How Does one Compete with the Zero Turn Guys?

[Carscw]

I have found that people do not mind paying extra if you use a push mower.
There are a lot of homeowners that do not want a big mower on their grass. Me I don't like the tire marks all over the lawn that you get from a ztr

 

[wjjones]

I have found that people do not mind paying extra if you use a push mower.
There are a lot of homeowners that do not want a big mower on their grass. Me I don't like the tire marks all over the lawn that you get from a ztr

I wish but when the yard is 1 3/4 acres a push mower is out of the question. My past has taught me that if you try to jack them on a price you already gave them they will find someone else cheaper. I was doing a run of 3 yards on a street for $25 each another guy came behind me, and offered to do them for $15 each. Guess who is doing them now. If you give them a price make sure it covers you either way no matter what you mow with, and if they find someone cheaper good for them.

 

[The Don'z]

I tried advertising in past for lawn mowing etc. I only got 2 calls and took both jobs. I dont have any zero turns but plenty of front riding mowers. So how does a guy with front engine riding mower compete with zero turn guys? How you know if your charging too much or not enough when mowing with riding mower? I see alot guys doing it in my area and dont see how I could draw in the business if started advertising again for lawn mowing.

if you are trying to compete with them on an equipment basis,, you can't, ZTR will always be faster, more menuverable, and 9 out of 10 times leave a more finished cut, a lot of it depends on what type of lawn you are mowing, My company mows mostly 1 to 10 acre lawns/grounds, though I do still have some residential lawns, mostly push/self propelled mowers on those. (My ZTR won't fit through the gates.... ) If you're trying to out bid the others,, I, like so many others on here, charge between $0.50 and $1.00 per minute and estimate how much time it takes us to do a particular lawn.

 

[Lawnboy18]

Ingredients:

1) Look professional! Show them you are good and know what you are doing. Good equipment that is well maintained will give you less down time, more productivity and a better image. I clean my equipment every week.
2) Advertise! A company shirt, some business cards, door hangers, stickers on the equipment can lead to good suc
3) Be sure of your prices! No running arond the bucket here! Have a list of prices handy and give no hesitation. Clients don't want to feel like they are talking to someone that isn't sure about there prices. (been there done that. I learned my lessons and haters please restrain. We have all done mistakes in life and we grow from them and help others)
4) Talk! Don't run away from clients. If people are walking and look at you, say hi with a smile. That could lead to a nice contract with the neighbor. Talk with your clients. Nothing too long or short. Just get to now them a little to get that good relation with them. In social psychology, a good relation with a client encourages him to buy.

 

[davbell22602]

if you are trying to compete with them on an equipment basis,, you can't, ZTR will always be faster, more menuverable, and 9 out of 10 times leave a more finished cut, a lot of it depends on what type of lawn you are mowing, My company mows mostly 1 to 10 acre lawns/grounds, though I do still have some residential lawns, mostly push/self propelled mowers on those. (My ZTR won't fit through the gates.... ) If you're trying to out bid the others,, I, like so many others on here, charge between $0.50 and $1.00 per minute and estimate how much time it takes us to do a particular lawn.

Im not trying to compete with them on equipment basis or how long it takes to get the job done. Just trying to build little customer basis.

 

[Locqus]

Im not trying to compete with them on equipment basis or how long it takes to get the job done. Just trying to build little customer basis.

You can build a good customer base without a ZTR. Honestly, walk-behinds are the best for residential. ZTR's only help with the bigger wide open jobs. Stick to the smaller quicker mowers until you build up to some clients that need a ZTR. I started with one walk-behind and built it up little by little. Taking your time and finishing the job right, no matter the equipment, is how word spreads.