Showed this to my husband, he’s had similar. What he said is work towards having all regular customers so you don’t do “one offs”. Maintenance is physically a lot easier than doing jungle bashing clearances.
There are a lot of seemingly deeply unhappy people out there. Ignorant, unreasonable, rude, demanding... etc. I owned a holiday barn. Most people were a joy and were everything you would want them to be, but others? Sweet Jesus! I soon learned from the first contact if someone was going to be a pain in the ass. So having got their name, I looked for them on social media. Duck pout - I refused their booking. Left negative reviews for other companies online - refused their booking. The moral is: Research potential customers before acceping a job. Some people can never be pleased. They will always find something to complain about.
I always worked with customers. I worked in shops. I also had my own business as a wedding florist. I believe there are difficult people and that those people think that they can abuse people that need jobs. It is a power thing. Despicable people. When I had my own business, I learned almost to smell them coming. I would price my services to match the hassle I believed I would endure. It’s difficult to do this if you really need the money. You can’t buy food or pay the rent with self respect. But if you are fair and good at your business, you can weed the bad customers out.
'smell them coming', did you have any customers? The problem is your focus on money not the job, the customer is focused on the job. Conflict of interest.
@@yoya4766 Well, if you want to be insulting. You have no idea how I approached my work. I actually loved what I did and did not make a lot of money. It was a labor of love. I expect you are someone I would have avoided. But I don’t know you either.
She probably was in a bit of a state because she was, 1. doing something her husband didn't want to her do, 2. spending money he didn't want her to spend, 3. excited about the yard getting cleaned up, 4. fretful about the rain, 5. just a sullen type person who has a hard time interacting with people. You kept your word and gave her your best. I'll be she couldn't be happier. Thanks for sharing.
Some people just can't be interacted with easily, luckily for the main we cut grass mostly, people are at work, bada bing, job done, out of there, one time however we turned up for the fortnightly grass cut and a customer came out asking when did we think we were meant to be turning up?. Confused I asked what he meant, and claimed we hadn't been there the previous time, my son checked the schedule which he has on a spreadsheet on the tablet and sure enough, we had been there the previous time but he refused to believe us and claimed that the grass was way longer than usual and was adamant we hadn't been there the previous 2 weeks but then started banging on about how someone was feeding the grass and because it was so long we could end up damaging it!. Wow, honestly, you can't make it up sometimes, essentially he's had someone else come in, put a ton of feed down and is now surprised the grass is double the length it was a few weeks ago! Can't win with some people, you really can't.
I’ve had more than my fair share of clients with bad attitudes over the years offering gardening services. I now only do grass cutting which although less interesting is a lot less stressful! Good luck with it 😊👍
Thanks Andrew. I prefer my gardens where I only just do the grass. In and out in half an hour and if you're charging say £20 a go it can really mount up. Definately would like some more of those for next spring!
@@TheGreyGardener1990 I’ve also changed to billing on the day of work! Clients have 5 days to pay but at least I don’t spend all month worrying about non payers! For my regular weekly clients it means I know there is a problem before my next scheduled visit, which I won’t go to unless my last invoice is paid. I’ve lost a few clients over this but gained a better nights sleep....
I'd love to have mostly grass cutting jobs. Unfortunately, I live in a rural are with mostly bigger properties, but less of them. So they all want someone to go through the whole lot. So comparitively, I probably earn less overall than if I did more smaller grass jobs.
You have the right attitude mate..... your always going to meet them .....don’t be put off .....keep going get yourself a good regular round then you’re working for them you know can work for ....you enjoy your gardening business and good luck for the future.. we’ve all had them it’s an experience builder we all learn as we go mate👍👍
From my years of experience, any alarm bells like that, just walk away! Years ago when I worked for domestic customers, we had a gutter cleaning job booked in. we turned up and the lady said she was having her dinner and could we come back in an hour or so. She obviously didn't value our time and not sure what difference it made, her having her dinner? so we went. That was probably 15 years ago, hope she isn't waiting for us to go back ha ha! Just come across your channel, good stuff!
Alright lad ! Don’t let them get you down, I just wish I could tell myself the same 😆 . The majority of customers are fine but you’ll always get them. I quoted a lady not too long ago as she wanted a 3 hour slot and full maintenance (borders patio weeding etc) for her 1 acre garden on back plus front lawn driveway patio etc. it’s a huge area. . I pointed out at that moment that 3 hours per week on the size of her property and what was required during the visit had to be managed well and finished off properly in areas along with her expectations for what could be achieved as nothing would looked completed if not. Anyway happy with the price she went ahead. I asked her what she required first when I got there and an hour in she complained that everything was taking too long in weeding that had been left for weeks. Being surprised at her attitude and a bit annoyed I moved on to the lawns which were thick with dead grass and thatch as nothing had been boxed and collected over a period of time. Dog excrement was all over the lawn but I continued . I finished cutting the lawn on the front and she came out again asking me to do another area so I left the lawn strim and edge and continued weeding a patio area she wanted doing. By the end she told me that she had expected a lot more for the time given despite the fact that I’d worked harder on hers that anyone else’s in order to please, the sweat running off my brow was an indicator . She asked me why I didn’t carry edging sheers so I showed her I did and she asked why I hadn’t finished the lawn ? I pointed out to her that while I was in the middle of the job she had asked me to do she then changed tact and asked me to move onto something else straight away so I did as asked and it had got left and the 3 hours had passed 🤷🏼🤷🏼
Sounds like she just needed to trust you to crack on and keep out! Did you continue with her then? Sounds like a good earner but don't think I could work for someone who has such little understanding and consideration as to the time needed. The dog poos terrible as well. Judging by the comments, most people would have walked. I dare bet she's gone through loads of gardeners!
@@TheGreyGardener1990 Your absolutely right pal ! On a personal level money doesn’t come into it for me if I can’t be treated properly as I do all my customers then I’d be off and I was ready to chuck it in after leaving there as I was seething. The look on my face when she says she expected the back to be done as well was priceless 😮😮😮. Cut a long story short I rang her to terminate shortly thereafter and before I’d got to explain my decision that I wouldn’t be back, she apologised profusely and explained she had jumped the gun completely, she had seen what I had done after I had left and explained that she was really happy with the work although she didn’t see it at the time, she said the other gardener was too slow so you are right in your assessment although he’s probably glad to be rid of her so I can’t blame him. I explained that all my customers are pleased with my work and the ones that are not won’t require my services in the future. If it wasn’t for my wife convincing me to give her another go I wouldn’t have done. I’ve returned and she has toned it down significantly but I’m still not convinced. Season is now complete with her so time will tell if I return next year.
