I’m Looking for Advice on How to Persuade a Client to Let Me Work over The Weekend

noideaa on 12/05/2025 - 19:40
Last edited 12/05/2025 - 19:41

Hi,

I just wanted to say thank you to those who gave me advice on setting up my weekend garden and trailer side business. It’s going okay, i’ve made around $2,000 since February.

I have a couple of questions to those who has done any weekend side jobs as I feel that I need to have a different approach on this.

The hardest part about doing it in the weekend is nearly everyone either wants their lawns mowed and garden cleaned up on the weekdays or early as possible (always within 2-3 day window) which made it difficult for me.

My business card and flyers with my url (basic 1 page website + FB page) on it gives them the impression that it's my main job. I’m worried it could turn people off if I tell them it’s actually my second job.

Should I be upfront about it and tell them about my availability? Thankfully, there are few repeated ones who is happy with me mowing their lawns on the weekends and I don't want lose them (well maintained property = easy work).

Another question, do you have any tips for getting more calls/text message quickly beside handing out flyers on mailbox?

Thanks

Education & Work

Comments

  • Meho2026 on 12/05/2025 - 19:42
    +17

    Just tell them you are booked out with corporate clients M-F and the only availability is weekends

    • tenpercent on 12/05/2025 - 20:53
      +2

      Oh wow. You must be a really good lawn mowerer. Who are some of your coporate clients?

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/05/2025 - 21:06
        +7

        who are some of your corporate clients

        Oh uhh.. Ladiz.

        Ladiz what?

        Ladiz Washroom.

        [notices sign that says "Ladies Wash Room"]
        Ladies Wash Room. The company name is like the sign. What is the clients name?

        Uhh Emplyes.

        Emplyes what?

        Emplyes Mustwashhands.

        [notices sign] Employees Must Wash Hands"] That is a made up name. Tell us the client name . We are interested. We are all interested.

        Ok Max.

        Max?

        -Imumoccupancy120.

        [notices sign "Maximum Occupancy 120 Persons"]

        • Cyphar on 12/05/2025 - 23:16
          +3

          "There is a number in the name?"

  • lgacb08 on 12/05/2025 - 19:43

    Just be honest mate, that's the best approach. Otherwise it will come back biting you in the long term.

  • bmxr on 12/05/2025 - 19:47
    +1

    Another question, do you have any tips for getting more calls/text message quickly beside handing out flyers on mailbox?

    Be good at the job. Our gardener started on our garden 3 years ago as a sole practitioner. He now employs ~6 people, running multiple trucks, almost doubled his hourly rates, and does 3 of our neighbours and the Club down the road because people would stop him in the street after doing our garden and ask him to do theirs.

  • Benoffie on 12/05/2025 - 20:22

    Be honest - saves everyone's time

    Hit up your local FB busines/community group. If it's anything like mine, the entire area is in there, people preference locals and they love getting behind hard workers.

  • Muppet Detector on 12/05/2025 - 20:42

    Another question, do you have any tips for getting more calls/text message quickly beside handing out flyers on mailbox?

    • Flyers on community notice boards with those little tear off tabs with phone number on
    • advertise in school newsletter in target market area
    • make your services known to local real estate agents
    • got car wrap/advertising on your work vehicle/trailer?
    • advertisement on your front fence/in front yard
    • set up little stall/booth in local shopping centre
    • got magnets/other promotional material to hand out?
    • make yourself known to some NDIS providers
    • how does something like HiPages work? Can you advertise on there?
    • cold call prospective customers/telemarketing
    • door knocking
    • stall at trade fair/home show
    • stall at school fete
    • hand out flyers in school pick up zones to parents waiting in cars (captive audience)/ put flyer under wiper
    • flyers on cars in shopping centre parking lots
    • approach local gardening centre for referrals/permission to advertise/hand out flyers to customers
    • get local shops to include your flyer in the bag they give their customers

  • tenpercent on 12/05/2025 - 20:59

    any tips for getting more calls/text message quickly beside handing out flyers on mailbox?

