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Thread: Coronavirus + Business + You

  1. #76
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Quote Originally Posted by NLALM View Post
    So am I , if some of these scum bags got caught it may make some of the other scum bags either close shop or start doing it legally like the rest of us , and the bigger the fine the better
    Yep, witnessed the classic one today. BMW X5 ( clearly his parents) with a P plate, rusted 6x4 trailer maybe 20 years old with no rego plate. Ryobi battery powered mower and the matching bent shaft line trimmer, obviously bought recently as a bundle deal at Bunnings.

    Now the best bit.., dressed with footy shorts, runners, Jim Beam T-Shirt. No PPE worn, ie muffs, gloves, glasses etc. The job he was on looked like it hadn’t been mowed in weeks, knee high and edges overgrown running down and over the gutter.

    I finished my regular over the road including nature strip, front area, backyard with grass collected all in approx 45 mins.

    This joker, who looked about 18 years old, not that there is anything wrong with that, had only done 1 side of the overgrown edge and it looked like s#*t trying to do it with it with a battery powered line trimmer.

    I drove off thinking he’ll b there for hours...! What a winner..!

    Will check it out next time I’m there and drop off a business card because surely he won’t b back...

  2. #77
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Quote Originally Posted by stptow View Post
    here in nz i am 2 weeks into lockdown, as mowing not essential service. have claimed govt subsidy for small businesses & sole traders so at least have some funds coming in.had 1 customer who has 30 houses email that even if it goes to level 3 restrictions that i may not be allowed on any property.
    Good to hear from our friends in New Zealand again, even if the times are not so good. At least both our countries are away from the worst that this virus is dishing up.
    Hopefully that gov subsidy kicks in quickly for you.

    Even when N/Z does lift the severity of stage 4 restrictions the economy has been hit, business/residential confidence is down to rock bottom and there finances are in disarray.
    Plus we have Winter fast appproaching.

    In my old career in snr retail management, sales were always at a low across Winter until about the time the AFL final series started kicking in when they lifted.
    Let alone a lawnie mowing lawns in winter with no growth and thick frost covering what ever grass/weeds are there.

    Stage 3 over here allows us to still work as you've read, even though clients losses are high and occuring daily.
    Thank goodo's for 25 deg today and 26 tomorrow and 20+ next week. Along with all those Bewdiful Autumn leaves still to drop in large numbers, love Maples and Ornamental Pear Trees. Provided we get to clean them up and not all the teenage kids out of school.

    Chin up stptow and hope you make it through the virus and winter..
    Cheers Garry

  3. #78
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    I was just telling to my wife how the 2 clients who wanted to talk to me the most today are both aged in there mid 60's to early seventies one has had cancer about 4 years ago and a quadruple bypass after a heart attack less than 18 months ago and the other one has ms, I think some people just don't get it
    Anything Ian says may or may not be garbage, it may also be his own opinion or it may not be his opinion at all, it may just be something he felt like stating anyone following his advice does so at their own risk and may be doing something Ian would actually advise against.
    And if you don't like what Ian has to say use the ignore function if you don't know how ask i will gladly tell you

  4. #79

    Smile Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Quote Originally Posted by ian View Post
    I was just telling to my wife how the 2 clients who wanted to talk to me the most today are both aged in there mid 60's to early seventies one has had cancer about 4 years ago and a quadruple bypass after a heart attack less than 18 months ago and the other one has ms, I think some people just don't get it
    Yep Cant hear much at the best of times but with radio earmuffs on can't hear anything

  5. #80
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Quote Originally Posted by ian View Post
    I was just telling to my wife how the 2 clients who wanted to talk to me the most today are both aged in there mid 60's to early seventies one has had cancer about 4 years ago and a quadruple bypass after a heart attack less than 18 months ago and the other one has ms, I think some people just don't get it
    ian,

    Was that aimed at me??
    Cheers Garry

  6. #81
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Ian,
    Your post was uncalled for and a sharp dig for no reason within a forum topic swiftly followed by John for some support reason. (radio headsets work fine too)
    My wife has a terrible progressive genetic condition that hit her at 49, she just turn 59 the other day.

