TOTAL MAINTENANCE PRO specializes in new Drainage Solutions and Planting Specialties jobs. Charging a consultation fee for these types of designs is a standard practice in many industries. These industries include landscaping, construction, and engineering. With Total Maintenance Pro, the good news is that once we are hired, the $125* consultation fee will be deducted from the final bill!
Why Do You Charge a Consultation Fee?
Some prospective clients are surprised to find out we charge a consultation fee to meet with them to discuss their project when many companies offer “free estimates.” We too offered free estimates for many years. We ran around like crazy trying to provide everyone ideas and free estimates for their projects. What we ended up figuring out was that we were not able to spend quality time with the clients that wanted to hire us. We would rush through meetings without really being able to share much valuable information. We also were not able to schedule consultations with everyone that called.
One day a light bulb went off! If we charge a fee up front for onsite consultations, this will ensure that we are able to spend quality time with clients at their home, answer all questions, and share valuable ideas and solutions by reducing the number of consultations that we are providing.
- 1You will meet with an actual designer.Designing landscapes is what we do every day. We have the experience to provide you with custom solutions for your landscape.
- 2You'll receive information about your project that is exclusive to the consultation.Our Onsite Consultation is an actual service we're being paid to provide you with. We want to make sure that you receive value and get all your questions answered. You will feel confident in the direction your project is going in by the time we're done. When you receive a "free estimate" from a landscaper, often they are withholding valuable information that they don't want to share to feel like they are protecting themselves from "giving it away."
- 3You get what you pay for.When you get a free estimate, how much time do you think they are willing to invest in your project initially? Probably not much. We don't believe in rushing things, and we want to get the details right.
- 4We're as serious about your project as you are.Paying a consultation fee shows us you're serious about your project. By you having "skin in the game," we're able to see that your project is something that we need to invest ourselves in. We'll give you and your project the time and attention it deserves. Limiting the number of potential clients, we engage with allows us more time to focus on you.
- 5You will save time.Meeting with multiple landscapers that provide free estimates and can eat up a significant amount of time and can create confusion with conflicting ideas. Sometimes they don't even show up to their scheduled appointment. It's better to find a single reputable landscape company that you feel like understands your vision and are comfortable with.
- 6We credit your fee towards your project cost.While you're paying a consultation fee up front, we do credit this fee towards the final payment for your project. Ultimately, you get to recoup the cost.
The Onsite Consultation – What to Expect
During the onsite consultation we will answer any questions you may have and discuss ideas. We’ll gather information for proposals for smaller projects or for design proposals for projects requiring more in-depth planning. We will be able to provide you with landscape design and outdoor living ideas, plant information, discuss watering needs, fixing drainage issues, and more. We will spend up to 1 hour together. Additional time spent with a designer is available for $125*. We typically schedule consultations between 11am – 2pm, Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday from 11am-2pm. No design is exchanged at the time of the consultation.
*Fee is determined by a 25-mile radius and may vary based on the complexity of the project.