Have you guys checked out my channel? Ive been supporting your channels for a while, check me out and subscribe. My channel is small due to my schedule but im working on more content. Thanks.
I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t need clients much anymore. So im extremely cheeky on the phone. (Don’t do what i do) if someone asks me for a discount i’ll ask them if their boss negotiates their paychecks every two weeks. And if they want to watch me do the work i’ll ask them if their boss watches them do their work. 😂😂😂😂 its amazing being on the side of having enough work and choosing who you want to service .
Keith been doing landscaping for 25 years as a part time second job. I call it my fun job. I have a couple of customers that like to watch us work. I just let them know one of the customers is 98, we just did her first fall leaf cleanup this year her daughter came out and said my son and the crew did such a good job. That is an amazing feeling. A number of these customers are kind of stuck inside so its like having some entertainment, they like some of the equipment i bring. I use a Smithco Sweepstar 60 I bought in 2005 on labor day weekend that year, one customer calls it a Zamboni. Now these customers are fascinated when we use our Hurricane Blower, I bought used a couple of years ago.
we aint talkin about those ones we talking about the ones that try to get a deal before you even see the actual jobsite going off what they say and the pics they show you then after you give them a discount the want more discount on top with tons of extra work. after a while you can pick it up real quick but its the learning curve.
I literally had a client yesterday that watched me install 16 fixtures on his property. His wife was also outside along with their 3-grand children. Every 30-mins he’d come over to me. Drove me crazy!!!
I try to do the same thing but I have a hard time thinking about what to say. I usually say "Ohh my schedule is little full" but its generally after I walked the property. So it seems like im wasting their time.
I was just dealing with this today. Customer wants to know the exact day and time of the service. Something always comes up and schedules get rearranged every week. When you tell them this, it's like you ruined your their day. As if they could have made other plans instead of waiting around for you. I've learned to not even filter what I say. When you're straight up about how ridiculous they're being, it puts them in their place and they show you more respect.
I had one of these customers as my first client when I was a beggar and couldn't be a chooser. I kept showing up weekly to do work for them until I built up enough other clients and I fired them promptly. I was doing jobs at 1/4 the cost. It was terrible and I resented every minute but I needed money. Then one day they wanted an $800 pressure washing job for $100 and I built up the confidence to laugh in their face and say, "the rental price for a pressure washer is $100 for 4 hours alone! Sorry, I think I'm booked for the rest of the year." I turned and walked. They called me a month later offering $250 and I hung up. Like you said in another video, you gotta sift through the apples and toss the rotten ones.
yep I have a PITA client or 2 in the years I am in business. Brian was spot on in his tips on pita clients :-) Less then 3K for the big 100K happy for ya God Bless
Keith your the man. I watch your videos everyday and you always fill my head with knowledge. I honestly praise you for everything you have done to help people like me grow and be successful. Keep up the good work and can't wait to learn more from you.
If they seem like they’re going to be a problem: “I charge X per hour. Hovering is extra.” “I’m perfectly capable of working without supervision.” “You do your thing, I’ll do mine. I wouldn’t want to interfere with your plans.” If I think talking is going to be a miserable failure, there’s always the annoying person fee, which may or may not kill the deal. But at that point, I don’t care.
Wow that was cool. You are trying to make a video and Brian jumps right and does the work for you. That was cool. Also I hope you have bought your ticket for Lawntrepenuer Academy 2020 Keith or I don't know if Brian will let you in. lol Also came across an Ariens Pro 360 at my shop today. Used for 1 year and being sold for only $1200 not $3500. That was a blessing.
At this point I have about 10-15 lawn clients that are always home and the Corona made it that much worse this year . They are all a PINA for one reason or another .. watching .. coming out at the end to chat ... home but still dont pick sh&t when they hear me trimming first .. seen more kiddie pools this year then ever!!! F this corona ! I wouldn't be upset to drop all people that are home . Honestly considering it !! Dam.. this video really has me worked up hahaha . Thanks Keith!
