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Sales Process & Guide Training Index

Table of Contents

SALES PROCESS AND GUIDE INDEX #

Table of Contents #

  1. Hell Yes Customer Worksheet – Definition, services, areas, budget, and lifetime value
  2. What is a Dream Greener Qualified Lead? – Qualification criteria and communication promise
  3. Maintenance Services Questions – Key questions for client assessment
  4. Maintenance Sales Appointment/Walk-Thru Checklist – Visit preparation and procedures
  5. Property Assessment Training – Identifying key features and client education
  6. Sales Service and Seasonal Leaf Cleanup Policy – Service offerings and strategy
  7. Service Areas – Allegheny and Washington County coverage
  8. Service Pricing Summary – Detailed pricing for all services
  9. Lawn Renovation & Installation Warranty Policies – Limited warranty details
  10. Change Order – Process and terms
  11. Notice of Cancellation – Cancellation policy and procedure
  12. Schedule of Payables – Invoicing for services

PAGE 1: Hell Yes Customer Worksheet #

Our “Hell Yes Customer” #

Services:

  • Complete landscape maintenance plans
  • Complete lawncare maintenance plans
  • Design / Build

Service Areas:

  • Canonsburg
  • Cecil (Southpointe)
  • Jefferson Hills
  • Mt Lebanon
  • Oakdale
  • Peters Township (McMurray/Venetia)
  • Presto
  • South Fayette
  • Upper St Clair

Budget:

  • Annual Lawn & Landscape Maintenance Investment of $10,000+
  • Treatment only plans $900+
  • One-Time Hardscaping and Landscaping $25,000+
  • Snow Removal $5,000+

Lifetime Value (using a 5-year customer average):

  • Full Maintenance: $50,000
  • Treatment: $4,500
  • Snow: $25,000

Our “Hell No Customer” #

Service Area Examples:

  • Carrick
  • Mount Oliver
  • McKees Rocks

PAGE 2: What is a Dream Greener Qualified Lead? #

  • Located within our service area
  • Fits into our timeline
  • Meets our minimum price ranges
  • Needs our primary services
  • Understands and will follow our process
  • Has decision-making authority

Managing Expectations: #

It is crucial to be upfront about timelines. If the timeline does not align with the client’s needs, they should be disqualified. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings about project schedules.

Note: Timelines are subject to change based on the time of year.

Our Communication Promise: #

  • Prompt Response: All inquiries will be answered within 1 hour during business hours and within 24 hours outside regular hours.
  • Punctuality: We commit to arriving on time, ready to work at all scheduled appointments.
  • Proactive Communication: We will inform clients of any issues affecting appointments as they arise.
  • Passionate Team: Our friendly service reflects our dedication to exceptional performance.
  • Exceptional Work: We strive to provide high-quality service that exceeds client expectations.
  • Continuous Improvement: We welcome feedback to enhance the customer experience continually.

Customer Red Flags During Interactions: #

  • Vague Requests: Unclear project details indicate indecision or lack of commitment.
  • Unrealistic Expectations: Excessive demands may suggest a mismatch with our services.
  • Price-Centric Focus: An emphasis on cost over quality often signals potential issues.
  • Slow Responses: Delayed communication can imply low interest or engagement.
  • History of Negative Feedback: Frequent complaints may pose challenges in meeting expectations.
  • Inconsistent Communication: Unreliable interactions can indicate serious compatibility issues.
  • Disrespectful Behavior: Unprofessional communication can lead to difficulties in collaboration.

