Why Your First Landscaping Customers ACTUALLY Took Advantage of You

[@keith-kalfas]

Hey it's Keith! Please help 🙏 me hit 100K subs. I'm almost there. Subscribe 👇 bit.ly/2gUIwVF

[@nickdavis2566]

Mr. Kalfas. You have given me the motivation to quit my dead end job. Today was my first day out working for myself and i only made $40! The feeling of freedom is priceless. The knowledge you spread is priceless. I wanted to say thank you for being such an inspiration and waking me up out of the landscape employee trap i have been in for 3 years. I have been watching you everyday recently. I know the drive comes from within but i wouldn't have the motivation to start my business without your videos. Thanks for being you. -Nick

[@Makeitlookeasyforyou]

Same here

[@HealthyAndrew]

That's so crazy that you posted this. I was just thinking something very similar. When I started out, I got customers who didnt wanna pay for the real window cleaning company prices. They were looking for cheap, and I was looking for opportunity. When my skill and prices went up, they disappeared. I alternate between feeling grateful and feeling angry

[@DylanFkinGuenther]

all old cheap customers have been opportunities for new higher paying customers

[@midwestbd7144]

This is so true. I started my grading/landscaping gig last summer and felt like I was pressured to be cheap. I only made $25/hr for my tractor, truck, trailer and labor. Since then I have learned to be firm with my price and not care if they think I’m too expensive. My price has more than doubled since last year. I still work for my first customer occasionally and I can tell he doesn’t really like the price but continues to pay because he knows it’s fair. I love your videos 👍🏼

[@EivinSukoi]

After 35 years of marriage , I got up made my wife her favorite breakfast , got the laundry done , did the dishes , and before heading out to work , I left a note on tbe kitchen table " Thank you for taking advantage of me ".

[@redbrown1008]

I've said it before, but you better listen before this free advise is gone. Kieth is the only person that will tell the truth for free. Unbelievable!!

[@merrittorius]

Keith, I'm the owner of Hoot Owl Tree Service. Weve corresponded slightly on IG and I've been with you since about 40k subs here. You have given much inspiration to many and had the spine and fortitude to post real thoughts and mistakes on your journey. Its commendable to say the least. I've been thinking about this video, and have come to realize that I disagree with your sentiment here. I obviously sympathize with every small business owner starting out and we all take those clients if you're starting from zero. The point I want to make is that if you do not have the experience to know that you are worth more, then you are not worth more in the market. I do not believe it is reasonable to assume a customer should give a contractor more money, or that we should expect a customer to know what a fair price on a job is. The onus is on the company providing the bid. If a company is not established they will most likely have to take jobs at a lower rate to get started, spread the word, and build on that foundation. I say this with respect for you, and sincerely love your work and content. Please keep going and keep putting stuff like this up. It's awesome. Best, Mike M. Hoot Owl Tree Service

[@FruitoftheSpirit-0909]

"They were looking for you"..... wow. How enlightening

[@713skywalker]

“Hey...this is Kalfas you took advantage of me”👀😂💯

[@jamesalves4530]

I gotta say I had this same epiphany just recently. Your spot on brother. I also noticed these customers would be the ones that would wait forever for your work, booked out 5 weeks? Sure! They didn't shop around at all, because they knew, KNEW you were green and were cheap as hell.

[@keith-kalfas]

Yes. They know it... but in the beginning... we don't see it. But THEY do.

[@fmlskits3289]

Hey Keith, I've been watching your videos for around four years now. When I found this channel it seriously changed everything for me about having my own small landscaping business. I had no idea what other people charged, what were good tools, I was always nervous to give estimates, and I really just didn't know if there was real room for success for me in self-employment. I learned more the first season after trying out the things you've put on your channel than I did my first five seasons doing things on my own. I completely agree with all you said in this video and, like always, cracked up a few times. Having said all that, I just wanted to say thank you so much for the help over the years! And come on man, you know you want to make a video of you calling them to say, "thank you for taking advantage of me." And we all want to watch it. Keep up the good work man!

[@chadstall9328]

Brooooo I thought it was only me that everytime I get in a tree when it’s at the hardest point and the suns beating(100 degree Florida weather) I get my most inspiration. Good shit man

[@losttheplot26]

Draw your own line in the sand. Thanks Keith. Profit isn't a dirty word.

[@vinniedeluca2188]

Dude your the man, You have incredible public speaking skills, been watching for years and looking forward to many more years

[@nlemonj]

I literally have had customers like this. I want to call and thank them some days. One I even dialed and then had a moment of, "What am I doing?!" And hung up right after they answered.