    Her condition has worsened over time and got more advanced 2.5yrs ago to the point of losing her job, ability to drive and walk unaided.
    Her main 3 conditions is called Cellerbellum Ataxia, also has Spinocerebellar Atrophy and Nystagmus (google it).
    It’s very similar to MN & MS with similar outcomes and a life expectancy of 75yrs max.

    She has had many MRI scans and treated by our local Neurologist and we were lucky to have Professor Storey Chief in Charge of Neurology and Cardio at Alfred Hospital treat her.
    Currently she has been Vic/H/Dept approved for full genic and autosomal genic breakdown testing at the Austin Melb/Royal Children Genic unit which I drive her to for appointments.
    She has in writing from her Neurologist that she will be Wheelchair bound very soon.

    We have set up a comprehensive home gym 2 yrs ago in co-ordination with the Hospital OT to do everything we can to keep strength/co-ordination in her legs to delay the wheelchair.
    I do my absolute best to be a husband/carer/provider and maintain a level of self-employment to keep all things going at our home.

    The easy path for me is to apply to Centrelink to be a paid Carer. Many including doctors/Centrelink have told me to take this path but I have resisted. I don’t leave for work until my wife is Ok and I return home during the day where possible to make sure she is ok and finish by 2.30pm or earlier everyday to assist her.

    Currently she can’t,
    Drive, Walk unaided, leave the house, not even walk to the front letterbox. Even using a walker is no guarantee that she won’t fall. Many grab rails and balustrades have been installed to allow some safer movement about the house and to the outside alfresco table.

    Speak properly or deliver a fluid sentence like we can.
    Can’t speak in public or retreats from public re anxiety or leave home without anxiety and is on med’s for it.
    Is losing Executive function and Cognitive function to some degree.

    I prepare all her meals and of course cook every night’s full dinner. I even have to deliver that meal to her seated position as she can’t hold a plate and attempt to walk to the table at the same time.
    When she puts a coffee cup or plate down, it’s not a soft landing but a crash landing. Or can’t put a plate/cup in a draw without clipping the draw outer edges.
    I do washing, house work and drive her to all doctors/specialist, chemists, psychologist and shopping outings. Already she needs some personal care help and can fall getting out of bed.
    She will develop swallowing problems and one day have a stomach peg.
    I work my backside of to make this tick over and fear what the next 5 yrs will deliver and beyond. As I know what changes have occurred in the last 2.5yrs.

    I will never return to this forum again for both of your uncalled for comments. You have one less contributor here now
    Cheers Garry

  7. #82
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Cont;

    I got locked out of editing the last post, Genic is Genetic, Cellerbellum is Cerebellum or Cerebellar, made some other slight spelling mistakes as I was trembling when I typed it.

    Nystagmus is the brain's neuron signals progressively failing to controls my wife's eyes. Causing her éyes to move in different directions to each eye involuntary, sometimes they both individually flicker around on different paths. Other times they do very rapid horizontal strobe type movements that cause blurred vision whilst seeing faint double vision, always worse at night. This has been filmed and presented to the neurologist, she can shake her head to temporarily stop it for now.'

    The other concerning thing is the neurons controlling her nerves system cause random brief body tremors in different parts of the body every 20sec's when she lays down to sleep in bed. Used to be every 40 sec's 2.5yrs ago, again filmed for Neurologist to see.
    So with this Nystagmus issue getting progressively worse which is a spin off from Cerebellum Ataxia along with Gait issues, it's a challenge we both deal with.

    There's no cures for her conditions, it will just get worse and we will both adapt further more as we do now. Then I'll have to pull the pin on mowing when it becomes too dangerous to leave her alone. We are not that far from that situation.
    So in the past when I've said here, I may stop mowing or slow down the business, that is why. I've put on a very brave face often in the forum and have kept my wife's condition private until now after your comments.