PAGE 3: Maintenance Services Questions #

General Questions: #

  • Current Situation: “Can you describe your current lawn and landscape? What specific areas need attention?”
  • Primary Concerns: “What are your main challenges in maintaining your outdoor spaces?”
  • Expectations and Goals: “What do you envision for your lawn’s appearance and health?”
  • Specialized Care Needs: “Are there any areas that require specialized care?”
  • Service Priorities: “How would you prioritize these services: Garden maintenance, lawn and plant treatments, mowing and leaf cleaning, or snow and ice management?”
  • Budget and Frequency: “Do you have budget constraints or preferences regarding visit frequency?”
  • Previous Experiences: “Have you used professional services before? How was your experience?”
  • Resource Familiarity: “Have you reviewed our online resources about our process and pricing?”

Lawn, Plant & Pest Questions: #

  • Current Condition: “How would you describe your lawn and trees? Are there specific issues you’d like to address?”
  • Pest Concerns: “Are you facing pest issues like fleas or ticks?”
  • Past Services: “Have you used any fertilization or pest control services before? How was it?”
  • Lawn and Tree Goals: “What are your main concerns for lawn and tree health? Are you aiming for greener and more vibrant plants?”
  • Specific Pest Issues: “Are there known pest issues in your area you’d like to focus on?”
  • Customized Plans: “Would you like a customized fertilization and pest control plan?”
  • Budget Considerations: “Any budget preferences we should consider?”
  • Method Queries: “Do you have any questions about the products or methods we use?”
  • Resource Familiarity: “Have our online resources about our process and services been helpful?”

PAGE 4: Maintenance Sales Appointment/Walk-Thru Checklist #

1. Pre-Visit Preparation #

  • Equipment Check: Gather your measuring wheel/tape, soil probe, and camera.

2. Initial Visit Procedures #

  • Greeting: Approach the client’s door and introduce yourself with your business card. If the client is not home, leave a professional note with your contact details and next steps.

3. Client and Property Assessment #

  • Understanding Needs & Assessment:
    • If present, discuss the client’s lawn care concerns and conduct a joint walk-through to understand past efforts and service needs.
    • Conduct an independent assessment if the client is absent, noting the lawn condition and visible concerns.
  • Evaluate Property Condition:
    • Observe lawn condition, weeds, and health of plants/trees (including specific types like hydrangeas, roses, and perennials).
    • Identify dead plants, drainage, and hardscaping issues.
    • Record observations for future reference, identifying issues to discuss with the client later if absent.

4. Providing Professional Advice #

  • Offer Insight:
    • Share professional advice if the client is present. Discuss issues, possible causes, and solutions based on your assessment.
    • Prepare detailed notes to share later via email or in a follow-up call if the client is absent.

5. Property Survey and Documentation #

  • Conduct Survey:
    • Measure the lawn, plant beds, and shrubs as necessary for proposal preparation.
    • Take photographs for record-keeping, noting specific areas for requested work.

6. Post-Visit Actions #

  • Data Entry & Documentation:
    • Enter all visit notes into Aspire promptly using a tablet or similar device.
    • Update the client’s Aspire profile with observations and service requests before the day ends for accuracy.

7. Quantity Calculation #

  • Calculate Requirements: Use Aspire’s measuring systems to determine needed quantities for materials like soil, seed, mulch, etc.

8. Final Documentation #

  • Complete in Aspire: Ensure all information is logged accurately and finalize documentation within Aspire.

PAGE 5: Property Assessment Training for New Sales Account Managers #

Identifying Key Property Features: #

Lawn, Pest, and Plant Health Identification:

  • Weed Identification: Recognize and address lawn and beds overrun with weeds, such as hard to control weeds like thistle, requiring follow-up care with our Liquid Bed+ program or scheduled manual weeding visits.
  • Insect & Disease Issues: Identify signs of insect infestations or plant diseases that might require specific treatments.
  • Pest Management: Spot symptoms of pest issues such as fleas, mosquitos, spiders and ants to recommend tailored pest control solutions.
  • Specific Plant Care Needs: (Require at least 3 pruning visits per season)
    • Hydrangeas, Roses, and Perennial Flowers:
      • Late winter (March) focusing on roses
      • Mid-summer for perennial deadheading
      • Late fall to cut back perennials, grasses and removal of annual flowers

Hardscape and Drainage Issues:

  • Standing Water: Identify areas with poor drainage that can lead to plant health issues and hardscape damage.
  • Shifting Walls, Walks, and Patios: Recognize signs of instability or unevenness that require maintenance or repair.

