In this part of the country business stays pretty much constant. We don't have an off season and never have to worry about returning customers, since we service them year round. Most mowing is done weekly 8 months per year and biweekly the other 4 months. However this time of year is when potential new customers begin calling, both residential and commercial. This is generally a good indication of how the up coming spring - summer season will play out. And judging by the calls we've been receiving for estimates on new properties, this may be our best year for growth since 1989!

Since I have not experienced having non-returning customers, which it seems you northern boys have to worry about. I have a question which if you answer may beneift all of us in one way or another. What type marketing do you use to get the quickest results for replacing your non-returning customers?

I do a lot of target marketing using mailings, flyers, and some door knockers. But I am able to wait on results, we rarely lose customers and when we do it is usually do to them selling, or their business failing. But both these cases are rare. Our biggest PITA is probably lowballers. But even these guys can be beneficial, because (if )they manage to take a customer away, about 95% of the time the customer will call you back... and their always willing to pay more.... even if their not begging you to return!