew is doing it now. I said to the mother it wasn't very nice and she said there's loads of gardeners out there. So she was binned as well. I got a phone call to ask if i could go back around, as the nephew got fed up, so i just wasted her time like she did with me. And binned her. Petty, but i felt better.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

That is the only way to operate. We run a business not a charity.

[@PeterOgden-h1k]

Never feel sorry for these people they treat kindness as a weakness bto be exploited your running a business not a charity 😊

[@bobbelsekwol]

@@PeterOgden-h1k in 30 years I've only ever been done over a few times and I always say "never again". I'm a sucker for the sob story but I'm hardening up, just before I pack the whole thing in. I give advice like, these people/customers aren't your friends. Then get shafted!! It is a business and not a charity but I think the odd good deed has brought me more customers which pay good money for a day's work. Cheers.

[@PazLeBon]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices thats kinda the problem with the world tho eh

[@davidh.7571]

@@bobbelsekwol never go back. Plenty of gardens to do.

[@dianaevans5178]

Great advice Rob, as always. After 7 years I completely agree. I just had someone let me go this morning after 3 years hard work, she always paid, but didn't communicate or answer my questions, so to be honest its a relief. I have a few new enquiries who look really interesting, so will move forward with them. Have a good weekend.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Moving forward is always a positive. 👍🏻

[@jaydogarmy]

I don't have many mow blow and go's but the ones that I do have find me winter jobs like painting. I've even been offered indoor jobs like helping clear out garages and sheds. I'm lucky too Rob I've got some great customers now but my god have I been through some terrible ones 🤦‍♂️😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

We all go through that journey Jay.👍🏻

[@JH-fv1gq]

My grass has basically stopped growing last week. So i can understand it from the customers viewpoint also. So glad i cut my own couldnt be bothered with all the drama of getting someone in to do it.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

There is no drama. If it’s stopped fine. It’s when it’s still growing and customers try and penny pinch. As a gardener we go back in the spring and the lawn is a foot tall. It then takes twice as long as it should. I hope that makes sense. 👍🏻

[@JH-fv1gq]

​@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservicesSo just charge them extra for mowing the lawn thats grown taller than normal because they stopped mowing too early in the past autumn.?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

If only it were that simple. 👍🏻

[@lancerichardmorton1981]

Excellent update Rob I'm very fortunate with my customers but recently stopped going to a few regular jobs due to getting messed about. Have a great week Rob.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you .

[@Mark-gp4yn]

Reassuring words Rob. You have a gift for putting into words what most of us are re thinking and silently grumbling about. Don't these customers realise that if we can't make a living, no-one's garden is getting tidied !

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Mark.

[@starman1969]

I’ve had all this & more in my 25 years as a self employed gardener.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I feel your pain and frustration.

[@PaulMills-ue9eg]

I been in this business 25 yrs plus , say it how I c it , we offer a service at the end of the day , employed by the customer if they decide to finish your services at any point it's there choice , but if they good customers and value what u do most will c u good , the main thing is dnt get to wrapped up in thinking u indesposible because u can go from hero to zero in a very short time , they will soon find out its not so easy to find reliable people good at there job , but that is for them to worry about and not u .

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Very wise.👍🏻

[@PazLeBon]

lol@there

[@PaulMills-ue9eg]

@@PazLeBon did u like that lol

[@PazLeBon]

@@PaulMills-ue9eg if i as a potential customer nope haha

[@noellavelle2091]

Paul said what I think..Don't take it personally.People change from day to day.Also peoples circumstances change and they won't admit they can no longer afford services.Believe nothing of what you hear and only half what you see.😮

[@christopherhughes3029]

You've certainly got the spider sense Rob.XXXX When I had customers day to me we don't need you for a while we will call you when we need you I would say that's fine I will be able to take on someone on my waitting list... That would make them think. I would never go back to customers with that attitude. They will keep doing the dirty on you. Good luck Rob. Chris. Th

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

You’re spot on.👍🏻

[@Rose_19911]

thanks for your vids rob, they always pop up after the chosen subject has happened to me... & you're spot on about how in april/may they don't wanna pay more when it's twice as long!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Rose.

