April 2009
Do You Have the Right Answers? By Tim Hodson

In today’s challenging economy, consumers are cautiously and critically examining how they spend every dollar they have. They want to be sure they’re getting the best value possible for their hard-earned money.

Because of this cautious spending, many landscape purchases may face additional scrutiny this spring. To help guide those individuals looking to hire a professional landscaping company, the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) has developed a list of questions to ask potential service providers.

These questions include :

1. Is your prospect a licensed business?
2. Do they appear professional?
3. What kind of services do they offer?
4. How are their communication skills?
5. Do they give you a contract?
6. Can they provide customer references and referrals?

If a potential client called and asked you these questions, what would your responses be? Do you have the right answers to these questions? Are you prepared to answer questions like these or even tougher questions that may not be on this list?

How you answer these questions probably will determine whether you have a successful 2009.

You can read more about these questions on the ANLA’s website at www.anla.org/industry/facts/finding landprof.htm. The website also has some great statistics on “The Value of Plants and Landscaping” that you can use to help promote your business to potential customers. Go to www.anla.org/industry/facts/valueof.htm to check it out.

Whose Copy Are You Reading?

This is Lawn & Garden Retailer’s second issue of Plantings. Our next issue will be published in September.

Plantings is produced in cooperation with the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) and OFA an Association of Horticulture Professionals and is distributed to their members who offer landscape services.

If this copy of Plantings landed on your desk and you are not a regular subscriber to Lawn & Garden Retailer but would like to receive the magazine, you will find a subscription qualification card in the regular issue.