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 THE INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY OF DOG WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES

Scoopers & Friends Discussion Board Archives

Messages archived from the Scoopers & Friends Discussion Board, going back to May of 1998. The discussion board board is an online forum about the business of pet-waste removal. Browse the messages, CLICK HERE TO SEARCH by keyword, or click here to participate in current discussions.

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Page Sixty-Six

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 07-Nov-00 09:12:40

Combinations / Other business concepts

Fellow Entre-manuers,

Obviously we all scoop poop. However, I imagine there are quite a few scoopers out there that offer additional services related to this industry, "fecal waste removal" such as dog walking, shampooing, sitting, lawn maintenance, pool maintenance, trach clean up, leaf raking, etc.

Please share what other services you offer and how you've made out with the combination.

Thanks,
Red


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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 11-Nov-00 18:39:02

Re: Combinations / Other business concepts

Yes, I provide another pet related service, but it never gets posted and I have no idea how to get a hold of you!
Tim
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 12-Nov-00 17:48:42

Re: Re: Combinations / Other business concepts

Yea, sorry my pet butler email has been down for along time. The company I had it through sorta disappeared! It should be back in commission soon as should a killer little Pet Butler Web site!
I don't offer any other services but would love to hear from you and others that do. Please reply on the board for now or check out Jobs4Texas.com if you REALLY want to contact me directly. - I don't list my email on these postings anymore because I was getting a bunch of scooper wannabees writing and calling who were too lazy to even read the message board archives or buy Matthew's book. Don't get me wrong, I love helping people but I just ask for them to use a little common sense and do some homework before attempting to milk me of the info./ knowledge that cost me thousands to acquire.
Talk with you soon,
Red
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 12-Nov-00 12:24:28

Re: Combinations / Other business concepts

I tried to post this a couple days ago and it never showed up, so I'll try again. I own a petsitting service that provides daily dog walking, vacation care, overnight petsitting and poopscooping. The poopscooping hasn't quite taken off, but that's okay because the petsitting end of things keeps me more than busy.
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 30-Nov-00 22:08:42

Re: Combinations / Other business concepts

This may be a bit extreme, but ever think of human poop?
Pet Poop is my "on the side business" but my full time employment is pumping septic tanks for a local, well reputable enterprise. Good money in the sanitation business!!!
I can certainly help if you're interested!!
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 06-Nov-00 23:17:43

A new business owner question....

I will be starting my business after i get all of my facts straight, but need one last detail. My NAME! I would like to use DP Services, DP are my own initials, and also goes with dog poop! Should i just have that as my name, and have my logo under my biz cards and brochures say Dog Waste Removal Service? Should i add that to my DP Services? I have been reading my new book, and this came up! I have been reading this message board for weeks now too! I have gotten alot of great advice, and i am just happy that i will be one of the only people in Washington State to be doing this!

Thanks alot,
DP
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 07-Nov-00 08:59:57

Re: A new business owner question....

Hi D.P.

No offense, but I really think your name MUST tell people what you do or at least allude to it. If you use "DP Services" you may like the name and feel good about it that it is your initials AND that it stands for "Dog Poop" but you'll be the only one - It will cost you a lot of $$$$.

BOLIWS!,
-That stands for "Best of luck in Washington State! - but I'm sure you already knew that... :)

Red
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 12-Nov-00 20:35:11

Re: A new business owner question....

Hi DP........this may be late in the game to answer your question, but maybe you're still checking for responses. I agree with Red about making it easy for potential customers to be able to see your business name and have an idea what your business is. My husband and I thought of the name "Barefoot Backyards" because one night we were in our backyard tiptoeing around (we have 3 dogs!) in the dark. It's not fun to step in it with shoes on much less with your BARE FEET! The good thing about this type of service is you can really have fun with the names and slogans. Good luck!
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 04-Nov-00 10:57:12

WE'RE IN BUSINESS!!

Hello everyone!

Pooches' Pickup Service is officially OPEN for business in the Aventura (North Miami Beach), Florida area.

We may be reached at (305) 692-8949 or via E-mail at litangel@bellsouth.net.

