Landscape Management, December 2015
landscape design expert Jody shilan gives his perspective on this tough question By JoDy shilan Q How do you explain to clients wHy you cHarge for your plans wHile otHer companies dont A Thats a great question and one of my favorites to answer Its amazing to me that in 2015 we still have to justify to ourselves and our potential customers why they need to invest in a drawing before having their landscape installed Why do some people believe that all plans are created equal regardless of whether they are free or have a cost associated with them Theres no industrywide standard or cost structure to this process and Ive got some news for you There never will be So once and for all we need to stop thinking that somehow we can get everyone in the design build industry together to agree to charge design fees Not only is it impossible its probably illegal Can you say collusion After 40 years working in landscape design build I can tell you unequivocally that youll have more success and install more work with customers who pay for plans than those who dont I acknowledge that its easier to charge design fees for master plans for the entire property but you should still charge for partial property plans as well Let me add one caveat to that last statement If youre going to charge for your designs they need to look professional You must draw them to scale with colorful graphics and profit centers Design BuilD installation photos Jody shilan istock com dny59 no freebies if youre going to charge for designs your plans must be professional Jody shilan says newsfeed Tool Boxer morbark the manufacturer of boxer equipment released maintenance kits for current and legacy model boxer mini skidsteers The kits include a service reminder decal synthetic blend replacement engine oil and various filters New excavaTor for caT An addition to the 7 to 8 ton weight class the cat 307e2 mini hydraulic excavator LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET December 2015 38 features a 503 hp cat c24 turbo engine and high definition hydraulic system BesTway adds HiTcH The new retriever Transport Hitch is designed for towing large attachments with two point or drawbar type hitches It uses a semitrailer wet kit to provide hydraulic power to the lift system How to explain design fees
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