I Hate Being Suspicious

But it’s the reality of the world we live in.

Two young-ish guys knocked on my door the other day and asked if I’d like to have my grass cut. I have a company that comes out on a regular basis and they were here a week ago. The yard has grown since then, but it still looks nice and manicured.

What made me suspicious about these two is a) they weren’t wearing any sort of uniform or identification on a t-shirt b) their SUV didn’t have any sort of label or magnet or identification that says “hey, I’m in the lawn business” c) they weren’t towing a trailer of lawn equipment d) they bypassed my neighbor’s yard that is about a month and a half overdue for a haircut e) they immediately and quickly left my neighborhood after I said no thanks. They didn’t offer me a flier or anything with their company name or anything either.

Now I know that not everyone is going to form a company for a summer lawn service. But how hard is it to put your names, contact info, services, and pricing on a sheet of paper to hand out? Heck, the 13 year old boy down the street did it.

Here are a few other things that I think they could’ve done better (if they were legit, which I get the feeling they weren’t.)

Go to Walmart and drop $5 on matching T-shirts. It’s not much of a uniform, but it would show me you’re serious and the tiniest bit professional.
Create a flier (black and white will do.)
Order a magnet for your car doors from Vista Print. I think you can even get these free.
While you’re soliciting, go to each door… not just random houses. And no, my house wasn’t the only one with a car out front. If you actually want to make money, stop by each house.

Stay safe out there Wolfpack! If you see suspicious activity, make sure to let your neighbors know so they can keep an eye out. And/or contact the police!