Having clean play areas for our two little inspirations, our Chinese Pugs, Isaac & Alexis (a/k/a "Sexy Lexy") and being tired of stomping in doggie poo poo has led us into this business solution . . .

Pugs and kisses,


Ric & Linda :-) :)
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 02-Nov-00 11:43:49

Seasonal "steppin' out" Shoe Protection!

Wow, or Eureka!! I have discovered a product that really makes it easier to walk the walk in Fall leaves...and probably the first light Winter's snows. DISPOSABLE "BOOTIES!" My husband, who still has a real job, is the Customer Service Manager at an upper-end residential development here in Reno---and he requires all workers to wear them as they finish detailing new homes (saves the new carpet & flooring). Well, when I saw all these burly guys padding around in their little blue booties (after the giggles subsided), I flashed on the possibilities for us in the field. This is the only time of the year I step in it. My route takes much longer because the leaf covering slows my search down and then I have to stop and clean my shoes (and also the required swearing time interferes)

Okay---here's the scoop (so to speak). The company is "Pro Tect" in Chicago. Call 1-800-545-0826 with credit card (or they will ship C.O.D.). The blue, plastic booties have an elastic band for quick on and off...one size fits all. They come in packages of 25 ($7.50 + shipping/handling), 50 ($14.00 + s/h) and 100 ($25 + s/h). You will have them in 3 or 4 days after ordering. They are too pricey to use year round, but for seasonal tiptoe-ing, (& even then, not every client has a yard full of leaves), they are great. They are disposable as you would want a new pair for each yard. I now keep a fresh(!) pair in my pocket at all times. You never know where that "mutt mine," with your name on it, is lurking...

May the Poops be with you all (but not on your shoes),

Tricia


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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 04-Nov-00 12:34:48

Re: Seasonal

Hello, Tricia.

Great idea (disposable booties)!

I sent a letter to you a while ago (wherein I enclosed my pre-stamped return envelope) for your Cheap Marketing Tricks: A-Z, but still have NOT received it . . . (hmmm)

Could you PLEASE forward this info along to us at your EARLIEST opportunity?

Thanks!

Ric & Linda
Pooches' Pickup Service
Aventura (North Miami Beach), Florida

Our Mascots: Isaac & Alexis (Chinese Pugs)
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 15-Nov-00 08:40:22

Re: Seasonal

Hi Tricia,

I like your idea. I do have a less expensive solution I use Totes. They really are handly and easy to clean.

As for your product, that would be perrrfect for going into peoples homes for cat box cleaning !

Best Wishes Barry
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 02-Nov-00 11:25:31

Scooper Sevice Wanted in North Miami Area

If anyone knows of pooper-scooper service in the N. Miami Beach Area please send me an e-mail or call 305-936-5940. mjw18@netzero.net
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 30-Oct-00 02:48:21

What's everyone up to?

What's everyone up to?
The board seems so quiet latley?
The leaves are falling making the yards a little harder.
Hopefully this weekend they were able to get out and take care of them.
Well, winter coming and so are the holidays, Everyone ready?
Debbie - Yucko's Pooper Scooper Service
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 30-Oct-00 08:59:44

Re: What's everyone up to?

Hi Debbie,

You're definitely right, I check the message board at least 4 or 5 times per day and when it is updated once every 5 days I get a little discouraged and bothered. I guess not many of the experienced scoopers check it.

I don't have much of a problem with leaves. And as for the time of year, this is my primetime!
I'm excited about the holidays and even more excited about the growth I'm seeing. (Everytime a new "Get-Rich-Quick Scooper Wanna-Be quits the business, I get some of his/her orphaned customers!

I'm Always Down in the "Dumps"!
Red

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 02-Nov-00 11:50:05

Re: Re: What's everyone up to?

Hey Red...

Of course you don't have a problem with leaves...has Texas even HEARD of trees?!? However, to be fair, I bet you have other challenges. I have heard it said that in Texas, you can be standing knee deep in mud and have the wind blowing dust in your face. True?!?