Man Keith your an interesting person to watch.fairly new to watching for the past 4-6 months but you are the shit bro lol rt.im from San Antonio tx and we been threw it.good videos man
Hey Keith! Making big changes in my personal life. Wanna day big thanks for your vids man. They really help me out! Take care bro. Meditation is very rewarding. Much love
Hey Keith .... I only take care of large tacks of land. From 2 acres to 23 acres. So I really don't have the problem I take pictures of my work and send it to my client. I don't think I have the temperament to deal with, I got to watch you work. 🏴☠️
You just know when clients are WATCHIN you work! It's one thing to look out the window at the progress every now and again but I just get the feeling when they're watchersssssss lol. Hate it! These are the same type who don't want you coming when they're not home. I run my business on mostly repeat monthly gardening clients. I try to establish right from the first meeting that I can be relied upon to come as I am needed or as the monthly budget allows and they don't need to worry about when exactly that is because they don't need to be home when I come.
Couple years ago we were sealing the cracks in a driveway for a customer. The customer actually came out and laid in the grass next to the driveway to watch and talk to us. When he came through Home Advisor this year I didn’t call. I try to price based on the overall time I’m going to be at their location.
We have terms and conditions that stat that customers can't be with in 15 meters when we are using any machinary due to health and safety. But we still have that problem with some customers lol
Kalfas & Brian's subbed to both... Agreed ... Some people need to get more familiar with zelle and above all else people need to have more trust in their landscaper . Especially if it's Kieth .. owner of a landscaping tips and tricks youtube channel ..
I had a Indian guy follow me around the yard as I was mowing and then instead of waiting for me to mulch up the leaves he blows them into the path that I had just mowed and then basically held my hand as I was trimming!!
I love your content lmao sometimes its a bit much but other times its like just too comedic! lmao i can relate on so many levels. Dude i did weed control for a business before i started my own & usually (depending on the lot size and how many weeds) took me like less then 5 mins. to do an entire lawn. They'd be watching me and be like "Did you get the back" with them like watching my every move XD lmao its like uh? are you blind. but customer service 100% of the time! otherwise no bueno business! lol
I had a lady who I’ve done work for twice and both times she asks for a lower price. Today I go see if she was still up for a mow that hasn’t been mowed for 2 weeks. She said not today because I know she wants to save money and I know wants to have it done for the same price so I’m like ok call me when you’re ready. I left and was like hell no! Blocked her number because she expects the world and still jade the audacity to ask for discounts.
I had an old lady the other day who would come out to see me weedwack just to see how I was doing it. I told her many times it was dangerous due to flying debris and that I didn't want to be held liable if something happened to her. She told me she didn't care so after warning her for the fifth time I laid down me weed wacker and told her I wouldn't be able to finish her lawn and then she threw a hissy fit at me. 😑
I’ve spent 20-30min explaining to customers at the quote why I can’t give times only to have them the day before the job texting me asking what time I’ll be there 🤯 this happens with about 90% of my new clients The only thing that clients in my area at least seem to be able to wrap their heads around is when I tell them I offer a same day service (for a premium) and since I never know how long these jobs will take as I haven’t sighted them I can’t give times.
Should have also added if anyone ever tried to contact me because they’re after a same day service I’d always unfortunately be too busy that day fit it in
I know we all have to make a living but try and remember some customers can't help with the way they are. We don't know about their lives. Be kind and understand. Don't treat everyone like a transaction even though we feel like we are treated like this.
Hey Keith. Are you familiar with Ryobi weed trimmers? I just bought one brand new and after 10 minutes of using it, it begins to bog down and then shuts off without letting go of the throttle lever. How can I fix it?
This is a HUGE problem. I waste so much time dealing with these kind of people. If I do a job for someone and they are like that I will make the price high enough next time that they won’t hire me. I’ve realized that not only is it annoying but it is impossible to make money off of those kind of customers. The one trick that works to get these people to go back inside is to stop speaking to your crew in English.
