appearance is the key

Like I said, squared away... shabby stuff WILL get attention, the wrong kind, they'll think you're casing their house.

But do some spying, they aren't looking dude. Tree work going on does create more work because the neighbors like to keep up... but it's got nothing to do with how expensive your gear is. Leave the neighborhood and they won't be able to tell anyone what color you chipper was, much less if it was freshly waxed.

They don't think like you do. This is an area where I have LOTS of experience. I know both sides of the equation equally well. They aren't watching you with anything more than a mild passing interest. It's important to their self image and status that they are uninterested in pedestrian, middle class, blue collar workers. You are 'the help', nothing more. Your new looking gear is only going to get attention if it damages something or annoys someone.

Professional behavior will take you further than ANYTHING else with wealthy people. They expect it and remember it. If you're going to put time and money into impressing them, train your crew to be efficient, top of the line professionals. The front man's behavior will get you more business than shiny trucks every time.
 
Although I can't say what the upper crust million dollar home owner is thinking, from a regular middle class working man view, I agree with both Blakes (the Amish drummer)and Blinky. I think you both have valid points. Some people might be impressed with the equipment and crew but some may not even have seen them. All they may know is that the neighbors had some tree work done and you can't even tell someone was there, except for the missing or nicely pruned tree of course. Others may walk up and want to speak to someone about a tree issue they have right then and there. That's where the "front man" is important. You want the person they are speaking to to be knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. This may not be your usual "front man". The groundie stowing a saw could be the first contact with a possible client. He or she could in fact unknowingly, become part "front man" and part "salesman".
With this in mind I think it's important then to have the "total package" presented. This way, what ever type of possible client you may run into, you are covered.

-BarnHouse
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I wonder how many tree companies have gotten much work from the phone numnber on the truck. When I was tracking calls it was really rare to hear that anyone mentioned seeing my trucks. [Sometimes I'm sorta glad too...hehehehe!]

[/ QUOTE ]

Phone #'s on trucks are overrated, IMO!

[/ QUOTE ]

Besides, now a days, people can't (or don't want to) remember a phone number. Nor, will they stop to write it down. It is much more effective to remember a website.

But, for the sake of conversation, I like what Boston Bull said about clean appearance showing that you pay attention to quality. I wouldn't be surprised if Mayer T.S. washed every day. --I like it.

I wash my trucks 1x per week. I even wash the chipper. I get people asking me often, "Is that a new chipper?"
wink.gif
 
If you cut a tree that is in flower you should arrange a bouquet and give it to the customer when job is complete,they'll love it!!!
 
[ QUOTE ]
The estimator should show up in a clean, tidy vehicle that fits their style.

[/ QUOTE ]That would explain why i use a 91 honda civic wagon. i generally park next door...

if i get the eyeball from a client i explain that i keep my vehicle budget low cuz my edjakashun expense is thru the roof.
ooo.gif
 
I'm with Blinky! Be Professional, leave no stains, clean-up every little twig even though they were already there, Say Sir and Ma'am, Keep clean equipment,(does not have to be new), and do QUALITY WORK!!! I know most folks want to keep up with the Jone's and I don't know how rich people act else-where, but around here the rich folks seem to stay rich by shall we say, "being frugal". So around this area new equipment will not get you any more work,but a competitive estimate and good reference's will.
 
For older equipment, it is amazing what a little paint can do. Whether it gets you more jobs or not is hard to say, however the potential return on the investment of time and paint can be high.

I got a new utility trailer and two cans of Ace RustStop paint. By trailer matches my pick-up, and rather than being blue with rusty scratches, and green/white fenders, it looks tight.

A gallon or two of brush on paint made by 1975 chipper go from green with yellow bleeding through, with rusty scratches, to white matching my chip truck. I used two days off to paint it. It doesn't look like an antique now to the common joe.

Similarly, a coat of paint on the stump grinder was a cheap facelift.


I feel more professional, and it probably comes through in presentation. Maybe its fake-it-til-you-make-it.

Feel like I'm making it, bit by bit. Until I can get newer equipment, I feel better and look better. Rolling down the highway, both rigs and chipper/trailer look like one tight unit (from what people have told me), at minimal investment.

Frugal, yep, frugal. Funny how that is.
 
Just be careful not to go "too corporate". People around here have lost trust - for good reason - of the whitebreaded starched-shirt cookie-cutter image of top-managed sameness. They don't want to pay for someone else's idea of spit-shined, top-dollar gear run by low-waged not-health-covered imbicles.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Just be careful not to go "too corporate". People around here have lost trust - for good reason - of the whitebreaded starched-shirt cookie-cutter image of top-managed sameness. They don't want to pay for someone else's idea of spit-shined, top-dollar gear run by low-waged not-health-covered imbicles.

[/ QUOTE ]



this doesn't happen very often, but I completely agree with Oakwilt here!
 
Sometimes when you focus on one thing you tend to ignore the little things. If I start over and remember all the things that got us to where we are now, I can get the company back on track.
 
Your image supports your substance. Be the complete package, Equipment in good condition not necessarily new, crew in uniform with proper safety gear, courteous to clients and each other, able to speak intelligently about trees and general care, not smoking or cursing.

If the first point of contact is a groundsperson who isn't well versed in sales or the company then they should acknowledge the clients question (active listening skills), assure them they will be answered and by who.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom