She was so angry with me! Dealing with the General Public & Running my Gardening Business

Рет қаралды 20,108

Жыл бұрын

I run a gardening business and this is another story you may find interesting!
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Пікірлер: 260

@nice2nettles Жыл бұрын

I was given a valuable piece of advice from a former manager when I told him I was starting a gardening business. He said, 'never forget, some people are fannies' . Wise words that have stayed with me.

@landcruiser801 28 күн бұрын

A true sage... people are dead extreme fannies they are doing my head in

@adamaldridge3443 Жыл бұрын

Here lies the problem with working for domestic customers. It’s a race to the bottom! I’m not a gardener now but used to do it years ago. I’m a security engineer now but run my own business for awhile and it was a similar story. Always someone else to do it cheaper or customers wanting the world for nothing. One thing I was told is always charge what you are worth. Never sell yourself short and if a customer can’t see what a good tradesman costs then they are not a good customer. Never let anyone haggle you down and walk away if they don’t agree your price.

@steve00alt70 Жыл бұрын

But if they do sign a contract automatically agreeing your price then thats the customer locked in to give the exact price you asked.

@markdavies9636 Жыл бұрын

As a service engineer you will find a lot of customers are two faced! As soon as you leave they will phone and complain and you have done a job at a high price or not done other things to on the repair, basically getting something for nothing. Never trust customers even if they are very nice! You will also find KZfaq tells customers how to do things easy and cheap which is not always the case.

@commercialtreecare2023 Жыл бұрын

Pay Cheap and Cheerful, you Get Cheap and Cheerful. I'm of the similar impression of Domestic clients as yourself. I had 12 regular customers the beginning of this year, I'm now down to 2. They have all gone to the Bottom Feeder Brigade that charge £10 to £15 per hour, and there are absolutely Loads of these "Tradesman in and around my town. I'm the only Chartered Horticulturist in my County and there is No Way I'm"Cheapening myself and competing with these Bottom Feeders. I'm now retraining into Ecology and Environmental/Conservation Management, after being in and around the garden maintenance industry for about 20 years, this is very sad for me, but, when every other tradesman is a Gardener? or Handyman/Gardener, well and truly pricing me out of the market, I'm just leaving it to them and doing the High End Horticulture things that a Chartered Horticulturist should be doing, rather than competing with "Bottom Feeders!

@nancywells5626 3 ай бұрын

Do not get too discouraged. I got bumped from a yard that I used to do for a whole crew that is supposed to do mowing, weeding, trimming, etc. The last time I worked for her immediate neighbor I noticed the woman I used to work for doing weeding, her sides and backyard has so many thick clumps of weeds tall enough to tickle your eyeballs. My eyeballs about rolled back in my head looking at it. So sometimes the clients decisions to replace their really good help to save a buck or two does not work out well for them either. I have not gotten a call back from her yet, if she does call me back, I am increasing my hourly rate. @@commercialtreecare2023

@user-wn3go7bn1p 2 ай бұрын

Don’t worry ,You obviously didn’t over price buddy. A plumber fixed my dripping kitchen tap today. Took him 5 minutes and charged a pre arranged £75. Probably a little bit pricey but it is what it is. That was the price he quoted and I was happy to pay. Don’t let people grind you down

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

Early on in my gardening business I had the unfortunate and unpleasantness of working for a man that was going through a divorce. He asked me to weed his plant beds and trim his Juniper hedges. He told me to trim them as I felt best. So I did, trimming the branches that crossed and caused scarring, trimmed out the dead wood, cleaned the trunks up and had hedged leaves around the tops. His neighbors came over and said I was doing a beautiful job and that was the best his yard looked ever. So you can imagine my surprise and heavy heart when the client called to rip me a new one. He didn't like what I did and insisted I credit him for the trimming of his hedges. I credited him and removed him from any future scheduling. So i guess if you are going through a divorce and you don't have a dog to kick, DON"T KICK YOUR GARDENER EITHER!

@JiangHongrie Жыл бұрын

You showed a lot of restraint, that is good xD a lot of others would have gave him back the hedge clippings agahgahga

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

@@JiangHongrie Thank you. My favorite saying is, If you cannot figure out how to act, just act professional because no one can fault you for that.

@davidchester429 3 ай бұрын

Preferably don't kick the dog either!

@xfx09 Жыл бұрын

Mate, you’re right you did miss a bullet with that one. I’ve had similar experiences and on reflection I am glad I am not working for them, I’ve been doing this for 15 years now and I pick who I work for, that’s the whole point of being self employed. Good luck for the future . Michael The Really Useful Gardening Co (Based in Essex)

@garyholliday5169 Жыл бұрын

Don’t beat yourself up Adam, she was obviously a “mentalist” and not deserving of your time or efforts 👊.

@fmlfml4637 Жыл бұрын

Keep at it, its experiences like this that help you develop healthy business practices. She's done you a favour. I used to work in a garden centre, I'd get 'professional' gardeners in from time to time asking me what they should plant in a clients garden. Rob dogs. Not sure what we can do to differentiate from non-professionals when the barrier of entry is so low. I guess when you're well established and can turn down work it doesn't matter. All the best mate, keep at it.

@TheCurtisdavies 3 ай бұрын

hi why were they rob dogs? just curious

@fmlfml4637 3 ай бұрын

@@TheCurtisdavies They don't possess the requisite knowledge they're being paid for by the client.

