How to compete with this?

[Raven27]

How can you compete with this? I don't live close to them, just happen to stumble across it, but $600 a tree and cheaper with more trees? Gotta be a catch. like maybe thats just to get it down or something?

http://hartford.craigslist.org/for/3318243010.html

 

[bonner1040]

Well the domain/web address on the ad doesnt exist, its for sale but there is no company using it.

My first thought would be to advertise the same service for $550, thats a good way to compete.

I run an ad on CL of $599 any tree on the ground to get side jobs. It works out fine, some are worse than some are super easy but they all make money.

 

[just_a_tree_guy]

i would not worry about it they will not be in business very long !!!

 

[mrtree]

I think you either compete with a lower price or find customers you want at the job cost you want.

This is the issue with tree removals, lowest price wins the day. If you try to offer pruning, PHC, etc., you need a good customer base, lots of referrals and the ability to forgo the easy removal jobs.

 

[oldoakman]

In my 35+ years in this industry, this has always been there. The players change, but the game remains the same. Sad to say, I played the game once myself, but then I learned from my mistakes and educated myself. This guy will either do that and become true competition, or will screw up badly and disappear, hopefully without hurting anyone.

 

[just_a_tree_guy]

its not so much as the job cost you want as much as what you need . tree service is expensive to run . these expenses must be meant .otherwise you will fail . you must cover your cost plus make your profit . if your consumer doesnt understand this because they are cheap , they are not the clientele you want or need . dont compete with the hacks . they do not have the same standards as you do .........i see them come ,,,, i see them go .....

 

[jeffswede]

[ QUOTE ]

its not so much as the job cost you want as much as what you need . tree service is expensive to run . these expenses must be meant .otherwise you will fail . you must cover your cost plus make your profit . if your consumer doesnt understand this because they are cheap , they are not the clientele you want or need . dont compete with the hacks . they do not have the same standards as you do .........i see them come ,,,, i see them go .....

[/ QUOTE ]