I've only had one experience of these kind of customers so far. I stuck with it for a bit, but when the next spring came I gave them a special personalized price change. What some trades call the tw*t tax. It was such an increase that I expected them to say no on the spot, but they actually accepted it initially and I carried on for a month, until they finally got someone cheaper. It was a very profitable month let me tell you - but I was still glad to see the back of them.
Only really awkward one was a four day hedge cutting job, a really large country mansion with hundreds of meters of hedge. One of the more lucrative jobs i used to do from a price earned per day perspective. The house keeper was my point of contact and a price and date was agreed, I was never once offered a drink on any day and I kept noticing the owners watching from the window yet they never came out. I got paid immediately for the work and a call four months later to make sure I could book a slot for the following year to do the hedges as aparanetely the owners liked the way I had cut them! I basically had similar experiences each year four the next three years. On the fourth and last year the house owner came out as he wanted to know if it would be possible to cut a circular hole in the hedge , build a platform inside the very wide leylandi hedge and mount a very large Italian marble statue. It was truly sureal as I got invited in to the house and had to walk through half of it to get to the staue. The man seemed a tad awkward but not exactly unfriendly again no offer of a drink or any real pleasantries or conversation only a very matter of fact discussion about how I would mount his valuable staue. I basically agreed a price and returned a month later to install the statue. I was watched by the husband and wife from different windows of the house but not once did they come out, when the staue was in position the house keeper came out and said Mr........ loves it. To be honest it was really deflating that the guy couldn't actually have the decency to say it himself and the lack over the years of any offer of a drink was also plain odd. The next year I declined the job, for me there was no satisfaction in the job, even though the money was fine. All they had to do was be normal!!!
You're a fool to walk away from that one, as long as the money's good and they're not constantly complaining or trying to change the job then who cares if they're a bit odd. I've never met some of my customers, they just pay their bills and I do their gardens, I've got a kettle in the van for those jobs where a cup of tea is never offered.
Grrr!! These people think that they're your only customer. I always say when my boots are filling with water, it's time to go. I feel your pain, but the beauty of being self employed is that you don't have to go back. I've binned people for less!
Been in the business for 30 years and 10 of which has been self employed. You will always come across people like this, just remember that they employ you to do the job because they either can't do it themselves or can't be bothered. Don't sell yourself short chap! It's quite easy to be taken for a mug when you're starting out, as you're eager for the work. With your attitude I'm sure you'll do just fine mate, and in time you will know which jobs to take and which ones to bin off! Wish you all the best in the future chap!!
@@TheGreyGardener1990 happen to me yesterday they’ve given me two hours for aeration and scarification the cleaning up before I start will take an hour before I start , I just start now amd stop then they have to re think 🤔 it’s funny no other trade has people telling them this kind of thing !!!
I try to have as little interaction with the customer as possible apart from the initial introduction, occasional infrequent chats, and I always take pictures of before and after to use as advertising if needed, and try and work on an invoice system so when the job is done you can pack up and just go. The invoice system also covers me legally if I have to recover payment at a later date. To be honest most of my customers are out at work when I am on site, it does make it more uncomfortable when you get there and they are home! It has got to the stage where I just really take on regular maintenance now as you soon find out, as most are, if they are ok.
Probably a job he's been promising to do for the last year and it hurt his ego when his wife took action and got a company in to do it 😆Try and make sure the homeowners are in agreement themselves before you confirm the job (easier said than done). I've done tree work where let's say one person wants a light reduction, the other wants you to cut it back hard. I give them a bit of time to think, and then put it down on a written quote. Otherwise you can do a prune, and then they want you to go over all of it again... which (especially with trees) adds SO much more work... and then it spirals because they'll still try to hold on to the original quote. On the emotions thing... Yeh, of course try to stay professional... BUT... Going out on a limb, I bet the quality of your work is good, because this is actually just your passion for what you do coming out. The positive lining here is that you managed to turn a miserable customer into someone that was happy in the end, and paid up - Well done mate!
You have done everything you could to turn out a good job in difficult circumstances,this is the first vid I’ve watched of yours and you come across as honest and professional,why wouldn’t you be coming from the north east (I’m a bit bias) .Having been self employed for a significant amount of time myself from time to time we encounter such folk, people who appear to be tired of life, a experience like this does get you thinking could I have done something to change the situation,the answer probably not,so just let it pass and in a small amount of time after you’ve had a load more positive interactions it’ll be a dim recollection. For everyone one of those people there’s a least a hundred positive (normal) people. So crack on fella you seem like a grafter to me. ATB Paul,
Cheers Paul, really nice comments 👍 Yeah like most gardeners, 99% of their customers are really nice people. There's always that odd one! Assuming you're from the North East as well then?
You will always get one i have had one who wouldnt let me do the garden unless she was there as if I was untrustworthy and I wouldn't do a proper job so I basically said to her your comments of me not being able to do your garden unless your there either means you dont trust me or you think I'm incapable of doing my job and that I think she should find someone else! every now and again you have to draw a line
Insisted that wasent the reason it wasent just that but asking for extra work while I was there so as well so i just told her to find someone else and that was the end if that plenty more customers out there who want there garden doing regular and willing to pay a fair price for a fair job usually you can work out the kind of customers over time at the start it's harder because you want the work more and allow the odd ones to take the mick but once your established you can iron those sort of customers out
Well the good thing is u did the job and got paid but it’s awful when u get negative energy from customers. It’s all a learning curve for you, not everyone will be nice unfortunately and u have to put your poker face on and smile thru it. Sounds like she was trying to push you not to do it, her hubby prob was giving her grief after the first rain off and sounds like you got the brunt of their conflict. Let it wash over you it’s not a reflection on you but just their negative attitudes and their issues in general. It will sting the first few times but you will learn to just leave your annoyance at that job and not take it home. Onwards and upwards Adz 😜
You seem like a nice guy and worry about things and don't want to upset customers. I think you will be taken advantage of by horrible people. Some people just need to be avoided.