Keith, how do you avoid getting "New Client Euphoria"? Sometimes in the excitement of getting a new client what's normally a rotten deal seems pretty good. E.g., I might think the commute to their place is quite scenic anyway, they're nice to work with, etc. 3 months later, that beautiful commute is just an extra cost, the niceness wears out, and I'm just left with a lowball gig. How do you prevent such?
@@user-dq2ym1nn9k I understand that part. What I'm asking is how to avoid the New Client Euphoria that causes me to accept 3rd world rate deals without negotiating a better rate or some concessions on their end.
I'm not above being blunt with a client. If it's not going to work out, or it's not a good fit; I tell them. "Listen, I'm thinking this isn't a good fit. My crew needs to be focused on delivering you quality work, they can't do that in this environment." More often than not the client listens, and we're good.
I encountered an issue with a new client. I arrived 5 minutes early; knocked on their door and the customer came storming out "don't ever come f'n early again, ok?? Ok??" Is that normal?? Obviously the being overly angry and disrespectful is not. But 5 minutes early??
I have seen quite accurate meme about this. Job price is 350. If you want to watch me price is 600 and if you want to watch me and give me advice on how i should do my job price is 900
Keith Kalfas I’m ready I believe gods plan is different so I’m soaking up all this education on here so I can be. I feel like I’m telling god to hurry up and he’s telling me hang son you need this information so you are prepared.
Ive followed you from the bad times to now, what a fighter. I should have some great videos coming soon, check me out. Im not too popular right now but i havent put much out there for certain reasons.
Thanks for all your support 🌲 Please Subscribe to keep up with my latest videos.
👉bit.ly/2gUIwVF
Have you guys checked out my channel? Ive been supporting your channels for a while, check me out and subscribe. My channel is small due to my schedule but im working on more content. Thanks.
i sure did :)
I didn’t even know you were filming lol, you’re always bringing it Keith! #100K
Brilliant answer and response on the fly!
The RUclips actor decided to show up 😂😂😂
Brian!! Your always on point. When I wanna cuss them out I think of how nice you can make things sound without being a jerk.
Im kind of doubting that lol, you sounded too good. But then again, thats how you do it lol.
God bless you. I'm pest control. The struggle is real. These people.....
U know you're in the flow of life when you're doing a video and a guy calls with a beautiful solution to the topic of your video.
I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t need clients much anymore. So im extremely cheeky on the phone. (Don’t do what i do) if someone asks me for a discount i’ll ask them if their boss negotiates their paychecks every two weeks. And if they want to watch me do the work i’ll ask them if their boss watches them do their work. 😂😂😂😂 its amazing being on the side of having enough work and choosing who you want to service .
Keith been doing landscaping for 25 years as a part time second job. I call it my fun job. I have a couple of customers that like to watch us work. I just let them know one of the customers is 98, we just did her first fall leaf cleanup this year her daughter came out and said my son and the crew did such a good job. That is an amazing feeling. A number of these customers are kind of stuck inside so its like having some entertainment, they like some of the equipment i bring. I use a Smithco Sweepstar 60 I bought in 2005 on labor day weekend that year, one customer calls it a Zamboni. Now these customers are fascinated when we use our Hurricane Blower, I bought used a couple of years ago.
we aint talkin about those ones we talking about the ones that try to get a deal before you even see the actual jobsite going off what they say and the pics they show you then after you give them a discount the want more discount on top with tons of extra work. after a while you can pick it up real quick but its the learning curve.
I literally had a client yesterday that watched me install 16 fixtures on his property. His wife was also outside along with their 3-grand children. Every 30-mins he’d come over to me. Drove me crazy!!!
Bahaha. Right.
GARDEN BED PROFITS ACCELERATOR 👇
www.keithkalfas.com/store/ELVK5CSB
We never entertain those customers. We vet them on the quotation. We try to elimimate older bored anxious customers.
I try to do the same thing but I have a hard time thinking about what to say. I usually say "Ohh my schedule is little full" but its generally after I walked the property. So it seems like im wasting their time.