[@alanbrown8296]

Nice one Rob. I had a customer email last week, saying her dad’s coming to stay and we’re giving him the garden, so would I mind not coming in October. Well I had to be polite and say no problem, absolutely !!! But I wasn’t impressed, that’s £150 I’ll lose in. October. Now that’s no way to run a business, but as this is my first year so I’m going to have to bite the bullet. I think it shows a complete lack of respect and the fact I live in a wealthy part of the world shows there ignorance to money. I’m fuming to say the least. Next spring I’ll be looking for some new customers. Cheers.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

As soon as you can , replace them and don’t go back.

[@dianaevans5178]

Don't worry, at the beginning you think there wont be more customers, but there will. Keep giving a quality service

[@dianaevans5178]

don't worry at the beginning you think you wont get more customers, but you will. Keep giving a quality service and get a few good reviews and the work will keep rolling in. Cheers

[@alanbrown8296]

Cheers Rob, next year I need to build up from what I’ve got so far and I definitely think a couple of customers are going to be replaced. Have a cracking weekend.

[@alanbrown8296]

Thanks for the message, much appreciated.

[@mattgoodchild8215]

I’ve had tons of customers over the years like you Rob and also like you I now have some fantastic customers Bang on video as always 👍🏼🍻

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

It’s a great feeling.

[@gerardmcmanus]

I run a window cleaning business which is slightly different but we do get similar problems. Everything you have said sounds spot on. Having a contract there explaining the cost and number of cuts, and that its a package which covers the spring cut, is the way to go.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cheers Gerard. All the best.

[@TKG]

we advise the same, we explain that the lawns slow down but will be too long when I return, and would have to charge more. we have had one this year who cancelled in September, but that's because they have had their lawn scarified, its bloomin frustrating, but like you said if they are replaced you just have to apologies and say we had no choice but to fill that slot to keep the business going.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

A great point, thank you Reas.👍🏻

[@rossgorman42]

Love your videos Rob. I’m starting a gardening business in Guernsey, Channel Islands as there is a large market for it! Your videos have been invaluable to help me get started

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you and good luck. 🤞

[@mikeroutledge6929]

Nice one Rob, totally agree

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Mike.

[@charliesetterfield3160]

I started my gardening business in June this year and because the summer has been relatively dry hear in Suffolk I have been blessed with a variety of grass cuts, hedge cuts and clearence projects. Due to my lack of experience I haven't experienced any awkward customers yet but this has definitely taught me how to deal with these situations 👍

[@Liverpool1ne]

Good luck with the new business. Don’t be too harsh if you do encounter people with different views as sometimes there may be genuine reasons - loss of job, kids just went off to uni, mortgage fix just went up £200 a month. I think it’s reasonable for a homeowner to discuss with anyone undertaking work as long as it is handled well and fairly for both parties. Not keen on this run a mile advice as soon as someone wants something different, much better to compromise but perhaps it’s a sellers market and people can be more selective about the work they undertake.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Best of luck!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Your misunderstanding my point Liverpool. Not all customers are being reasonable. Some penny pinch.

[@Liverpool1ne]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices no misunderstanding Rob just an opinion 👍🏻

[@Gardensmith]

I always get to October and give customers the choice. Seasons and weather varies so I’m happy to be flexible.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

The end of October is ok. August and September isn’t.👍🏻

[@NJGreenlandscaping]

Wicked video keep up the good work

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you . 🙏

[@nicholascampise2763]

Hi Rob, I always appreciate your pep talks that encourage us small business owners to firmly advocate for ourselves. I want to be more assertive with some of my clients, and I would like to quit one as well. Tell me, would you consider making a van talk or two that demonstrate difficult conversations with customers? I would like to hear how you have told customers that you are quitting them, or how you tell inquiring customers "No thanks"- ones that you believe will be trouble for you in the future. Thanks much

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I certainly will . Thank you . 🙏

[@JamesGriffiths-k7b]

My theory about this.. Over the last few decades people have gradually forgotten about Autumn as a season. Because there is Xmas stuff and adverts at the end of August, they think we've gone straight from Summer to Winter. I overheard 2 old boys talking in the supermarket a couple of years ago, and one said "this winter's not been too bad so far, we're getting through it eh?". It was the end of November..

