Economy Isn’t Weeding Out Lawn Care Service Customers

Attentive, personal service keeps 'do-it-for-me' customers in a DIY economy



    HOLMDEL, N.J., Aug. 14 /EMWNews/ -- In the current economy, with

daily living expenses like food and gas prices rising, many consumers are

looking for ways to cut "luxury" spending, particularly services they're

paying someone else to do. In fact, Consumer Reports' National Research

Center said in May of this year 45 percent of consumers admit adopting a

"do-it-yourself" mentality and use their leisure time to learn new skills.



    However, Lawn Doctor, the nation's leading expert in lawn care, hasn't

felt the effects of the struggling economy, and maintains its high customer

retention rate for the eighth consecutive year. More than three-fourths of

Lawn Doctor's customers renew their services after seeing the results the

company delivers during a year's time.



    Retention rates serve as indicators of efficiency, employee

productivity and service quality. Consumers that utilize service businesses

test the services during a year and then make the decision to remain with

that company, seek another or perform the task themselves. In the case of

Lawn Doctor, the company's strategy for keeping customers is

service-focused, setting them apart from the competition. Lawn Doctor's

nearest competition in the lawn services industry for customer retention

rates comes in at 67 percent.



    The Holmdel, N.J.-based company attributes its steadily high retention

rate to increased referrals, incentives and focusing on its customers. All

of Lawn Doctor's locations are franchises owned by local entrepreneurs and

customers typically speak with local owners for service recommendations and

questions, vastly different from a large company's customer service call

center thousands of miles away. The company's services are cost-efficient

at a price lower than a monthly cable bill. Often neighbors observe the

results of Lawn Doctor's services and seek it out for their property --

supporting the Consumer Reports' finding that 64 percent of consumers

believe their neighbor has the most attractive lawn on the block.



    "Lawn Doctor has established a reputation as a service-oriented company

that is respectful of our clients. We genuinely pay attention to homeowners

and their property, and don't waste their time attempting to sell

additional products or services," said Paul Mumm, Marketing Director for

Lawn Doctor. "Lawn Doctor consistently provides all of our clients with

personal, customized service and promises a great looking, healthy lawn."



    Lawn Doctor has been in the lawn care service industry for more than 40

years and has had a steadily inclining customer retention rate,

particularly over the past decade. To maintain its growth, the company is

further improving services with proactive surveys for existing customers

and additional employee training for improved consumer communication.

    About Lawn Doctor



    For 40 years, Lawn Doctor has been a pioneer in the nation's lawn care

service industry with innovative equipment, scientifically proven

fertilization and horticultural methods and personal attention to each

customer's lawn through locally owned and operated franchises. Through its

comprehensive Web site, Lawn Doctor is a top resource for lawn care

information in the country. For more information, visit

http://www.lawndoctor.com.






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