Why You Should Be BRUTALLY HONEST With Customers When Doing Quotes and Selling Landscaping Jobs

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 22 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 141

  • @mowingtrimmingedging214
    @mowingtrimmingedging214 4 роки тому +11

    I tell myself before every cleanup bid I am not a charity, I provide a convenient service. Almost anyone can knock down weeds, grass and clean up a overgrown mess even half ass, but to make it look like it was never a mess before that took foresight, determination, and skill.

  • @RayWilliamJohansen
    @RayWilliamJohansen 4 роки тому +30

    I haven't been the best landscaper but im getting better because of your videos, thank you !

  • @lawncaredave4492
    @lawncaredave4492 4 роки тому +17

    If you meet with a new customer and they try to make you feel inferior, quote the bid high and walk away. I’ve actually told people that we’re not the right fit for you.

  • @joshuacheatham1458
    @joshuacheatham1458 4 роки тому +6

    I’m in my first real month of doing landscape jobs professionally and I can say this kind of advice has been a godsend, Keith. Most of my customers end up saying yes anyways because they know I’m being honest and upfront. They may pay more but they don’t have as many what if’s in their head when the project starts.

  • @krisreitz9913
    @krisreitz9913 4 роки тому +8

    So freakin true. I’ve been in business for 12 years , and the more honest I am with a client and the more I don’t beg or even care if I get the job (which I honestly don’t if They haggle or are really needy ) I almost Always get the job. If the client is annoying or wants to play games , I stop and simple say, “I don’t think I’m right for You” , then I walk away.. when I do this , I’m ok with my gut decision. I’ve had potential clients blow my phone up confused and begging for the reason I didn’t want to work for them.
    Honesty and confidence is the only way to go bc getting a job just to get the job, is the shittiest feeling ever when you’re half way in the job counting all the money and labor you screwed yourself for.....

  • @thomassomerfield6372
    @thomassomerfield6372 4 роки тому +14

    Boss man, I've started doing landscaping, I 15, and just got my first larger job.

    • @mackthomas8750
      @mackthomas8750 4 роки тому +3

      I'm 16 running my own gardening business you might be interested in my UA-cam channel

    • @joeschratz9360
      @joeschratz9360 4 роки тому

      How did you start man?

    • @joeschratz9360
      @joeschratz9360 3 роки тому

      @Barack Obama lmao

  • @danielmerancio9017
    @danielmerancio9017 4 роки тому +11

    Being honest will get you more customers that's what people are looking for that's the way I see it and I think it makes you look way more professional

  • @blaineholder3574
    @blaineholder3574 4 роки тому +4

    Great advice. Seems like its us against ourself before we even talk to customers. We need to value ourself as much as we value a customer to come up with a fair price.

  • @waylonratcliffe
    @waylonratcliffe 2 роки тому +1

    Spoken like a pro. I've found landscaping to be so complex for this reason, there is usually 3 levels of quality in every job.

  • @m4ckm4n59
    @m4ckm4n59 4 роки тому +19

    ok I'm about to watch. If this video is perfect timing for me again then things are getting weird...and press play.
    Yep. had to ask the customers today what they wanted exactly.. In the end they wanted more than they were willing to pay for.. guess what.. 'maybe I'm not the right person to help you'. lol. I said it'll be thousands to do what you want. answer.. we haven't got thousands. see ya :) pleasant couple but they have pots of cash they just don't value me. Well that's ok coz I value me and so do others.

  • @mediocrefloridaman
    @mediocrefloridaman 4 роки тому +4

    "Lets get it!"
    Man, i haven't watched you in a minute but it's good to see you still putting out these gem.
    Good to see you doing good.
    We're expecting our second child in a few months. How's your family been doing?

  • @mowingtrimmingedging214
    @mowingtrimmingedging214 4 роки тому +4

    Ironically, I’ve been dealing with quoting bids correctly recently. My small business is new, and starting out this year a few cleanups ate my lunch. Luckily I outperformed their expectations and they tipped, which helped. I’ve bid a few lawns, and afterwards I’ve told my clients that I know I bid the first time cut for (such and such,) and I said your rate would be (less such and such) for ongoing consistent service, but after doing the work, seeing what all your property cares and needs are, in order for me to service your property consistently it needs to be at the first time cut price. I just take a deep breath, and try to maintain my integrity. Win or lose, I feel I’m worth the higher price. I operate without contracts. If the client relationship goes south I don’t want my clients to feel locked in, and I sure don’t want my business to feel locked in either.