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Brilliant 🤩

[@landcruiser801]

Most just get us to stop when green bin collections stop which is the end of November - but I play it by ear, cut when I can as usually raining and clients are happy with that. I know every year it is going to be the same so take on other work like fencing etc so clients are flexible but its all explained/agreed in advance.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

That's a great idea!

[@scooter0012]

Rob, proper video with the usual relevance. Up here in NE Scotland the weather has been reasonably warm and sufficient moisture has kept the growth going. I’m straight to the point with the customers just now. The work being carried out just now dictates what lawn you’ll get in March, April and May next year. Stopping cutting now will end up with lank grass that is folded in December, January and February which is a harbour for moss and disease. The bottom line is there are 3 more cuts and a verticut / scarify left this season. The cost of that is less than a disease / most infested lawn next April.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I like that. 👍🏻

[@jamesm7953]

As always this is just the same with window cleaning ! Getting rid of fussy customers politely gets easier as time goes on, there are plenty of people who appreciate a good reliable service

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Great point!

[@AM-wt8qi]

Have found it with a few. Even not letting me cut at the end of September when the last cut was in August / start of September

[@darrenmartin4014]

Similar in window cleaning, i run a year round business and charge accordingly and very occasionally I'll have one cancelling about this time of the year fir winter and they're reminded straight away what they signed up for so they carry on or are usually promptly dropped. Also some may want to alter the frequency from monthly to bi-monthly I usually agree but there is an extra charge because they are going to be twice as dirty. (Tbf they don't take much longer but it makes me more money) Great video as ever Rob👌

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Pleased to hear that you’re doing well . 👍🏻

[@Nickpaintbrush]

I usually find the ones with the most money have the entitled attitudes, these days I cant wait to get rid of that lot and replace them with decent ones, I think its a bit like weeding the garden Rob.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cheers Nick. 👍🏻

[@125adfTtp]

With some customers I normally get anxiety thats telling me they are taking the piss and wasting my time my mental heath is more important they are gone.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree 100 percent.

[@johnnyroadcrew3841]

Good advice Mr M.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you kindly

[@PaulStamp-w8d]

I just do what the customer wants, if it's very long in the spring, then it's going to be more , simple as that

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

A good plan Paul.

[@aaronjames7266]

Same.

[@seekerofthetruth1298]

Rob, I reckon (correct me if I’m wrong) you are ex- military. The reason I say this is your use of the expression “ Mag to grid, get rid “. As any ex-military knows, that expression is used in map reading whereby if you use a bearing obtained by use of a compass and plot it on a map, you then have to “ get rid “ of the magnetic variation which is shown at the bottom of the map. Conversely, if you get a bearing the other way round I.e. “ grid to mag “ then you “ add “ the variation, hence “ Grid to Mag, add”, “ Mag to Grid, get rid”. Keep up the good work.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

That made me smile. Ex Royal Marine Commando. 👍🏻

[@waynehammerton5698]

I would imagine that it all depends on how many customers you have or should I say need to keep things profitable Rob if it's your higher paying customers that are cancelling you in late September then things can soon become tight for yourself Income wise if you only have a round of say 20 customers on fortnightly cuts and say 6 are cancelling on you good luck to your mate Rob it isn't easy at the best of times running you're own business

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you for your comment Wayne. All the best. 👍🏻

[@waynehammerton5698]

My pleasure as always Rob take good care of yourselves won't you my good man

[@SSHHGardenservices]