@adrianbrewer1708 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting that Adam. It’s good to know we are all in the same boat. Pricing is so difficult and you give with one and take with another. Keep up the good work. Ade

@markopolo-1 Жыл бұрын

We charge a minimum of £15 and have had customers make a face when we tell them this, but we never deviate, if they want our experience, our equipment and our time, they have to understand it comes at a cost, if they make a face we usually just say we'll leave it with them and they can let us know. £15 would honestly be for a postage stamp that would take us less than 10 minutes to have the mower(s) out the van, cut, blown and back in the van. As for the weeds, an additional £10 is way far too low, for any type of weeding job you should be looking at a minimum of £20-£30, even if just using a strimmer, you've still to tidy up, collect, blow, even a house front is at least a half hour job with a strimmer, then 10 minutes with the garden which is in reality probably more like 15-20 minutes, you're there for close to 40-50 minute for £25. For us, we'd be looking for around £50-£60 for nearly an hours work. Although we don't really charge per hour, we do consider £60 per hour for labour a reasonable amount when using tools as well, I mean, petrol cost's more now than it ever has, so an hours work using petrol machines at a cost of £60 is probably close to the standard nowadays, people make the mistake of trying to undercut, but when someone is doing an hours work for £30 they want in and out quickly, when we're getting £60 we make sure the jobs done right and even though we're charging more, we always get customers returning and rarely have any issues with regular grass cut customers. Value yourself more in regards to what you charge and believe it or not customers will do the same, hope that helps :)

@tick999 Жыл бұрын

That's really helpful advice. Can I ask though, is that £60 an hour for 2 people?

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

I'd never have got £20-30 for the weeding. They were shallow rooted weeds in about a 1.5m long boarder so that took me about 15 mins to do. Don't get me wrong, I try not to do lots of weeding but when I do, i price it up as its a horrible job 😆

@markopolo-1 Жыл бұрын

@@tick999 Well no, this would be per person, obviously if we reckoned a job would take 1 hour for one person, it would (or should) take half an hour with two people so would be the same £60 charge, but it is worth noting this is a very "loose" estimate. If someone wants a tidy up we would consider charging the customer £60 an hour for labour quite reasonable, if they wanted 100 slabs lifted we would likely consider charging more per hour as it would be a great deal heavier work, they don't actually know we're charging that and we don't tell them that, it's just our way of figuring out a reasonable charge for an hours work. Hope that helps.

@markopolo-1 Жыл бұрын

@@TheGreyGardener1990 Absolutely, we've done the same, woman wanted a pressure wash on a small patio and it had more plant pots and garbage on it and around it than it had slabs!. We really didn't want the job but we cut her grass regularly so priced the job quite high, she still accepted ! Go figure !

@tick999 Жыл бұрын

@markopolo6883 Yeah, that's a great help. Thanks for explaining. I'm seriously considering putting my prices up now. I'm in North London and charging between £30-£35 an hour, depending on the area and size of houses. The ultra low emissions zone is expanding to my area, so the £12.50 charge will be going on my invoice. Occasionally, I get some work in West London from estate agents and chaege £45 per hour. Do you get many full days work (7 hours) where you'd charge £420? That would be the dream for me, but it is early days, yet as I'm in my first year of self-employment

@Grahams-Grass Жыл бұрын

I got let go by one of my first customers this week monthly visit. £25 gass cut ... text her to say I was coming next day I got a list of can you just ... I did wat I could with the time I had spent an extra hour on it charged her xtra £20 got questioned about it ... went the following month and a big bush I didn't have time to do on the last visit I cut it right back charged her extra £10 then got a message from her saying the neighbour has offered to do it for free 😂 was so happy to hear because I was gonna drop her after this season.. the next day I got a lovely lady to replace her at 30 a cut every 2 weeks .. and 30 for a couple of small hedges.. ... 😊 . If your minimum is £20 stick to it no matter how small the garden is. Get it right from the start ... 👏 💪 👌 😊

@nancywells5626 3 ай бұрын

Nice letting go of one you were going to drop anyway. It opened up a space for someone that will really show you more appreciation for your time and effort.

@ramnikramji7541 Жыл бұрын

Sounds familiar. Had a customer who slated me for work done. Charged £25 per hour, did 2 hours clearing brambles galore! She said I hadn't done anything and what I had done amounted to £10. I told her to keep her money and find someone else. Jaak garden and lawncare

@ipodgooroo Жыл бұрын

Jeez....! Plenty around my way think gardeners should be paid £5 a hour and work like a dog

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

Will goats eat brambles? Might be a safer way of clearing out brambles for future projects.

@hooperelectronics2055 Жыл бұрын

The jobs I do hourly, which is for people who are deciding what to do next each session rather than giving me a job to complete with a plan outlined, pay £25 per hour. Bramble clearance for a tenner? I'd give them a tenner to stand there and watch them do it. Cheeky ****s

@paulstyles7720 Жыл бұрын

Hello my friend just come across your video and my first impression is I can see you are honest and because you have been hit like a brick has been thrown at you mentally and you’re giving yourself a real hard time bud!! I too am self employed and have been for 14 years and I too pride myself on customer service and business relationships and customer retention etc!! I too had a similar experience about 2 years ago 😢and it went against everything I stand for about being fair and it upset me so much that I was in the doldrums for a good couple of weeks!! However I sat down 1 day and said to myself “why do I worry so much?” After 14 positive years of good customer service being self employed I realised that I had one bad job in one hour in one day go wrong against me in 14 whole years!! Trust me my friend you will bounce back from this and learn from your experience of “nowt as weird as folk” keep going bud as we all have bills to pay and mouths to feed on a depreciating £1 and in my humble opinion cutting someone’s grass for £20 is great value for money n you take the hard work and hassle factor out of it for them plus the bonus of no tools or lawnmowers for them to have to buy and maintain!!