Some people are problematic with everyone. I am not a gardener but I am a self employed trades person anyway. I also have had several customers similar to this in the past. I believe if a customer is talking down a job or second guessing themselves in any way it’s an alarm bell . I would walk away if you are pushing the elephant up the stairs before you even start.
I would only do all my regulars gardens and only take on one off jobs if it's from a reference or number passed on by one of my costumers because you know that your costume r would have have you praise about your work and this gives the new client confidence in you
@@TheGreyGardener1990 not really as been doing it a while but just me in a couple of years you will find that if you do a good job. People will phone you and your not chasing jobs. That when you can your jobs and price them at the rate you should be paid
Hi Adam. You seem a good lad. I respect and wish you all the success in your gardening business, take my advice. Put ye prices up ,! No 2. Dont feel guilty, customers are sometimes very nice or sometimes very bad , there’s plenty nice people around but also there’s plenty of bad ones there’s people we call bogeys. , I’d love to name and Shame them , I’ve met all sorts over the years and they can make you very I’ll , some try it on some are just nutters ! Or are just negative, people very sad , you have to be thick skin. Your running a business , o and put your prices well up to cheep. , and walk away if they get negative , say good bye ! Keep the money you need it more what I do , don’t take any crap from no one. ! Keep up the good work. LMROOFING LTD. SIMPLY THE BEST.
People can be funny. I've learnt to trust those gut feelings from initial consultations, and if something dosent feel right, not to get too involved. For some people, they wouldn't be happy unless you give them the moon on a stick, and then still ask for a discount! I'm lucky in that I have a great reputation, and only do work for 'nice' clients 😏 senseless to be your own boss and still be unhappy 🤔 hope your other clients are happier 😉
If I was paying you to do my garden it wouldn't be an issue done in the rain or not even if you arrange to come back some other time. It sounds like that £200 went to the garden rather than in his ( the husbands) pocket for the pub 😂🤣. Just kidding!!! Sounds like you dealt with it well. A learning experience to grow stronger from. Defo wouldn't go back there again though. Sounds like she may have thought about changing her mind when you returned, but you made the arrangements before hand about the job, so yeh well done for speaking up n finishing the job. 👍🏼👏
Two and a half years in, yes I have come across my share of strange customers, it's trying to separate business from personal, so it becomes water of a ducks back.
Wise words. That's the thing, it's not letting things bother you, so I'll learn I'm sure 🤞 it's just that one negative thing that you end up thinking about. Stupid really
I find it'll bother me for the day, I'll have a moan to someone about it as women do, then wake up the next day and consciously don't think about it. Or use it as a funny story with other tradespeople.
Hi Jim from J.S.G.S N.IRELAND. A first encounter brother with STRANGE PEOPLE. As you grow your business you will experience so many diverse issues believe me. However, experience with such Miserable people will shape you mentally. As I say to many of the brothers in our business KEEP THY STANDARDS!!! Regards Jim from J.S.G.S N.IRELAND.
I had a customer who asked us to do a 27 linear meters FE fence, it was priced very well plenty for wages for the lads and profit for the business, they loved it day 1 and day 2 as we left for the night they hated it saying it looked cheap and nasty and then morning of day 3 they loved it and thought it was amazing. It was so strange I couldn’t work then out but they paid within an hour of me leaving there property and since then we have been back together site to do more work for them but a similar situation with them loving it then hating it. But then loving it on the last day Baffled me completely tbh
@@TheGreyGardener1990 the only reason I keep going back is they are fast payers and have never made a fuss about the price or tried to knock me down on the price which is rare most people want somthing for nothing There both retired but I’d say I’m there 50s but never go out I’ve always just said they just like the drama of it all haha 😂
I've been running my garden maintenance business for almost 3 years whilst studying RHS alongside. I've had some impossible customers where I've had to say they may be happier with someone else who can meet their expectations. Also you get the ones who expect you to be Monty Don knowing the name of every single plant. I'm honest and say it's an endless learning curve with plants and gardens. I've managed to weed out 😉 the annoying people and stick to my nice trusting ones.
Ahh the monty Don customers! I've got a video coming out on a similar topic... That's it isn't it, you come accross some people who you can never seem to please. I had another similar experience to the one in this video, but she was a regular. Never happy, and i ended up letting her go.
My top 5 stories: 1) pathological liar granny. 2 years ago a little old lady asked if I could water her garden out of hours as she'd broken her pelvis. I felt sorry for her so did it. She complained I broke her hose when all I did was turn on the tap. Then proceeded to tell me she'd broken her back. Was a block and delete one. 2) never satisfied dark energy woman. Last December I had flu so asked my partner to clear some leaves from a regular (moody) customer. It was a dreadful drizzly day and was an all day job really due to a massive oak tree losing leaves. She complained that I sent my other half and he hadn't cleared much in an hour. I politely told her to find someone else. 3) I've been scammed lady. Her mother in law had recommended me. There were crossed wires as she'd assumed it was £20 an hour for 2 people working. I politely explained it wouldn't be worth running a business on £10 an hour each. She accused me of scamming her! If I were to scam someone, which I wouldn't, I'd charge a bit more than what I did!! And today had a regular customer complain about how I planted something and was cross as I'm rhs trained. I've been studying 18 months!!! The big common denominator? They've all told me about the mysterious previous gardener who never returned. That's my major red flag now.
I haven’t done this long but I had this one customer. She was disabled and an older customer. On the phone she was really polite. When I went to check out the garden to quote her a price. She seemed very strange and she just kept looking at me as I was explaining what I will be doing. I got really bad vibes of her. Even though initially I said I would do the job. Two days later I just cancelled The job saying she might not be happy with my level of work and might be better off with someone else. I cancelled it as I thought I won’t be happy doing this job. If I am not happy, then what’s the point of me gardening.
I think working with the general public is hard done it for years, don’t take it personally I know it’s hard not to but you know you did a good job and so does she try and let it go over your head a bit good luck 😉
I feel you might be being a bit hard on your client. As you understandable left the first time because of the rain, she obviously did not see why you came back to work in it, especially as you had a helper the first time. The nasty bit was "do you want the job" why did she say that when you were willing to do it in the rain? I don't work in the rain. One because my own health will suffer and two you don't make such a good job (mud gets everywhere) it is also dangerous for power tools. Unfortunately a lot of clients will treat you as a pleb with a (their money) meter on your head, so nice doesn't come into it.
