It's SAD, but the reality is that some customers will not pay for their services

Here are real-world ways to prevent non-payment from lawn care customers:

1. Always use written agreements.
Even if it’s short and simple, a signed service agreement sets clear expectations about pricing, service frequency, and payment terms (like Net 7, Net 14, “payment due after service,” etc.).

2. Require upfront payment (or partial deposits).
Especially for new customers, you can ask for the first month up front, or require prepayment for services in bundles (e.g., 4 cuts at a time).

3. Offer auto-pay options.
Encourage customers to put a card on file. Many CRMs can automatically bill after each service or monthly.

4. Invoice immediately after service.
Don’t wait days to send an invoice — send it the same day you finish the work. Strike while the value is fresh in their mind.

5. Have clear late payment policies.
Spell it out in your agreement: “Late payments incur a $10 late fee after 7 days” (or whatever fits your business). Then actually enforce it.

6. Screen your customers.
You can quickly tell who’s going to be a “red flag” — people who haggle a lot, seem sketchy, or seem slow to commit are often slow to pay, too. Trust your gut.

7. Keep service records.
Take before/after photos of the lawn (especially for first-time customers). That way, if someone tries to dispute, you have proof the work was done.

8. Communicate clearly and professionally.
A lot of non-payment issues come from poor communication. Confirm schedules, pricing, and services upfront, preferably in writing (email or text).

9. Incentivize good payment behavior.
Offer a small discount (like 5%) if customers sign up for auto-pay or prepay the season.

10. Pause service if unpaid.
Don’t let overdue accounts drag on. After a set time (say, 14 days), stop mowing until payment is caught up. This gives you leverage.

Bonus tip:
If you do mostly residential work, offering seasonal packages (flat monthly payments, all-inclusive mowing) can stabilize cash flow and reduce chasing payments week to week.

Buy INNOVATING items for your business: http://bit.ly/40rni5u
use code: BLADES10 for savings!

BUY ITEMS IN THIS VIDEO: AMAZON STORE: https://amzn.to/40nTFSr

Business marketing: http://bit.ly/3wQ7Xh5

ISO Headphones: https://bit.ly/3oH6ILU
use code: "BLADES10" for $10 OFF!

KUJO BOOTS & Pants: https://www.kujo.com?promo=blades10

Trailer/ Trimmer/ Blower Racks: EQUIPMENT DEFENDER RACKS: https://www.equipmentdefender.com/ "BLADES10" 10% OFF

Motorized Chute blocker: https://the-green-guard.com/
"BLADES10" $10 OFF!

Marketing materials: https://lddy.no/ujd4

Buy SHIRTS: https://www.fin-print.com/blades-of-g...
use BLADES10 as your password!

Do you want To Send Us A Product Or Equipment To showcase/ review?
Email us @ [email protected]

Subscribe to our Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPIZ...

#lawnmowing #lawncare #lawnmower