Economic advice

[high life man]

What's your collective thoughts about the struggling economy in the trimming/removal business?

Will it impact the tree business less or more than other contractors? Why?

Survival tips, strategies?

Thanks, just thinking ahead a little.

 

[sonny]

just my oppinion, as always. I think it will help the tree trade.The people that have regular jobs with payed vacations (lucky dogs) will not be doing much traveling with all the stuff that is going on. Therefore they will be spending their $ on home improvements.Just my oppinion.

 

[Goin]

The winters are always a bit slower, but this has been the worst in 5 years. The lack of snow fall did not help us either.

People generally do not feel that pruning their trees is a necessity unless there is a definite threat to property.

I think almost every industry is adversely affected in some way. For example, most would not think that trash removal is affected. I spoke with a friend who runs Waste Managment in Denver; last week was the first week they had less than 100 roll-off dumpster pick-ups in five years, because home building is down.

As a result, we have had to offer big winter discounts to stay afloat.

But the phone calls are finally picking up!!!!!!!!!

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

One problem is that we will see more and more lowball "staRt-up" companies as people get laid off from their real jobs.

 

[DDM]

Speaking of low Ballers is it a bad thing to hope that they That under cut youwith no insurance drop a tree
on the customers house? would that teach the Customer and the Low baller a lesson?
Just Curious I guess

 

[Treeman14]

Yeah, that's a bad thing.

 

[DDM]

Yes well i knew that.I guess i did get some satisfaction last week though when a customer that had gone with a Low baller called to tell me they wish they had went with my price because The Lowballer had cracked there driveway and made trenches all over there yard dropping the 8 sweet gums.He asked me how did i remove 12 trees from his neighbors yard and not damage anything?
I just replied Experience>