  • @cannonball9478
    @cannonball9478 3 роки тому +1

    Re watching this for positive reinforcement. Thanks again Keith

  • @JWNLawnCare
    @JWNLawnCare 4 роки тому +3

    Completely agree mate. I'm very adamant about explaining the specifics of our job and where things will cost extra so that the customer properly understands what's involved and justifies the higher price we charge.

  • @william9104
    @william9104 4 роки тому +2

    I’m not even in the landscaping business but have learned so much about business and life from this channel!

  • @williamhull9596
    @williamhull9596 4 роки тому +5

    When giving a quote I tell the customer the price is based on what I see. I talk to the customer about the unforeseen. Sometimes you can't see everything because of over growth. I also tell if I run into a major unforeseen I will stop and contact them. But I have also walked away from quotes when I feel the customer is not going to pay and they want to keep me going lower. But when I do the work the customer is always happy

  • @ThrifterGuy
    @ThrifterGuy 4 місяці тому +1

    This video is brilliant. This literally just happened to me where i gave a quote and i didn't ask enough questions before hand and i ended up doing more than i should have.

  • @dallasklahr1362
    @dallasklahr1362 Рік тому +1

    Thank you Keith. I can't express how much you inspire me to keep landscaping. So many times I had doubts about jobs then I watch a few of your videos and BAM I'm ready to take on the challenges. You information is very helpful and I appreciate you.

    • @keith-kalfas
      @keith-kalfas  Рік тому

      So awesome bro. Thanks and you're welcome

  • @cannonball9478
    @cannonball9478 4 роки тому +1

    Bang on mate!! 7 years in and it makes total sense to waste no ones time.

  • @toddharris3035
    @toddharris3035 4 роки тому +1

    Kieth definitely has helped me price many different aspects of my landscaping business. Just like he said be thorough with your customers. I landed a huge job the other day be cause my quote was so thorough and I walked them through the details of the job and what expectations were when I was finished.

  • @JasonDunlop247
    @JasonDunlop247 4 роки тому +1

    Honesty always the best policy , saves future heartache!
    Those are serious aviators Keith 😎☘

  • @logdon17
    @logdon17 4 роки тому +3

    Also, great call about itemizing everything and explaining it. When I hire a contractor to work on my house, anyone who gives me a price without much detail I am out on. I have hired the people who explained all the details and the things that could cause the price to raise or lower and explain reality.

  • @Kushert
    @Kushert 4 роки тому +4

    I've been brutally honest with customers calling in for estimates and telling them that I'm currently booked three months solid and if they're willing to wait I'll come out for the estimate

  • @jkclawncareandlandscape5880
    @jkclawncareandlandscape5880 4 роки тому +1

    I use to do this all the time and then not get deposits and I got burned a few times now that I do it and get deposit at the estimate , I’ve closed more than 90% of the jobs using this method . You sir have always helped me and my business. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without your videos brotha 👌💪🏼

  • @Mikey12383
    @Mikey12383 4 роки тому +4

    Lol, “a loud explosion on the side of your house”. That’s the TNT lol. Nice Keith, nice haha

  • @gutierrezlawncare100
    @gutierrezlawncare100 3 роки тому +1

    Keith, your videos are so inspiring. You always know how to talk to the costumers

  • @daydreamdesign
    @daydreamdesign 4 роки тому +4

    Everyone ask for more money I think. We don’t realize till later how funny we may have looked hahahaha. Also loved you talking about a moment. That moment is the present moment! Great video.

  • @loloarceo9356
    @loloarceo9356 3 роки тому +2

    Keith you the best,,,,,I been watching your videos for years,

  • @jessewhite7751
    @jessewhite7751 4 роки тому +1

    Lol came in with TNT. Dude cracks me up. Great teacher, keep up the great work Keith

  • @MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair
    @MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair 4 роки тому +1

    Very informative Keith, very similar with the auto repair business. People will see mechanics as rip offs writing up a bunch of repairs needed but that's our job to raise awareness to the customer of problems with their vehicles.