First things first way too much communication on the door set, text message the night before and then just arrive and crack on, I find the least communication you have with the customer the better. Simple you’ve seen the job she’s accepted the price under promise over deliver so text message the night before they will be calling don’t even knock the door when I arrive just simply crack on.
Possibly you are a bit sensitive. I don’t work in the rain and you will find that customers think if you do then you won’t be doing a good job and that your desperate for work. I’ve been lawn cutting & gardening for years and would have been honest and said that I will re diary you, get your diary out the van and agree a date weather permitting. If it doesn’t suit them say I’ll leave it with you and won’t pencil you in but advise them that the availability of your service will change daily. Remain professional and don’t get into the sort of dialog you had with the lady. Your a professional service and remember you stay in charge of the situation. With regards the husband… that’s common they don’t want a younger guy on their turf.
Thanks for your comment. I don't mind working in the rain personally as long as it isn't going to be detrimental to the job though. She wanted the work doing straight away as it was her birthday coming up but I had very limited time in the coming 2-3 weeks so it kind of had to be done, since it was a big pay day I was reluctant to give it up. All ended up OK though, guess that's the way it goes sometimes.
When she asked if you wanted the job I would have said it's half done, so if you don't want me for the job you owe me half, otherwise I'll get the job done for you.
Ive used lack of time as an excuse quite a lot! But yeah I think if you don't tell them straight at the start you leave yourself open a bit...I've learnt the hard way 😕
@@TheGreyGardener1990 A couple of years ago, I started doing work for a property managenent company, they gave me lots of work but I already hd lots of clients. Seemed good at the start but they wanted me to work cheap so that they could please thier clients. I started getting emails, can you explain your quote and the landlord has had a lot to pay out , in other wother word do it for next to nothing
@@dickdungfork8334 thats no good like. I used to work at a local estate agents on lettings instructing contractors etc. Not easy working for a management company, we always paid our guys when the rent came in so depending on when the job was done, they could be waiting a month to be paid
worst ones are best payers and miserable. best to get paid less for someone who brings you coffee and food out. who has a sense of humour, sometimes that is better pay
Q: What weather do you consider too much, like torrential rain, would you work in snow etc? Second, just thinking about the attitude of the woman, not trying to defend her as she sounds rude, just offering a possible reason, but some people have this thing in their head where they NEED to understand reason. Logically, you stopped the job because of rain, then you came back and did it in the rain. Maybe she just couldn't make sense of that? Regardless, she shouldn't have been rude about it. And when she asked you if you wanted the job, that's quite insulting, so wouldn't blame you if you did walk. Really learning a lot from your vids, please keep posting them. I'm over in the western lake District and am thinking about doing gardening. Just not quite worked up the guts yet to do it. But one day.
No to torrential rain and snow. Pretty much yes to everything else. I take your point about the rain in this situation but it was just her manner really
Loads and loads.. irrespective of price if the respect is not there from the off I would tell them it isn't for me.. Becomes easier over time to be more demonstrative and "hard"..
The ones I hate are where they dont want it fortnightly and want it monthly so I agree from march until november once a month march comes erm can you come next month april leaves all over then september they cancel you but then when you dont go back constantly ring your phone april and may I just end up haveing to tell them straight honesty is the best policy
They definitely dont its twice the work twice the growth and more weeds specially in the borders and beds and you will always get one who's says thr old gardener used to do it for 15 when it's a 25 to 30 pound garden 😆
@@sunfiregeckos9041 can't stand boarder work. I'm trying to phase those jobs out if possible but it's tricky as customers usually want the whole garden seeing to.
It's not the best of jobs just doing the grass and the odd trimming job is better I do like tidy ups though good money and I like seeing the end result
Don't make light of things be more business like be polite but assertive. You want your customers to have faith in you etc I have one who's really picky nothing is every good enough total drama queen but she pays up witch is the main thing
@@TheGreyGardener1990 End of the day it's her garden she employs me to do what she wants I suggest something and she goes against it so I do it her way and it dosent turn out very well sometimes feels like she's blaming me she'll say oh this isn't working etc at the end of the day I do as she's asked and she pays me be more anoyed if she didn't
Going on how you've done this video, you don't get to the point and there's no clarity about what exactly she did wrong. Other than you felt she was off. You mention the rain alot, so this probably added to your misery. I find a lot of tradespeople make negative assumptions about others, but never consider their own communication skills or lack of them. They second guess their customers and take everything as a personal slight, not acknowledging their own insecurities. The sexist element is always pronounced with tradespeople, who find it hard to work for women. Trust is earned, but you think it should be served to you on a platter.
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Showed this to my husband, he’s had similar. What he said is work towards having all regular customers so you don’t do “one offs”.
Maintenance is physically a lot easier than doing jungle bashing clearances.
That's true. They can be big earners though but I know what you're saying, probably easier all round
@leonardo migot haha most of my customers are really friendly but I have to say I'd be tempted to go to Italy!
There are a lot of seemingly deeply unhappy people out there. Ignorant, unreasonable, rude, demanding... etc. I owned a holiday barn. Most people were a joy and were everything you would want them to be, but others? Sweet Jesus! I soon learned from the first contact if someone was going to be a pain in the ass. So having got their name, I looked for them on social media. Duck pout - I refused their booking. Left negative reviews for other companies online - refused their booking. The moral is: Research potential customers before acceping a job. Some people can never be pleased. They will always find something to complain about.
I always worked with customers. I worked in shops. I also had my own business as a wedding florist. I believe there are difficult people and that those people think that they can abuse people that need jobs. It is a power thing. Despicable people. When I had my own business, I learned almost to smell them coming. I would price my services to match the hassle I believed I would endure. It’s difficult to do this if you really need the money. You can’t buy food or pay the rent with self respect. But if you are fair and good at your business, you can weed the bad customers out.
That's very true it's a power thing for sure
'smell them coming', did you have any customers?
The problem is your focus on money not the job, the customer is focused on the job. Conflict of interest.
@@yoya4766 Well, if you want to be insulting. You have no idea how I approached my work. I actually loved what I did and did not make a lot of money. It was a labor of love. I expect you are someone I would have avoided. But I don’t know you either.