Overgrown or Poorly Planted Trees and Shrubs:

  • Recognize the need for removal, replanting, or structured trimming to improve aesthetics and health.

Encourage Client Education: #

Explain the importance of tailored service plans to ensure lush, well-maintained properties, focusing on regular assessments and updates based on the 21 Point Ground Analysis provided.

PAGE 6: Sales Service and Seasonal Leaf Cleanup Policy #

Service Offerings: #

  • Flexible and Comprehensive Care Options: Tailored for lawn, pest, and plant health treatments, requiring client commitment to ensure consistent and effective care.

Initial Service Requirement: #

  • Pre-Service Clean-Ups: Essential to establish a foundation for effective ongoing maintenance and landscaping services.

Service Customization: #

  • Tailored Services: Encourage clients to add necessary services to their plan to ensure complete and individualized property care.

Seasonal Leaf Cleanup Strategy: #

  • Service Availability: October 1 to December 20, and January 1 to April 30.
  • Visit Recommendations: A minimum of three fall visits for effective leaf management.
  • Pricing Considerations: Calculate based on travel time, labor, property size, and cleanup complexity.
  • Full-Service Plan Promotion: Highlight the benefits of bundled service plans for seamless coordination and ongoing property excellence.

PAGE 7: Service Areas #

Allegheny County Service Areas: #

  • Bethel Park – 15102
  • Bridgeville – 15017
  • Collier, Carnegie, Rennerdale, Rosslyn Farms – 15106
  • Baldwin Township, Pleasant Hills – 15236
  • Brentwood, Whitehall – 15227
  • Crafton, Thornburgh – 15205
  • Dormont, Beechview, Brookline – 15216
  • Castle Shannon – 15234
  • Jefferson Hills – 15025
  • Oakdale – 15071
  • Mt. Lebanon – 15228
  • Pittsburgh (Brookline) – 15226
  • Pittsburgh (Scott Township) – 15243
  • Presto (part of South Fayette Township) – 15142
  • Sewickley – 15143 (Construction or Estate Maintenance Accounts $50,000+)
  • South Park Township – 15129
  • Upper St. Clair – 15241
  • Finleyville – 15332

Washington County Service Areas: #

  • McDonald (part in Allegheny County) – 15057
  • Cecil Township – 15321
  • Finleyville – 15332
  • Washington, PA (suburbs only) – 15301
  • Peters Township (Canonsburg/McMurray/Venetia) – 15317, 15367
  • Southpointe/Cecil Township – 15317
  • South Fayette Township – 15057, 15142
  • Eighty Four – 15330
  • Robinson Township – 15205
  • South Strabane – 15301
  • North Strabane – 15317, 15301

PAGE 8: Service Pricing Summary #

1. Bed Pre-Emergent Treatment (per sq. ft.) #

  • Low: $0.0265 | Med: $0.0284 | High: $0.0397
  • Minimum Trip: $297.50

2. Liquid Bed Weed + #

  • Liquid: $75/man-hour (Min $75)
  • Manual Min Trip: $320

3. Hand Edging & Removal ($2.00/linear ft.) #

  • Includes deep edge, cleanup & disposal
  • Min Trip: $500

4. Mulch Installation (per cubic yard) #

  • Low: $75 | Med: $90 | High: $125
  • Min Trip: $950

5. Weed Barrier & Steel Pin (per sq. ft.) #

  • Low: $0.50 | Med: $0.75 | High: $1.25
  • Min Trip: $750

6. River Rock #3 (per ton) #

  • Low: $125 | Med: $175 | High: $225
  • Min Trip: $950

7. Mowing Services (per sq. ft.) #

  • 5,001-10,000: $0.009
  • 10,001-12,999: $0.008
  • 13,000-20,000: $0.007
  • Over 20,001: $0.005
  • Min Trip: $53.00