    • @keith-kalfas
      @keith-kalfas  4 роки тому

      Yep. Haha. Some mechanics, not all. But some mechanics have literally tried to rip me off right to my face.

  • @TimRavenRotar
    @TimRavenRotar 4 роки тому

    Yes exactly on point advice Keith!
    Example/I do alot of weed and grass removal jobs and you have to explain that specifically that you can remove 90% of it and then apply weed killer spray treatment to kill of the rest ..and the we offer a return service after to continue on all the small details..etc..
    Otherwise they will expect you to literally pick out every blade of grass by hand..
    Be blunt and upfront with everything !👍

  • @mikedewan7011
    @mikedewan7011 4 роки тому +1

    Saving this so I can watch it again and again

  • @joeschratz9360
    @joeschratz9360 4 роки тому +4

    When you are transparent the customer they will see that you are serious and that you will deliver. Its importand to show that you know what you are doing.

  • @snick3896
    @snick3896 4 роки тому +1

    Funny that I found this video, earlier today I heard this on the podcast and when you talk about digging out roots I was literally hacking away roots to lay edging 😂 also it’s weird because this job started out simple and escalated quickly to almost double the original cost. Luckily the customer agreed with everything I was pointing out 😅

  • @paulgreenleaf600
    @paulgreenleaf600 4 роки тому +3

    My moto is *education creates realistic expectations.* I know 90% of what my customers are thinking before we even start talking. . my other moto *the customers always right until they aren't* . . that's why I'm here 😉 It takes longer. . I made an online catalog of all the plants we sell . . before we meet for the first time I ask what's the sun exposure? Then say "ok I'm going to send you pictures with names of only right answer plants for the space you've describe write your three favorite and you three least favorite and I can take it from there . ." Now the customer is invested in our project . . we almost only do garden designs.

  • @logdon17
    @logdon17 4 роки тому +1

    Tough spot to be in sometimes if you are not full service tree company and do tree work. Benefits are you can knock out small to middle size jobs but stump grinding and anything that requires a crane or bucket truck you are out. Hard part is a lot of tree customers are looking for complete service, the challenge is finding jobs you can land without all that real tree equipment.

  • @spencie81
    @spencie81 4 роки тому +4

    On jobs > x-amount for me, I always ask for at least a 50% earnest payment the day I start, before any tool comes off the truck. I've had some pay all upfront. And thats a testament to the business imo.
    But I do that bc there are those that attempt refusal to pay, even after satisfying their expectations that is in WRITING!
    Thats why everybody gotta ante up; one bad apple jacks its up for the good ones
    But thats how I run my business when it comes to the money

  • @ianbengston5602
    @ianbengston5602 3 роки тому +1

    Little gems in this video 🧡

  • @GarciaConcreteLLC
    @GarciaConcreteLLC 4 роки тому +1

    Again Keith,
    thank you for all this information.
    Chingon patron! it means thank you boss

  • @OrangeSpeedTV
    @OrangeSpeedTV 3 роки тому +1

    Came in with the tnt and was blowing the shrubs up outta there! Lol might have been the first time I’ve laughed out loud on a video 😆

  • @TOM-ko9bw
    @TOM-ko9bw 3 роки тому +1

    Love the videos brother. I'm in concrete and do lots of small niche services. I really appreciate as do others on here. Keep it up keep refreshing your videos. Your great. Hate the shades. lol

  • @Forreally
    @Forreally 3 роки тому +1

    “And you was blowin the shrubs up out of there” 😂

  • @sheerluckholmes624
    @sheerluckholmes624 4 роки тому +1

    i dont just watch ur vids i save them to watch again. they are that use full

  • @zalapski9399
    @zalapski9399 4 роки тому +33

    You’re like a behavioral psychologist, who also landscapes.

    • @GlassGenius
      @GlassGenius 4 роки тому +8

      I Believe that also. And I believe Keith learnt this stuff the way most people learn what they know...... From in the past completely fucking things up and doing it the wrong way.