She probably was in a bit of a state because she was, 1. doing something her husband didn't want to her do, 2. spending money he didn't want her to spend, 3. excited about the yard getting cleaned up, 4. fretful about the rain, 5. just a sullen type person who has a hard time interacting with people. You kept your word and gave her your best. I'll be she couldn't be happier. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Donna, yeah you're probably right. 99.9% of my customers are great so I'm quite lucky I think. Forgot to mention that in the video haha
Some people just can't be interacted with easily, luckily for the main we cut grass mostly, people are at work, bada bing, job done, out of there, one time however we turned up for the fortnightly grass cut and a customer came out asking when did we think we were meant to be turning up?. Confused I asked what he meant, and claimed we hadn't been there the previous time, my son checked the schedule which he has on a spreadsheet on the tablet and sure enough, we had been there the previous time but he refused to believe us and claimed that the grass was way longer than usual and was adamant we hadn't been there the previous 2 weeks but then started banging on about how someone was feeding the grass and because it was so long we could end up damaging it!. Wow, honestly, you can't make it up sometimes, essentially he's had someone else come in, put a ton of feed down and is now surprised the grass is double the length it was a few weeks ago! Can't win with some people, you really can't.
I’ve had more than my fair share of clients with bad attitudes over the years offering gardening services. I now only do grass cutting which although less interesting is a lot less stressful! Good luck with it 😊👍
Thanks Andrew. I prefer my gardens where I only just do the grass. In and out in half an hour and if you're charging say £20 a go it can really mount up. Definately would like some more of those for next spring!
@@TheGreyGardener1990 I’ve also changed to billing on the day of work! Clients have 5 days to pay but at least I don’t spend all month worrying about non payers! For my regular weekly clients it means I know there is a problem before my next scheduled visit, which I won’t go to unless my last invoice is paid. I’ve lost a few clients over this but gained a better nights sleep....
I'd love to have mostly grass cutting jobs. Unfortunately, I live in a rural are with mostly bigger properties, but less of them. So they all want someone to go through the whole lot. So comparitively, I probably earn less overall than if I did more smaller grass jobs.
You have the right attitude mate..... your always going to meet them .....don’t be put off .....keep going get yourself a good regular round then you’re working for them you know can work for ....you enjoy your gardening business and good luck for the future.. we’ve all had them it’s an experience builder we all learn as we go mate👍👍
Cheers mate 👍 99% of my customers are great and thankfully this was just a one off!
All the best to you too
From my years of experience, any alarm bells like that, just walk away! Years ago when I worked for domestic customers, we had a gutter cleaning job booked in. we turned up and the lady said she was having her dinner and could we come back in an hour or so. She obviously didn't value our time and not sure what difference it made, her having her dinner? so we went. That was probably 15 years ago, hope she isn't waiting for us to go back ha ha!
Just come across your channel, good stuff!
Weird some people but yeah you're spot on about people not valuing your time!
Alright lad ! Don’t let them get you down, I just wish I could tell myself the same 😆 . The majority of customers are fine but you’ll always get them. I quoted a lady not too long ago as she wanted a 3 hour slot and full maintenance (borders patio weeding etc) for her 1 acre garden on back plus front lawn driveway patio etc. it’s a huge area. . I pointed out at that moment that 3 hours per week on the size of her property and what was required during the visit had to be managed well and finished off properly in areas along with her expectations for what could be achieved as nothing would looked completed if not. Anyway happy with the price she went ahead. I asked her what she required first when I got there and an hour in she complained that everything was taking too long in weeding that had been left for weeks. Being surprised at her attitude and a bit annoyed I moved on to the lawns which were thick with dead grass and thatch as nothing had been boxed and collected over a period of time. Dog excrement was all over the lawn but I continued . I finished cutting the lawn on the front and she came out again asking me to do another area so I left the lawn strim and edge and continued weeding a patio area she wanted doing. By the end she told me that she had expected a lot more for the time given despite the fact that I’d worked harder on hers that anyone else’s in order to please, the sweat running off my brow was an indicator . She asked me why I didn’t carry edging sheers so I showed her I did and she asked why I hadn’t finished the lawn ? I pointed out to her that while I was in the middle of the job she had asked me to do she then changed tact and asked me to move onto something else straight away so I did as asked and it had got left and the 3 hours had passed 🤷🏼🤷🏼
Sounds like she just needed to trust you to crack on and keep out!
Did you continue with her then? Sounds like a good earner but don't think I could work for someone who has such little understanding and consideration as to the time needed. The dog poos terrible as well. Judging by the comments, most people would have walked. I dare bet she's gone through loads of gardeners!
@@TheGreyGardener1990
Your absolutely right pal !
On a personal level money doesn’t come into it for me if I can’t be treated properly as I do all my customers then I’d be off and I was ready to chuck it in after leaving there as I was seething. The look on my face when she says she expected the back to be done as well was priceless 😮😮😮. Cut a long story short I rang her to terminate shortly thereafter and before I’d got to explain my decision that I wouldn’t be back, she apologised profusely and explained she had jumped the gun completely, she had seen what I had done after I had left and explained that she was really happy with the work although she didn’t see it at the time, she said the other gardener was too slow so you are right in your assessment although he’s probably glad to be rid of her so I can’t blame him. I explained that all my customers are pleased with my work and the ones that are not won’t require my services in the future. If it wasn’t for my wife convincing me to give her another go I wouldn’t have done. I’ve returned and she has toned it down significantly but I’m still not convinced. Season is now complete with her so time will tell if I return next year.
Just had this myself these people are the worst
@@FLIPMODE630 it’s not an easy one this pal
It's the layer cake ... it only gets better as you weed out the customers you'll end up with the cream..👍
I've only had one experience of these kind of customers so far. I stuck with it for a bit, but when the next spring came I gave them a special personalized price change. What some trades call the tw*t tax.
It was such an increase that I expected them to say no on the spot, but they actually accepted it initially and I carried on for a month, until they finally got someone cheaper. It was a very profitable month let me tell you - but I was still glad to see the back of them.
Tw*t tax 🤣🤣 love that.
Only really awkward one was a four day hedge cutting job, a really large country mansion with hundreds of meters of hedge. One of the more lucrative jobs i used to do from a price earned per day perspective.
The house keeper was my point of contact and a price and date was agreed, I was never once offered a drink on any day and I kept noticing the owners watching from the window yet they never came out.
I got paid immediately for the work and a call four months later to make sure I could book a slot for the following year to do the hedges as aparanetely the owners liked the way I had cut them!
