go for it!!! or play it safe?

[southsoundtree]

I imagine that if you do more removals than pruning, you'd make out better.

If you have the work available to take on more, then you will be increasing revenue, not just increasing efficiency, and cutting labor costs.

You've been in business longer than me, and I expect have a larger client base built.

I'm in Rick's boat more now, working on past debt, managing current equipment, though I am thinking of upgrading my chipper, as its outdated, and not always super user friendly, so I'm not in the camp of "don't spend", just spend wisely after good analysis. Having that wad of cash in hand to pounce on a good deal is money ahead if you save yourself a payment or 3 by being ready to go.

You are on the eastern seaboard that got hammered by storms, we have not had good storms for the past couple of years, since I got started in business. That's an important factor. Will you miss out on the storm work boom without purchasing more equipment?

 

[Noel]

[/ QUOTE ]I'm pretty sure that is in the context of advertising. Advertising in a resession is the way to be agressive. This way we aren't relying on our current customers and referrals to get us by. My advertising is paying off right now. The majority of my current phone calls are from new customers. And I think that's sort of the goal...

But, I suppose it could be a two-fold approach. Invest in more advertising and machinery to pull a one-two combo on the comp. Hmm....

I told y'all. I waiver on this question all the time. Now I want to buy something.

[/ QUOTE ]


I'm with you on this one. We have spent a lot advertising this winter, but I talked to 2 other tree companies in our town in the last week that said they have only done 3-4 jobs since Christmas. If I had laid low like them, I wouldn't have any good help left to tackle the work that I am sure is going to take off soon. Trust your gut. If you have doubt, believe it, and wait to pull the trigger until it feels right. I keep telling myself we need a grapple truck, but I keep finding excuses not to buy. Someday......

 

[treehumper]

Do a cost benefit analysis to figure out your ROI and break even point. There are some great deals to be had and money to be saved by adding some time saving equipment. Make sure you take into account true cost of operation and depreciation over the lifespan.

Given the economy their may an opportunity to see an early return since the deals are out there.

 

[Paul Biester]

Hey Noel thanks where ya been hidin bro? I also have kept high visibility through the down time . In fact we were right smack in the middle of a new campaign with lettering ,colors web relaunch etc. It has paid of pretty well.
It is really the equipment outlay that I'm considering.I am hearing almost a consensus . I think what Ill wind up doing is what I have always done ,free up some cap space and make moves that are manageable.Never use up all of your leverage at one time!!