Tricia
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 31-Oct-00 07:37:44

Re: What's everyone up to?

Leaves have definintely been a pain for us. We find ourselves stepping in "it" much more often because the leaves make it so difficult to locate. Fortunately, as Debbie had hoped, last weekend quite a few clients did clean up their leaves. As scoop companies, we can always throw around the idea of removing the leaves too, for some extra revenue.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Nov-00 20:18:18

Re: Re: What's everyone up to?

I am going to start a pooper scooper business. I know my husband will freak out, but oddly enough. It is what I want to do. Please give me all your start up tips. Such as......"I wish someone would have told me......" Also, what is the best book for finding out about identifying illness, parasites, etc, in the dog doodie? Please let me know. Anxious to hear from you all.
Amy
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Nov-00 20:45:42

Great time of year

Haven't had TIME to come to the message board!
I have been encountering lotsa leaves - and profiting from every one of them to the tune of $7 per bag. I made an extra $100 bucks last week and figure there's $200 more out there for the asking.

I asked the people with big trees ahead of time and then just take another trash can, big bags and a rake. I target the places that the leaves fall quickly and pile up. Im not into raking 10000 sq ft to fill one bag. I have filled 4 bags in 40 minutes in an area of 2-3000 sq ft. That's $42/hr raking leaves.

I do lawns on occasion too. If the sun is up and I'm not working for clients, then I'm losing money. When I have 150 clients, I won't be doing lawns.

Happy Autumn
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 02-Nov-00 11:05:26

Re: What's everyone up to?

Hey Debbie...

My guess is that we are all REALLY busy now with the Fall leaves slowing us down, at the same time, Daylight Savings has ended and it is getting dark sooner. The pressure is on! Although I do have one of those Cave Climber's headband spotlight that I wear (really!) if I need to on that last client's yard---especially when it gets dark at 4:00pm (soon).

Also, I was hesitant for awhile recently, cuz the responses are showing up where they don't belong on the Board...and the new archives (after page 58) are all repeats! Matthew must be wearing some magnets or something. While we are cleaning up yards, I am sure he is trying to clean up these problems.

Tricia
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 29-Oct-00 07:29:05

Valuing scoop companies

I know it's not an exact science but how would you value a scoop company that has 100- 10 customers and grosses around $5,000 monthly? Many scoop companies are faced with the prospect of buying out other companies or selling their own.
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 31-Oct-00 08:14:48

Re: Valuing scoop companies

Check out www.nolo.com and www.arthurberry.com

They both discuss this.

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 31-Oct-00 12:43:54

Re: Valuing scoop companies

Hi Gene (the PoopScoopKing...)

Barnes & Noble stocks a paperback book that is helpful:
"What's it Worth---a guide to valuing a small business" by Lloyd R. Manning, (c)2000, $22.95. It is written for both the buyer and seller. Naturally, the businesses are more complex the Pooper Scooper companies, but it does explain about "Good Will" and other aspects involved.

When I sold my Boarding Cattery Resort after 10 years of successful business (even through a recession!), I used a "rule of thumb" guide to come up with a fair price: One Year's gross income (the highest, naturally)---PLUS---today's value of all equipment, supplies, (real estate, if applicable), and fixtures---PLUS---a Percentage for "Good Will" (which is a value placed on the good name or reputation of the business and the positioning within this type of business competition---usually achieved through diligent marketing practices!)---EQUALS---A fair asking price. I used the "Good Will" factor to round up the numbers. The buyer was impressed with all they saw and paid full price! I had also included a training time period and written & personal introductions to clients and supportive businesses. I sold my 3-year-old Pet Sitting Service business, with the same guidelines, for $10,000 (in 1987!) which was mostly a box of client file folders and lotsa "Good Will." After 16 years, that service business is still going strong.

In other words, you should always try to sell your business before moving on. No one should ever just "quit" their business, because Red will take over those "orphaned" clients---right Red?

