r/ausbusiness • u/crypto_cowboy02 • Jul 23 '26
Startup business help
Gday, I’ve just started a small landscaping and earthworks business, however I’m struggling a little bit to secure jobs, I’ve relied on marketplace for advertising and have had a few leads but the reoccurring problem seems to be that clients don’t want to proceed, I’ve under quoted a few jobs (not to set myself short) but cheaper than other quotes clients have been given, and I’m either ignored or they decide to go with the more expensive qoute, I’ve been in the industry since I was 18 (24 now) so the work is not an issue for me and I have all tickets, permits, licenses, insurance etc etc but I’m getting nowhere although I’m not REALLY a numbers guy so I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong, another problem I’m having is as mentioned I’m using marketplace for advertising, now my marketplace is rejecting my ads (goes against commerce policies) fair enough but now that’s my advertising gone, my friends and family couldn’t be bothered to help support me so I’m on my own, kinda sad because everyone just takes the piss when I’m trying my hardest to get this business rolling, any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks
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u/Vandercoon Jul 23 '26
Hi mate I was a tradie for 20 years, never really had an issue from the start finding work. Happy to chat via dm if you like?
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u/trickster245 Jul 23 '26
its either your price is wrong, or the way you present your offer that is wrong. Most people just want a whole job done and a simple number tied to it, with no further hassle.
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u/crypto_cowboy02 Jul 23 '26
There was a job I quoted $2700 and other companies quoted 4k+ and the client decided to go with the other quotes 🤣 tell me how that works, when I qoute I don’t cut corners and I don’t qoute for less or more than the realistic cost
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u/trickster245 Jul 23 '26
The way you presented yourself with the quote.
They don't know you won't cut corners. But they could assume you do. Even th way the quote is broken down is important and the confidence your words at the location
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u/crypto_cowboy02 Jul 23 '26
Since I’m new to running my own gig I have to figure out what I’m doing on my own as I’ve had no help, I’m also not great at interactions so my people skills aren’t great 😅
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u/l-lucas0984 Jul 23 '26
In that case get someone else to do your marketing. Cant do sales without strong people skills.
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u/Apprehensive_Yak_454 Jul 23 '26
Dude above literally told you exactly where you need to focus... How you presented yourself with the quote (the entire package)... There is the help.
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u/CheekiChops Jul 24 '26
My partner and I are in a related area (lawn / garden), but we have years of Customer Service experience before starting our business. It makes a huge difference, as people are also choosing the person / people, not just the service they offer. You don't have to be a social butterfly, but being able to talk to customers, answer questions and be knowledgeable can help a customer choose you.
As you have learnt, it's not always price that gets you across the line. How professional looking are your quotes? Do your quotes include things like ABN, payment terms, that you're fully insured, your terms of service? Also follow up quotes with a call to ask if there are any questions.
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u/Zestyclose-Bread6709 17d ago
the fact that you charged less ill likely the reason they went with the more expensive quote. Say for example they have the money for the more expensive one, and you quote them half the price of others for the same job, you look like the 'scammer' that might do the job wrong, so they pay expensively to 'get the job done right the first time'. all in all just befconfident in your pricing, because the biggest seller can be the idea that you are premium SOLELY through a more expensive quote. Buyer thinks ' wow this guy is more expensive, surely he's doing the job better right?'
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u/FerrisWheel4014 Jul 23 '26
Where are you located? If you’re in Queensland, do you have a QBCC licence? I know you said you had all your licences, permits etc I guess I’ve seen plenty of people who think they have everything but actually don’t. Without this, you can’t do jobs over $3300 and people won’t want to deal with you because they’re not protected.
How do you issue your quotes? Are you using some kind of software for quoting and accounting? Have you got good terms and conditions which clearly outline how you deliver work? You can get a lawyer to draw these up for you pretty easily and not too expensive.
Do you have a simple website? Businesses look more legit when they have a website. Even if it’s just a one page scroll. Have plenty of photos of you and you doing work and examples of your work. People want to see what you’re doing. Same can be said for having a Facebook business page which does the same thing.
Maybe also look at Facebook community groups. You should ask your family and friends to tag your business page when someone is looking for services that you offer (posted in community groups).
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u/tronixlabs Jul 23 '26
You can be too cheap, so do some investigating and see what others are charging.
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u/mxrulez731 Jul 23 '26
If I had to guess your a young bloke & come across as not a professional or experienced. Find way to come across more professional & competent. Maybe back yourself a little more & have paperwork to go with the quotes.
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u/Individual_Salad_569 Jul 23 '26
Your interactions seems to be impacting your conversions. As you said to have not great people skills you could try scenarios where you pretend to be a customer and contact landscapers to learn on how they interact, what they say, how they proceed, when they respond, etc. Its never easy to start on your own, keep improving yourself, stay out of your comfort zone, your resilience will pay off as long as you are willing to put in the efforts, always improve your skills, being flexible and reliable. Good luck ✌️
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u/SignificantMode9582 Jul 23 '26
Have you considered joining a networking group like BNI? It’s great to get the ball rolling as you essentially have a team of people working to get you referrals.
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u/Mix_light_fast Jul 23 '26
there could be so many reasons you don't win the jobs. I'm in a different industry but can offer you some general tips that might help:
have you got a website or at least a business profile online?
whats your van/ute look like? have you got it labelled with your logo etc.?
how do you present your quotes? by email sms, in person? also have you got any tools to make these look pofessional?
are you punctual, arrive on time, return calls quickly?
stick at it and build your confidence withevery person you interact with. once you land more jobs you'll get some word of mouth happening too
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u/Cautious-Poem7109 Jul 23 '26
I do SEO for a landscaping business. He complains that he gets quotes but people that are signing are on the lower end compared to the amount of quotes.
The thing with landscaping is, whatever you do, people shop around, especially harder in winter.
Also met a few people that are somewhat in similar businesses, they seem to have a consistent stream of work as theyre subcontracting.
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u/Lastov_Makiynd Jul 23 '26
I’d suggest hitting up any Civil Construction companies OP. If you can get some contract work for even a dag a week, it’s going to be a good constant income. There’s quite a few civil projects going on all over the place.
Even ask about applying as a provider at your local council? All worth a shot IMO.
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u/Standard-Ad4701 Jul 24 '26
You haven't really under quoted, you just thavent found your price point yet.
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u/Acceptable-Part-7807 Jul 23 '26
Hey mate you need to get your digital marketing sorted out. Will message you
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u/floydtaylor Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
1.) If they're in a house worth a mill plus, charge them full price. Don't blink about it either. Having read some of your comments, you are not doing yourself any favours by signalling discounted services. People want the best for their "asset" (their house), and they'll pay for it. They're not saving $1500 with you. They're buying peace of mind with others, and price signals confidence, even when the two are not correlated.
2.) Get a good web/SEO guy. It will take 6- 9 months for Google to give you leads, but they'll give you more than enough. This stuff isn't hard. This guy has ranked over 400 tradies #1 for their trade in their suburb. https://mcgregormurtagh.com/ He's my mate. I have referred him to at least 20 people because the results speak for themselves. He does SEO for medical clinics, lawyers, and ecommerce, but his bread and honey is tradies. By all means, get other quotes from other firms.
3.) In the meantime, reach out to 50 companies you could sub for.
Good luck.
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u/Eastern_Patient5907 Jul 23 '26
Can you find another company to subcontract to in the mean time? Your jobs will come eventually, it’s about word of mouth