    • @keith-kalfas
      @keith-kalfas  4 роки тому +5

      Lol yep

    • @keith-kalfas
      @keith-kalfas  4 роки тому +4

      Haha. Yes.

    • @zachbynum5914
      @zachbynum5914 3 роки тому +1

      That’s what business is like lol

  • @Fencearmor
    @Fencearmor 4 роки тому +1

    Nicely said, Keith!

  • @Samedang
    @Samedang 4 роки тому +2

    I needed to hear this. Thank you.

  • @2dogsmowing
    @2dogsmowing 4 роки тому +1

    Perfect! I get a kick out of your videos. Like you im empath aries. Lots of things go against how we feel on the inside to what is on the outside in business. We are huge in the trust of people trusting us.
    It's funny to me when Im brutality honest with clients. I even had to put a roofing business owner in check before. I dont have to many issues with anymore. Or I get the clients that say "you didn't tell me that". Well mister client. Here is the text I sent you about that.
    Text are automatic notes for me.
    I've seen a bunch of your videos and take tid bits of them to learn from myself. It's making a big difference.
    Bigger projects, bigger money. Im fully legit now with a little bit of cash in the bank.
    You keep making the videos, an I'll keep watching.
    An if you ever want to come mow a few lawns with me in the Florida heat. This ex- michigander has a spot on the couch for ya.

  • @mowingtrimmingedging214
    @mowingtrimmingedging214 4 роки тому +1

    The Tony Montana sunglasses complete you 😎

  • @triplesticks
    @triplesticks 4 роки тому +2

    That is some great advice, thanks for sharing!

  • @adventuresinlawncare3734
    @adventuresinlawncare3734 3 роки тому +1

    I TOTALLY AGREE !!!!!!!

  • @lawnnyardsllc8090
    @lawnnyardsllc8090 4 роки тому

    Absolutely. Honesty pays. What's your starting price range for requiring a deposit for landscaping jobs?

  • @vr051964
    @vr051964 3 роки тому +1

    Transparency = Success

  • @king11824
    @king11824 4 роки тому +3

    Measure twice cut once. Measure twice cut once. Again Measure twice cut once. Practice Practice Practice. Build the habit of slow patient bids. Go slow. Confidence gets the jobs.

  • @bernienusbaum6103
    @bernienusbaum6103 4 роки тому +2

    Hay Keith glad you guys are rolling up in mich now! How would you handle this if you know you under bid a total yard shrub and busches trimming job. The customer loved the work and want me to mantain it once every 3 months. Should I raise the price?or keep the fist quoated price? All wile staying propheficnal!

  • @chrisrichards1450
    @chrisrichards1450 4 роки тому +1

    Fantastic video ! Just what I needed.

  • @alonsogarcia1990
    @alonsogarcia1990 4 роки тому +1

    Great video man!

  • @carloschavez-gg6so
    @carloschavez-gg6so 3 роки тому +1

    Great advice 👏🏽

  • @2quack
    @2quack 4 роки тому +1

    Another great video Keith, thank you!

  • @DubNallMusic33
    @DubNallMusic33 4 роки тому +1

    GOLD.

  • @tmlandscapingmaintenance6189
    @tmlandscapingmaintenance6189 4 роки тому

    Hahhaaa awesome video Keith. I’ve been watching you for about 8 years now man and damn dude you still have awesome content like always. I get distracted some times like all of us do and your exactly right. Stay positive and tell them how good and how long it’s gonna take and look. Sweet info stay safe out their it’s getting hot

  • @ronblock9138
    @ronblock9138 3 роки тому +1

    TNT! HaHa! That was funny. As always, thanks for the insight.

  • @j.c.lawntreesnow6272
    @j.c.lawntreesnow6272 4 роки тому +1

    Hi keith i ask a lot of question to feelout potential customers i have saved a lot of time money and gas by doing that when it comes to lawn care i tell them my minimun for spring/ fall cleanups / weekly mowing and that they have to prepay for weekly mowing for the whole month if they dont want to do that see ya.