I got rid of two last month got fed up of them saying can we leave it this week. Its two of the same family, already replaced them for next year, and i am looking at a couple of gardens next week. Silver shadow and all that.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I totally agree with you. 👍🏻

[@stacybaby111]

It's a good time for turf !!.. so I just feed the lawn . Iron in November

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I put iron down from October, it makes a great difference come the spring. 👍🏻

[@steveo7631]

If customers had paid in advance for the season they wouldn’t be so quick finish you off in September.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Not many will do that .👍🏻

[@jameswyeth8223]

Great video Rob, weather is mad down here in North Surrey, it hasn't stopped raining pretty much since last Sunday. The river Thames near me in Laleham is already up over the grass, and less than two weeks ago on Monday 16th i was on Hayling Island an hour away right on the south coast in baking sunshine for the day. Came home like a 🦞i fear another wet a warm winter and i recon the customers are all going to start pulling the see you next year card soon. Apart from the all year weekly ones which are 👌😄 all the best 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good luck James.👍🏻

[@bjb536]

if your agreement is to cut until end of october and they break that agreement, your approach on dealing with them the next season sounds fair. if you can replace them do it, if you cant you carry on until you can.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you for your support.

[@grahamcolquhoun2295]

Rob you can come over as Regimental Not saying you are wrong, because your not, but I can understand if the grass has stopped growing people not wanting to pay for a job that doesn’t need doing, I have several jobs where the back lawn is still growing 5 inch between cuts and the front lawn has not grown 1 inch It’s been raining for 4 days in a row where I am now that does annoy me Keep going man it nearly time to hibernate

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I understand if the lawns have stopped growing. It’s the ones that are penny pinching and when we return in the spring the lawns are a foot tall.

[@jimmyspartacus6]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices you need move up gear mate it happens it's life I never rely on just cutting grass

[@danielthompson4483]

I had one of my customers play this game on me last week. We agreed last April, 24 visits for the year, they then are having building work done. Said that there wasn’t anything to do and asked me to come back in March. They have now been chucked off of my schedule for good. This year is my 4th year being a self employed gardener and I no longer have the patience for this rubbish anymore. If in doubt, chuck people out !

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I totally agree, we can’t afford to let people mess us about.👍🏻

[@SZ0526]

I had 2 clients all ready!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Mag to grid. Increase their prices next season.

[@landcruiser801]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Should be increasing prices every year. Inflation is a thing!

[@nicobass1966]

Great video and thank you. Would like a bit of advice - thinking of semi retirement next March / April @ nearly 59, love gardening and have my own own garden and a small holding with Chickens and plenty of veg growing - about a 3rd of an acre and does keep me busy with my full time job. Would love to start my own grass cutting buisness when I take early retirment and just thinking about doing a few crass cutting jobs, thinking about maybe 10 hrs per week through the growing season as per your cuts. I see plenty of comments about charging per job and not by the hour. Do you think Facebook advertising early spring will be enough to get a few customers interested or should I be thinking further ahead - If it's a go ahead then I'm thinking 5k is my budget to get going, already have a van, cheers Nick

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Create a facebook business page. Start posting now to build up the page. Then start sharing your posts with local groups the last week in February. Advertise weekly, you will be fully booked by the end of march if you do things correctly. Good luck. 🤞

[@lorryleaselimited8263]

Mag to grid, get rid. Tell me you're ex army without telling me you're ex army 😎

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Royal Marine Commando.👍🏻

[@letsgetdigging7418]

I’ve been putting my lawns to bed early as mos have stopped growing. It means there’s more time to do the tree and hedge work. Sick of the site of them gardens now anyway.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Please to hear that you’re busy.

