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.

Why Landscaping Retaining Walls Benefit Your Yard

Just as there are a number of different ingredients that go into making the perfect cake, so too are there many different components to composing the perfectly landscaped yard.  The grass must be always green, luscious, and full of life; flowers must be blooming and perfectly placed; and plenty of gorgeous trees have to be scattered throughout your outdoor space.

While all of these aspects add up to create an ideal yard there is one more key ingredient many tend to ignore when it comes to crafting their landscaping vision; retaining walls. Retaining walls in your yard can be simultaneously practical and beautiful, both enhancing your space ascetically while adding to its functionality.

Here are a few of the many benefits landscaping retaining walls offer in your yard:

They are Low Maintenance

While landscaping your yard is a wonderful undertaking with big rewards, that doesn’t mean it can’t be stressful and time consuming to get to t

he finished product. That’s what makes retaining walls so wonderful. Once they are installed in your lawn (assuming they are installed by a qualified professional and built from quality materials), you don’t need to do much to them to maintain their functionality and appearance.

They are Good for your Wallet

Choosing to install a retaining wall will guarantee a large return on investment in the future, especially if you are thinking of selling your home down the line. A retaining wall changes the entire look of your yard and brings versatility to the design that other design elements simply can’t. Future buyers will see a retaining wall and be presented with endless possibilities on how they can personally use it. Long story short: a little more money now will make a big difference in your wallet for the future.

They are Good for the Environment

A retaining wall is an easy way to introduce eco-friendly materials into your space. It is more efficient and practical than a standard concrete wall, and water can naturally flow from its surfaces.

As any chef will tell you, if one ingredient is missing from their famous recipe, the whole dish is impacted. The same is true for any yard; many components are required to have a perfectly landscaped space, and if even one tiny detail is sacrificed, the quality of the entire space suffers.

Let your lawn stand out from the rest; contact the experts at Lafarge Fox River Stone,  we know quality and beauty of stone last a lifetime. Call us at 847-888-6133 or visit us in person at 1300 S. Route Business 31 in beautiful South Elgin to discuss your upcoming retaining wall installation.

Salt Is In-Stock At LaFarge Fox River Stone!

Does your property suffer from an icy driveway and slippery sidewalks?  If you are a resident of Northern Illinois, chances are you are dealing with snow and ice during the month of February.  Luckily, there are a number of de-icing methods to keep your walkways safe during winter!  One of the most common methods of de-icing is salt.  Salt is easy to spread, relatively inexpensive, and is readily available in large amounts.  When used correctly, salt can be eco-friendly, make roads safer and prevent car crashes.  

Follow our tips for efficiently using salt to de-ice roads and walkways:

• Spread salt before a storm (anti-icing) is a proactive method of preventing ice compaction on surfaces.
• Applying too much salt is harmful to the environment and expensive on your wallet.  Measure and apply the perfect amount of salt for your surface area.  
• 
  Believe it or not, there is an appropriate salt to use depending on temperature.  Measure surface temperature first and then find which type of salt will be most effective.
• If snow has already started to accumulate, shovel any pavement before applying salt.
• Store salt in a dry area that is protected by coverage.  Good locations include a garage or basement.

If you are located in Kane County or surrounding areas, you’ll want to stop by Lafarge Fox River Stone for your de-icing needs!  Salt is currently in-stock in our yard and ready for pick-up.  All you have to do is call our store during regular business hours to schedule a convenient salt pick up or delivery time.  Here is a list of our available salts:

• Halite 50 lb. bags (effective to +5 degrees Fahrenheit)
• ProSlicer 50 lb. bags (effective to -20 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Calcium Chloride 50 lb. bags (effective to -25 degrees Fahrenheit)​
• Bulk Salt (effective to +5 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Bulk Snow Slicer​​ (effective to -20 degrees Fahrenheit)

If you’re looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to de-ice your driveway and sidewalk this winter, look no further than the salt selection at Lafarge Fox River Stone! Visit us at 1300 Route 31 in South Elgin, IL 60177. We are open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00pm. This is the perfect time to stock up as our salts are on SALE!  For more information, please call 847-888-6133 or visit www.foxriverstone.com.

De-Icing Your Driveway and 2016 iLandscape Show

January is notorious for bringing frigid weather, falling snow and icy roads.  In order to stay safe this winter, take the necessary steps for de-icing your driveway and walkways.  At Lafarge Fox River Decorative Stone, we recommend using salt to remove snow and ice from your property.  After all, salt is an efficient and cheap tool that works on most surfaces.

At Lafarge Fox River, salt is in-stock at our yard.  Contact our store during regular business hours to schedule a convenient salt pick up or delivery time.  Here is a list of our available salts:

• Halite 50 lb. bags (effective to +5 degrees Fahrenheit)
• ProSlicer 50 lb. bags (effective to -20 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Calcium Chloride 50 lb. bags (effective to -25 degrees Fahrenheit)​
• Bulk Salt (effective to +5 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Bulk Snow Slicer​​ (effective to -20 degrees Fahrenheit)

We recommend you get rid of any snow with a shovel and follow by applying a thin layer of salt.

In other news… Lafarge Fox River Decorative Stone is excited to take part in the 2016 ILCA iLandscape Show!  Taking place February 3rd through the 5th, stop by the Schaumburg Convention Center and enjoy over 390 booths with the latest trends in landscaping.  Lafarge Fox River Stone will have a booth at this year’s show and is excited to showcase what we have to offer for all of your project needs.

In addition to a range of booths, you will get to see the hottest products, educational speakers, entertainment and much more!  iLandscape gathers the best minds in landscaping for a great event to inform, innovate and inspire the community.  To learn more about the 2016 iLandscape Show and de-icing your driveway with salt, contact the professionals at Lafarge Fox River Decorative Stone.

Visit www.foxriverstone.com or call 847-888-6133 today!