I was just dealing with this today. Customer wants to know the exact day and time of the service. Something always comes up and schedules get rearranged every week. When you tell them this, it's like you ruined your their day. As if they could have made other plans instead of waiting around for you. I've learned to not even filter what I say. When you're straight up about how ridiculous they're being, it puts them in their place and they show you more respect.
Setting expectations is the key to life..that being said Brian is such a smooth guy when it comes to communication
Oh absolutely
Flat out the condensed reply Brian gave was golden. That is all one needed to hear when it comes to dealing with PITA customers.
Brian called at the perfect time! Loved the video!! 😀👍
I try to get accounts that are age range from 20s to 50s because they got Stuff to do besides sit there and watch you do everything
Lol kinda true.
We are in the customer service industry that offers: Landscaping, pressure washing, etc.. I get a lot of these older clients.. 🧐
Keith u should start “recording a video” when Brian calls more often... this content was too good 😉
DoOds! This is something I've been wondering how to finess with a few customers. You guys are the best 🤙
thanks man, appreciate the support 🙂
Love rewatching videos like this one!
I live these unscripted moments in your videos! That was awesome.
Haha thanks Jason
I had one of these customers as my first client when I was a beggar and couldn't be a chooser. I kept showing up weekly to do work for them until I built up enough other clients and I fired them promptly. I was doing jobs at 1/4 the cost. It was terrible and I resented every minute but I needed money. Then one day they wanted an $800 pressure washing job for $100 and I built up the confidence to laugh in their face and say, "the rental price for a pressure washer is $100 for 4 hours alone! Sorry, I think I'm booked for the rest of the year." I turned and walked. They called me a month later offering $250 and I hung up. Like you said in another video, you gotta sift through the apples and toss the rotten ones.
What a well timed call, thanks for the video man. Good luck hitting 100k.
Appreciate it!
yep I have a PITA client or 2 in the years I am in business. Brian was spot on in his tips on pita clients :-) Less then 3K for the big 100K happy for ya God Bless
Keith your the man. I watch your videos everyday and you always fill my head with knowledge. I honestly praise you for everything you have done to help people like me grow and be successful. Keep up the good work and can't wait to learn more from you.
I appreciate that. You're awesome!
Guys lets get keith to 100k subscribers he has been helping us out a damn lott he deserves a nice play button for his hard work dontya think?! YES
Hey what’s up Keith you and Brian are great guy’s really learning a lot from you fellas keep up the awesome work
Thanks Sean. You're welcome. Thanks man.
If they seem like they’re going to be a problem:
“I charge X per hour. Hovering is extra.”
“I’m perfectly capable of working without supervision.”
“You do your thing, I’ll do mine. I wouldn’t want to interfere with your plans.”
If I think talking is going to be a miserable failure, there’s always the annoying person fee, which may or may not kill the deal. But at that point, I don’t care.
Wow that was cool. You are trying to make a video and Brian jumps right and does the work for you. That was cool. Also I hope you have bought your ticket for Lawntrepenuer Academy 2020 Keith or I don't know if Brian will let you in. lol Also came across an Ariens Pro 360 at my shop today. Used for 1 year and being sold for only $1200 not $3500. That was a blessing.
Good video Brian!
At this point I have about 10-15 lawn clients that are always home and the Corona made it that much worse this year . They are all a PINA for one reason or another .. watching .. coming out at the end to chat ... home but still dont pick sh&t when they hear me trimming first .. seen more kiddie pools this year then ever!!! F this corona ! I wouldn't be upset to drop all people that are home . Honestly considering it !! Dam.. this video really has me worked up hahaha . Thanks Keith!
hahaha
Man Keith your an interesting person to watch.fairly new to watching for the past 4-6 months but you are the shit bro lol rt.im from San Antonio tx and we been threw it.good videos man
Thanks for the support bro!
Hey Keith! Making big changes in my personal life. Wanna day big thanks for your vids man. They really help me out! Take care bro. Meditation is very rewarding. Much love
Glad to hear it. Meditation can definitely change your day in a positive manner!
Oh I’ll be there! Can’t freaking wait!!!!
Awesome!
Those customers get the bin from us.
