Some prospective clients are surprised to find out we charge a consultation fee to meet with them to discuss their project when many companies offer "free estimates." We too offered free estimates for many years. We ran around like crazy trying to provide everyone ideas and free estimates for their projects. What we ended up figuring out was that we were not able to spend quality time with the clients that actually wanted to hire us. We would rush through meetings without really being able to share much valuable information. We also were not able to schedule consultations with everyone that called.
One day a light bulb went off! If we charge a fee up front for onsite consultations, this will ensure that we are able to spend quality time with clients at their home, answer all questions, and share valuable ideas and solutions by reducing the number of consultations that we are providing.
1. You will meet with an actual designer.
Designing landscapes is what we do everyday. We have the experience to provide you with custom solutions for your landscape.
2. You'll receive information about your project that is exclusive to the consultation.
Our Onsite Consultation is an actual service we're being paid to provide you with. We want to make sure that you receive value and get all of your questions are answered. You will feel confident in the direction your project is going by the time we're done. When you receive a "free estimate" from a landscaper, often they are withholding valuable information that they don't want to share in order to feel like they are protecting themselves from "giving it away."
3. You get what you pay for.
When you get a free estimate, how much time do you think they are willing to invest in your project initially? Probably not much. We don't believe in rushing things and we want to get the details right.
4. We're as serious about your project as you are.
Paying a consultation fee shows us you're serious about your project. By you having "skin in the game," we're able to see that your project is something that we need to invest ourselves in. We'll give you and your project the time and attention it deserves. Limiting the number of potential clients we engage with allows us more time to focus on you.
5. You will save time.
Meeting with multiple landscapers that are providing free estimates and can eat up a significant amount of time and can create confusion with conflicting ideas. Sometimes they don't even show up to their scheduled appointment. It's better to find a single reputable landscape company that you feel like understands your vision and are comfortable with.
6. We credit your fee towards your project cost.
While you're paying a consultation fee up front, we do credit this fee towards the final payment for your project. Ultimately, you get to recoup the cost.
The Onsite Consultation - What to Expect
During the onsite consultation we will answer any questions you may have and discuss ideas. We’ll gather information for a proposal for smaller projects or for a design proposal for projects requiring more in-depth planning. We will be able to provide you with landscape design and outdoor living ideas, plant information, discuss watering needs, fixing drainage issues, and more. We will spend up to 2 hours together. Additional time spent with a designer is available for $75/hr. We typically schedule consultations between 10am and 3pm Monday through Friday only. No design is exchanged at the time of the consultation.
Contact us to start the conversation and see if we're the right fit for you!
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