This Christmas tree lot is not as slow as we had anticipated it to be, we actually outsold 2 of our 3 other lots this past weekend, total sales is over 300 so far and the busy weekend is yet to come. One of the reasons for this is that we have become quite the salespeople. We try not to allow anyone to leave the lot without one, some people we just can’t talk into getting a tree from us, but many understand why our trees are higher than others and well worth it. Once we receive them from Oregon, within days of being cut, we drill them and put them in water on the lines. They are the freshest trees in the area, and we know this because Jerry goes secret shopping all the time just to see what others in the area are offering. Once they purchase a tree from us, we give their tree a fresh cut,
we shake it on the Shakee (a really neat invention, put a tree in this machine, turn it on and watch all the stuff come flying out),
then we net it,
then tie it or put it into your vehicle at no extra charge.
As I to explain to some folks, you get what you pay for and with us, you get the very best freshest tree with the very best customer service. What more can they ask for?
Only a few more weeks before we leave the area and head as quickly as possible to the desert, so we can dry up awhile before heading to Florida, where once again will be damp, but not as cold…we hope the cold snap has passed by the time we arrive.
Life certainly is grand and taking the time to enjoy each and every moment has been a very enlightening experience for us.
8 comments:
Thanks for a little insight to your working experience. We've thought about doing the Christmas Tree lot one season, but not sure it's really for us. Although being in decent shape, being 2 smallish women we're a little concerned about being able to handle the bigger trees. And we're also a little concerned about the security - being on a lot with no one else around in the middle of the night is a little frightening, again especially for 2 women. Have you encountered any issues?
It's good to read an update about your Christmas tree business. I imagine there's a knack to getting people to actually purchase a tree. It sounds like you offer a complete service along with a high quality tree. Hang in there for a couple more weeks!
One of the reasons we only work at a lot where we are actually managers, not doing all the work ourselves. Yes, there are times when we have to hump a tree, not the greatest time for me and as for Jerry, he would rather manage and not the hard labor either but we do it when it is necessary.
As for security, we have not had any problems with it at all this year, the area is great. Last year the area was a bit iffy and we were not comfortable at all...had to call the police twice...once for kids taking trees in the middle of the night and the second time was a drunken out of control customer. That is why we chose not to go back to that location again this year.
Asking lots of questions is very important, especially the location of the lot, are you fenced in and what is around the immediate area. Currently, we are next to a church, a few businesses and homes, all in the same area and the neigborhood is really nice. Last year we were located right next to a Taco Bell which had business until the wee hours in the morning and even though there were apartments right behind us, the area was known for it's drugs. We have learned to ask lots of questions.
After reading that I would buy a tree from you. Of course that would be if i wee in the area and needed a tree. :)
Those are some real pampered trees. I love the way you always take your work so seriously. Shows what type people you are in life.
Well who knew? I had no idea all that went into it! It must be delightful seeing the smiling faces as they choose their tree, knowing how beautiful the tree will be once all decorated, providing the memories for yet another year.
K
http://seashellsandoveralls.blogspot.com
Good luck in Florida...hope you get to warm up and dry out when you get there..once we get on the road, Florida will be our first winter site.
This was such an interesting post. I enjoyed learning about the tree lot business and can easily see why you are doing so well, what with all the extra services you offer.
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