How to get big commercial accounts

I have a lot of residential clients I have been thinking about getting commercial lawn accounts how do I go about doing so.

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general contracting

lawn care

property maintenance

social media marketing

RichardM
25 days ago
Let me start off by asking "Why do you want to break into the commercial market?"
The best way to kickstart your journey in the commercial sector is to take it step by step. Look for a local restaurant, a charming mom-and-pop shop, or a gas station. These types of businesses often have excellent visibility, and you’ll want to deliver outstanding service that makes a lasting impression. If you have the client’s permission and it's in accordance with local regulations, consider putting up a small sign on their property to promote your commercial grounds maintenance services.
Starting big, means going in big. I have seen many lawn care/maintenance companies go from easily handling 200 - 300 lawns per week and then they land a 400 unit condo property and everything goes sideways. Like what ryaantuttle said, it'll feel like you are running a whole other company. Commercial clients expectations are vastly different from residential ones.
Some things to consider:
You'll need to carry higher liability insurance - increased premiums
In Canada you'll need to provide valid WSIB information. In the states you'll need to similar state specific workers' compensation program
You may need another crew, equipment, vehicle, and trailer to facilitate added accounts
Lots of commercial clients will only allow mows between certain times/days
You will not get your receivables as quick as you like. Be prepared to wait at least 30+ days
If you are Gung-ho to get this commercial ship in orbit then you need to do some research and work:
Price out insurance policies that allow commercial clients. Some commercial accounts here in Ontario, Canada require 6-8 million dollar liability coverage
Shop your competition. Find out who is doing what and how good are they doing it? Knowing this bit of info will allow you to approach Property managers, store managers, and owners
Advertise on your website your new commercial division. Emphasize the points TheWiFiGuy expressed
Make meetings with Property Management Companies. You'll be surprised how easy it is to make a quick meet and great. Property managers are always on the lookout for better talent at a competitive price. Remember that their contractors make them look good
With all of that said there are advantages to having commercial clients:
Stay in one place - Find communities that allow you to park and work for an extended period. Condominiums, gated communities, and large commercial properties are perfect examples of areas where you can achieve zero drive time. By doing so, your productivity can skyrocket
Payday is better - Because of commercial client expectations, they payday is usually always higher
One equals more - Once you get one commercial client and you blow them away with your quality and frictionless service ( TheWiFiGuy ) you'll find yourself quoting your next commercial client
If there's one guiding principle I'd love for you to embrace, it's this: "Never compromise on quality to hurry your business forward." Choosing that route may seem tempting, but it can lead you into unexpected challenges, and you might find yourself struggling when you least expect it. Remember, building a strong foundation with quality is what truly sets you up for long-term success!
Good luck!

RichardM

Contributor 3

25 days ago

Let me start off by asking "Why do you want to break into the commercial market?"

The best way to kickstart your journey in the commercial sector is to take it step by step. Look for a local restaurant, a charming mom-and-pop shop, or a gas station. These types of businesses often have excellent visibility, and you’ll want to deliver outstanding service that makes a lasting impression. If you have the client’s permission and it's in accordance with local regulations, consider putting up a small sign on their property to promote your commercial grounds maintenance services.

Starting big, means going in big. I have seen many lawn care/maintenance companies go from easily handling 200 - 300 lawns per week and then they land a 400 unit condo property and everything goes sideways. Like what ryaantuttle said, it'll feel like you are running a whole other company. Commercial clients expectations are vastly different from residential ones.

Some things to consider:

You'll need to carry higher liability insurance - increased premiums
In Canada you'll need to provide valid WSIB information. In the states you'll need to similar state specific workers' compensation program
You may need another crew, equipment, vehicle, and trailer to facilitate added accounts
Lots of commercial clients will only allow mows between certain times/days
You will not get your receivables as quick as you like. Be prepared to wait at least 30+ days

If you are Gung-ho to get this commercial ship in orbit then you need to do some research and work:

Price out insurance policies that allow commercial clients. Some commercial accounts here in Ontario, Canada require 6-8 million dollar liability coverage
Shop your competition. Find out who is doing what and how good are they doing it? Knowing this bit of info will allow you to approach Property managers, store managers, and owners
Advertise on your website your new commercial division. Emphasize the points TheWiFiGuy expressed
Make meetings with Property Management Companies. You'll be surprised how easy it is to make a quick meet and great. Property managers are always on the lookout for better talent at a competitive price. Remember that their contractors make them look good

With all of that said there are advantages to having commercial clients:

Stay in one place - Find communities that allow you to park and work for an extended period. Condominiums, gated communities, and large commercial properties are perfect examples of areas where you can achieve zero drive time. By doing so, your productivity can skyrocket
Payday is better - Because of commercial client expectations, they payday is usually always higher
One equals more - Once you get one commercial client and you blow them away with your quality and frictionless service ( TheWiFiGuy ) you'll find yourself quoting your next commercial client

If there's one guiding principle I'd love for you to embrace, it's this: "Never compromise on quality to hurry your business forward." Choosing that route may seem tempting, but it can lead you into unexpected challenges, and you might find yourself struggling when you least expect it. Remember, building a strong foundation with quality is what truly sets you up for long-term success!

Good luck!

ryaantuttle
Jobber Ambassador
24 days ago
Great post, Richard!

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How to get big commercial accounts