Free or For Fee?: Cashing in on Talking Green
Should tree care estimates generate revenue? While many arborists desire to charge for sales calls and site visits, most tree care companies are in the habit of providing “free” estimates. Many tree care professionals will invest an hour or more on a potential jobsite – identifying problems, detailing specifications, even making informal risk-tree assessment – and not charge a fee. This “free” time is wasted when it doesn’t result in a sale.
We'll look at the issues, risks and rewards of “free” versus “for-fee” estimates.
Jeffrey Ling
Jeffrey Ling is the senior consulting arborist in Indiana and is an ISA Certified Arborist. Jeff co-owns TreeMasters, Inc., a comprehensive arbor-care company founded in 1990 and focused on plant health care and woody plant pathology, serving hundreds of private clients and over 45 Green Industry companies.
In 1994, Jeff established and is President of ARBORWISE, LTD., a leading Midwest consulting firm that provides arboricultural and urban forestry information and support services. An ASCA member since 1993, Jeff is a Registered Consulting Arborist®, Past President of the Indiana Arborist Association, and has served on the ASCA Education Committee, as a peer and business mentor, and as an ASCA conference presenter. Jeff volunteers as the New Haven, Indiana Tree Commissioner.