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the ones here do not make a fortune,they need the cash to pay bills and fill the gas tank,I suspect they are also collecting some benefits from the city,thats why the property tax in Houston is so high.
The reason why I ask is with all the complaints of higher food and fuel cost,have you ever wonder how your lawn men keep up with inflation?if they are being pay the same price as 10-30 years ago. I have a friend who paid 35 40 years ago,he is still paying $35
It wasn't until gas prices shot up that I realized my 70+ year old lawn guy would need more cash to do his job. I was paying $32 a cut since 2007. When I offered more, he told me he didn't ask for an increase because I and several other homeowners were promised he would never raise his fee. I don't remember him ever telling me that. He rents a 1-bedroom apartment in someone's home, and he's not the type of guy to seek public benefits. He's a Vietnam vet who receives his healthcare from the VA and grows his food on a City owned plot of land. Over the years, we have become confidants. I would trust him with my life...So, yes, I'm mortified that I didn't even think about offering a raise until this summer.
My post may have been unclear. I approached him and asked him whether $40/cut would be sufficient to cover his increased expenses. He accepted the offer and told me another of his long time customers had done the same. I also gave him a bonus at the end of the season. If I had his address, I would send a Christmas bonus! I give a holiday bonus to the county garbage collectors and to the mail carrier. I'm really not cheap...just occasionally clueless.
Our lawn guy, from start to finish is here about 45 minutes. He charges $60, but normally charges $80 to the referrals we've given. He shows up whenever, but generally right around 7:45 or so. It's rainy season now so the grass grows and he's busy. He drives a beat up truck with his gear. Then he's off to the next one. It can be different family members...not always the same guy, but they're all related. By the end of the day, they've likely done 10-15 lawns and have billed $1000. More in rainy season, less in dry season. I don't know anyone that doesn't pay cash.
Look close enough beneath that worn out hat, and look past the dents and rust on the truck and if you're lucky you might....might just see the sht eating grin of a guy owning a cash based service business making more money than most of his customers going to work in a suit driving a late model Benz.
It amazes me time and time again how people underestimate how smart blue collar people that own their own trades are.
Our lawn guy, from start to finish is here about 45 minutes. He charges $60, but normally charges $80 to the referrals we've given. He shows up whenever, but generally right around 7:45 or so. It's rainy season now so the grass grows and he's busy. He drives a beat up truck with his gear. Then he's off to the next one. It can be different family members...not always the same guy, but they're all related. By the end of the day, they've likely done 10-15 lawns and have billed $1000. More in rainy season, less in dry season. I don't know anyone that doesn't pay cash.
Look close enough beneath that worn out hat, and look past the dents and rust on the truck and if you're lucky you might....might just see the sht eating grin of a guy owning a cash based service business making more money than most of his customers going to work in a suit driving a late model Benz.
It amazes me time and time again how people underestimate how smart blue collar people that own their own trades are.
Exactly, my friend is having a hard time finding a roofer in Big Bear Lake, CA even with ridiculous quotes of $20,000 when the materials alone are $2,000. $18,000 profit for few days of work
I think I will become a roofer, work few years and retire
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