One of the main complaints that homeowners have about landscape firms is they don’t return phone calls. Most of these phone calls are initial contact for new work. There are however some key things you should not say when you leave that all important first voicemail. Remember the landscape firm is qualifying you from that all important first contact. You may cause the best firm for your needs from even calling you back.

There are certain key phrases that send a red flag to the landscape firm receiving your call. These red flags put the landscape professional immediately on the defensive. I will give some examples of the most prevalent red flags so you will not make the same mistakes.

The first one would have to be “Do you offer free estimates”. This must be the biggest red flag of all. Of course 99.99% will offer a free estimate or free initial consultation. This question just tells the landscape professional that this person’s largest concern is price and will likely get “free estimates” from everyone in the yellow pages. Another red flag along this line of thinking is “do you charge for design”. This again tips the landscape professional that price is the first concern and not quality. You will pay design fees no matter if it is up front or hidden in the job cost.

“How much do you charge per square foot for pavers” right away the red flag raises and the landscape professional will be concerned about a price shopper. Further more it is a silly question. The site needs to be assessed first for access, soil type, demolition work, etc. This also goes for “how much to mow my property”. How can anyone estimate the cost without first visiting the site and checking the size and difficulty of the job?

One of my favorite has to be “just drop off an estimate and leave it in the mailbox”. How many prices is this guy collecting? With time the most valuable thing we have these days why would a busy qualified firm waste time on a call that the client will not take the time to meet you and discuss the project.

Still another is “my neighbors and I just fired our landscaper and we have 5 homes on the same street and we need a price”. Now you might think a landscape firm would jump at that opportunity and some will but many will see a big red flag or two. First they are most likely looking for a large discount for lawn maintenance. Lawn maintenance (especially mowing operations) has tight profit margins and deep discounts are not realistic. Also why did the other firm not work out? Most likely that firm under bid the work and had to cut quality for the price quoted. At the price the group probably expects to pay no one can do it and make a profit or break even for that matter.

Now there are many others but the point is the initial phone call is important. Don’t scare away the best firms. Just give your basic information what you are interested in and if you were referred by anyone. Referrals always get top priority. Give the landscape firm 24 hours to return a call in the busy season and then follow up with a second call if needed. Don’t expect a return call on Sunday or a holiday from a professional firm. Calling 3 and 4 times in a day of course is another red flag issue! Another suggestion is to fax and or e-mail your info with the call. This shows the firm you are serious and easy to work with. I hope this helps you find the perfect landscape firm for you this spring.