Increase Your Income.

[@mr.tidygarden]

Ground like a bog here in Ireland Rob. I put my prices up for upcoming season I had to buy another van mate. Great topic Damien from Ireland✌️

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Damien , all the best going forward.

[@t008mx]

Agree your in business to make a profit for the service you provide , inflation is what this year , no price rise, your money is worth less this year compared to last year ,hence in a loss, if power companies and insurance companies can rise prices and we accept and say oh well , then gardens can rise there prices great video agree with you 100%

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you, a great comment.

[@ciararespect4296]

Yea customers aren't your friends Actually I don't trust the over friendly ones. You know the ones who make tea coffee and give biscuits etc. Maybe cynical but some are over friendly for a reason. That is to try to make you feel guilty raising the price or charging correctly The older ones pretend to be crippled up. Like poor me 😢 Of course not all 😂 they've probably got stacks of fifties under the bed. Big paid for houses etc etc and give it the potless routine 😊

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Wise words, thank you .

[@michael-fg3ye]

Hi, agree with all you said, people now have things go up by 3/4 percent a year plus inflation which would be around 10 percent or you get a email saying it's going up by x number of pounds. There's no communication any more, at least with your good self customers can see how hard you do work and see what tools you use to do the job.. There is always someone who can do a job cheaper but can they look live on what they charge ? Do it for the same price for years ?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Michael.

[@davidmartin7695]

If they can afford a regular gardener , they can afford a small price rise , come march my prices are going up , I have one customer I haven't heard from yet and they normally create hell it's like iam robing them 😮

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Replace with a better customer. Good luck for the season.

[@stanionmowing]

Green gold is growing in midlands, sadly the ground is like a sponge ! Price increase letters went out today. I’ve had a review of kit and business over winter. Looking forward to a great season.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Brilliant, good luck going forward.

[@dans2492]

You look like a debt collector in your thumbnail pics so shouldn't have too hard a time getting some extra money out of them haha ;)

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you for the feedback. 😂

[@wagner251]

100% agree with everything you said .Ive had a customer for 4 years ,got friendly (big mistake) i text her to tell her iam increasing prices by a fiver to £25 per hour she text back with ‘0h shit ,see you then ! lovely eh 😮 unbelievable and yet i took my car for a wash and got charged £25 for 10 minutes work !

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

People never cease to amaze me. All the best.

[@bidders77]

i've not worked since december 14th, work hard in summer so you can chill in the winter without having to worry about money

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Pleased to hear it. All the best.

[@trucker9462]

Hi Rib have you still got your honda hrx or is there a new front line mower for 2024?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

The hrx is still going strong.👍🏻

[@stevemarsh1584]

My window cleaner put his prices up from £10 to £15 I am paying it he does a great job.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

A wise decision. I would do the same.

[@kai_johnsonn]

Thanks for the video Rob. I'd like to know your opinion on maximum charges. I know of a few businesses out there who charge £50 - £80 per hour. Personally, as a gardening business owner myself, that doesn't sit right with me. Fair enough if it's Hedges or Trees, but for general gardening work? It almost feels like extortion. I wouldn't feel comfortable receiving that money. What's your opinion on maximum chargers? Is it the case of, if they're willing to pay, crack on?

[@kai_johnsonn]

By not feeling comfortable receiving that money, I mean morally.

[@JamesGriffiths-k7b]

If that's per man it's hard to justify that kind of charge, unless it's extremely hard graft, or dangerous. For general gardening, sounds too much to me.

[@kai_johnsonn]

@@JamesGriffiths-k7b £50 per hour is more justifiable in the context of one off jobs or a fixed price. For example, hedges and lawns etc. But if a job you think is going to take 4 hours, establishing borders and weeding as an example, it would feel wrong to charge a customer £250+ for that. That's £500+ per day, £2500 a week, £130,000 a year before tax.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

The prices in your comment, I feel are too high. All the best.

[@jameswyeth8223]

Hi Rob i subscribed and hit the bell on the 1st video. do i get a badge or a gold star ? 😆👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

You get both, thank you .

[@Mystyknomad]

As ever you make some good points Rob. But I’d like suggest another way. Let’s call it a middle way. Wherever possible I like it when my clients become my friends and as friends they are happy to accept a price increase, in fact they expect it. If they are not prepared to pay us a living wage then they clearly aren’t friends and then they have to go. Living in poverty will make you miserable, but I think we’ve been around long enough to know that no amount of money will ever make you happy. Love ya channel brother, keep up the good work!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Very wise , thank you .

[@christopherlane4583]

Great business head rob Remember Ya gotta think of wear and tear on your gear Travel to and from we’re ur going too also included in price

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

You are so right. Our equipment is so expensive.

[@DarrenDay-l7h]

Agree with you regarding putting the prices up but also sympathic with the other bloke also I've been doing this for afew years now and lost 4 jobs over winter due to bereavements and haven't been able to replace them but nevermind it will sort itself out hopefully around March time hope this year goes well for yourself and look forward to seeing more videos

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you , keep moving forward. Good luck.