@THETATTOOGARDENER83 Жыл бұрын

This women sounds a nightmare you charged a more than fair price for grass and them extra weeds She’s lucky some gardeners might have gone higher she should have counted her blessings It’s her loss she’s missed out on a brilliant gardener and nice chap Onto the next one Adam you’ll find a better one just around the corner 🙌🏼

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. At least I got a video out of it 🤣 some people man 😵‍💫

@mattwhiting2923 Жыл бұрын

Mate, I've had one too. Think of the customers you have got and done work for. You'll always get a few that will be unhappy. Keep up with the good work

@kepadaservices1286 Жыл бұрын

The minimum charge is set in stone, dont deviate from it. You have to drive to the customer, unload your kit, do the work and tidy up, put your kit away after a brush down ready for the next customer. I think put your minimum price up to £30, and upsell extras to push it to £50. I would never tell anyone what to do with their businesses, but you can do well to avoid that type of customer I wouldnt insult the kid up the road with £10 to cut my lawn. Chin up brother.

@tick999 Жыл бұрын

Great advice. Would you mind sharing with us what kinds of things you up sell?

@kepadaservices1286 Жыл бұрын

@tick999 sure. You may notice some weeding that needs doing, or a some hedge work that needs doing. Some people offer jet washing or gutter cleaning. Sometimes the mow blow and go is a lost leader if you can identify other more profitable work that can be done, but don't fall into the trap of 'if you do this cheap. I will give you all this work to do. At the end of the day, its about the individual situation, but if there's a minimum charge, then it should be set in stone.

@kevinwillis6707 Жыл бұрын

she thinks thats too much? wait til she gets a plumber in 😄

@pennysmith2511 Жыл бұрын

Ive had the same happen. Ive moved on. Chalk it to experience. Its hard work gardening. But worth it to know you have done a good job. Plus helped someone out by being reliable Plus professional. We all have to pay our bills at the end of the day. Great work by you. Her loss.

@nathanwilliams1987 Жыл бұрын

Deffo not been ripped off and let her have it done cheaper, give you the opportunity to have something better in its place. She has no right to speak to you no matter what! You have not smashed slabs or broke a window. I have seen ya work and have spoke to you ( you have helped me loads btw) and I appreciate you and I feel your prices are correct

@freddip2039 Жыл бұрын

I don't think people realise the physical price and all the other things that come into it, time, materials, tools etc Even if she was annoyed thinking you had ripped her off, no one should react like this anyway.

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

100%

@mig1017 Жыл бұрын

Exactly. Impulsive, over emotional, irrational, springs to mind.

@sloooog Жыл бұрын

Well shot of them - I gave up doing it as people were rarely grateful, just moaned about what I hadn't done and tried to beat me down on an agreed price etc. Gone into remote work and much happier! Good luck to you in the future.

@gonefishing5142 Жыл бұрын

You will always get the odd one that turns out to be a nightmare when dealing with the "general public". Trust me these type of "customers" are few and far between (much less than 1 in 100). After more than 10 years of working for myself i can probably only think of 2 or 3 that i've had over that time. Very likely that they have personal issues that they are not coping well with. Chin up and carry on. All part of the apprenticeship of being self-employed!

@shanecantwell227 Жыл бұрын

For most trades £25 wouldn't even cover the turning up fee. I suspect that the outburst was prompted by the "new gardener" and that is probably a relative. It's really not your issue just some peoples expectations for the money they pay are completely unrealistic. I am looking at stating next March/April so your videos are really helpful :)

@hooperelectronics2055 Жыл бұрын

If the other guy has quoted crazy money then yeah I say that's mental pricing. Like, taking the p*ss pricing. As for starting next season, why not get your facebook business page etc set up now and start earning a few bucks and getting a client base ? The best time is now, as per a previous Grey Gardener video ;-)

@jimmyspartacus6 Жыл бұрын

Relatives yeah

@alangill1872 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for tour videos Doing a great job fella Wishing you every success

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

Thanks mate appreciate it 👍

@wagner251 Жыл бұрын

I could write a book with this issue ,everyone says you shouldnt work with animals and children , my saying is you shouldnt work with people !! Theres a lot of mental health issues out there !

@pablo9364 Жыл бұрын

Ha ha for sure. Every possible type of issue ! Last week a customer asked to borrow my phone, I gave it to them they went in the house, twenty minutes later gave it back, I checked the call log. They called the police . Mental note don’t ever let any customer use your phone. Constant learning curve. Don’t need the hassle!

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

Hang on to your own phone!

@anthonyjones5279 Жыл бұрын

I dropped on today. She was complaining that her hedge grew back to quickly and I should be doing it again for free. I just politely told her we're in the middle of peak hedge growing season and I won't be doing it again or her grass, told her to take care and moved on.

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣 brilliant

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

I am guessing your client would not want to work for free either. I like the saying, "You can dish it out, but can't take it!"