8. Sod Installation (per sq. ft.) #

  • Low: $2.75 | Med: $3.75 | High: $3.50
  • Min Trip: $2,500

9. Lawn Renovations (per sq. ft.) #

  • Low: $1.75 | Med: $2.00 | High: $2.50
  • Min Trip: $950

10. Mushroom Compost Topdressing #

  • Rate: $0.089/sq. ft.
  • Min Trip: $500

11. Lawn Fertilizer & Weed Control (per sq. ft.) #

  • Rate: $0.012
  • Min Trip (6-step): $55.00

12. Lime Application (per sq. ft.) #

  • Rate: $0.018
  • Min Trip: $75

13. Grub Curative Control (per sq. ft.) #

  • Rate: $0.021
  • Min Trip: $75

14. Flea/Tick/Mosquito Treatments (4 min visits) #

  • Small: $75 | Medium: $90 | Large: $125

15. Aeration & Overseeding (per sq. ft.) #

  • Double with Seed: $0.07
  • Single with Seed: $0.05 | without Seed: $0.04
  • Min Trip: $125

16. Trimming & Pruning (One-time Service) #

  • Min Trip: $950

17. Tree & Plant Health Program (4 min visits) #

  • Small: $75 | Medium: $115 | Large: $145

18. Deer Deterrent Program (4 min visits) – Full Service Clients Only #

  • Small: $85 | Medium: $120 | Large: $150

Material Coverage & Volume Conversions: #

  • Mulch Coverage: 1 cubic yard covers 120-150 sq. ft. at 2″ depth.
  • Sod: 1 pallet covers 450 sq. ft.; order extra for cuts.

PAGE 9: Lawn Renovation & Installation Warranty Policies #

Dream Greener Lawn & Landscape, LLC brings years of professional experience and knowledge to your property and to every property it serves.

From our suggestions on seed and sod selections, to installation best practices, instructions to you for your lawn and plant health care, to our follow-up visits and service, you receive, and benefit from, best practices, personnel, and products!

Ultimately, the care of your grounds is a partnership. Dream Greener and you each have responsibilities. We highly recommend our lawn health and mowing programs. These programs include proper mowing and leaf management practices and care. Soil health treatment, fertilizer, weed and disease control and treatment.

Proper watering, fertilization, pest, and wildlife management practices each have a significant and cumulative impact on the health of your lawn — in addition to the quality, content, and conditions of, in, around, and below the soil as well as acts of nature and other events and circumstances beyond our control, for which no reasonable measures taken will prevent or control. As a consequence, we offer limited warranties under very specific conditions, presented below.

Lawn Seeding and Lawn Installation #

Lawn Repairs and Seeding (excluding aeration and overseeding):

Limited Warranty for New Seeding:

The Limited Warranty period is six (6) weeks from the completion of the initial seeding installation. Seed germination occurs between Week 2 and Week 3, depending on the seed variety and the client following the proper cultural practices. If you notice areas where grass seed has not germinated after Week 3, please contact us as soon as possible, well before the end of Week 6, to schedule additional seeding to those areas. After our follow-up service, your new grass should be at maturity by the end of Week 6, the conclusion of the limited warranty period.

New Lawn or Sod Installation #

Limited Warranty for New Lawn Installation:

The Limited Warranty period is six (6) weeks from the completion of the lawn hydroseeding and sod installation. Root establishment occurs between Week 2 and Week 3, depending on the seed variety and the client following the proper cultural practices. If you notice areas where the roots have not established after Week 3, please contact us as soon as possible, well before the end of Week 6, to schedule additional service to those areas. After our follow-up service, your lawn/sod should be well-rooted, established, and mature by the end of Week 6, the conclusion of the limited warranty period.