[@pjs5191]

Keith, appreciate hearing this video. I’ve been in the same boat so many times in the first couple years of my landscape business. It took me to year 4 to figure out I didn’t need those customers making me come out on a Sunday at their beck and call just to fill up my calendar and “stay busy”. I have to say I agree those ppl look for the new guys and take advantage of them and after that guy figures out they’re being taken advantage of all the sudden those customers move on to the next sucker and you all the sudden thankfully never hear from them again.

[@AlbertoGonzalez-yu3pe]

Here in Florida pick and choose clients I just fired a client always complaining about nothing I told him the only man can do the yard the way he wanted it was him so he is out there doing his yard his way in 100 degree

[@chrisposada6221]

In naples?

[@DBCSwindow]

“ItS cHeEpeR 2 do it mYsElF”

[@Tobi-kr1yp]

@@DBCSwindow that's what they all say!

[@DBCSwindow]

@@Tobi-kr1yp it’s also cheaper to pull my own teeth out with a pair of pliers rather than pay a dentist to do it.

[@Tobi-kr1yp]

@@DBCSwindow if I could love react that statement I would.

[@TheLizander]

I completely agree about your first clients taking advantage of you.. I’m in my first year of lawncare, and it’s completely been going that way. I’ve had some winners, but I’ve had a lot of losers. It is what it is, I’ll get better clients once I get rolling a little more

[@alexanderslawncare]

You know your the only one that is so true to the game ,I started just like you and yes the early years customers took advantage of us then I looked for the right ones that fit my business,why ain’t other you tubers honest like you .

[@gsneakers6894]

Keith brother you’re the man! I’ve been watching you for 3-4+ years and I’m in my 3rd legit year of business at 20 years old finally seeing everything come together as I grow and learn more everyday in my business. It’s videos like this that make me realize how grateful I should be for all of the opportunities I am given and all of the work that’s coming in. I’ve never met you but you’re a mentor to me man. Keep inspiring and helping us small guys get through the tough times of running a landscaping business. God bless and stay safe, appreciate you bother!

[@jackmasters9953]

Thanks Keith!!!! I wonder what the condo property is paying now??? Don’t call or look back. Way out of your service area anyway!!! Took your advice and started qualifying my customers over the phone for trimming. I don’t hook up the trailer unless the job is 200$ or more. I have plenty of work, so the two small burning bushes that Grandma Betty wants done for 50$ isn’t going to happen ever again. What a pain in the a$$ to drive across town for nothing. Of course I have free estimates but only if they want to spend the 200$ or more. First qualifying ad runs today in our local weekly advertising paper. I run in business services and lawn and garden. Thanks for the great advice and keep the vids coming. SHRUB MASTERS, Battle Creek, Michigan

[@motorcycleislife8296]

It's a numbers game in this business, you can sell your soul or wait till you get what you want.

[@firstname6208]

kalfastry, the language of landscape savants everywhere!

[@cannonball9478]

This advice is gold!! Listen 👂

[@johnkurtich7040]

And no big company full of losers will ever do the job of us who are ocd. Its amazing how peoples brains work. This guy has been in business for years never cutting corners making everything look tight. No let's hire this company who goes thru eighty people a year that are clueless.

[@justinzysk3673]

Another great message with an abrupt ending brought to you by The Great Keith Kalfas.

[@RyanRytrades]

Great video! This answered some thoughts recently! Wild how now that I have a nicer truck and new tools I’ve almost found it harder to find clients, but now when clients and I find each other we are quicker to be on the same page and understanding for quality/ service.

[@keith-kalfas]

Yes Ryan. It's kinda cool how all this comes together.

[@rescuediver2]

year 2 of my landscaping/ lawncare business. this video has really opened my eyes. Last year I got drug through the dirt time and time again.....because they KNEW I was new and the KNEW I was going to be their puppet. Thanks Keith. Love the videos!

[@jr9764]

Be thankful to our Lord and Heavenly Father, the one True God, our Creator, for providing you with the precise lesson you needed, however difficult, to learn your value and self worth as a business owner/operator, and also adding to your appreciation of where you are today as a person and business. You're a hard worker, and very blessed! God is calling you and you're listening; you're very close brother!

[@punisher6]

Those impersonations are great man, "what's this guy doing, he must be famous"! They are right I have a saying. "There is a _ for every seat".

[@keith-kalfas]

Haha. Thanks bro.