@kanhdahar2 Жыл бұрын

customer wanted me to cut the grass as it was only patchy! he asked ''will you cut it for free''? and i said no :)

@user-be2il8wu6s 3 ай бұрын

Obviously your fault the hedge grew back too fast! 🤣

@davidhiggs9939 Жыл бұрын

I've been in the game 23 years now and just do the cream these days although going by your videos it seems I'm cheap. My word of advice is never get over friendly with customers, it never ends well. The 2 jobs I've lost in my time were 2 big jobs 14 acre and 27 acre sites so I had to spend time there bit in both times I got too familiar with them... from their point of view, you work for them and they own you in their minds, sad but true. It's a learning curve. Good luck. I've worked for judges, little old ladies, churches, schools, landmarks, pretty much everything and they are all different and pretty much mostly OK but here is another note you may want to take on board..... by fsr the worst customers by a mile are people that had nothing and come into easy money be it inheritance, lottery win etc etc. Be very careful around them coz they are horrible to work for!!. In general as long as you aren't turning anyone over and doing a good job, back up your prices you will be fine. Great job in the season too!!

@_desertwalker_ Жыл бұрын

Couldnt have written that better myself. 100% agree

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

I have a 1/2 acre that is mostly plant beds, walking trails, trees and shrubs. I do have some grass areas left but not much. My lawn man charges me $35.00 to mow, edge, weed whack and blow off the debris. I usually tip him between $5.00 to $15.00 extra, give him Gourmet soaps by a local soap maker. I appreciate his effort and time in my yard. Even though I love gardening, I really don't like mowing and that other stuff as an activity. I don't want to spend money on the equipment either. I hope this helps give you an idea of what we are charged across the big pond.

@charlotteoleary196 Жыл бұрын

Oh lord my neighbour did this to our window cleaner! He was so fed up he put his prices up to ridiculous levels for her so she wouldn't try to use him again. You give a price and they either say yes or no, and it's a total lack of emotional intelligence if they have to yell rather than just make an excuse as to why they don't want you back

@silverstreetmoto1458 Жыл бұрын

The worst clients in my opinion are those on a priced job,then add,add,add extra bits and dont expect to pay 🤬 i had a job 20 miles away,priced as a day and a half, it ended up 2 looong days,after that no more pricework,hourly rates only. 👍✌

@_desertwalker_ Жыл бұрын

That is exactly how I work now. Hourly rates only. sleep so much better at night now. No more dickheads to deal with.

@TheCurtisdavies 3 ай бұрын

keep going mate, you clearly do great work & seem a top guy

@Ann65. Ай бұрын

I hope that she at least gave you a nice cup of tea!! ☕️ Seriously, don’t allow one rude person to affect you. I’m sure you have plenty of great customers.

@michaelporter7849 Жыл бұрын

Also, a big part of charging a fair wage provides the customer with a reliable service. I’ve seen gardeners stretch themselves too far because they’re too cheap and this results in them not returning due to time constraints. It’s just something we’ve got to deal with.

@Bobbrians Жыл бұрын

I do a bit of auto detailing on the side, 200 will get you a clean and polished vehicle, cheap by local standards where you need 800 at a pro shop, It usually takes me the entire day. I agreed to do a friend's rusty old chevy tahoe for 50. I put 6 hours into it, he refused to pay, wasn't good enough, I scrubbed old dog vomit out of his carpets and applied cleaner wax to the vehicle with 6 inch d/a polisher. People are just awful sometimes.

@williammorris7895 Жыл бұрын

Smile, be polite and forget about it 👍 They agreed on price beforehand, all should be fine. They're going against the agreement, you did nothing wrong. I've even had people moan about volunteer grass work that I do occasionally. Some people are just shit 😂

@MarksGrassCuttingServices Жыл бұрын

Onwards and upwards mate, be patient and you will get good customers.

@jasonallen6889 Жыл бұрын

Get a lot but when you see kids with a mower on there push bike I am not surprised. Keep up the good work.

@marklemoine7368 Жыл бұрын

Don’t worry about it people will always tell you if your dear but they won’t have your experience you need to forget about as in any business there will be cheaper

@matthewblazer7932 10 ай бұрын

I priced some tree cutting last week. Thirty foot long row of conifers. Twelve foot off the top and a trim and shape. Basically a chainsaw job off of a low scaffold with outriggers on unstable ground. Remove all waste and fix a seven foot fence board that was rotten. I priced £200.00. £50.00 for removal because that's how much two Van loads cost me at a local site eight miles away. £50.00 for fuel and overheads. £100.00 for the four hours of work which includes the journey time. Erecting and dismantling of scaffold. Fixing the fence and supply of timber. The lady said yes and seemed happy. Two hours later she messaged me and said her husband wouldn't pay that amount. I walked away from the job. Other fellas were quoting £300+. Im not a bloody charity

@TheGreyGardener1990 10 ай бұрын

I must say that seems really cheap mate. A lot of hassle and lots of bits and pieces to that job. So they ended up not paying at all??

@matthewblazer7932 10 ай бұрын

@@TheGreyGardener1990 I was gobsmacked to be honest. I'd just finished putting a patio down for their neighbour and they kept saying how much they liked my work. I own my own scaffold and live locally so wanted to be extra reasonable. I'm trying to make a good impression in our community but I have to draw the line somewhere. Love your channel mate , I'm just getting started after coming out of the building trade. I studied horticulture decades ago and have finally started up on my own. I'm learning quite a lot from watching your videos, especially about pricing and getting started. Many thanks👍

@arlinviljoen6637 Жыл бұрын

My mom had a coffee shop, years ago. She couldn't deal with the customers anymore so decide to sell it. The last 3 months she decided to overcharge and not put up with bad behavior. The last three months she made the most money while cutting down on working hours.

