Is the customer always right??????

[cooksqualitylawncare]

Ok here it goes, I had a lady call me and ask me to drop my mower a few notches down. Well here's the thing her lawn looks amazing since I've been cutting it this year. Ive done my research and found that weeds don't like taller grass and etc. So I tried to explain all this to her and I couldn't get anywhere with her. I even told her that the grass would turn brown instead of the dark green like she has now. She then went on to demand that in order to run a business I need to always do exactly what the customer wants even if its not in the best interest for the lawn. I told her I didn't agree with this statement. What do you guys think of this situation and how would you handle this.

 

[twall]

I'll probably get told I know nothing (again), but yes, do whatever she wants you to do. It's HER lawn. If it looks like crap, it's HER fault. If she complains, remind her firmly that you did exactly what she ordered. I do believe after the grass is burnt to a crisp, she'll see things your way. Maybe not.

But, yes - IMHO, the customer is ALWAYS right, even if they're wrong.

 

[cooksqualitylawncare]

I just don't agree with that statement though. The statement should read "the customer knows nothing" I have a business degree and know how to run a business. My concern is the neighbors see me cutting it and once they see it turn to Hell, it makes me look bad like I did this to the yard, you know.

 

[JDgreen]

I just don't agree with that statement though. The statement should read "the customer knows nothing" I have a business degree and know how to run a business. My concern is the neighbors see me cutting it and once they see it turn to Hell, it makes me look bad like I did this to the yard, you know.

Agree with you 100%, my next door neighbor has a mid sized yard and he pays a service to spray it, it has no weeds but he chops it down so far it practically scalps the grass, it turns brown fast and then he waters it....:confused2::confused2:

I don't have anybody spray my yard, it has a lot of weeds, but I mow it at 3 inches and it stays green while his turns brown...and mine is a lot more comfortable to walk on barefoot.

If you are worried about what her neighbors are going to think of you, I would send them a note or knock on their door and explain the situation as best you can. You told her it's to her benefit to let the grass grow, if she wants it low, the customer is right, BUT I would hope the results do not reflect on you. Man, I wish I could think of a way to resolve this, it's quite a problem.

 

[JDgreen]

Oh yeah, should have asked how long has the lady been a customer, how much do you earn off her, is she worth keeping as a customer in the first place?

 

[cooksqualitylawncare]

It's my wife's sister and actually I charge half what I should. She really a pain in the butt. But if I drop her than she'll somehow start trouble with my wife. I don't like her as a person either but I do it for my wife

 

[BKBrown]

I think I'd drop the mower ONE notch at a time and tell her you are cutting it lower. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :tongue:

I also believe I'd be proactive about telling your wife why you believe the grass should be left longer AND that her sister is already getting a big price break. :biggrin:
It can't hurt to get your side told before the PITA SIL ! :biggrin:

 

[JDgreen]

It's my wife's sister and actually I charge half what I should. She really a pain in the butt. But if I drop her than she'll somehow start trouble with my wife. I don't like her as a person either but I do it for my wife

Oh boy, you didn't say it was a relative...may I suggest this as a resolution:

If it is possible, cut the yard in the area NOT visible to neighbors down to the height the PIB, OOPS, CUSTOMER wants. Cut the yard that is visible to neighbors at your recommended setting. Once the PIB, OOPS, CUSTOMER, sees the difference, maybe she will change her mind? GOOD LUCK !!!

 

[JDgreen]

It's my wife's sister and actually I charge half what I should. She really a pain in the butt. But if I drop her than she'll somehow start trouble with my wife. I don't like her as a person either but I do it for my wife

And, heck, I don't like my wife but adore the rest of her family.....I put up with her for them....:laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[cooksqualitylawncare]

My wife knows all about the settings and how to cut cause she reads all my lawn care books I have laying around the house. She knows how I feel about her sister but nothing is worth listening to her ungrateful sisters mouth if I chose to walk away. I treat every yard like its my own and do what's best for the lawns. This has paid off for me and my business. This is the reason I don't want to scalp it. Makes me look bad but this is what she wants