Extending your season

[Mbella]

Would you do, or have you done this: It's November 15 and you have four more jobs to do. Each job will take a couple of weeks to complete.

Would you excavate the remaining four jobs and install the base aggregate(without completing one) in order to beat potential frost issues?

I have done this and found it to be helpful in extending our season.

[cgland]

We do this as well, We can always keep the sand from freezing. It's the base that will give you fits if you install frozen aggregate.

Chris

[dclandscaping]

Am I correct in saying that a deposit was collected on these projects. If so is it the same amount that you require when completing a job in the same season?

I do not know how hard of a sell it would be to get that inital lump sum in my area.

Craig

[Mbella]

Dc, when I have done this, yes, a deposit was collected. There wasn't any apprehension on the part of the customer, but they were referrals.

You raise a good point though. What if they are not referrals, rather cold sales that don't know, or trust you??

Maybe, some incentive would need to be given, or concessions provided on your part if you feel that the work is needed to stay busy.

What would you be willing to do?

[cgland]

We always get 50% down, the difference is that for winter projects we usually drop our rates a bit and run a little leaner, so it's a trade-off for the customer. They are getting a cheaper price, but they know that the project may be left open for a while.

Chris

[MuirView Design]

This is a good point. Something I've been thinking a lot about. I have 8 different customers who all want to be first on the schedule for hardscapes in the spring and only about 3 weeks of work left for this season. I think it's just a common assumption that no work can be done in the winter. How do you guys go about resolving something like this? First come, first serve in the spring? Collect deposits early to get on the schedule? Or, perhaps send out a letter with winter incentives?

[kootoomootoo]

Sitting down boys...Had one job last winter ...literally dug out 4 feet of frost to pour a pad. Took 2 days just to dig the frost out. Wish I took pics. Spoils looked liked we were on the moon.