@samspencer7765 Жыл бұрын

I've never had this so far, the people I've worked for would probably leap to my defence on social media if someone did try to attack me as they generally seem to really like me and know I treat them really well. I'm sure you did nothing wrong, just can't please people who jump at the chance to get in a fight.

@jackiecampbell3365 Жыл бұрын

Thats 😲Shocking...Like others said Definitely Dodged a Bullet..

@VGM-UK Жыл бұрын

A few years back, and this would have been before the whole Covid thing, I had a couple of customers that I had been with for a while drop me because they found someone cheaper. Turned out to be a young polish girl who I bumped into whilst we were both working in the same road. I had a chat to her just about general gardening stuff (not - oi! You been stealing my customers), and turns out she was doing general gardening at £10 per hour using her personal car, own hand tools and customers own mowers. She didn’t do hedge cutting though... and yes I got a phone form one of my former customers to see if I would cover it later in the season. Did I do it? Did I Fu...

@martineccles9477 Жыл бұрын

You just don't know what her new "cheaper" gardener has said to your ex -customer. If the lady( what lady?) was okay with you previously on completion of the job it's odds on her new man has poisoned her mind against you to get the work . These things can really get to you especially as you offer great value for money and take pride in your work but good riddance to her my friend, who the hell needs customers like that with a Jekyll and Hyde syndrome?! Don't let it knock your confidence, it's her loss as she will soon find out so take a deep breath and move on matey. Good luck!

@hooperelectronics2055 Жыл бұрын

Hit the nail on the head! Agreed the (very reasonable) price, work completed, probably smiled when handing over the money. Someone else has said that guy ripped you off and they have rung you to say what someone else told them? I'd love someone I had done work for to try that sh*t. I did an overgrown garden for a lovely lady recently, her daughter was moving into the house, long ass grass, weeds, graft and manual work to make it clear and manageable going forward. I got drinks, chocolate biscuits, cup of tea, and when i was packing up and they went inside to get the cash for me they said there's a little extra you've done an amazing job I thought ok cool an extra fiver ... before driving away I counted it and 25 quid extra in there! Moral of the story is some people are bell ends and some people are genuine and appreciative of good work.

@sgm-gardenmaintenance7408 Жыл бұрын

Dodged a bullet there mate. Don’t let it Get you down mate.

@royreed8732 Жыл бұрын

KARENS ARE EVERYWHERE AND ARE IN EVERY BUSINESS.FORGET ABOUT THEM AND CRACK ON.

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

I was weeding in my normal service area when a woman approached me to find out what all I did for yard work, and range of what I charged. She told me that if I wanted her business I would have to renegotiate my hourly rate to get her business. She said she had a gardener that only charged her $12.00 per hour. I told her that if she has a gardener doing her yard for $12.00 per hour, she better be tipping him and showing some appreciation for his time and effort in her yard. I told her my schedule is full and I was not quoting her job, I was merely answering her question because she had approached me while I was on my job.

@hooperelectronics2055 Жыл бұрын

Negotiate? No thanks lol bye !

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

@@hooperelectronics2055 I did not tell her that I was making $12 per hour in 1998. This question was posed to me in 2021.

@simontrigg9059 Жыл бұрын

You should be a 'man and van' service like I've been for 17 years,you experience the good,bad, and the ugly in people.The problem is some customers have underlying mental health,drug or alcohol issues,but most likely of all severe financial issues which only become clear after you've spent hours working your bollocks off and the job is done and the customer appears to be all happy,until it comes to paying the price,which I always state clearly when taking the booking.

@katec9893 Жыл бұрын

It sounds like she got a quote from a non professional gardener and is a rude person. You did nothing wrong, if anything you're probably under charging. I feel like gardening isn't a skillset that's valued as much as other trades but it's an important skillset that deserves more respect. Gardens and nature are essential to well-being and society needs people who know how to design, create and maintain them.

@edwardcotterill8935 Ай бұрын

Once, I had a loyal and regular customer earlier this year However, every time I arrived at his property and walked down his driveway, my gut feelings told me something wasn’t quite right about this guy After discussing a change of days with him, he responded with ‘we agree to disagree.’ At that point, I decided it was best to part ways, as his behavior raised a red flag." so glad I trusted my instinct to walk away right decision to make your not the only one welcome to self employment people are wasters.

@TheGreyGardener1990 Ай бұрын

Gut feelings are generally right to be fair.

@russellziegler4348 Жыл бұрын

plays on your mind for a bit, but i guarantee it's soon forgotten. Her loss not yours mate. you will soon replace with much nicer client. This all happens to us all mate at times, and wont be the last im sure. there's nowt stranger than folk.

@chrismaughan7975 Жыл бұрын

More and more gardeners on these sort of channels are having lots more issues with customers this year including myself. I am currently re evaluating all my work and all my prices ready for 2024. I am looking at charging top wack and doing less work but earning more money. Sick of running around like an idiot mate and late payers are getting dropped. I am even thinking about getting everyone on a standing orders next year. What your thoughts? The good customers are out there for sure though.

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

I'd say so what you think. Go for it. I know this job was on the cheap side, but it was small and just up the road from a regular customer but more and more I'm thinking about the long term effects on my body and charging accordingly. Completely agree with charging more but doing less running around.

@scottrobertson5554 Жыл бұрын

It's the running around and subsequent time loss that pushes profits right down. Obviously, while you're travelling around you're not earning so much better to have regular, more profitable work and reliable customers who you know are definitely going to pay promptly.