Stay safe bigman.
You too bro, stay safe!
Thanks for the amazing tip
Keith and Brian, thank you for all you do 🙏🏽
Hey Keith .... I only take care of large tacks of land. From 2 acres to 23 acres. So I really don't have the problem I take pictures of my work and send it to my client. I don't think I have the temperament to deal with, I got to watch you work. 🏴☠️
Can’t wait to see you at #LAL2020 !!!
You just know when clients are WATCHIN you work! It's one thing to look out the window at the progress every now and again but I just get the feeling when they're watchersssssss lol. Hate it! These are the same type who don't want you coming when they're not home. I run my business on mostly repeat monthly gardening clients. I try to establish right from the first meeting that I can be relied upon to come as I am needed or as the monthly budget allows and they don't need to worry about when exactly that is because they don't need to be home when I come.
I can imagine it is very different when you do more one off type jobs. There is no/little trust established with the client until the job is done.
Great content.
Thanks haha.
Couple years ago we were sealing the cracks in a driveway for a customer. The customer actually came out and laid in the grass next to the driveway to watch and talk to us. When he came through Home Advisor this year I didn’t call.
I try to price based on the overall time I’m going to be at their location.
We have terms and conditions that stat that customers can't be with in 15 meters when we are using any machinary due to health and safety. But we still have that problem with some customers lol
haha always going to be some of them somewhere
That is a great idea
I’m going to Brian’s event! Man, he couldn’t of said that any better
Awesome!
Kalfas & Brian's subbed to both... Agreed ... Some people need to get more familiar with zelle and above all else people need to have more trust in their landscaper . Especially if it's Kieth .. owner of a landscaping tips and tricks youtube channel ..
let’s get old man Kalfas the silver play button
Who you calling Old man. Lol.
I’m surprised your not at 100k yet
love you keith thanks for this video bro im subed on both of my channels
Awesome, thanks for the support!
Awesome video thank you!!
This Video came out at the right time. Dropping a client as I write this
G** dam the live event is already sold out i didnt even get a time to check fight number or prices for it u guys have fun
Always next time bro! I'm sure there will be more!!
@@keith-kalfas o i now there will i just hope its closer to utah u guys are the shit i love ur podcast and ur keith bed time stories
I had a Indian guy follow me around the yard as I was mowing and then instead of waiting for me to mulch up the leaves he blows them into the path that I had just mowed and then basically held my hand as I was trimming!!
I love your content lmao sometimes its a bit much but other times its like just too comedic! lmao i can relate on so many levels. Dude i did weed control for a business before i started my own & usually (depending on the lot size and how many weeds) took me like less then 5 mins. to do an entire lawn. They'd be watching me and be like "Did you get the back" with them like watching my every move XD lmao its like uh? are you blind. but customer service 100% of the time! otherwise no bueno business! lol
hahaha
Brian’s great!
I had a lady who I’ve done work for twice and both times she asks for a lower price. Today I go see if she was still up for a mow that hasn’t been mowed for 2 weeks. She said not today because I know she wants to save money and I know wants to have it done for the same price so I’m like ok call me when you’re ready. I left and was like hell no! Blocked her number because she expects the world and still jade the audacity to ask for discounts.
I like how you made a video without really making a video, good work Brian 😂😂
@@jjbuschpokemon6846 stfu
Good stuff brother spot on
Brian as well
great video keith!!!
I had an old lady the other day who would come out to see me weedwack just to see how I was doing it. I told her many times it was dangerous due to flying debris and that I didn't want to be held liable if something happened to her. She told me she didn't care so after warning her for the fifth time I laid down me weed wacker and told her I wouldn't be able to finish her lawn and then she threw a hissy fit at me. 😑
I’ve spent 20-30min explaining to customers at the quote why I can’t give times only to have them the day before the job texting me asking what time I’ll be there 🤯 this happens with about 90% of my new clients
The only thing that clients in my area at least seem to be able to wrap their heads around is when I tell them I offer a same day service (for a premium) and since I never know how long these jobs will take as I haven’t sighted them I can’t give times.