Tricia
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Nov-00 11:12:05

Re: Re: Valuing scoop companies

Now Tricia,
You know I would NEVER do anything like that!...he he he...
Red
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 28-Oct-00 23:32:04

demographic studies

I want to do some studies on the demographics of my city so that I can find out where my most probable customers live. Where do I do research on the demographics of my city? Also, what are the statistics on scooper customers? What kind of income do most customers have? I know it gave some statistics in Matthew's book, but I want some other info. Also, what age group are most customers? Any kind of demographic information would be of great help. I will try to use my demographic information to better use my money for advertising.

Thanks for any input,

David Watson
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 31-Oct-00 08:20:12

Re: demographic studies

Check out http://www.census.gov/
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 28-Oct-00 06:08:40

pricing

what kind of rates do people charge?
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 30-Oct-00 13:42:34

Re: pricing

Read the archives---it's all there, over and over, and over again!
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 26-Oct-00 15:55:25

Services in West Los Angeles

Hello,
We are looking for providers of pooper-scooper services in the West Los Angeles area. If you offer services in this area or know of someone who does, please drop us a line. We would appreciate it greatly. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Erin and Xena
erin_and_xena@msn.com
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 25-Oct-00 19:48:48

Our Business in Orange County

Well we have decided to go for the poopin scoopin business. We already own a business that has failed. We are determined to make this work, so therefore we are taking this one step at a time and determining our costs and time we will be putting into this before we dive into things. We have ordered the book everyone talks about, called our business licenese office and local dump, priced supplies, and are in the process of looking into advertising. Also we are writting a business plan that is making us think of things we would have never thought of without it. Are there any other suggestions anyone could give us that we need to do before we start scooping? Like most of you, we can't afford to have this not work for us. Thanks for any imput.

Echo and Sheryl
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 26-Oct-00 20:53:19

Re: Our Business in Orange County

Read the archives.
Red
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 12-Nov-00 20:44:57

Re: Our Business in Orange County

Sounds like you guys have already done all the prep work! I found that once I actually got customers and got to work, things fell into place. I'm still learning new things that I didn't think of before hand. There's no way you can NOT succeed with this type of service. Good luck!
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 25-Oct-00 16:50:44

Reasons for pickup

Hi there! I am looking for information to print in my neighborhood's newletter to encourage people to pick up their dog's poop. I need facts about diseases spread, etc., by leaving poop laying around. Maybe if I gross them out it will work (doubtful, but worth a try). Does anyone have an info source?

I know you would rather they hire a professional pooper scooper, but if you don't mind, I'll try this first!

Thanks!
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 28-Oct-00 06:41:59

Re: Reasons for pickup

First, I guess I'd have to say that one reason it's important to clean up after dogs is the same as the reason we don't let our garbage "run its course" in our kitchens; the waste accumulates faster than it breaks down. Dog waste stays mostly intact, although somewhat smashed down and slightly spread out, for more than a year. It may not be an obvious pile from 20 feet away, but if you look you'll see that it's actually there for a long, long time.
As long as it's not cleaned up and disposed, it continues to accumulate and your yard is holding more and more dog poop every day. It's simply not going to break down that fast. In yards that have not been cleaned for over a year, I have many times removed *several hundred pounds* of old dog waste when I cleaned it up.
It is also established, though not broadly known, that dog waste in residential yards is a significant contributor to ground water pollution. Dog feces are potentially more dangerous with regard to parasites and pathogens, compared to the waste of herbivores. Water quality alerts and beach closings have sometimes been directly attributed to water runoff containing fecal coliform bacteria from the waste of pet dogs.
Of course, there are the flies. Without cleaning up after a dog in your back yard, your yard certainly is holding a hundred pounds or more of waste that attracts flies and other noxious insects. The flies lay their eggs in it and then move on and are joined by the thousands (millions?) of offspring they have left in the material you so generously made available to them.
In many communities there are laws requiring dog owners to clean up waste from their yards; maybe your city is among them.
If you have neighbors, of course they will be happy to not be living next to a yard filled with poop, too.
And the dog itself will enjoy a cleaner yard! The dog doesn't want to play in its own toilet, so to speak. I know that dogs are happier when they have a clean environment. If a yard is kept clean, dog will tend to poop in the same general area from day to day. If the waste is left to build up over time, the dog will tend to move further and furthur from that area, increasing the part of the yard that gets covered with poop.
Many veterinarians will cite additional important reasons for cleaning up your dog's waste; you might call your vet and find out what she has to say about the issue.
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 04-Nov-00 14:40:23

Re: Reasons for pickup

Thank YOU, Again Matt! That was some Excellent info and a SURE FIRE selling point to use in creating more business.......I'm sure gona put that one in my SAVE Files.