@bobbelsekwol Жыл бұрын

Only had one or two really pain in the arse. I charged £15 front and back, two tiny lawns. I went one week and he'd gravelled the front. So cut the back, no problem. Till he paid me through the bank £8. Sorry mate I'm not having that. Bye. He didn't apologise or even pay me what he owed.

@susanlane8803 Жыл бұрын

Sadly Adam, you will come across customers from time to time. I'm a gardener who is just about to retire next year, I've been self employed for 19 years and I have had a few domestic customers, who think their garden is more important than others and will expect you to do it for free (almost) and I have never ripped anyone off. Put it behind you, and don't take it to heart. You're probably doing a grand job lad. Go and have a pint!

@steve00alt70 Жыл бұрын

Customers will always try and take advantage of self employed labour people because of no legal binding contracts unless you provide contracts.

@russellpetrie119 Жыл бұрын

had a few in the past when you get established people know your not to be messed with

@terrymckenna1918 11 ай бұрын

Think you handled the situation well, yet another person who isn't happy with the price but decides to take you anyway,then i thing which you will come across a lot,is asking you to do extra,stuff that you haven't quoted for,that was a personal bugbear of mine and yet again with experience you get wise to these characters,in the word of Jim morrison and the doors"people are strange",keep on trucking👊

@jadoon2981 11 ай бұрын

your price was bang on(if not a bit cheap) I do tend to charge a bit more dependng on what part of our area we are in but you dodged a bullet mate you have to have a minimum price like you say its not worth your time if you charge less

@user-pp5qo7by9t 4 ай бұрын

Think you had a lucky escape with that one. You will always get one. Do not worry about it.

@dallassukerkin6878 Жыл бұрын

Good lord! Given that I am looking to get someone to come and sort my garden out as, due to ill health, it has really gotten away from me, it's a shame that (judging by your accent) you're not local to me here in Staffordshire.

@aaron6841 Жыл бұрын

Best they show their true colours

@keithronson2624 10 ай бұрын

Adam. Just watched this. Oh man, you really don't need that. And certainly don't deserve it. Just unsettling and unnecessary. Annoying that there is someone out there prepared to undercut. Let's face it, will not be a professional like you. Probably " cash only" and working out the back of his car. Why people cannot recognize Gardening as the profession it is is beyond my understanding. The cost of tools and kit. Van costs, working all hours in all weathers. Hard, physical graft! Nothing comes cheap these days and like so many things you get what you pay for. You deserve better. And like so many below, your rates are if anything below market average. Yet it is obvious this situation got to You. Let it go Adam. Don't dwell. Onwards and upwards! You are very much appreciated! Not least by your subscribers! September tomorrow! Weather picking up! Have a good one! Head up! You're a star! 👍👍💪👌

@theskilledgardener318 Жыл бұрын

They have no idea ......probably never done anything to make her sweat in her life.

@marccas10 Жыл бұрын

Anybody who has worked in a public customer facing role quickly realises that 3-5% are "a little odd" to put it mildly and politely. Another 15% are malcontents. Look up the "pareto principle" it is an 80-20 rule that holds true in almost every facet of life. 20% of your customers will suck up your time, emotional energy and money trying to make them "happy" the other 80% are what you will make actual income through. Identify that 20% and you will have cracked it.

@susanwhitley812 Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry you had this experience with a Karen - it leaves a bad taste. Your charges are perfectly fine and reasonable. Try not to let it upset you, and concentrate your energies on all those people who love your work and appreciate what you do for them. There will always be one to spoil your day. Chin up mate!! 🌳🍀🌿🌺🌼🌻🌹🌲

@martinbills4792 Жыл бұрын

Hi mate her loss don’t buy work keep to your pricing you get what you pay for don’t beat yourself up you no you do a good job

@neilhatton6018 Жыл бұрын

I'm not long in but I wanted to point out you already said it yourself.. "dodged a bullet" so feel lucky that you did, you're a good guy I can tell you are sensitive. Which is no bad thing. But people will take advantage. Don't ever change you, but at the same time, in business you need to have a short memory for stuff like that, and a hard outer shell. Short memory is a good way of putting it, you can't dwell on stuff for long otherwise you'd go mad 🤣 Brush it off.

@steve00alt70 Жыл бұрын

The problem is companies are too relaxed with the general public. You need to be strict, stern and no messing about, issue contracts before you do the work. It includes any angry attitude from the customer results in the termination of incompleted labour, and any new request to do extra work means extra charge so they sign it with their signature and cant sue. Thats what I would do personally.

@Ihavetwoearsandonemouth 9 ай бұрын

The problem I have struggled with is the fine line between being a business and a 'friendly worker'. The benefit of that relationship ended up in favour of the 'customer'. I would not charge for travel etc. Realised eventually im not a charity but a person whose time is currency. I do a bloody good job. Invert strimmer on recessed lawns, blow out, strim edges, blow out again, cut accordingly to grass height/type/etc...then some say well it could be shorter...yeah right you left it for five werks and a John Deere tractor would struggle! I have learnt some take advantage of decent skilled grafters. In time you will find genuine customers who appreciate your ethics and skill set. It takes time, but it will happen. Imo fwiw you seem to be on the precipice of taking on other individuals to work with/for you and decent customers respect people like yourself. Mentioned your videos to a mate today who is a builder. Grew up together. In our 50s now. In a nutshell. Its about getting long term good customers and trust. Not a holes who take advantage. All best and look forward to your videos.