I basically had similar experiences each year four the next three years. On the fourth and last year the house owner came out as he wanted to know if it would be possible to cut a circular hole in the hedge , build a platform inside the very wide leylandi hedge and mount a very large Italian marble statue.
It was truly sureal as I got invited in to the house and had to walk through half of it to get to the staue.
The man seemed a tad awkward but not exactly unfriendly again no offer of a drink or any real pleasantries or conversation only a very matter of fact discussion about how I would mount his valuable staue.
I basically agreed a price and returned a month later to install the statue. I was watched by the husband and wife from different windows of the house but not once did they come out, when the staue was in position the house keeper came out and said Mr........ loves it.
To be honest it was really deflating that the guy couldn't actually have the decency to say it himself and the lack over the years of any offer of a drink was also plain odd.
The next year I declined the job, for me there was no satisfaction in the job, even though the money was fine.
All they had to do was be normal!!!
You're a fool to walk away from that one, as long as the money's good and they're not constantly complaining or trying to change the job then who cares if they're a bit odd. I've never met some of my customers, they just pay their bills and I do their gardens, I've got a kettle in the van for those jobs where a cup of tea is never offered.
Grrr!! These people think that they're your only customer. I always say when my boots are filling with water, it's time to go. I feel your pain, but the beauty of being self employed is that you don't have to go back. I've binned people for less!
Very true!
Been in the business for 30 years and 10 of which has been self employed. You will always come across people like this, just remember that they employ you to do the job because they either can't do it themselves or can't be bothered. Don't sell yourself short chap! It's quite easy to be taken for a mug when you're starting out, as you're eager for the work. With your attitude I'm sure you'll do just fine mate, and in time you will know which jobs to take and which ones to bin off! Wish you all the best in the future chap!!
Thanks mate. Such a learning curve jobs like that. Good to go through them
My favourite is when people tell you how long something is going to take , when they have no clue !!!
All the time!
@@TheGreyGardener1990 happen to me yesterday they’ve given me two hours for aeration and scarification the cleaning up before I start will take an hour before I start , I just start now amd stop then they have to re think 🤔 it’s funny no other trade has people telling them this kind of thing !!!
I try to have as little interaction with the customer as possible apart from the initial introduction, occasional infrequent chats, and I always take pictures of before and after to use as advertising if needed, and try and work on an invoice system so when the job is done you can pack up and just go. The invoice system also covers me legally if I have to recover payment at a later date. To be honest most of my customers are out at work when I am on site, it does make it more uncomfortable when you get there and they are home! It has got to the stage where I just really take on regular maintenance now as you soon find out, as most are, if they are ok.
Good idea with the invoice system if it covers you. Yeah I guess as little interaction as possible is better 👍
Probably a job he's been promising to do for the last year and it hurt his ego when his wife took action and got a company in to do it 😆Try and make sure the homeowners are in agreement themselves before you confirm the job (easier said than done). I've done tree work where let's say one person wants a light reduction, the other wants you to cut it back hard. I give them a bit of time to think, and then put it down on a written quote. Otherwise you can do a prune, and then they want you to go over all of it again... which (especially with trees) adds SO much more work... and then it spirals because they'll still try to hold on to the original quote.
On the emotions thing... Yeh, of course try to stay professional... BUT... Going out on a limb, I bet the quality of your work is good, because this is actually just your passion for what you do coming out. The positive lining here is that you managed to turn a miserable customer into someone that was happy in the end, and paid up - Well done mate!
You have done everything you could to turn out a good job in difficult circumstances,this is the first vid I’ve watched of yours and you come across as honest and professional,why wouldn’t you be coming from the north east (I’m a bit bias) .Having been self employed for a significant amount of time myself from time to time we encounter such folk, people who appear to be tired of life, a experience like this does get you thinking could I have done something to change the situation,the answer probably not,so just let it pass and in a small amount of time after you’ve had a load more positive interactions it’ll be a dim recollection. For everyone one of those people there’s a least a hundred positive (normal) people. So crack on fella you seem like a grafter to me. ATB Paul,
Cheers Paul, really nice comments 👍
Yeah like most gardeners, 99% of their customers are really nice people. There's always that odd one! Assuming you're from the North East as well then?
@@TheGreyGardener1990 I living in the tropical north east.Whats not to like😂. Keep the vlogs coming.regards paul
You will always get one i have had one who wouldnt let me do the garden unless she was there as if I was untrustworthy and I wouldn't do a proper job so I basically said to her your comments of me not being able to do your garden unless your there either means you dont trust me or you think I'm incapable of doing my job and that I think she should find someone else! every now and again you have to draw a line
And what did she say?
It's annoying when it happens!
Insisted that wasent the reason it wasent just that but asking for extra work while I was there so as well so i just told her to find someone else and that was the end if that plenty more customers out there who want there garden doing regular and willing to pay a fair price for a fair job usually you can work out the kind of customers over time at the start it's harder because you want the work more and allow the odd ones to take the mick but once your established you can iron those sort of customers out
Well the good thing is u did the job and got paid but it’s awful when u get negative energy from customers. It’s all a learning curve for you, not everyone will be nice unfortunately and u have to put your poker face on and smile thru it. Sounds like she was trying to push you not to do it, her hubby prob was giving her grief after the first rain off and sounds like you got the brunt of their conflict. Let it wash over you it’s not a reflection on you but just their negative attitudes and their issues in general. It will sting the first few times but you will learn to just leave your annoyance at that job and not take it home. Onwards and upwards Adz 😜
Yeah thats right Jo. It was all good in the end and I think she kind of realised. At least she was happy with the work as that's the main thing.
You seem like a nice guy and worry about things and don't want to upset customers. I think you will be taken advantage of by horrible people. Some people just need to be avoided.
Some people are problematic with everyone. I am not a gardener but I am a self employed trades person anyway. I also have had several customers similar to this in the past. I believe if a customer is talking down a job or second guessing themselves in any way it’s an alarm bell . I would walk away if you are pushing the elephant up the stairs before you even start.
It was tempting. If it wasn't a good pay day I definately would have done. Thankfully most people are OK! 🤷♂️
I would only do all my regulars gardens and only take on one off jobs if it's from a reference or number passed on by one of my costumers because you know that your costume r would have have you praise about your work and this gives the new client confidence in you
Thanks for taking time to comment mate. Do you not find you turn down a lot of work doing that though?
