Feast or Famine!

[Sunrise Guy]

Why is our business like this? I suppose it can be traced, in part, to the time of year, of course, as it pertains to people getting out and looking up, trees setting leaves, fruit, etc. But I am finding that even at times when you would not expect it, you can get crazy busy, or "someone shoot me" dead. I am hardly able to do anything else in my life, right now, than meet with developers, write reports, run soil samples at my lab, climb trees, schlep brush, chip limbs-----

In another month, or two, maybe next week, maybe tomorrow, I'll be sitting on my :censored: for days at a time, watching The Price Is Right on the tube and feeling that I need to start practicing for my new profession by repeating, :Welcome to WalMart! Have a shopping cart!"

I have noticed this phenomenon in other professions, but ours seems especially prone to it.

 

[Treetom]

Don't know either but...

I've had a few people call because they have their tax return money in hand and are highly motivated. Also, in Michigan, after a winter of cold, dark days, a sunny "heatwave" (40+degrees) will bring in quite a few calls. With this in mind, I check the extended weather forecast: if it looks good, I run my ad more often in the local newspaper.

 

[treevet]

You gotta diversify during the slow time. But mostly use it to charge the batteries IMO.

Heard on the radio the other day someone say.."during these economic times, you either have to be unique or cheap".

 

[treemandan]

I thinks its great, the cycles of our business. I am always busy with things to do piled pretty high.
Ajustsments have to be made and you have to adapt. Plans don't always go as planned of course.

 

[treemandan]

I've had a few people call because they have their tax return money in hand and are highly motivated. Also, in Michigan, after a winter of cold, dark days, a sunny "heatwave" (40+degrees) will bring in quite a few calls. With this in mind, I check the extended weather forecast: if it looks good, I run my ad more often in the local newspaper.

Oh yeah, if you want work you go get it when you want it. Especially if you are always on the ball.

 

[Sunrise Guy]

Oh yeah, if you want work you go get it when you want it. Especially if you are always on the ball.

Maybe. I mean, yeah, I do start doing the sales call routine that I truly hate, but I also admit that sometimes, if the cosmos isn't throwing me the gigs, I would rather sit and watch TV than go out and do cold calls. Sooner or later, though, gigs happen. You're right, though, if you want the work, I do believe, as you said, that you can go out and get it.

 

[fishercat]

i expected it when i got into Tree work.

winter is a tough time mentally and financially for a lot of people.

clean up is a pain in the neck in the snow so i don't mind.

i do mechanical work and sell car parts,firewood,and saws in the winter.it's nice to stay home.

 

[treevet]

I prepay most of my bills from Nov to Mar, 4 months.

 

[TreeTopKid]

I prepay most of my bills from Nov to Mar, 4 months.

That's cool. I didn't know you could do that.

 

[Rickytree]

Every spring there's alot of calls but not last spring. I can't say what this spring will bring. Got a couple calls mostly referrals this year so far. I got a call off my website and went and took a look. 5 spruces (40 foot) some alittle smaller 3bigger ones in the backyard and 2 in the front and a small locust tree in front. Small gateway but the fence could be removed. She wanted the wood left. Gave her a price of a grand and stated that i would beat any written quote. Never heard a thing!! 4 of the spruces were over stuff.

 

[thejdman04]

Its always like that, even in the firewood business, run like heck then its dead for 2 weeks then you get 20 calls the same day

 

[Rickytree]

Hey you get 20 ahhh I only get 10. postin for posts

 

[Mikecutstrees]

same here dead since dec. Then super busy the past 2 weeks. Alot of big trees. 37",-48" maple etc. Better to be busy than dead though..... Mike