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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Graeme @ BGS on September 17, 2009 at 8:58

Morning Debbie,

Very sorry to hear of your troubles. Rachel sounds a god send.

Why not suggest to the client that Rachel will undertake the work at a fixed price?

I had in the past a few clients who insisted on not having certain people work on their grounds and on the whole I found it unreasonable and told them that whilst I would try to accomodate their wishes it wouldn't always be possible and never changed the rota.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on September 17, 2009 at 9:09

Hi Debbie

It sounds as though you have fallen on your feet to find someone like Rachel - she sounds perfect.
It seems to me that (if she is keen) you should start building Rachel into your future plans.

In some respects (reading between the lines) you can take it as a compliment that your client wants only you in her garden. It sounds to me that they look forward to your visit (company?) and having a second person isn't the same.

You are a business and best judge of your own service and if, as you say, you feel you do more now than when you were without help then you need to try and negotiate this through to your client.

If the client remains unreasonable then I would suggest you consider looking for another client contract to fill the gap and keep Rachel as part of your plans.

Just be sure that Rachel is genuinely here to stay before making the jump though.

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Permalink Reply by Classic Gardens on September 17, 2009 at 9:09

I had the same problem, In my case the customer didn't like paying the same price for half the time even though the work we did never changed.

The job was a good winter job for me which alone could see me through the winter so I had to agree. But on the smaller jobs I do it's a case of like it or lump it, they always stay!

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Permalink Reply by Debbie Britten on September 17, 2009 at 9:15

Thanks guys, didn't think I was being unreasonable - moi??!! So I will have a good long hard think about it today. The client has always been awkward but she's been with me from the off - don't really want to lose her. Her objection is really as you say, Martin, she feels she's being done out of 2 hours work. Perhaps I'm just over sensitive right now - I haven't changed her price, I fit in with her - she's going on holiday for 3 weeks and won't let me near the place whilst she's gone, so when she comes back she'll be screaming for catch up. My hubby says I should take on someone to fill the gap and when she comes back tell her I can't accomodate her, but that feels mean(although I'll be £40 a week down while she's away!!)
Dxx

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gardens4u.co.uk on September 17, 2009 at 9:43

debbie,
i can relate to this - £40 seems a lot per week / but if you can do another client instead (even say £30) its only £10 down - im sure you could make that up somewhere. -
i feel she is Very Very unreasonable and never has one of my clints Not asked me (or my brother/or worker) to leave a job for 3 weeks (they are tight if affording a holiday and control freaks)
i would suggest you can no longer fit them in as you are too busy (it is true) . The garden will be a bit of a mess in 3 weeks - many weeds , so i would not do it !!
- do she have any bigger work/jobs or recommend you ? and cups of tea , free 'things' ? if not just dont go back.......................selfish is the word for her ,you say shes always been over-fussy.

let her do it herself !
i dont mean to sound nasty ,but 8yrs ive learnt a few things about people.business and gardening.

be 'strong in your weakness' you will have a great little business , cherry picking is a must as a one man/woman band - you only have so many hrs available between 'rain' so its up to them.....

i like to be appreciated for my VERY hard work x all the best

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Permalink Reply by Donny Bryan on September 17, 2009 at 9:49

Hi Debbie,

I'm really sorry to hear about your mother.

I agree with the others that Rachel sounds wonderful & that now would be a good time to understand her future intentions.

I don't charge by the hour but by the job. Therefore if I had a Rachel my customer would still be getting the same amount of work done at the same cost even if it took Rachel longer. This might be something to think about.

Also, if your client is going on holiday & won't let you into her garden then under my pricing model she would get charged extra upon her return - working on a garden that normally has attention every week but has been left for 3 weeks is, of course, a lot more work & your price should reflect this.

I tend to agree with both Phil & your husband. It is a compliment that she wants only you, but, awkward customers do become troublesome & a peaceful working day is priceless.

Good luck

Donny

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Permalink Reply by John on September 17, 2009 at 22:07

There are always problems when you step up from one to two.

All new jobs that you start though, will not be a problem, providing the work is done.

And stepping up to three is less of a problem, as all your clients know by then that you do not work alone and never will again.
Best of luck for the future

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Permalink Reply by Debbie Britten on September 18, 2009 at 20:28

Many many thanks to you all - I love this site!! Well - am going to accomodate her but will tell her that I will be unable to get her garden back under control when she comes back without extra hours - Gonna see how far she wants to be pushed. I wish I could do as you say Pro Gard, but she's in her 70's and I'd feel bad. Mind you, the idea of not having to ever go back is appealing... hmmm...!!

Well, if there's one thing I've learnt this year, life is a damn site shorter than expected, so I'm gonna start pleasing ME!!! Will keep you informed of progress.

Once again, thanks muchly for all your advice and support

Dxx

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on September 18, 2009 at 20:33

It's always going to be hard to make decisions like this Debbie but. as you rightly say. life's too short and you need to consider yourself in all of this - your arrangement should be a partnership.

If you ever need a chat then don't hesitate to call me.

Kind regards

Phil

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Permalink Reply by Debbie Britten on September 18, 2009 at 20:59

Pro Gard said:

Perhaps an ultimatum is in order. Id write to her and explain your position and that whilst you value her custom you are not prepared to change the way you work. She will either acept this or find someone else.

A letter alows you to explain things in a business like and straightforward matter, perhaps consider upping the price slightly at the same time.

LOVE this idea - thanks Pro Gard. Will get that in the post before she goes away!!

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