@TheGreyGardener1990 9 ай бұрын

Hi Dan, I found that difficult in the beginning, maybe being too friendly and feeling like i have charge a bit less etc. Soon learnt though as it's a tough old job. Luckily I now have a decent little round working for some really nice people. As you say, it takes a bit of time. Thanks for watching mate

@catrinalumley6628 Жыл бұрын

No darling, you haven't ripped her off... I had my niece and nepew, 13 and 14 do my garden for me last year, I paid them £10 an hour PLUS snacks... I made sure they had regular breaks too... They did a cracking job because the bulk of it was reducing the amount of tubs, so it was easier this year... I'm on crutches, last year had a lot of pain, this year, still on crutches, but managed with the help of my boy, my niece is back in her football team and my nephew has taken up fishing, so they're not as available but will call if I get stuck... All that's happened here is she's told a friend and they've undercut you, probably cash in hand, so I'm assuming no insurance... Let's hope he doesn't dig through a pipe or cable? x lol x

@boycemondoo6870 5 ай бұрын

Hi. I’m new to gardening business. I have years experience and I’m in south east (Kent). My minimum is 20/hr. I work my tits off for the hour(s) I work. I have a full time job and gardening is my passion and my secondary job but I work hard. I’m new to the game but personally I think min £20 is very reasonable. I know we all want as much as we can but times are hard out there folks. Totally agree with grey gardener he’s not looking to fleece people but it’s hard work and he’s gotta earn a living. #somethingfornothing?

@DjDolHaus86 Жыл бұрын

If you're going to do maintenance then you've got to charge an hourly rate, it's the only way to ensure they get their money's worth and you don't get hassle. However there are always some who won't be pleased no matter what and there's no winning with them

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

This job aside, I personally find an hourly rate too restricting and can earn more charging on a job by job basis. 99% of my customers are fine (thankfully! Haha)

@DjDolHaus86 Жыл бұрын

@@TheGreyGardener1990 I don't disagree but as I said it's the best way to avoid hassle. Most of my jobs are maintenance work and I used to charge by the job but I got so frustrated with people trying to barter that I switched it to a flat hourly rate

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

@@DjDolHaus86 fair enough yeah, all depends on everyone's personal experiences i suppose. Luckily I've not had too many complaints about pricing etc but I don't blame you for making the switch if it makes life easier! It's hard enough as it is sometimes without the general public being arseholes as well 🤣🤣

@Domdeone1 Жыл бұрын

She dounded like was tryin to belittle you to justify she had found someone else. Wonder how long that other person will last or is it a neighbour's kid with a mower? I could have done a neighbour's garden, nice lady, did the top & her side of hedge for nothing for years but when she asked me to do her whole garden for a fiver l politelly said no. She keeps her entire garden now under plastic sheeting with bricks! Twenty years l would say..

@dianaevans5178 Жыл бұрын

Luckily you got the money before she talked to someone else and then changed her mind. She was apparently pleased when you have finished, and accepted the price, that's the bit to remember. Even she didn't want you back she shouldn't be speaking to you like that, very rude. A luckily escape I'd say. Have a better day.

@dans2492 Жыл бұрын

Amazes me how people expect you to do hard physical graft in the boiling sun and get paid £10 ph for it. Its 2023 not 1993. Problem is so many fools out there who will seem to do it especially on fb groups lol

@donnabailey5325 Жыл бұрын

You dont want customers like her. Its really hard work thats why they have a gardener ! Your price was well worth it.

@matthewmiller9575 Жыл бұрын

You’re not running a charity and it’s a free market. If she accepted a quote for £10,000 without undue pressure it’s her choice not your fault. Some people think manual workers should be happy with a carrot and potato as payment. They also get a kick out of making us feel small. I remember I had a client, a top london lawyer, screaming and swearing down the phone at me about the cost of a renewal for contracted gardening. It was really unpleasant and at the end he shouted “do you want the work or not!” I replied “not at any price, and after this there is no price that would convince me you’re worth working for’, I then put the phone down. Years, that right years, later I got a notification that he’d left a negative review. It was completely made up. In the end I had to get my solicitors involved, fortunately covered by my insurance company. They said I had a strong enough case to sue him, but I accepted a letter of apology, remove his review and leave positive one in its place. He underestimated my intelligence and determination and that’s where these types come unstuck

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

Disgraceful behavior that. Glad you got it sorted!

@davidchester429 3 ай бұрын

I dont think its possible to be ripped off for £25 unless you're buying a cup of coffee. It always baffles me how these people get through the day without being repeatedly chinned to be honest.

@TheCurtisdavies 3 ай бұрын

great comment

@margarettaylor601 Жыл бұрын

These people dont realise that little Jonny from down the road doesnt have overheads like a van & machinery maintainance , petrol costs. If they act like that I would not go back anyway mate. M

@hickerydickerydock Жыл бұрын

hi adam👋 there is always 1 out there because there paying you they think they own you

@henryhayward597 Жыл бұрын

Some people are just UP themselves.

@Patmac74 Жыл бұрын

Definitely dodged a bullet there.

@martynwaddington7703 Жыл бұрын

As you say Adam, most definitely dodged a bullet, absolute cheap skate that has no idea how much genuine quality home services should cost, leave her well alone to the dodgy lot!! (I’d have you a crafty bet, (just for a pound!) you may well get a call back from her within six months!!!

