Negotiating is a necessary part of any business deal or contract with a reputed landscaping company like Geoland. But sometimes the other party uses tactics that are unfair and sleazy. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the ten most common negotiating tactics for negotiating with landscapers and how to counter them.
We’ll also provide tips on how to negotiate in a way that’s both fair and effective. So be prepared for the next negotiation challenge and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to win!
The Wince
In the beginning stage, negotiating with landscapers can be a tricky business – one wrong move and you may end up with a wince. That’s why it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you’re expecting before negotiating.
Make sure to keep the timeline for each task realistically and make sure to set down specific limits for payments. You need to wince at the right time though, as the counterparts always start high. This will help you save some of your dollar bills.
Silence
It can be tough negotiating with a landscaper, but it’s important to stay silent next when you’ve made your offer or you’ve been waiting for the response. This way they are sure to list all of your requirements in advance, so there will be no surprises later on for you.
You can reiterate your offer once again and try to get a fair deal for both you and the contractor. Only focus on stating your terms, and don’t try to give any suggestions. It’ll save you time and hassle in the long run.
The Good Guy/Bad Guy Routine
Later when negotiating with landscapers, it’s important to adopt a “good guy” persona. This means being polite and respectful, even when you don’t agree with the other party. Try not to get affected – it will only lead to conflict.
Always have a backup plan in case things go south – remember, no deal is better than a bad deal! And lastly, be prepared to walk away if necessary – this may be your only chance at getting what you want.
Limited Authority
There’s no doubt that negotiating a good deal with a contractor can be a hassle. But with the right strategy, it can be a breeze. When the landscapers try to be a bad guy like previously, show ask them for authority over what you have the right to decide by customizing your projects.
The Red Herring
Landscaping can be a pricey venture, and negotiating a price with a landscaper can be tricky. However, with the right approach, you can get the job done without breaking the bank. Sometimes the landscapers try to settle you down on the prices for projects like sod installation without informing you about details. This red herring behavior can be tackled by first asking them about the details in advance before finalizing the rates.
The Trial Balloon
It’s important to negotiate a fair price for the landscaping work that’s been done beforehand. One way the landscapers try to do this is by using the trial balloon method. This involves the landscaper asking questions by providing a landscape services proposal with basic information about the project – like the type of your house, the expected dimensions, and the estimated price.
They will give you an offer like after getting a feel for their landscaping work like patios, fence & gate, walkways, etc. so you can then decide on the final price. But you can counter that by asking questions in return and knowing how they can do it before deciding on the final rates.
Low-Balling
Landscaping can be a pricey endeavor, and negotiating with a landscaper can add an extra layer of complexity. At times before even you start to negotiate, the landscapers will offer you a very low price total opposite of trial balloon. This is equal to a discounted low price product that still have hidden charges like shipping or installation.
The result of this is that you would be paying more than any normal product available instead. That’s why to tackle this, always ask about any hidden charges or any other additional charges. Know the price range you’re willing to pay and stick to it. Never go below the agreed-upon price, as this will only lead to conflict. But be polite, respectful, and credible when negotiating with a landscaper. You’ll be able to get the job done at a lower cost and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
The Bait-and-Switch
Another common way for landscapers to get more money is by offering one good offer and then switch to other that aren’t that good. For example, they might remove the lawn but not do the sod installation- this results in a higher bill.
This tactic is to charge much higher fees up front, which can be hard to afford if you’re not paying the full amount upfront. This just gives you an alert to not accept any offer if they can’t stick to one.
Outrageous Behavior
When it comes to negotiating with landscapers, you might be surprised by the outrageous behavior that can occur. This is rare but few landscapers might show anger or even sad emotional behavior to make you accept their less benefitting offer with low-quality landscaping services.
The Written Word
When negotiating with a landscaper, sometimes they keep a contract prepared. This means having an understanding of your demands and what you’re looking for, they set their own terms and conditions.
Make sure to have questions ready about whatever is printed on the contract. When communicating with the contractor, be polite and clear. Showing curiosity will go a long way in negotiations – no matter the type of landscaping contract is involved making it negotiable!
Conclusion
After reading through this blog, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate with landscapers in a way that is both fair and respectful. Remember to stay calm and focused, stick to your negotiating goals, and be prepared to walk away if the situation becomes too difficult. In the end, you’ll get the landscaping job done without any drama! Geoland provides better deals and affordable services, so contact us for a free consultation today!
- Soil Type: We determine what type of soil is present on your property to ascertain the level of compaction needed.
- Base Rock: Find the appropriate amount of base rock needed for adequate foundational support.
- Drainage Needs: Determine the appropriate amount of grading required to avoid drainage problems after installation. This will include the determination of whether permeable or non-permeable pavers will be best.
- Retaining Edges: We determine the need for retaining edges to keep the installation clear of debris spilling over onto the surface.
Pavers are strong, durable, individually set pieces meaning they won’t crack or crumble like concrete under stress. And, because they’re individually set, you can remove them to gain access to the ground underneath and replace them without leaving unappealing patchwork.
GEO LAND offers an extensive range of paver colors and textures to choose from and our professional design team will ensure you get the paver you want, that complements the property, at a price you can afford.