Any areas where growth has not occurred, after the limited warranty period, is likely to be evidence of a different problem or issue related to other ground or ecological conditions, unrelated to the lawn/sod installation process.

PAGE 10: Change Order #

CLIENT NAME _______________________________
WORK SITE ADDRESS _______________________________
CONTRACT NO. _______________________________
CHANGE ORDER NO. _______________________________
DATE OF REQUEST _______________________________

Itemized Changes #

Change Order Item Add/Subtract/Modify Change in Cost Original Cost Final Cost
       
       
       
TOTAL  

Impact on Schedule of Work: #

_________________________________________________________________

Contract and Payment Terms and Conditions: #

In connection with the Project name and/or Contract Number set forth above, that Agreement between _________________________________ (“Client”) and Dream Greener Lawn & Landscape LLC (“Contractor”) and its Terms and Conditions are hereby modified by this Change Order only to the following extent:

Payment for the work specified in this Change Order is due promptly upon completion of the work specified in this change order unless otherwise expressly stated herein. All provisions and terms and conditions of the above-referenced Agreement remain unchanged and in full force and effect. The amount of the increase or decrease to the Contract Sum as designated in this Change Order is the adjustment in time and price as of the date of its signing by Client. This written Change Order is the entire agreement between Client and Contractor with respect to this Change Order. Except as expressly provided herein, Contractor reserves all of its rights with respect to the above-referenced Agreement. This Change Order is not valid unless signed by the Client and promptly received by Contractor.

AUTHORIZED, APPROVED, AND AGREED BY CLIENT:

_________________________________________________________________

PAGE 11: Notice of Cancellation #

Contractor: Dream Greener Lawn & Landscape, LLC

4991 Library Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102
412-835-1035

Owner: _________________________________ (Name)

_________________________________ (Address)

_________________________________ (City/State/Zip)

_________________________________ (Telephone Number)

Date of Contract: _______________________

Right of Cancellation Date: Prior to 12:00am (midnight) on _______________________

Right to Cancel #

You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within three (3) business days from the date of your signing of this Contract. If you cancel, any property traded in, any payments made by you under the contract or sale, and any negotiable instrument executed by you will be returned within ten (10) business days following receipt by Dream Greener of your written cancellation notice, and any security interest arising out of the transaction will be cancelled. If you cancel, you must make available to Dream Greener at your residence in substantially as good condition as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale; or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of Dream Greener regarding the return shipment of the goods at Dream Greener’s expense and risk. If you do make the goods available to Dream Greener and Dream Greener does not pick them up within twenty days of the date of your written notice of cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to Dream Greener, or if you agree to return the goods to Dream Greener and fail to do so, then you remain liable for performance of all obligations under the contract. You may use any written statement that is signed and dated by you and states your intention to cancel, or you may use this notice by signing and dating below:

I hereby cancel this transaction.

_________________________________ (Date)

_________________________________ (Owner’s Signature)

PAGE 12: Schedule of Payables #

Per-Visit Invoices: #

Invoices for services completed will be processed on the following Tuesday after the service is performed.

Maintenance Services: #

The following services will be billed as per-visit invoices:

  • Aeration & Seeding
  • Bed Pre-Emergent Treatment
  • Compost
  • Flea and Tick Treatment
  • Lawn Treatments
  • Liquid Bed Weeding/Vegetation Control
  • Manual Bed Weeding/Fine Gardening
  • Mowing Services
  • Mulch Installation
  • Plant Health Treatments
  • Seasonal Leaf Clean-Up
  • Shrub Trimming/Pruning
  • Snow Services

Construction Services: #

For construction projects, invoices will follow a predefined payment schedule as outlined in the project agreement.

Services include:

  • Landscape Renovations & Installations
  • Landscaping Planning and Design Services
  • Outdoor Living/Hardscape Construction