    Word of mouth from happy customers is always a good way to pick up more business. Offer a referral bonus to your customers, tell them you're looking to bring on new clients. E.g. If they succesfully refer another client give them a half price trim after the referee's second booking.

  • 30year old Camry on 12/05/2025 - 21:35
    +2

    any tips for getting more calls/text message quickly beside handing out flyers on mailbox?

    Try a 50% off deal on Australia's number one bargain sharing website.

  • Protractor on 12/05/2025 - 22:35
    -1

    Oh what a tangled web we weave……etc

  • jizmo on 13/05/2025 - 00:05
    +1

    I wouldn't care, I'd just want the job done on an ongoing basis. If the price is reasonable and it's consistent to the weather.
    That's what you'd want too, cherry picked regular work.

  • cashless on 13/05/2025 - 01:11
    -2

    Tell ’em you’re the anti-pest treatment & they need to evacuate the house fro the weekend while you & Jesse cook up a few kilos in their house

  • geekcohen on 13/05/2025 - 06:03

    As someone also running a side business, I completely understand the challenges you're facing. I’ve found that some people are actually quite flexible if you’re upfront with them. Those who are overly pushy about tight windows or mid-week jobs might not be the right clients for you long-term anyway—they may expect more than what you’re able to provide right now.

    That said, and I mean this respectfully, the gardening/lawn care space is quite competitive. It’s a service that many people can offer, with franchises like Jim’s Mowing and plenty of independents around. That makes availability and customer service even more important, since people do have alternatives.

    One thing that’s worked for me is early morning jobs before my main workday starts. It’s not always ideal, but squeezing in a job or two early can help keep good clients happy without giving up weekends entirely. Of course, it depends on how flexible your main work and family schedule is.

    Also, consider what sets you apart—are you more affordable, more reliable, or do you provide a better finish than others? That can help people justify waiting a few extra days for your service.

    My suggestion: just be honest. You can say something like, “I work another job during the week, so weekend slots are what I currently have available.” In my experience, most people are reasonable, especially if you show up on time and do a quality job.

    And yes, you will lose some leads/jobs due to limited availability. That’s just part of the trade-off with doing this as a side hustle. But the right clients—the ones worth keeping—will stick with you if you’re upfront and consistent.

    I hope that provides some assistance and happy to discuss further, even via PM with any advice or pass on my own experience(s).

  • geekcohen on 13/05/2025 - 08:14

    do you have any tips for getting more calls/text message quickly beside handing out flyers on mailbox?

    Is your number on your website?

    I get all my enquiries via Google Search Organic (no Google Ads). I have a Technical/Marketing Background, so I have been able to (over time of course) SEO the website to the locations I service. I found that as soon as I added a 1300 number (to hide my mobile at first engagement), I had a considerable increase in enquiries via the phone. It's probably 50/50 via the website vs calls now.

    I also drop flyers into mailboxes when I am in an area. I am in a regional area and most mailboxes are at the end of the road, so I can stop and do a lot of mailboxes in one spot. However, I have only ever had 1 enquiry from 2 years via a mailbox drop and they didn't proceed. I feel like mailbox drops are getting useless now. Its all about digital footprint.

    • tenpercent on 13/05/2025 - 19:50

      However, I have only ever had 1 enquiry from 2 years via a mailbox drop and they didn't proceed. I feel like mailbox drops are getting useless now. Its all about digital footprint.

      But what's your hustle?

      • DoctorCalculon on 13/05/2025 - 21:24

        Probably installs security cameras…

        • geekcohen on 14/05/2025 - 13:53
          +1

          Yes, can install Security Cameras as well.

      • geekcohen on 14/05/2025 - 13:52
        +1

        Starlink Installation.

        • tenpercent on 14/05/2025 - 13:54

          People pay for that?

          • geekcohen on 14/05/2025 - 13:59
            +1

            @tenpercent: Yes. It isn't straight forward for some. I do at least two installations a week. This week I've got 4. Some people have no idea how it all works, don't feel comfortable getting on the roof, running cables, configuring it, or installing roof hardware.

            I often get calls going

            I've got my kit, but its all a bit complicated for me, I need it installed.

            or

            I would rather pay someone to do it properly and set it all up for me then try and fumble myself through it plus do it messy".

