A top complaint from consumers when it comes to customer service is that a business is not available by phone or email. In the current culture of constant contact and instant feedback, consumers want to speak to a person, and they want to speak with someone quickly.

But for the landscape industry, the busy season means that many calls go unreturned. There are often more callers than there are employees to respond. At a small- or medium-sized landscape company, the person who returns calls is also the same person providing services. This lack of availability can often end in frustration for consumers who are looking for services. It creates a negative image for both the business and the industry as a whole.

When your company needs financing, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain it unless you give your personal guarantee. This means if the company fails to pay its debt, you’re on the hook.

Personal guarantees are not limited to bank loans and lines of credit and can include commercial leases, loans/leases on cars and equipment leases and other financing. Know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

How many times a day do you see the sign on the vehicle ahead of you that says, "Drivers Wanted?" And how many times to you shake your head over new hires who aren’t legal to drive?

Research is showing that there will be even fewer potential drivers in our future.  Americans born after 1983 are simply not driving as much as their parents did. They tend to rely more on walking, biking and riding transit more while driving less than previous generations did at the same age.  

A thief can pop an OEM door lock in less than 30 seconds and be driving your truck and trailer away in less than a minute. And hot wiring a piece of equipment can take even less time. That’s why removing ignition keys and locking doors is not enough to keep vehicles safe.  

Season start-up is downright hectic.  Your people are moving fast and so are thieves who want what you have.  Taking a few steps to safeguard vehicles is equipment are critical and here are a few reminders

Boomer customers can afford to be picky because they hold purchasing power for your company’s products or services. Make no mistake about it, if they are disappointed with your customer service, they will vote with their feet, cross the street, and go straight to your competitors.

It stands to reason that having a solid strategy for communicating and for dealing with complaints swiftly with boomers will be a key factor in retaining your Boomer customers.  Here are some insights.