  • @mikedennis8
    @mikedennis8 4 роки тому +2

    I try and Be as honest as I possibly can and not hide anything from a client that something may come up

  • @tnrcleancare7847
    @tnrcleancare7847 4 роки тому

    Very true Keith. I learned the hard way to do all this.... But you must walk a fine line with trust between you and customer. If either side has to much it's a no go. 50% deposit upon arrival day when starting work, remaining upon completion. Equal trust. You are there working, but getting half up front , so you have some trust, and you are happy, and so they know your not taking the money and running, and then they pay upon completion and inspection so they know they are not paying until satisfied with the work. And if shit goes bad you didn't completely lose....🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @dagtailgroundmaintenance
    @dagtailgroundmaintenance 4 роки тому +1

    Well said

  • @districtlandscapes6309
    @districtlandscapes6309 4 роки тому +3

    Kalfas, just $2 Grand? For what you're talking about, the price starts at $8K

  • @jamesrahn8339
    @jamesrahn8339 3 роки тому +1

    Gold

  • @curbappeal3397
    @curbappeal3397 4 роки тому +1

    God d****** Keith. You fuckin inspire me so much. Keep making these videos dude. Thanks 🙏

  • @johnnyburkejr
    @johnnyburkejr 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks bro great advice as always

  • @AntonioMartinez-sq2gp
    @AntonioMartinez-sq2gp 4 роки тому +1

    Cool Glasses bro!!!

  • @jettdaproducerent2766
    @jettdaproducerent2766 3 роки тому +1

    Your the best Man U really Ed helped me

  • @RobertoMartinez-fi6tl
    @RobertoMartinez-fi6tl 3 роки тому +1

    dude ur fucking awesome 👌love how ur straight up with shit makes a shit load of sense I'm 3 seasons in owning my business u have to be brutally honest ur right

  • @losttheplot26
    @losttheplot26 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks dude.

  • @shawnstevens858
    @shawnstevens858 4 роки тому +1

    Hey I get that all the time. Well we were only planning on spending 5 or 600. but you're so fucking right when they say that you mothoticly assess the job and you know for a fact the lowest you could go is $1500 with no slippage. But yeah $2000 to have a little leeway. Those jobs for say $750 are so 2004 prices.

  • @MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair
    @MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair 4 роки тому +2

    Lmfao when you we're explaining the qualifying questions hahaha

  • @Kuhlyedascope69
    @Kuhlyedascope69 4 роки тому +2

    do you park you trailer on every job in a cubby so you can blaze420? jk good info here falkas

  • @FruitfulTreesnursery817
    @FruitfulTreesnursery817 3 роки тому +1

    Realier then real.

  • @Officialfunnyandfurious
    @Officialfunnyandfurious 4 роки тому +1

    Good stuff!

  • @clearnewview
    @clearnewview 2 роки тому

    Just like going to a decent honest auto mechanic. People appreciate a great mechanic that knows their trade and are honest. They usually tell you what crap vehicles to avoid getting involved with in the first place...lol 🤔

  • @PGSL-r5n
    @PGSL-r5n 4 роки тому +1

    Signs of unlikely of not closing the deal in your favour.
    1. The customer objective is price, price price often the cheepest. Not interested in the facts
    2. They mutter something abruptly under their breath as they walk away
    3. They hurry you when your are quoting
    4. You are constantly discussing price once payment is made, after job is done.
    5. Temper tantrum and narcissistic behaviour
    6. They don't want to walk through the quote when you ask them
    7. They list a lengthy message asking for jobs, whist quoting you only find they want grass cutting, large lawn £20
    8. Removing rubbish
    You may get a call from these customers again or get referrals from them if you present yourself well on the day

  • @angelreyna5686
    @angelreyna5686 4 роки тому +1

    Ima start my business now in the end of summer but I don't care if people say it's not the right time.... Ima do this business and make a killing

  • @jilleven67
    @jilleven67 4 роки тому +1

    I can't encourage every landscaper to hire or needs to consult with a master gardener. Soil conditions, the terrain, the conditions of existing plants, grade, slope, drainage, trees, irrigation, etc.. and list goes on. Many rookies do not see the the potentials. Better yet take a course. There will always be what- ifs, and potential issues. I always include potentials. Its brutal. Often, I get called backed to fix a problem because they were cheap and found an desperate idiot, who later walked off the job. No one wants to hear the truth. People are so cheap. they do not see our work as professional skilled labor. But, it is so rewarding to see a grown ass idiot say, I was right. So refreshing.

