Do I have to splice? Help with solicitation

[zach landis]

What are some professional ways to solicit buisness from homeowners who need tree work done, but may or may not know it. Example, I drive by a house with large dead tamarack threatening to cause damage during the next big wind storm. What is a tactful way to present my services?

Also, I'm wondering if there is a way to use cobra cable, in an non-invasive way, without splicing. In other words, do i have to learn how to splice in order to use dynamic cabling products, such as cobra? If I do have to splice, is it easy to learn from the book offered in the Sherrill catalog? I'm asking because I'm supposed to give an estimate to cable a large clump of healthy silver maples (around 9 large leaders). I would want to do a non-invasive, dynamic system.... I think.

 

[NickfromWI]

You don't need to "learn how to splice" per say. The cobra splice is EASY....something that anyone can do, really. You can even practice at home, on the ground a few times, undoing what you've done and retrying it.

You just might be the only person bidding on the job offering a non-invasive and dynamic system. Should be an easy sell!

love
nick

 

[NeTree]

Zach, if the clump of maples is "healthy", why would you want to cable them? Is there included bark/etc at the unions?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

There are plenty of good reasons to cable healthy trees.

The question could be asked, If the trees are healthy why are you pruning or fertilizing them?

I'm sure that you're familiar with "Preventive Maintenance."

 

[NeTree]

Certainly.

Perhaps I should have said..."Is this a preventative maintainance thing or is there a specific concern?"

Just curious, Tom. =)

 

[seanlarkin]

Zach,

Nick's reply regarding splicing Cobra is correct. As for how to solicit the homeowners, you might consider having some door hangers made up, with your company information on it, and plenty of space to write a friendly note.

Something short and simple like:

"Good morning. I'm Zach from [blank's] Tree Service. While on call in the area, I noticed some [tree problem] and felt compelled to inform you of it, and offer our services. Please feel free to contact us for a free estimate, or if you have any general concerns about your trees.

-Zach"

 

[NickfromWI]

You could always just hire me to come out there and do the splice!

 

[Stumper]

There is no harm in knocking on the door and politely introducing yourself, telling what you do and asking if they would be interested in having something done that you have noticed in there yard. Be prepared for a lot of nos but most people will take your card-Some will ask for a quote and give you a job. Others will save that card and call you back. Just be prepared to smile and wish people a nice day no matter how they react.

The cobra splice is dead easy. Way simpler than installing steel cable. The instructions will guide you through it with little trouble.

 

[TREETX]

Dynamic cabling is a good product. Splice is so easy that even I can do it.

Try door hangers, etc. You want them to approach you, not you approaching them. It greatly affects what you can charge.

 

[glens]

"If you don't already have someone you regularly call to help you with such tree problems as you presently have in your front yard, I'd appreciate it if you'd give me a chance to bid on it."