            Then I can add on top of that with additional WiFi Coverage either indoor or outdoor plus security cameras. Also Point to Point links to external buildings like sheds for the man cave.

            Also I do a lot of businesses.

            With an IT background, I can add a lot more than what some others might be able to.

            • DoctorCalculon on 14/05/2025 - 14:57

              @geekcohen: I would hire you for our UniFi Access project at work, but you are based in Gippsland.

              • geekcohen on 14/05/2025 - 15:03

                @DoctorCalculon: Where are you based? I do travel. Melbourne is only a 1.5 hour drive for me which is not out of the ordinary for some of travel. Going to Waratah Bay in a week.

                If you want to discuss further, feel free to PM.

  • geekcohen on 13/05/2025 - 08:18

    My business card and flyers with my url (basic 1 page website + FB page) on it gives them the impression that it's my main job.

    That's fine that it provides the impression is your main job, so does mine. Mine also gives the impression that I have a "team". Well, that team is me and another guy I get, plus maybe a third for the larger jobs.

    People often ask me, "is it your business?" and I feel that people really like that they are speaking with "the owner".

    Also, you need to make sure you are getting back to people quickly and even during the week so give a good impression. Avoid getting back to people after hours only and being hard to catch on the phone. I am lucky to WFH FT and can make/receive calls at any time of the day which helps get a client.

    Also, make sure your voicemail is set to your business. If you need to get another number dedicated for that, then do so.

  • Darayus on 13/05/2025 - 09:31
    +1

    You don't WFH from your main job and complete this side hustle like everyone does when they WFH.

  • rumblytangara on 13/05/2025 - 10:58

    My business card and flyers with my url (basic 1 page website + FB page) on it gives them the impression that it's my main job. I’m worried it could turn people off if I tell them it’s actually my second job.

    Honestly have no idea why this would make a difference to someone who wanted their garden maintained- does it put people off?

  • Baysew on 13/05/2025 - 12:25

    Turn it into a unique selling point - that you can get a tradie to mow lawns Saturday and Sundays at no extra cost.

  • TheBilly on 13/05/2025 - 13:38

    Don't even enter the detailed discussion. When someone comes to you just say:

    "I can fit you in to the Saturday 11am slot, I'll send you a booking confirmation via text"

    "I can do your lawn on the Saturday 10am slot, I'll send you a booking confirmation via text"

    "I can do Sunday 9.30am, I'll send you a booking confirmation via text"

    It's mowing lawns, why does the discussion need to be any more in depth than that.

    • geekcohen on 13/05/2025 - 14:23

      Because people often go, "can you do it on Thursday or Friday, I WFH those days and kids have sport on a Saturday".

      However, in saying all of that. I have done some jobs when people aren't home. "Keys are in x spot and let yourself in". But in the OPs case, they shouldn't need to get inside, so shouldn't matter whether they are home or not.

      I did a job for a customer the day before election day and the local Liberal candidate lived across the road (the customer told me) and her mowing contractor just turned up, did the job and was gone within an hour. All without her being home.

    • Ozbar Gain on 13/05/2025 - 14:24
      +1

      Can you give a few more available slot examples? Like say Saturday afternoon?

  • Ozbar Gain on 13/05/2025 - 14:26

    Lean into it! Brand yourself as "the weekender" or weekend mower or something

    • geekcohen on 13/05/2025 - 14:28

      Oh yeah and then when it turns FT, it turns into a pain. A bit like "A man with a Van" which has turned into "A man with a BIG van" - IE, a truck!

      • Muppet Detector on 13/05/2025 - 19:19

        then when it turns FT,

        Long Weekend With Bernie?

    • Muppet Detector on 13/05/2025 - 19:13
      +1

      Weekend WITH Bernie?

  • brad1-8tsi on 13/05/2025 - 19:44
    +1

    I did car services only on the weekend for years. All my client knew I had a FT job at various workshops.

    One of the dudes I worked with at Qantas had a lawn mowing business and his clients knew he worked at QF Mon-Fri.

    Just be honest.

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