Should have also added if anyone ever tried to contact me because they’re after a same day service I’d always unfortunately be too busy that day fit it in
I know we all have to make a living but try and remember some customers can't help with the way they are. We don't know about their lives. Be kind and understand. Don't treat everyone like a transaction even though we feel like we are treated like this.
I'll get that GB accelerator soon....
A1
Hey Keith. Are you familiar with Ryobi weed trimmers? I just bought one brand new and after 10 minutes of using it, it begins to bog down and then shuts off without letting go of the throttle lever. How can I fix it?
Are you still cleaning windows? I see a lot from you on landscaping, but windows seems to have taken a back seat. Am I mistaken?
That’s what’s up Brian
I do the same thing bro 💪🏽👌🏽👍🏽
This is a HUGE problem. I waste so much time dealing with these kind of people. If I do a job for someone and they are like that I will make the price high enough next time that they won’t hire me. I’ve realized that not only is it annoying but it is impossible to make money off of those kind of customers. The one trick that works to get these people to go back inside is to stop speaking to your crew in English.
Duuuuuse. Yeeep!!!!! Got plenty of these
Keith, how do you avoid getting "New Client Euphoria"? Sometimes in the excitement of getting a new client what's normally a rotten deal seems pretty good. E.g., I might think the commute to their place is quite scenic anyway, they're nice to work with, etc. 3 months later, that beautiful commute is just an extra cost, the niceness wears out, and I'm just left with a lowball gig.
How do you prevent such?
Feel gratitude but replace them and move forward once you realise this no longer serves you. Life is constant change. accept it
@@user-dq2ym1nn9k I understand that part. What I'm asking is how to avoid the New Client Euphoria that causes me to accept 3rd world rate deals without negotiating a better rate or some concessions on their end.
What about when they call you 3 days before their schedule appointment yelling that you didn’t show up!!
Brian nailed it👍🏻💪🇺🇸🇮🇪☘
I'm not above being blunt with a client. If it's not going to work out, or it's not a good fit; I tell them. "Listen, I'm thinking this isn't a good fit. My crew needs to be focused on delivering you quality work, they can't do that in this environment." More often than not the client listens, and we're good.
I encountered an issue with a new client. I arrived 5 minutes early; knocked on their door and the customer came storming out "don't ever come f'n early again, ok?? Ok??"
Is that normal?? Obviously the being overly angry and disrespectful is not. But 5 minutes early??
My husband and I will be there
Awesome!
I try not to be rude but I will definitely up the price on the next call
The GOATS.
I have seen quite accurate meme about this.
Job price is 350. If you want to watch me price is 600 and if you want to watch me and give me advice on how i should do my job price is 900
I'll be there🙋♂️
Awesome!
He never said what up lol
I’m still “ricks mowing “ can’t afford to make it this year. Maybe in the future
When ever you're ready, you've got this!
Keith Kalfas I’m ready I believe gods plan is different so I’m soaking up all this education on here so I can be. I feel like I’m telling god to hurry up and he’s telling me hang son you need this information so you are prepared.
For the algorithm gods
But how do you say the whole "don't let the tail wag the dog, not giving you control of my business" bit without sounding unprofessional?
😂 get the same with arboriculture/tree surgery. I know how to prune a bloody tree. We don’t need to be watched. Giving a range is a great idea.
We will be there @breinerlawn
Heeeey Keith!! Question how do you and your wife manage your ADHD and also manage it being a leader?
And they are the people that want it done for nothing
👍🏻
If you want to help it will cost this amount of $
000
push a potato up their car exhaust,now it wont start and nobody can find whats wrong
Not that it matters but does anyone else think that call was arranged lol
Sorry but I can’t subscribe man!! I already took care of that years ago
Ive followed you from the bad times to now, what a fighter. I should have some great videos coming soon, check me out. Im not too popular right now but i havent put much out there for certain reasons.
If you want to help i will cost this amount of $
000
Mr and Ms Smith.
I will be there in the am (830-1100) or pm (1230-400)
Awesome!