[@youngbuckslandscaping462]

Your right Keith, I have been tooken advantage before and does not feel good what so ever. Have soon found out what is right and what I have to do. Great video and an even better mindset shared with everyone. Glad I look up to you for advice Keith!

[@joeserratoNews]

I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process. Benjamin Harrison everyday I want to somehow post this where they can see it.

[@bengeskie9840]

Awesome video bro! Love it! 💯✌️🍔

[@keith-kalfas]

Thanks Ben

[@d.bray1]

Keith i know i can always come to your videos for a mood boost after dealing with a bad customer. Thank you

[@jerzey1016]

I love this guy! He is hands down one of the most genuine you tubers out there with tons of great advice! Being in pest control sales for the last 15 years, this guy is a diamond in the ruff!

[@Fence208]

I bid a job and let the customer call me back if its acceptable to them. I do follow up on very large projects but after 5 years building fences I have learned that the customers who try to talk my price down will be problem customers in the end. If they go with the cheap guy, they will absolutely regret that decision. Filter your customers guys. Filter your customers!

[@waterheaterservices]

That is so true. I am a self employed plumber. The customers that want the work done for cheap are almost always troublesome. Avoid them. We didn't start our businesses to be broke and hassled.

[@lebrontinker261]

FOR THIS VIDEO I THANK YOU!! 💯💯💪

[@jdubbs4385]

Learning Alot Thanks Bro

[@Dantequiet]

Just had my first bad customer. I feel you bro

[@robbg3255]

Just had a tree job I worked last couple days when i got done yesterday the homeowner ripped me off $40 and she tried stiffing me on trimming her bushes also but I told her she owned me that $40 I even did extra stuff without charging for it !!

[@joshny4766]

Just came across your channel. Great stuff. Love the energy

[@stryker1144]

You shouldn’t be mad at all. Not even a little bit. In fact, you should be happy they took advantage of you. I suggest calling them and letting them know that their choice to fire you was a life changing experience. If not for that moment you’d have never called your buddy and learned that they couldn’t afford your actual worth. You simply didn’t know your worth before, but thanks to their decision you do now.

[@losttheplot26]

Now I've got two vans. Five different types of hedge cutters. The choice between Ego battery or petrol and owning a shredder helps. Get specific with the job descriptions. Then smile and say I'll see you in two weeks 😁

[@larrybrandonii269]

Love you bro! Been through the same things still learning and growing!

[@mowguy1]

When I started out I had one lady that dominated my time doing work around her place, it was large and I worked for $15 an hr. I was mowing for her neighbor that hired me and came over and started screaming at me because she didn't like the neighbor and I was HER hired hand. Talk about degrading, like I was her bitch, wow. Everything works to build you into the person you are today. Live and learn. Keep up the good work.

[@Solopraneur]

Wow! It would’ve been really hard to hold my tongue if I were in your shoes. It’s amazing how people let money go to Their head.

[@mowguy1]

@@Solopraneur it was hard, so after I calmed down and had a time to collect my thoughts I let the lady know that I am an independent contractor and have others I mow for .

[@douggeorge1582]

Blessing in disguise 🙏

[@WildStyleStayWild]

Beautiful clouds ⛅️

[@keith-kalfas]

Its the camera lens. F 2.8

[@mitchknowsmoney2884]

Your awesome bud couldn't have said it really any better myself we dont thank them for the work we thank them for the lessons us great content man keep em coming

[@thelawncaregivers6034]

Bro, at 8 minutes in 30 seconds you started killin’ it. I was like YES! EXACTLY! OMG!

[@FiveOonESVgb2CRiSTOLeRO]

Thank you for your channel and uploading 👀✌️😇🙏🤠

[@keith-kalfas]

For sure. Thanks Jes.

[@WildStyleStayWild]

I’m sharing this with my husband today ! 👍

[@keith-kalfas]

Thanks for the share

[@joe4398]

Iv let go of so many large properties and long term clients for the same reasons that I wasn’t making money. Even tho I was making money but in the end it wasn’t worth it. I literally gave up 200k in Buisness last year and this year because it was shit Buisness. Gota take care of yourself first always 🙏🏼

[@RayWilliamJohansen]

so true, there are people that will take advantage of your nativity, I hope it never happens to me again

[@walliehornsby9742]

Awesome content. I watch literally everything you post. But my argument is #1 you are 💯 right on getting screwed, but getting started, I’m gonna have to get screwed to learn?! Because like you I was starving (still am for real) but I’m learning my worth, but you can’t go out and say I’ll mow your yard for $200 a week. I only say that because you may or may not be super experienced, and if you just up and quit your job you need to take what you can?! I know it’s not really a question but, what do you do?