@@TheGreyGardener1990 not really as been doing it a while but just me in a couple of years you will find that if you do a good job. People will phone you and your not chasing jobs. That when you can your jobs and price them at the rate you should be paid
@@robertblount3143 makes sense mate yeah. It's probably 50/50 at the moment, word of mouth and new people entirely.
Hi Adam. You seem a good lad. I respect and wish you all the success in your gardening business, take my advice. Put ye prices up ,!
No 2. Dont feel guilty, customers are sometimes very nice or sometimes very bad , there’s plenty nice people around but also there’s plenty of bad ones there’s people we call bogeys. , I’d love to name and Shame them , I’ve met all sorts over the years and they can make you very I’ll , some try it on some are just nutters ! Or are just negative, people very sad , you have to be thick skin. Your running a business , o and put your prices well up to cheep. , and walk away if they get negative , say good bye ! Keep the money you need it more what I do , don’t take any crap from no one. ! Keep up the good work.
LMROOFING LTD.
SIMPLY THE BEST.
People can be funny. I've learnt to trust those gut feelings from initial consultations, and if something dosent feel right, not to get too involved. For some people, they wouldn't be happy unless you give them the moon on a stick, and then still ask for a discount! I'm lucky in that I have a great reputation, and only do work for 'nice' clients 😏 senseless to be your own boss and still be unhappy 🤔 hope your other clients are happier 😉
Yeah, I've knocked one or two jobs back because of bad vibes initially. 99% of people have been fine especially my regulars, quite lucky I think
Couldn't agree more there, there is plenty of nice customers out there
If I was paying you to do my garden it wouldn't be an issue done in the rain or not even if you arrange to come back some other time.
It sounds like that £200 went to the garden rather than in his ( the husbands) pocket for the pub 😂🤣. Just kidding!!!
Sounds like you dealt with it well. A learning experience to grow stronger from. Defo wouldn't go back there again though. Sounds like she may have thought about changing her mind when you returned, but you made the arrangements before hand about the job, so yeh well done for speaking up n finishing the job. 👍🏼👏
Cheers, haha yeah pub money maybe! But no it was all a bit strange, just maybe the way she was..not sure 🤷♂️
@@TheGreyGardener1990 I would of turned around and said I'm happy to do the job if you are
Two and a half years in, yes I have come across my share of strange customers, it's trying to separate business from personal, so it becomes water of a ducks back.
Wise words. That's the thing, it's not letting things bother you, so I'll learn I'm sure 🤞 it's just that one negative thing that you end up thinking about. Stupid really
I find it'll bother me for the day, I'll have a moan to someone about it as women do, then wake up the next day and consciously don't think about it. Or use it as a funny story with other tradespeople.
Hi Jim from J.S.G.S N.IRELAND. A first encounter brother with STRANGE PEOPLE. As you grow your business you will experience so many diverse issues believe me. However, experience with such Miserable people will shape you mentally. As I say to many of the brothers in our business KEEP THY STANDARDS!!! Regards Jim from J.S.G.S N.IRELAND.
Thanks Jim, wise words mate 👍
Been doing gardening for 20 years she won't be the last , don't let it get to you there's some miserable people out there who are never happy
Definitely 👍
I had a customer who asked us to do a 27 linear meters FE fence, it was priced very well plenty for wages for the lads and profit for the business, they loved it day 1 and day 2 as we left for the night they hated it saying it looked cheap and nasty and then morning of day 3 they loved it and thought it was amazing. It was so strange I couldn’t work then out but they paid within an hour of me leaving there property and since then we have been back together site to do more work for them but a similar situation with them loving it then hating it. But then loving it on the last day
Baffled me completely tbh
Made me laugh that. So it's touch and go whenever you do work for them. Too much drama for me! 😆
@@TheGreyGardener1990 the only reason I keep going back is they are fast payers and have never made a fuss about the price or tried to knock me down on the price which is rare most people want somthing for nothing
There both retired but I’d say I’m there 50s but never go out I’ve always just said they just like the drama of it all haha 😂
@@lewisashe5265 haha yeah sounds about right. Some people like a drama. At least they pay quick!
I've been running my garden maintenance business for almost 3 years whilst studying RHS alongside. I've had some impossible customers where I've had to say they may be happier with someone else who can meet their expectations. Also you get the ones who expect you to be Monty Don knowing the name of every single plant. I'm honest and say it's an endless learning curve with plants and gardens. I've managed to weed out 😉 the annoying people and stick to my nice trusting ones.
Ahh the monty Don customers! I've got a video coming out on a similar topic...
That's it isn't it, you come accross some people who you can never seem to please. I had another similar experience to the one in this video, but she was a regular. Never happy, and i ended up letting her go.
My top 5 stories:
1) pathological liar granny. 2 years ago a little old lady asked if I could water her garden out of hours as she'd broken her pelvis. I felt sorry for her so did it. She complained I broke her hose when all I did was turn on the tap. Then proceeded to tell me she'd broken her back. Was a block and delete one.
2) never satisfied dark energy woman. Last December I had flu so asked my partner to clear some leaves from a regular (moody) customer. It was a dreadful drizzly day and was an all day job really due to a massive oak tree losing leaves. She complained that I sent my other half and he hadn't cleared much in an hour. I politely told her to find someone else.
3) I've been scammed lady. Her mother in law had recommended me. There were crossed wires as she'd assumed it was £20 an hour for 2 people working. I politely explained it wouldn't be worth running a business on £10 an hour each. She accused me of scamming her! If I were to scam someone, which I wouldn't, I'd charge a bit more than what I did!!
And today had a regular customer complain about how I planted something and was cross as I'm rhs trained. I've been studying 18 months!!! The big common denominator? They've all told me about the mysterious previous gardener who never returned. That's my major red flag now.
Top 4!!!
@@peanut2193 biggest red flag of them all! Made me laugh that. I'm sure every gardener can relate haha
I haven’t done this long but I had this one customer. She was disabled and an older customer. On the phone she was really polite. When I went to check out the garden to quote her a price. She seemed very strange and she just kept looking at me as I was explaining what I will be doing. I got really bad vibes of her. Even though initially I said I would do the job. Two days later I just cancelled The job saying she might not be happy with my level of work and might be better off with someone else. I cancelled it as I thought I won’t be happy doing this job. If I am not happy, then what’s the point of me gardening.
