Business Barometer April 2011

Water Garden News regularly surveys pond and water garden companies about their business climate and sales trends. Respondents are granted anonymity. These responses came from a April 5 survey.

Uptick in Pond Clean-outs
A water feature maintenance and repair company in Mesquite, Texas

About 85 percent of my business is from complete pond clean-outs. In 2009 I was down 29 percent from 2008. In 2010 I came out 23 percent up over 2009.

Customers Seek Out Water Features
A pond installer and retailer in Fredericksburg, Va.

Business is picking up. We did a local home and garden show a few weeks ago, and people are eager for the season to start. There's an upturn in construction. People are cautious and conservative, but they are spending money.

We installed more ponds by this time last year, but I attribute it to the weather not the market. Our spring is late this year, so we're behind in installs. When the weather breaks people open their wallets.

We have a new business model this year. We no longer try to do everything. Instead we are concentrating on that one thing (water features) that make a difference for us. We still do retaining walls and other items, but our main focus is water features.

On the retail side, a lot of customers want something with water. They come in unsure about size and looking for options. They know spending money on the water features is an investment worth taking.

Great Time for American Breeders
A koi breeder in Eustis, Fla.

It's the beginning of the busy season, and business is picking up quickly. Compared to last year, however, it's a slow start because of the weather. Dealers and customers are eagerly awaiting the season and for the weather to break.

American-bred fish are gaining popularity quickly because of the market. People are thinking more about buying locally. They are looking at less travel, time, gas, etc. It's moving from an international market to a local market.

Business Booked 8-weeks Out
An installation and maintenance business in Somerset, Ky.

It was a bit slow to get going, but I'm busy with cleanings, estimates, repairs, a couple of rebuilds and some stone masonry until my first install begins in May. Ideally I'm booked six-weeks ahead, and this year I'm in better shape at 8-weeks out.

Increase in Remodels Inspires Expanded Services
An installer and landscaper in Mesa, Ariz.

Business is very slow. Water features are a tough sell in this economy. People still are hanging tight on their money.

There are a lot of remodels in our area, so we're expanding our services. We're doing a lot more landscape lighting and overhauls between turf, new plantings and rock upgrades. We usually pick up about 50 percent of the landscape lighting bids, but now we're up to about 80 percent.

I'm fairly optimistic about this first part of the year. I think projects are starting to happen again.

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Business Barometer April 2011

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