[@thethriftysnowmobiler9801]

I have come to the point in my career that I don't let customers walk on me. In fact I had a Karen today that I basically told her that I dont need her business. I have plenty. She cant understand why I recommend a weekly cut because 8 inches of grass to her is not that much to cut. Mind you her yard is mainly weeds and needs jesus! Then she cant understand why I charge so much because it only took 42 minutes....with 2 mowers and we had to mow it twice. Her reply was "you're supposed to mow it twice to get the lines in it anyways!" Dang it Karen that is false. I am not opposed to letting a customer go. She thought she had power over me but I quickly knocked Karen off her pedestal. Now she was going to get a discount until her Karen flare up. Full price it is. Honestly though I'm considering dropping her and refusing service.

[@Brad18819]

Keep it but be very strict and clear about prices and her service

[@meateorman4191]

You ad to be taken advantage of at that point so you could learn valuable lessons. Be thankful that you became wise. Only a fool gets mad at the snake when after he gets bitten. You are wise now you won't be distended again and we will learn from your honesty and maby avoid some pain. Thanks brother.

[@merrittorius]

I do think of stuff like that in my head from time to time, I should call this person, or visit this person, or have this conversation.

[@Strangeland701]

Dude I love your rants, they're so cathartic and funny. Also I always learn something.

[@yellowjacketlandscapingllc9472]

Wow! How long did you do the condominium? Same here I took on a job for $9 an hr took me 1 month to finish. Now I realize how they took advantage over me it’s 20k job 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@MultiMarkwilliams]

Keith thank you so much for your honesty

[@GroundFN1]

Love the video bro same thing has happened to me many times it makes me crazy thinking about it

[@keith-kalfas]

I know right.

[@leonardoguadian9431]

Just subscribed, had to 💯🔥

[@exonoesis]

Keep up the videos mate. Every one you make Is a eye opener. You have inspired me.

[@keith-kalfas]

Thanks man. I appreciate it. 😊

[@silentdeath607]

Guys a deep thinker and even deeper entrepreneur than even he thinks. You scream integrity! Thanks Keith as always it’s been real. I’m late to your videos but at least I’m here leaning with ya!

[@keith-kalfas]

I hear you man. Welcome. Nice to meet you.

[@silentdeath607]

Appreciate the feedback, I’m literally waiting for Office Depot to open so I can get some fucking business cards and hopefully not get shot, haha, but it’s time start knocking doors! I’ve been up all night because I’ve been restless for the last 10 years of my life and I have literally been watching your videos for the past seven hours writing notes and creating my first journal, is that corny lmao nd just enjoying the hell out of this journey!🤘🏻🤩

[@max7w311]

You have been my spirit animal the past 2 weeks! And it’s helped me a lot cause I get you and I’ve been able to think about my new business.

[@jordanweaver1443]

Commercials that take the lowest bid aren't looking for value. They only care about how much money they save on their budget. I thought about raising my hoa common grounds contract. But after really thinking about it, I know I'd probably lose it. So I'm keeping it as is because it is still profitable

[@SunshinewindowsAu]

When I turned 15 school basically suggest I leave and will never amount to more than a store clerk, it's been nothing but motivation. I see no point in contacting them though, let alone to say "thank you" if I was you and did ring up I would be more like "its the guy you fired sorry..., I'm sorry I didn't quit on you and shit in you garden..." That's messed up taking advantage of you and accusing you of it... that would ruin some people.. cool story though bro, cheers mate 🤙

[@jakeduffin4626]

Great video! Thank you Keith!

[@Tobi-kr1yp]

I've been thinking about these kinds of things lately and we are also our own worst enemies trying to lower the price just so we can get the job even at the cost of not making much profit just to beat the competition. We ourselves bring our value down that way. Also, do you ever think about the people that try to do things like "I'll buy the tree so I save money and you don't make as much money". Like does anyone go to a hospital and say can I buy my own needles and reduce my medical bill and I'll pay you less doc???

[@DJslushy92]

That last bit was gold👌🏻 thanks for the inspirational videos. You're definitely famous in landscaping.