[@daveh1081]

Rob......it's as if you were talking to me!! The "friends" bit really rang true with me. So much sense mate.........I need to take a long hard look at things! I've put prices up in the past and it didn't always go too well. I'm thinking this time around, I'm gonna just increase their charges and not even advise them in advance. Thanks mate. Best Dave (N. Yorks)

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Go for it! I would send a message before hand, if they cancel , you have time to replace with better clients.

[@funkyduckproductions.8844]

Your going to be surprised reading this. But I agree with you. I think putting prices up in line with inflation is not only sensible but a necessity to protect your standard of living. Putting prices up beyond the level of inflation is optional and each business should decide for themselves if its something they want to do or not. I don't know it's such a good idea for one business to tell another what to do? Especially around the subject of finances. But I do agree with the general premise of inflationary price rises. As for eagerness for the new season... Tbh I've not really felt eager for the last few year. But I know I've got another two or three years before I can think about hanging my secateurs.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Gary appreciate your comment.👍🏻

[@warrenstewart507]

Well said. I’ve put my prices up by £5 per visit

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Brilliant 👍🏻

[@ChrisAddis]

When you're right, you're right. Prices should go up as everything else we need as business owners goes up.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree, thank you .

[@VeganRichPT]

GOLD (again) and TRANSFERABLE advice. In January I (nervously) increased my fitness class prices from £5.50 to £6.00. I've lost no customers and I estimate it's an additional £1k per year income. Essential income because it helps cover my increasing costs. Key note here is that the folk that come to my classes are considered friends but they also understand that A) I'm providing a service, B) I have overheard and C) It's my job!

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good stuff, good luck going forward.

[@gavinwood8431]

Hi Rob. Quick question for you. I’ve recently started my gardening business, as I had previously mentioned to you on another video. I’ve got my van, I’ve got myself basic secondhand kit to get me going, but now the issue I’ve got is trying to get customers. I’ve advertised on social media, but wondering what else I can do, and what you did to get your customer base to a good level. Is the problem the time of year, or are there other avenues I could be taking?

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

It’s a difficult time of year to generate new work. Once we get some warm weather towards the beginning of March your phone will start to ring. Advertisement- Google business page. Website. £10 per month. Facebook Business Page, join local Facebook groups and post once per week on these groups. Free of charge. Yell.com. Free line. Leaflet drops. Good luck going forward.

[@gavinwood8431]

Thanks for the advice. I’m putting everything in to this venture, and can’t wait to get started.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good luck 🤞

[@susanhancock7984]

Well said so true the customers will be lost without you doing the garden xx

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you , appreciate your comment.

[@betterlawns4u]

Rob. Hopefully I've set a new KZbin channel up correctly. Test, testing. 123 Gary. (funky duck productions)

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

What’s your channel called Gary.

[@betterlawns4u]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices Does it not show on my reply? It's Better Lawns 4u

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

That doesn’t appear when you type the channel name in. You get all types of lawn care videos.

[@betterlawns4u]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices yeah. I've just noticed that myself. I'll mess around with it more later. Cheers 👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Let me know what your new title is.

[@jabonnie7578]

Hi Rob, just a quick message to say that i have been ‘listening’ while driving in my work almost like a podcast to all your videos. Feeling ready and excited to start my own little business to start with over the weekends only and see where it’ll take me. So many useful tips I got out of your videos- Thank you! Keep them coming

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Good luck going forward and thanks for watching. Let me know how you get on .

[@ronniecumming7685]

Well said Rob, good business head on that shoulders of yours's

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Ronnie , appreciate your comment.

[@andrewsflicks7920]

Well put Rob, totally agree to increasing the prices...we could go out of business if we don't, then everyone loses out. We've lost our business, but the property owners have lost a good gardener...and they would probably rather have paid the small increase in price and kept us, as opposed to now having to find another good gardener who they can trust to do a good job and respect their property...us good gardeners are like hens teeth...😂👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. All the best.

[@ianmccaughan7121]

Hi Rob ,i have been watching you for a while now, and you always talk a lot of sense .Im a gardener 23Years & a nurseryman before that .The costs have gone though the roof in the last few years .We all need to put up are prices.

[@thomasmccullagh8282]

Nice video Rob,yr right with what yr saying ,I have upped my prices slightly with my clients. I have lost a few but gained a few along the way.we are not charities so we need the right money,or we go out of business. See you next time Rob best wishes always.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree Ian. Thank you .

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Thomas.

[@AndrewCrichton-s9t]

100 % agree, i've worked for someone for 12 years and not realy charged then enough, weekley throughout the summer and twice a month in the winter, just revived and email telling me they no longer require my services..... thanks very much, no friends in business....I must remember I'm not a charity !! all the best, Rob

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

We all have these moments. Good luck going forward.

