Boost Your Fall Cleanup Profits: Three Secrets

When it comes to fall cleanups, there's more to it than just leaves. Here are three simple yet powerful secrets to help double your earnings:

Secret 1: Charging for Debris Removal

Say you charge $250 for a fall cleanup, which is good. But wait, there's more to it! Don't forget about the debris—leaves, twigs, and such. For every yard of debris you clear, add $60 to your earnings. Imagine clearing three yards; that's an extra $180 for your hard work!

How to Use This Strategy

When you offer your service, explain the $250 base charge for the fall cleanup. Also, let clients know about the extra $60 charge for each yard of debris removed. Being clear about these costs helps everyone understand what's involved and ensures you're paid fairly.

Figuring Out Debris Costs

Before you start cleaning, take a look at the debris. Estimate how much there is. This helps you and your clients know what to expect. Being upfront about these details builds trust.

Keeping Track of Debris

As you work, keep an eye on the debris you're removing. It could be leaves, branches, or other yard mess. Count it accurately so you get paid right for the extra effort.

Wrapping Up

This change in pricing isn't just about numbers. It's about making sure you're paid for the extra work you do. By being clear and fair with your pricing, you're making sure both you and your clients win.

Secret 2: Upsells and Add-ons!

Think beyond just the cleanup! While you're working on tidying up the yard, why not offer clients some additional services? For instance, ask them if they need their gutters cleaned or any tree trimming done. These extra tasks can significantly boost the overall value of the job.

Offering Additional Services

During a fall cleanup, it's a great opportunity to inquire about other tasks that might need attention. Perhaps the gutters are clogged or the trees need trimming. By offering these services, you're not only providing added value but also increasing your earnings.

The Value of Extra Tasks

Consider this: you can trim ornamental trees for about $150 each. If there are several ornamental trees that need attention, this can add up to a considerable increase in the total job value. These little add-ons might seem small, but they contribute significantly to the overall worth of the service you're providing.

Enhancing Customer Experience

When you offer these additional services, you're not just selling; you're enhancing the customer's experience. It shows that you're attentive to their needs and willing to go the extra mile to make their yard look its best.

Building Lasting Relationships

By offering these add-ons, you're not just completing a job; you're building relationships. Satisfied customers are more likely to return or recommend your services to others, leading to more opportunities and a stronger business.

Secret 3: Setting a Minimum Rate

Know your worth and set a price that's the lowest you'll accept for a job. We used to set it at $312.50, but now it's $700. This ensures we're properly compensated for our hard work.

Why a Minimum Rate Matters

This minimum rate isn't just a number; it's a way to respect our time and effort. It ensures that every job we do meets a certain level of value, and we don't settle for less.

Making Sure You're Fairly Paid

Sometimes, a job might not meet this minimum. In those cases, instead of just accepting less, we find other tasks to do that bring the total up to our minimum. This ensures we're paid what we're worth.

Adding Value to Every Job

By finding extra tasks to meet our minimum rate, we're not just making up for the shortfall; we're actually giving more value to the client. It might mean a bit more work, but it's worth it for everyone.

Building Strong Relationships

This approach isn't just about money; it's about building trust. Going the extra mile to meet our minimum rate shows clients that we're committed to doing a great job every time.

In Summary

Setting a minimum rate isn't about being greedy; it's about ensuring fairness and value for our work. By sticking to this minimum, we make sure every job is worth our time and effort.

How to Make These Strategies Work

Explain Costs Clearly

Break down the costs for your clients. Tell them how much the base cleanup costs, how much extra it'll be for debris, and any other services you've suggested. This helps them see what they're paying for.

Do It Every Time

Keep doing these things consistently. When you always explain clearly, offer extra services, and set fair prices, it builds trust. People know what to expect from you.

Happy Customers

Remember, these strategies aren't just about money; they're about keeping customers happy. When they see your clear explanations, extra offers, and fair prices, they're more likely to trust and stick with your services.

By being clear, offering more, and being fair with your prices, you're not just doing good work; you're also building strong relationships with your clients.

Conclusion

Putting these secrets into action might mean some adjustments and conversations. But, by marketing effectively, attracting new customers becomes easier. New clients won't know your old rates, so showcase the true value of your services.

By using these three secrets, we've doubled our fall cleanup earnings from $350 to $700. It's about delivering more value while making the most of our time.

In short, these tips can transform your fall cleanup business, bringing more value to clients and better rewards for your hard work.

Thank you for reading, and here's to a successful fall cleanup season!

About this mower - 

This 48-inch Radius S riding mower from eXmark is essential. It's like a big vacuum with the Ultra Vac system, sucking up leaves, grinding them, and discharging them through the chute into the double bagger system.

Leave me a comment below on your best Fall Cleanup Jobs!

- Keith