[@juiceboxt.v8192]

Keith! Your videos are awesome, so inspirational, every time I feel like things aren’t going to work I just watch one of your videos and boom I’m up and at em! Honestly thank you 🙏

[@keith-kalfas]

Wow and God bless you too. Awesome

[@ernesto_yz125x]

You r funny men 😂😂 “Whats that guy doing? Its a landscaper 😂😂 great videos brother i just found your channel and i love it taking notes from your experience thank you so much

[@ProMountainBiker]

You are the man Keith 👍🏻

[@mahedazzam3767]

Man every video y teach me something...and your inspiring me ..thank y man

[@theegoldenmule]

If he will let you take advantage of him isn't an excuse to take advantage of him. That's the problem with this world. That's basically saying that stepping on heads to get ahead is good. It's not. Competition is good but taking advantage of people isn't. Still loved the video. The rest made total sense. Keep going. We're all learning.

[@keith-kalfas]

I wasn't saying that it's right. I was referring to the "law of the sea"

[@theegoldenmule]

@@keith-kalfas ok, that's good, cause for a minute there.......lol Funny you say that. I'm a member of Panterra De Oro. You should check it out.

[@joshharris7193]

Absolutely man. I think the same things.

[@yaaduwalker4116]

I’m finally started my lawn care business, so far no business cards but I do have some business already but now I’m anxious

[@losttheplot26]

You won't understand until you learn your Latin and have been around the block a few times. Took me five seasons.

[@switchblade_jim]

Keith always keeps it 100.

[@danieltodaro4723]

”What’s that guy doing, he must be famous, maybe in landscaping”😂😂😂 Love you Keith!

[@dvdpach9124]

I’m going to call Pepsi and thank them for firing me now! LOL

[@harrisonbuck2749]

Thanks man.

[@arisaihaze]

Just call them up and say, “thank you from the bottom of my heart for firing me!” It was the best thing that could have happened because at that time I didn’t realize that I should have fired you.

[@JasonDunlop247]

I love these counselling services you provide me Keith 😉

[@thelawnmowermancompany7694]

Hello Kieth hope you are doing good. I would called your customer and say thank you for your business, you taught me alot I am alot better off now than I am when we were doing business together wish you well lol you have nothing to prove,nothing to gain where you are now in life is your bill board to the world God Bless

[@michaelm1573]

They already got their Justice when they went to get quotes for the work you were already doing LOL 😂😆

[@jasonstaley9380]

I feel this 😆

[@StormWaterDrainageSolutions]

That guy at the very end 🤣

[@Solopraneur]

I loved this video! You’re the man!

[@keith-kalfas]

You rock!

[@PAPAof5]

Dude you got it all wrong.. call them up, sound very friendly, tell them you miss their property and you’d like to work for them again, then send them the quote that reflects your current prices.. Then smile when they are outraged and tell them sorry that you two are no longer a good fit 🤣 Thanks Keith! Your videos really helped the learning curve 👍

[@walliehornsby9742]

Your content on every platform is awesome.!! But are you hot? Shit come to me in Alabama with 98 % humidity!!! So rough I wanna cry myself!! I moved from Illinois 18 years ago and I used to grill in the snow! Now I can’t handle Freezing cold or Hot!! 😂

[@fivespeed3026]

My first landscaping customer definitely took advantage of me. When he began asking for free services and to borrow my brand new commercial chipper for free, I fired him.

[@LuisReyes-fm8xv]

I love your Videos Keith 👍

[@jayster900able]

Thanks Keith i will start my business competitive prices right off the back and not get bitched around to avoid mistakes from others! Thanks for the free99 knowledge

[@keith-kalfas]

Haha you're welcome. What state are you in?

[@ElimitechPest]

Keith, if everybody just picked the top Google 1000 five-star review company the little guy would never get a chance. You should still be grateful for those low balling super picky customers because they did serve their purpose

[@calslawnmaintenance5635]

I never thought of it that way before (being taken advantage of) but it does kinda make sense, although I do disagree with taking advantage of others like you suggested in the end of video, I don’t really believe that you think that anyway

[@michaelchavez3530]

Preaching the truth once again Keith.. as a 10-year landscaper I only have one client that was with me from the beginning..I used to work 8 hr plus bringing home $50-$100 thinking I was doing good.. you learn really quick who's taking advantage of you and which clients are not a good fit.. I just wish it didn't take me as long as it did.. I know immediately now if a client will be a good fit and when to say no

[@keith-kalfas]

Same here. Takes time. Sometimes it feels like it took too dang long.

[@lukeevans2772]

Question - Best place to get your customer to leave a review? the place they found you? Google? FB? Where should i send them to get the best bang for my review?

[@eddiemanrique8316]

Thanks for keeping it real Keith

[@loveexpressions25]

That is true. It happened the same thing with me.

[@loveexpressions25]

Specifically when you are starting your business and don't know numerical prices yet. They already know you are newbie and takes advantage of that.