@garysgardenmaintenance Жыл бұрын

Jesus Christ! I charge £35 as a minimum charge. Defo dodged a bullet there

@stevewood7371 Жыл бұрын

Her lose! Simply as that mate! Unfortunately your occasionally going to come across them, just use it to make you appreciate the nicer jobs all the more!👍

@BarriosGroupie Жыл бұрын

The problem here is that she genuinely thought she was being ripped off; and doesn't understand the hidden expenses of running a business. Also, some people hire gardeners out of a sense of duty to the community and feeling useful, so she may have felt betrayed by her goodwill gesture, unaware of your needs. You come across as a fair, genuine guy so she'll soon learn.

@zoba4645 Жыл бұрын

I noticed that some women are offended when you tell them the price live, in extreme cases they are so offended that they even go crazy and see in every statement you make that you are mean. in fact, the price is too high for them, although they may not even admit it. They are used to having someone do it for them even for free. Even if she then agree to my price, I no longer trust her and tell her to pay first and then I will do it. it doesn't help, but at least it feels good.

@Eraserhead.... Ай бұрын

Wait till she has a tattoo of a rose on her yaris then

@robdurham5024 11 ай бұрын

I would have charged the same you've been fair I've been doing this since the 80s you'll get get a lot more of it belive me

@peacebeuntoyou8934 Жыл бұрын

It's probably a blessing in disguise mate, so don't worry about it, just move on. 👍

@tgsgardenmaintenance4627 Жыл бұрын

Don't worry chap, some people just ain't worth the time and effort! In general, Gardeners aren't given the respect they deserve. They'll pay a plumber £100 though to fix a tap!!😂

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

How much are you paying for fuel for your vehicle and power tools, mowers? Currently we are at $3.41 per gallon.

@williamevans6554 Жыл бұрын

£1.42 a litre for petrol £1.45 for diesel x 5 for a gallon.

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

@@williamevans6554 Thank you

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

@@williamevans6554 Yikes! Holy cow!

@nancywells5626 Жыл бұрын

If you are paying that much in fuel to run your business, you have every right to increase your quotes. Fuel is a big cost eating into your profits.

@williamevans6554 Жыл бұрын

@@nancywells5626 it was £1.90 odd a year ago that was pretty ridiculous

@christopherstanton8015 Жыл бұрын

I'm a gardener mate yeah annoying people suck 😅

@anthonygee6805 Жыл бұрын

Fair price , she’s got no idea bet the other won’t last five minutes and probably rubbish

@2326TOM 11 ай бұрын

Never mind. It happens

@garethparry6673 Жыл бұрын

She’ll soon realise when the other person cuts it with a blunt blade, poor weeding etc. and leaving grass on the path etc.

@neilgreen9285 Жыл бұрын

We have our minimum price and yours was fair.

@squadmoralerestored 4 күн бұрын

Part of the payment is for expertise and experience alongside the usual costs. I think the lady doesn't have enough history of trades in to realise what is a reasonable - and too cheap tbh - price to pay.

@reynoldslot 11 ай бұрын

Did you fix your lawn mower?

@TheGreyGardener1990 11 ай бұрын

Not yet mate

@reynoldslot 11 ай бұрын

@@TheGreyGardener1990 up date when you do please

@tonymoloney3223 6 күн бұрын

You should put your price up! I charge a minimum of £25 and thats cheap! the only exception I make is for a man on benefits and has some mental health issues he has to keep his garden tidy so I don't mind helping him out. But everyone else it's £25, new customers I've increased to £30. I had a guy whole lives in the Park estate in Nottingham, a very wealthy area. I went to see him looked round his garden and said I charge a minimum £25, he said that the going rate in the park was £20 oh I said. If you've got someone who charges £20 get them to come and do it,as I was leaving he soon changed his mind and the 1st time I went he gave me £30. Work out what your worth is and don't budge from it. Look at it like you've dodged a bullet!

@TheGreyGardener1990 6 күн бұрын

@tonymoloney3223 definitely dodged a bullet! I never do hourly rates though, it's always per job. Grass cuts start from £20. Yours hourly rates or per job?

@chrisdickinson7949 Жыл бұрын

A mate of mine charges a "Bastard Tax" he just keeps putting the price up & up for difficult customers until he's asked not to come back cos he's too expensive LOL

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

🤣 class

@fleurall Жыл бұрын

Don't take this personal. Mine minimum charge is £50 for 2 hours. Granted I don't cut grass and focus on planting, design and maintenance of borders but I'm certainly undervaluing your work. Some people try their luck and don't understand your skill set and business cost. She probably got some youngster or retired person and wants paying in cash!!! Best thing is to step away. I always explain the reason behind my prices.

@craigmcmanus978 Жыл бұрын

Stay away from £15 mate. I've gone on my own this year. From rite down south. I don't do anything less than £20. Mow and weeding I start at £23 hour. I say the lawn is £20 weeding is a separate job. So I have to work out a rate. 99% of the time they understand why I have to work out a price. Depending on how much weeding and what I'm weeding. I then decided the hourly rate. £23 -£25 an hour I hardly have any problems with that range. For that kinda work. But am I underpricing myself ? 😂

@TheGreyGardener1990 Жыл бұрын

I stay away from hourly rates as I find them too restricting and I've found i can earn a lot more charging per job. This particular cut was just a little add on as I do a lawn a few doors down. So it was just £15 for the cut which took about 10 mins rather than any sort of hourly rate. Plus the weeding here in this case