[@MrHawks-gh6xv]

💯

[@JohnSheerin-v2b]

Great chat Rob. Really good subject. I say “it’s still growing now , so I’ll come back in 2 weeks as normal. We can assess it again then.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

A great reply. Some just want to penny pinch. 🤏

[@betterlawns4u]

I'm finding myself less tolerant now than I used to be. Maybe it's the time of year, maybe it's because I'm just a grumpy old git now. But anyone who says " I cut it myself" instantly gets dropped. If they don't value my worth and what I can bring to the table, if they think they can do the job as good as me. Sorry. There gone. If anyone no longer needs my services and finish me, then later ask me to come back. Sorry, that's a no also. I've not had anyone try and finish me earlier thankfully. Or there is a good chance they'd be shown the door as well. I've already earmarked one or two for next season who I'll be saying goodbye to as well. As I always say. " you don't lose customers. You just replace them with better ones".

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Wise words as always Gary. All the best to you. 👍🏻

[@galtgardenservice1933]

Wise words champ

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you 🙏

[@PaulMaidstone]

None of my customers would cut short on me. Pardon pun. I've built up a reliable customer base but if they do its usually for good reasons.

[@shaunmcnutt4436]

Hi Rob yes just see guy advertised for £20 hour then £15 second hour can’t compete with that cost and overhead working for £10 hour knocking your balls off 😂 and the classic I done it in hour when I could when the jobs half days work !!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

There is a market for those types. They don’t last long.

[@stgr3577]

Morning Rob what weed and feed do you use if you don't mind me asking thank you 😊

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I used depitox 500 herbicide, apply via back pack sprayer. The feed is sports master. Iron treatment in the autumn/ winter. I hope that helps.

[@stgr3577]

Thanks very much you and your family have a great weekend 👍

[@davidh.7571]

We all have jobs we don’t like doing. If the financial reward for doing these does not outweigh the dislike, they are on the chop list too. My delete list: Penny pinchers (late cancels) Dog poop collectors Bad payers Weedy and undulating yards (dog holes 🤦🏻‍♂️) You want customers that care for their gardens, not just want their grass cut. These guys appreciate your skills and efforts.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Brilliant advice, thank you.

[@jeremyminns5627]

Gotta get rid of the dead wood,and weed them out.its back breaking work. Doing there dirty work.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Wise words. Thank you . 🙏

[@PGSL-r5n]

I've had a bad August and a poor September this year with penny pinching clients. Also, the lawns were not growing around peterborough due to lack of rain. The rain has returned and the phone and deal making has resumed with decent quotes. Been in the trade 7.5 years and constantly learning, just because you improve your job and get better outcomes, does not mean you are guaranteed a profit. If your a newbee bear that in mind. I have begun my own youtube channel of before and afters

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Wise words. Good luck with your you tube channel.

[@TheGardenersPost-007]

Totally agree get rid .. Good customer will be concerned to give you as much work as you can to get you through the lean months . A few of my customers give me none garden jobs just to help me out that means a lot to me ..

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

That’s brilliant. Lovely people.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

All our lawns, some are treated and some aren't. Here is what I do if a client doesn't want to do this, we don't take them on Any clients that do it really like the convenience of it, and I know I'm getting paid and not chasing invoices. Most of our lawns are treated, they get 22 cuts per year, we also have some that don't treat and they get 17 cuts per year. I say to Mrs Jones, as we are treating your lawn there is 22 cuts per, it costs £40 to cut your lawn 22 (cuts) x £40 = £880 I then take payment over 10 months, you can do whatever you like, I use jobber, go cardless is also good for this or you could get them to set up a standing order, but the easier you make it, the better it will work 22 (cuts) x £40 = £880 / 10 months = £88 per month This way, there is always money coming in and it helps with wages and what not Some years, there is a drought and I might miss a cut, other years there is an extra cut and we will do it for free (Give and take works well) Occassionally, if it's a very mild Autumn there may be an extra cut over and above the free one, and I will always give the client the option do they want us to come (as it will be an extra charge) If you adapt this service, clients will stick to you like glue and it cuts away all the cheap skates.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Wise words Robbie. Thank you for watching and sharing your experience. 👍🏻