When, How, and Why Some Companies Charge Landscape Consultation Fees

A company cannot succeed or grow without the support from their customers. When it comes to keeping a client happy, many businesses have to walk a fine line between keeping their customers happy, while simultaneously being fair to their business model.

One of the ways that this statement becomes especially relevant in the world of landscaping is when it comes to landscaping consultation fees. It goes without saying that the question of whether or not your business is right to charge a landscaping consultation fee is tricky, to say the least. Your first instinct, as a key player in your company’s success, might be to not charge a landscaping consultation fee; this line of thinking keeps a client’s budget in mind while also trying to stay competitive among landscaping businesses like yours. On the other hand, charging a landscaping consultation fee may be perfectly justified on your part, especially if the upcoming project is especially complex.

While only you can make the decision about what is the best practice for your business, here is some quick insight as to when, how, and why some companies like yours think it’s best to charge a landscape consultation fee.

1)  When- For a number of reasons, some yards are more complex to properly landscape than others. With that in mind, every homeowner’s vision for their lawn is different; some value simplicity, while others seek complex designs. Depending on the scope of the project and how creative the client wants to get with their space, not only would an initial consultation fee be appropriate, but a customer might even expect it.

2)  How-The key to sustaining a long-lasting relationship with your clients is open and honest communication. If you decide that it is in your best interest to charge a landscaping consultation fee, be upfront with your customers about your process and your reasoning behind it from the start.

3)  Why-While it may immediately seem like a reason to give your potential customer to give your competitor their business, a landscaping consultation fee is an effective way for companies like yours to guarantee commitment from their clients. This fee can not only establish a contract between you and your customer place, but it may also be a way to wordlessly communicate to your clients that you trust the quality of your services; so much so that you are placing additional expert value on your services rather than the other guys.

Once a company gains the trust and loyalty of their clients, they’d do anything to keep them. So the prospect of your landscaping company charging an initial consultation fee may seem like the perfect way to get them running in the other direction. But sometimes, a greater investment now means a better quality yard for years to come. If you decide this is the right thing for your business and you clearly communicate it with your customers, you will earn their continued business and satisfaction.

For more information on Lafarge Fox River Stone, contact us today. We can be reached by phone at 847-888-6133 or in person at 1300 S. Route Business 31.