    • @RayWilliamJohansen
      @RayWilliamJohansen 4 роки тому

      Where can I learn ?

    • @jilleven67
      @jilleven67 4 роки тому

      @@RayWilliamJohansen it varies from state to state, your county extension office, some colleges, and private institutes offer various programs. They often offer financial discounts if you face financial hardships. The fees usually start around $300 and up. Some offices require you to donate some of your time to the public events and public gardens. The programs are sometimes offered at different times of the year and all are welcome. I found my training to be informative and enlightening. Best investment in myself and now, i consult for a few local landscapers, besides doing my side garden and design work. Best of luck to you.

  • @uniteallaction
    @uniteallaction 4 роки тому

    love it TNT lol

  • @tylerreed9252
    @tylerreed9252 4 роки тому +1

    TNT 🤣🤣

  • @robertparker3248
    @robertparker3248 4 роки тому +1

    I've been there.

  • @watchmykicksllc
    @watchmykicksllc 4 роки тому +1

    Yo Keith, this customer asked me for a w9, is this strange? Why would they want it?

    • @keith-kalfas
      @keith-kalfas  4 роки тому

      That's normal. They wanna run it through their business for tax purposes.
      Keep a digital copy on hand.
      $$

    • @watchmykicksllc
      @watchmykicksllc 4 роки тому

      Keith Kalfas ok my guy thanks

  • @ryanfewster574
    @ryanfewster574 4 роки тому +1

    👍🏻

  • @PriestKikyo
    @PriestKikyo 4 роки тому +2

    One big takeaway for me here was: what's your specific "problem" because I've got the best personally engineered solution just for you! 😜

  • @robertpaidprice
    @robertpaidprice 4 роки тому +1

    Watttup dooeee!!!!

  • @castilloadan80
    @castilloadan80 4 роки тому +2

    Bro that hat gotta go 😂

  • @alaskalee3615
    @alaskalee3615 4 роки тому +1

    If I had one wish one thing
    I’d want you to take me under your wing and show the way of being a successful confident Landscape business

  • @713skywalker
    @713skywalker 4 роки тому +1

    💯👍🏽😎

  • @sevenoaths6622
    @sevenoaths6622 4 роки тому

    Church

  • @christiankocha8663
    @christiankocha8663 4 роки тому +1

    I’m 16 and trying to start my own landscaping company in Washington does anyone have any advice?

  • @iHastyy
    @iHastyy 4 роки тому +1

    gang

  • @attackroflchopter4403
    @attackroflchopter4403 4 роки тому

    Good stuff but those glasses are triggering the shit out of me lol! Stay away from my kid!

  • @viseltree5236
    @viseltree5236 4 роки тому +2

    First

  • @sergiomen3715
    @sergiomen3715 3 роки тому +1

    Trump 2020🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @Mr333Lee
    @Mr333Lee 4 роки тому +1

    Why you wearing sunglasses in the shade? It's why I stopped watching you. You used to be real and realistic

    • @keith-kalfas
      @keith-kalfas  4 роки тому +3

      Because I stepped out of the BLARING BLINDING SUN into the shade to make a video.

    • @JohnM...
      @JohnM... 4 роки тому +1

      Go watch Tigran Gertz, then...

    • @Mr333Lee
      @Mr333Lee 4 роки тому

      @@keith-kalfas kieth, I bought your book, I used to be really interested in what you had to say, but I while ago I realised you were no longer the person who wrote the window cleaning book, your paradigm had shifted, instead of being a leader of men, you became a lecturer.
      I understand people grow, evolve, but man, your evolving into one of those look at me I'm better than you type of guys.
      The realistic guy in you is the one that replied, the old paradigm Keith. He was a good guy to listen too.
      Ps that was me being brutally honest. I wish you nothing but good luck, because I enjoyed reading the book, it made logical sense.

    • @Mr333Lee
      @Mr333Lee 4 роки тому

      @@JohnM... shhh boy

    • @JohnM...
      @JohnM... 4 роки тому +1

      @@Mr333Lee fine Beta. Idgaf.