May/June 2009 Issue

Getting paid proves essential to keep businesses from going under. Some builders find conversations about payment uncomfortable. With this in mind, Water Garden News asked pond and water garden professionals how they make sure to receive payment. Here are their responses.

“We clearly define parameters with our clients. We have a clear understanding of expectations, and they have a clear understanding of when they need to pay us.”
Craig Rosales, owner, Lunaquatic, Los Angeles, Calif.

“For consults, we charge a fee, and we require payment up front. We require one-third of the payment at contract, one-third when the materials arrive at the jobsite and the last third at completion and final walk-through with the homeowner.”
Peter Stopen, CEO, Pondview Landscaping Inc. Brick, N.J.

“I get my costs up front. I am not losing anything if I don’t get the rest.”
Edward Taylor, owner, E.T. Scapes, El Mirage, Ariz.

“We get a credit card number beforehand. For larger projects, we get 50 percent down, too. Once we started taking credit cards, our outstanding receivables were not really a problem anymore.”
Daniel Iverson, president, Spring Creek Landscapers, Waleska Ga.

“Sign a contract when they decide to go with the installation. We do the consult and, once they decide for sure, they sign.”
Andrew Gerber, owner, Premier Scapes, Savoy Ill.

“We have them sign a contract before we start anything. We do the consultations, put the estimate together and create the contract.”
Matt Turner, owner, Turner Landscaping LLC, Springfield, Ohio

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May/June 2009 Issue

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