Pooches' Pickup Service
Ric ;-)
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 22-Oct-00 19:42:21

scooping

I have a part-time business picking up dog poop from area apartment complexes. I would like to set up pet relief stations but have not yet found economical supplier of bags and dispensers. Can anyone advise me?
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 28-Oct-00 06:52:10

Re: scooping

You might try http://www.dogtoilet.com/ or http://www.dogi-dogi.com

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 04-Nov-00 16:08:28

Re: scooping

I'm on a roll today! Here in South Florida we have Dispoz-A-Scoop, which are JUST GREAT for all dog owners.

They are made by Microlene Industries, Inc. and distributed by Petpro Products, Inc. (www.petpro-usa.com); out of Aventura, Florida -- (800) 937-6497.

Enjoy,

Ric & Linda
Pooches' Pickup Service
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 18-Oct-00 14:29:31

Fierce dogs

I'm getting closer to starting in southern Australia, and want to know what to do about fierce scary big dogs?
Rory
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 21-Oct-00 13:40:54

Re: Fierce dogs

-Get Matthew's book.
-Warn customers beforehand.
-Don't enter a yard if you are frightened.
-Carry your shovel for protection.
-Don't get into this business if you are afraid of any overly large or overly friendly dog that comes along. In 2.5 years and several hundred dogs, I've never met a fierce scary dog yet.
Best wishes,
Red
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 28-Oct-00 07:01:18

Re: Fierce dogs

In my experience, the dogs will usually be indoors. In those cases where the dogs are in the yard while you're working, most of them are easy to get along with. Here's an excerpt from a thread in the archives, called "Bad experiences with dogs"
--------------------------------------
Personally, I've only been bitten by a dog once in my whole life, as far as I can remember.
Generally, the dogs aren't a big problem; they are usually in the house, and the ones that are in the yard are usually friendly. But now and then there will be a dog that is not going to be safe to work with, so you'll have to make arrangements with the client to keep the dog restrained on the day you come for service.
There's a section on "Working With Dogs" in the manual I wrote. It talks about warning signs, etc.
I remember one time I got quite a scare... I was in the yard when two big dobermans came running out of the house, seemingly bent on eating me. I squatted down and kept my scooper and shovel out in front of me. They stopped right in front of me and just kept me from going anyplace until the owner came and got them. Good guard dogs! hehe
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 26-Dec-00 12:05:44

Re: Fierce dogs

Hi, I scoop for a young guy with two pitbulls, not big dogs, but known for not being the most friendly and they got let out by accident when I was in the yard ( the "yard" is only ten feet by
ten feet) with a tall fence all around and the gate was closed, so as they were comming to check me out, he was yelling at them to come back in and I looked the one in the front in the eyes and yelled no! no! you stay!stay! and I do mean yelled. Both dogs stopped dead in their tracks and went back in with the owner. Paula
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 05-Feb-01 10:49:58

Re: yard size

Kevin,

Over-sized yards should be charged more and their owners know that! Don't feel guilty for charging some multi-billionaire $20.00 more a week because he's got a huge lawn and tons of lawn mower land mines. Sure the quick jobs make up for some of the bigger jobs but don't cheat yourself.
One of my first customers had / has 4 golden retrievers (major product output!) and about an acre of ground to cover. I naively over priced it at $48.00 per week and after 2 years she is still delighted to pay it! This lawn takes me no more than 30 minutes but is obviously one of my favs. I have several more just like it that also pay comperable fees.
You don't need to raise your rates just because you have a big customer - just raise 'em for that one.

-Red