[@grahamcolquhoun2295]

Rob, this is a bit of a rant, at least you admit it, we all I think charge as much as we feel comfortable with, some people have higher prices some have lower, as I like to say I am Frank Sinatra, I will do it my way. Keep making thought provoking videos, and all the best man.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks , appreciate that.

[@carlatkins9096]

And don't forget if you don't put your prices up your saddled with it for another season and falling further behind a reasonable price.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

You’re right, thank you .

[@joshuabush2569]

I've got a few long-standing customers that I've been working for close to 10 years now.. it's natural to become friendly over time and you do have to remind yourself that it is a business at the end of the day. I am quite lucky most people I work for expect my prices to go up and are perfectly happy. But of course I've also had plenty of people get funny.. All the best.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Josh, a great business model.

[@smartfactorgardenmaintenan4831]

Great post. I gave a potential client a maintenance package price based on how I do do. They knocked me down £30. I accepted, then two days later I thought forget that. I messaged them saying the original price is what it’s going to be. No worries if you go somewhere else. They accepted the price. All my prices including all my regular clients have gone up. They’ve got two choices.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I agree with you 100 percent . All the best.

[@adrianjones5492]

Well said Rob! I think some people forget we run a business and therefore have to think like a business and not a charity. I totally agree with you about older people. Never presume they are hard up just because of their age. They have probably worked hard in a well paid job and saved/ invested well and quite happily afford a gardener at the prices we charge. Again, know your worth and attract good paying customers and shed the ones not willing to pay for the expert service we give. Not stopped this winter though. Loads of bare root tree and fruit planting and bulb planting.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Pleased to hear you’re busy. All the best.

[@laurelbaygardenservices4389]

Never a truer word said Rob end of a day we are a business not a charity costs spiral I know mine have and yes it’s charge what you’re worth

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.👍🏻

[@ashtree62]

I really needed this message today Rob. Thanks a million.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

You’re welcome, all the best.

[@KJo-n6j]

Well said about that connection factor with a client and rate rise. I struggle with that

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you for watching and your comment.

[@simonparry3823]

We put up 29 customers up last week lost 2 start on the Monday 26th feb for the grass. Keep her lite Rob

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

That’s brilliant, they can be replaced quickly.

[@shanedavies6846]

hi Rob, my prices go up every year as we have said in past about 50% a year go up all new one put a good price i. have the daffs out here now hawthorn start to burst out 10 days to 2 weeks hedges be green well weather pending i think some grass may start sooner this year all the best mate

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

You’re right , I am starting to get calls asking if I can cut early. 👍🏻

[@FromLawtoGardening]

Valid points Rob as always.🙂 I hope you are doing well and are ready when the fun starts in a few weeks.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Really well, looking forward to seeing some sunshine and green gold.👍🏻

[@nealwilson6488]

Cracking Rant

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Neal, all the best.

[@francodemaina4209]

Thanks Rob. You are amazing. Love your videos.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you , appreciated.

[@Clydearb]

But a day will come In this dawning age When an honest man Sees an honest wage :)

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I hope so.👍🏻

[@maintainyourgarden]

Love this rob 👌🏽

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you , appreciate your kind words.

[@marshman5319]

He who fails to plan obviously plans to fail rob👍👍

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Wise words.

[@pablo9364]

Bang on the mark! 💯 🔥 👊

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you .

[@barriespencer6336]

Wll said Rob

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you .

[@johnnyroadcrew3841]

Spot on advice Mr M. You can drag a horse to water but .. .. ..

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thanks Johnny , all the best.

[@ryanhiley4301]

I have had a bad day today mate but you lift me up. all the best to you too pal

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Pleased to hear it , keep smiling.

[@melike1984]

🎯

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cheers.

[@JamesGriffiths-k7b]

'Don't get too friendly' is great advice. I've learned that customers have no loyalty, no matter how long you've been going. Beware of 'I see you more as a friend really'...yeah right, a friend won't charge too much..😏

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Absolutely!! All the best.

[@davt8615]

100% mate, ya quids worth less out there with inflation, the cost of materials/parts etc has gone up by a fortune the last few month! Ya gota cut the cloth to fit fella 👍 ATB buddy

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Absolutely, thanks.

[@adamstockton67]

Well said Rob

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Adam.

[@stendecstretcher5678]

Spot on.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Cheers

[@ciaranbradley7038]

Goodman Rob,your videos are really inspiring 👏

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Glad you like them! Thank you .

[@waynehammerton5698]

Keep moving forward Rob the only way is up buddy

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Thank you Wayne, have a great weekend.

[@waynehammerton5698]

You too Rob

[@lancerichardmorton1981]

Fantastic advice mate. 😉

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theguvnor5964]

Problem is us gardeners are 2 a penny and if we go putting prices up there is always someone who will do it cheaper.

[@davidkeith1179]

Snow up here in Scotland 😂

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

I disagree with you but thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Hoping for good weather soon.

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Yes, lawn care based.👍🏻

[@pablo9364]

@@maxwellsgrasscuttingservicesapologies. I didn't mean you