It's your call at the end of the day mate, got to do what you think is right for you
I think working with the general public is hard done it for years, don’t take it personally I know it’s hard not to but you know you did a good job and so does she try and let it go over your head a bit good luck 😉
Yeah exactly, as I say 99% are fine, met some really nice people but there's always one haha. At least she was happy in the end 🙂
I feel you might be being a bit hard on your client. As you understandable left the first time because of the rain, she obviously did not see why you came back to work in it, especially as you had a helper the first time. The nasty bit was "do you want the job" why did she say that when you were willing to do it in the rain? I don't work in the rain. One because my own health will suffer and two you don't make such a good job (mud gets everywhere) it is also dangerous for power tools. Unfortunately a lot of clients will treat you as a pleb with a (their money) meter on your head, so nice doesn't come into it.
First things first way too much communication on the door set, text message the night before and then just arrive and crack on, I find the least communication you have with the customer the better.
Simple you’ve seen the job she’s accepted the price under promise over deliver so text message the night before they will be calling don’t even knock the door when I arrive just simply crack on.
Cheers mate
Possibly you are a bit sensitive. I don’t work in the rain and you will find that customers think if you do then you won’t be doing a good job and that your desperate for work. I’ve been lawn cutting & gardening for years and would have been honest and said that I will re diary you, get your diary out the van and agree a date weather permitting. If it doesn’t suit them say I’ll leave it with you and won’t pencil you in but advise them that the availability of your service will change daily. Remain professional and don’t get into the sort of dialog you had with the lady. Your a professional service and remember you stay in charge of the situation. With regards the husband… that’s common they don’t want a younger guy on their turf.
Thanks for your comment. I don't mind working in the rain personally as long as it isn't going to be detrimental to the job though. She wanted the work doing straight away as it was her birthday coming up but I had very limited time in the coming 2-3 weeks so it kind of had to be done, since it was a big pay day I was reluctant to give it up. All ended up OK though, guess that's the way it goes sometimes.
When she asked if you wanted the job I would have said it's half done, so if you don't want me for the job you owe me half, otherwise I'll get the job done for you.
What some customers say is while you're here can you do this etc and dont expect to pay any extra
Ive used lack of time as an excuse quite a lot! But yeah I think if you don't tell them straight at the start you leave yourself open a bit...I've learnt the hard way 😕
@@TheGreyGardener1990 A couple of years ago, I started doing work for a property managenent company, they gave me lots of work but I already hd lots of clients. Seemed good at the start but they wanted me to work cheap so that they could please thier clients. I started getting emails, can you explain your quote and the landlord has had a lot to pay out , in other wother word do it for next to nothing
@@dickdungfork8334 thats no good like. I used to work at a local estate agents on lettings instructing contractors etc. Not easy working for a management company, we always paid our guys when the rent came in so depending on when the job was done, they could be waiting a month to be paid
worst ones are best payers and miserable. best to get paid less for someone who brings you coffee and food out.
who has a sense of humour, sometimes that is better pay
Brings you coffee and food out?? They're your customer, not your servants. But yeah it's not your attitude that's the problem.
Common place!
miserable customers, i would have give a really high price when first met them and they would have rejected it
Haha yeah probably
Q: What weather do you consider too much, like torrential rain, would you work in snow etc?
Second, just thinking about the attitude of the woman, not trying to defend her as she sounds rude, just offering a possible reason, but some people have this thing in their head where they NEED to understand reason. Logically, you stopped the job because of rain, then you came back and did it in the rain. Maybe she just couldn't make sense of that? Regardless, she shouldn't have been rude about it. And when she asked you if you wanted the job, that's quite insulting, so wouldn't blame you if you did walk.
Really learning a lot from your vids, please keep posting them. I'm over in the western lake District and am thinking about doing gardening. Just not quite worked up the guts yet to do it. But one day.
No to torrential rain and snow. Pretty much yes to everything else. I take your point about the rain in this situation but it was just her manner really
Loads and loads.. irrespective of price if the respect is not there from the off I would tell them it isn't for me.. Becomes easier over time to be more demonstrative and "hard"..
I just kept seeing the £££ on this one. Quite a big wedge to throw away, but I was very close!
New one off customers should get money up front , plus it won't be your first bad customers.
I've had one or two more since this video 🙄
The ones I hate are where they dont want it fortnightly and want it monthly so I agree from march until november once a month march comes erm can you come next month april leaves all over then september they cancel you but then when you dont go back constantly ring your phone april and may I just end up haveing to tell them straight honesty is the best policy
Only going once a month means extra work so you have to price accordingly but some people just don't get that 🤷
They definitely dont its twice the work twice the growth and more weeds specially in the borders and beds and you will always get one who's says thr old gardener used to do it for 15 when it's a 25 to 30 pound garden 😆
@@sunfiregeckos9041 can't stand boarder work. I'm trying to phase those jobs out if possible but it's tricky as customers usually want the whole garden seeing to.
It's not the best of jobs just doing the grass and the odd trimming job is better I do like tidy ups though good money and I like seeing the end result
@@sunfiregeckos9041 yeah I love a good tidy up. Gives you a good sense of satisfaction
Don't make light of things be more business like be polite but assertive. You want your customers to have faith in you etc I have one who's really picky nothing is every good enough total drama queen but she pays up witch is the main thing
True. Does it not annoy you though? If someone isn't appreciating your work I'd be thinking I could easily replace them?
@@TheGreyGardener1990 End of the day it's her garden she employs me to do what she wants I suggest something and she goes against it so I do it her way and it dosent turn out very well sometimes feels like she's blaming me she'll say oh this isn't working etc at the end of the day I do as she's asked and she pays me be more anoyed if she didn't
@@aaron6841 I guess so mate upto you and as you say she pays you 👍
@@TheGreyGardener1990 thats all your there for mate
@@aaron6841 Each to their own, I want to be happy at work but if it doesn't bother you fair enough.
Going on how you've done this video, you don't get to the point and there's no clarity about what exactly she did wrong. Other than you felt she was off. You mention the rain alot, so this probably added to your misery.
I find a lot of tradespeople make negative assumptions about others, but never consider their own communication skills or lack of them. They second guess their customers and take everything as a personal slight, not acknowledging their own insecurities.
The sexist element is always pronounced with tradespeople, who find it hard to work for women. Trust is earned, but you think it should be served to you on a platter.