Landscapers are flakes
So, I have a grievance to air. What is the deal with people in the service industry?? More specifically, people who deal with anything home related. Construction, electricians, plumbers, painters, etc.... most anyone who make their living doing something related to providing some type of service to your home. Of course this is a generalization, and I'm sure there are reliable people out there, but overall in my experience these people are complete flakes. Landscapers are the worst. Holy crap! I don't know if it's just this region of the country or what the deal is, but landscapers are the worst. I've never owned a house other than in Arizona so I have no frame of reference; but I wonder if it's like this all over the country. I swear to baby Jesus landscapers must be the most flaky people out there. 13 year old retarded kids look at landscapers and are like 'damn, you guys need to get your shit together'. Sometimes I wonder if being a complete flake is a prerequisite in order to mow lawns and operating a leaf-blower for a living. Once upon a time I owned all my own equipment and I took pride in taking care of my own yard including the lawn, trees, drip system, everything. This was when I bought my first home back in the late 90's. I thought it was actually kind of cool having my own yard to take care of. But after some time the novelty wore off and pulling weeds and mowing/edging became less sexy in 113 degree heat. Not to mention burning the better part of every Saturday doing the outdoor chores.
So I made a conscious decision after a couple of houses that I would let someone else do it. Sure, I have to pay them. Totally worth it. Then I figured out how flaky landscapers are. It's like pulling teeth just to get someone to regularly show up at your house. Never in my wildest dreams would I consider not showing up and also not calling with some kind of explanation. But that is the regular practice of landscapers. Unbelievable. I have gone through so many I can't even remember. Is my business really that unimportant to them?? Must be. Could you imagine just not showing up for work on a regular basis without any explanation or justification? It's sad when just showing up when your supposed to is a big deal. I recently placed a phone call to find someone new (cuz my current landscaper hasn't shown up in a month or so). His flyer looked promising. He actually takes credit cards (almost nobody does). And he makes a point to mention how RELIABLE he is. Guess what, not a return phone call. Imagine that! I think I'm going to open up my own landscaping business. Hell, all I would have to do is show up for every appointment and I'd already be the best company in town
-Jim
If you do start your own landscaping company let me know, I could use a new one! :)
@Martin - of course you could! We all could. That's what would make my business model a success. Don't think that I haven't actually thought about it (ha ha)
We're in the same boat. This landscaper (our 4th, I think) shows up every time, but he doesn't do a good job. Worst part is, it's always something different that's getting neglected.
@Rob - that's it. I'm gonna start my landscaping company this weekend. I will start with setting up the website. But I might not get further than that cuz I heard it's gonna be like 115 this weekend
No, you won't, mister! You will be reporting to Amkor like a good boy. Baby needs some new shoes.
Dude... there's plenty of cheap day labor on Arizona Ave! But that's part of the problem... Affordable landscapers have to hire affordable labor, and you get what you get what you get with affordable labor! You should take up trimming palms... drive around the hoods in your old pick 'em up truck, knocking on doors, climbing up trees, and trimming the palm frawns. Low overhead and you pocket $100/hr!
