Stump grinder looking to gain and improve service for tree companies.

[dontbthatguy]

This will be my third season grinding and I am looking to increase my market share. I have had great success working with area tree companies that do not grind.

My question, is what are you looking for in a grinder?

There are a bunch of options, the majority of my work comes from one tree guy, we have a good working relationship and trust, I even allow him to bid my jobs. Where I normally charge 100 a foot with clean up, he usually bids me around 80 a foot with clean up.

Another guy I work for, I bid the job and he adds 25-50 bucks to the job.

I suppose I could do a percentage to stream line the process, but what do you feel would work best for you?

I have cards, website, literature and marketing and am fully insured and always build a rapport with the customer.

I don't play favorites. If I am on a job for one tree guy, and he asks who I recommend I give them the name of the tree guy who's job I am on.

So in conclusion, if a stumper approached you on a job and gave you an elevator pitch, what are you looking for?

 

[Del_]

So in conclusion, if a stumper approached you on a job and gave you an elevator pitch, what are you looking for?

I'd be looking for a way to end the conversation so I could get back to work!


I've ground all of my own stumps for the past 30 years and so do every major tree company I'm familiar with.

Best of luck though and be careful out there.

 

[dontbthatguy]

I'd be looking for a way to end the conversation so I could get back to work!

See that's why I am refining the elevator pitch! Quick persuasive and to the point. Not trying to waste anyones time, just providing a service you might be interested in, after all we all know there is no money in stumps.

 

[BC WetCoast]

I've always had problems with bidding by diameter (inch/foot) because it doesn't account for the increase in volume of the stump as the diameter increases. The increase in volume isn't a linear relationship to the diameter of the stump (area = pi R ^2).

The other problem I have with that is the potential access problems that take time (tight gates, fancy landscaping, stump behind retaining wall etc).

I would suggest that you price each stump after looking at it.

I don't think you're going to sell a stump job based on a 30 second elevator speech. It will probably take a bit more time (or face to face contacts) to get known and build up trust.

You might have a bit more success if you can meet up at the end of the day when there is a bit more time to talk. Also make sure you are talking to the decision maker, and not just the crew foreman who has no authority.

 

[pro94lt]

I would take his number, and pass all the big nasty ones with metal rods, fence posts, concrete in them to him.

 

[bombdude]

I've been stump grinding for 9 years come May. I work for several tree companies in my area. I mainly promote backyard and tight access work. Several have their own pull behind or already have someone they use. I try to fill the niche as not many around here have backyard machines.

Also, I usually don't bother them on the job. I introduce myself at the saw shop, or at a gas station. It's worked for me so far.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Price options! To include/exclude clean-up and haul.
Brag on those shrapnel guards pictured! >> play the safety card!
And that 'level' of clean-up dude! >> carry portfolio or tablet or large fone to show off if don't already.
.
As stated that pieRsquared math will eat you up the bigger it goes; especially if someone else is measuring and texting. $1/inch sounds like 20yr ago as it is.
Stump Shark is good name! Am looking for Jaws eating stump logo and some fireman logo/badge type thang too! >> then to tshirts, truck
Push the rescue firefighter looking for side jobs angle as careful, community orientated, local, deserving...
Push the insurance value, present call b4 dig as urban routed requirement, that you as safety visioned fireman follows when others don't
Pristine lawns is good line, would throw soft, wide, balloon tire imagery, dens high power to wt. ratio and due care .
.
Good L.U.C.K. (Labor Under Controlled Knowledge)