The plan from the training call
Sort your communication tools
- Automated pre-mow reminder texts, but only when the customer needs to do something: gate, dog, car.
- Payment text the same day the lawn is mowed, with bank details and a polite message.
- If unpaid, a follow-up text after 3 days.
- For one-off jobs, ask for prepayment up front, with the job details and the address.
Nail your quoting
- Always put the property address in the text so there's no confusion.
- Leave a magnetic card at the door if no one's home.
- Follow up verbal quotes with a confirmation text. It wins jobs even when they're still shopping around.
Turn one-offs into regulars
- A week or two after a one-off mow: "Hey, we mowed your lawn recently. Would you like it done again this week for $X?"
- Repeat 2 or 3 times. Many convert by the third message.
Ask for reviews
- After one-off or first-time jobs, send a Google review text with a direct link.
- Use your name and business name so it feels personal.
Handle inbound calls like a pro
- Start with: "Is this for a one-off or regular service?"
- Get their full name (spell it if needed), phone number (confirm it even if it shows), and address (repeat it back).
- Have Google Maps open while you talk so you can size the lawn.
- Be personable. Make them laugh if you can. It builds trust and wins more jobs.
Set scheduling and payment expectations
- Do the first mow straight away if you can.
- Confirm the next mow date and the payment cycle before you leave.
- For regulars: they're in charge of asking for a winter slowdown, and everyone goes back to fortnightly in spring.
Optional: set a minimum charge
Consider a $60-plus minimum for one-off jobs. It saves time and filters out low-value work, especially if you sell leads.
The templates
Arrival reminder
So gates are unlocked and cars are moved before you arrive.
Hi, [Your Name] here from [Business Name]. Just a quick reminder that we will be around to mow your lawns tomorrow. Thanks.
Follow-up after a one-off cut
Two weeks after a one-off job.
Hi, [Your Name] from [Business Name]. I mowed your lawn a couple of weeks ago and just thought I'd let you know that if you wanted it done again this week, it would be $[Price].
The "missed you" quote
When you went to quote and nobody was home.
Hi, [Your Name] from [Business Name]. We called in today to look at your lawn at [Address]. It would be $[Price] for a regular fortnightly cut. If this suits, let me know and I'll book you in.
Verbal quote confirmation
End of the day, if they haven't said yes yet.
Hi, [Your Name] from [Business Name]. Just a quick text to confirm the quote on the lawn at [Address]. It would be $[Price] for a regular fortnightly cut with a catcher, or $[Price] to mulch. If this suits, let me know and I'll book you in.
Payment request
Straight after the job.
Hi, [Your Name] here from [Business Name]. Your lawn was mowed today. Please make payment today to [Bank Account Name and Number] and use your address as the reference. Thanks.
Overdue payment reminder
Hi, [Your Name] from [Business Name]. Payment hasn't come through on my end for your mow on [Date]. Could you please check that and get back to me? Thanks.
One-off prepay request
For new or one-time customers, before the work starts.
Hi, [Your Name] here from [Business Name]. My account details are [Bank Account Name and Number]. Please use your address as the reference and send through the receipt when done. I'll book your lawn as soon as the payment shows. Thanks.
Review request, one-off job
Every time you know a one-off customer is happy.
We've finished your lawn. If you ever need us again, just let me know. If you have time and would like to leave a review, you can use this link: [Link]. Thanks again, [Your Name] from [Business Name].
Review request, first regular cut
We've finished your lawn and booked you in for a regular cut as requested. If you have time and would like to leave a review, you can use this link: [Link]. [Your Name] from [Business Name].
Two tips
- Always include the address in quote texts so the customer can check you were at the right place.
- The rule of three: a customer who books a one-off three times in a row is very likely to go regular. Ask.
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