no customers

[SquirrelMan]

I do all my trimming spikeless.. they go with a cheaper price and those guys spike the trees.
I do all my removals low impact.. they go with a lower price and you know what happens.
I pay taxes.. my "competition" takes all the checks in their name to the check casher....
Seriously, what is with the recent trend of low ballers over quality??? I am about to go apply at mcdonalds. Just saw a guy a quit working for a year ago because they spike everything on the news talking about why to remove your trees getting free prime time advertising. FML

 

[sgreanbeans]

You need better clientele.

 

[SquirrelMan]

You need better clientele.

Yes, but how do I reach them. I have tried fliers (zero to .5% response) I try knocking doors which sometimes nets me good jobs but high end neighborhoods get you kicked out and/ or yelled at. I have no money for serious advertising like a bill board. I have a website but once again, no money to pay someone to optimize it for google. Im in a rut.

 

[danbirch]

I do all my trimming spikeless.. they go with a cheaper price and those guys spike the trees.
I do all my removals low impact.. they go with a lower price and you know what happens.
I pay taxes.. my "competition" takes all the checks in their name to the check casher....
Seriously, what is with the recent trend of low ballers over quality??? I am about to go apply at mcdonalds. Just saw a guy a quit working for a year ago because they spike everything on the news talking about why to remove your trees getting free prime time advertising. FML

It's not just in this industry. While I don't try to earn my living as an Arborist, I sure see it in my other occupation. The best thing I can say is try to EDUCATE your customers, so they can understand that you get what you pay for. Show them (maybe in your flyer) what PERMANENT damage spiking does to their trees, and why it costs MORE to do the job correct, etc. Keep your integrity, be the BEST (maybe even have a 2nd job to make ends meet for a while), and hopefully, your reputation will grow, and those "better Clients" will be on your list! Good luck!

 

[azilla]

The company I work for was having the same problem for a while. They started to ask customers that if they were happy with the work to give us a review on angies list. Now we dont even advertise anymore. If they are happy most will be glad to do that.

 

[SquirrelMan]

The company I work for was having the same problem for a while. They started to ask customers that if they were happy with the work to give us a review on angies list. Now we dont even advertise anymore. If they are happy most will be glad to do that.

Thanks! I read online that angie can be a b**** to get a dishonest review removed but I understand that this is all site. I correspond with all my customers via email (pretty fancy for such a little dog and pony show huh? :hmm3grin2orange I may send out a mass email asking them to review me.

 

[blades]

Its the same all over. I plow snow in the winter. Every tdh around town drops a plow on something lowballs everything. My cost are up 30 % but lowball is giving quotes at 1/2 or less. Couple that with a very poor season last year ( my acquaintances in the same business concur) made it pretty slim going the other 8 months of the year.