    But we are the lucky ones, as during the last to visit to Austin Hospital genetic unit 2019 for another Genetic test result due to new advancements in genetic testing. We clashed within the waiting room area appointment time wise with many severely unfortunate mutated gene people and their families. This put things in the perspective that we were the lucky people.
    The many genetic testing trips have been mainly for the sake of my two daughters who are under 30. If the damaged gene can be found, it could be tested for in both my daughters. Either blocked or repaired and if not repairable, then if one of my daughters had the 50% chance damaged gene she would choose not to have children.

    So the reference made "I think some people just don't get it". Rest assured Ian and John, I get it (we get it) and can hear it far more than you both it would appear. Unless you both have some private personal things related to this disability talk which would change matters somewhat to what as to how I have replied.

    Guess this Corona post topic is ruined now.

    Stay Safe & Well Everyone
    Cheers Garry

  8. #83
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Hi Garry I have no idea what you are talking about my post was just a statement of what happened in regard to social distancing and clients that i spoke to today and was placed in a thread on the virus and had nothing to do with you what so ever, but with your response and personal attack on myself I do think you may need to speak someone about paranoia.
    This thread is about the virus and business in regards to the virus and was not even started by you so I can not understand how you could in anyway think either my or Johns statements were directed at you or anyone else on this forum hope you your wife and the rest of the family stay safe.
    P.S. I also have members of my and my wife's families who are in extreme danger if they contract the disease so don't appreciate your post or your accusations in the least
    Anything Ian says may or may not be garbage, it may also be his own opinion or it may not be his opinion at all, it may just be something he felt like stating anyone following his advice does so at their own risk and may be doing something Ian would actually advise against.
    And if you don't like what Ian has to say use the ignore function if you don't know how ask i will gladly tell you

  9. #84
    Senior Member Chris B's Avatar
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Quote Originally Posted by The Edge View Post
    Yep, witnessed the classic one today. BMW X5 ( clearly his parents) with a P plate, rusted 6x4 trailer maybe 20 years old with no rego plate. Ryobi battery powered mower and the matching bent shaft line trimmer, obviously bought recently as a bundle deal at Bunnings.

    Now the best bit.., dressed with footy shorts, runners, Jim Beam T-Shirt. No PPE worn, ie muffs, gloves, glasses etc. The job he was on looked like it hadn’t been mowed in weeks, knee high and edges overgrown running down and over the gutter.

    I finished my regular over the road including nature strip, front area, backyard with grass collected all in approx 45 mins.

    This joker, who looked about 18 years old, not that there is anything wrong with that, had only done 1 side of the overgrown edge and it looked like s#*t trying to do it with it with a battery powered line trimmer.

    I drove off thinking he’ll b there for hours...! What a winner..!

    Will check it out next time I’m there and drop off a business card because surely he won’t b back...
    Or maybe he was just mowing his grandmother's place? Haha

  10. #85
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Ian,

    Thanks for your reply, if that’s your honest reply and I accept that it is. Please accept my apologises to you fully and for any uneasiness I have caused.
    I too have a family member (daughter) who is exposed to Corona in a medical consulting treatment face to face enviro. But not in a Hospital work place, but has a chronic lung condition who is off work presently quite sick with a chest infection awaiting tests. So I understand where you are coming re that.

    I wish you and your family all the best too in this current environment and on the other side.

    I will move away from the forum re posting.
    Stay Safe and Well.
    Cheers Garry

  11. #86
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Good day viewers long time no see lol just a reminder that from next Monday you can apply for the job keeper via the myGovID to get the 1500 a fortnight if your business has a 30% reduction ... what they say is if your April/ June bad quarter is less than last years similar quarter ... for us it’s easy as our schools and large companies that have requested a reduction in services ... what I can gather you would have to be gst registered and let’s face it that’s only 300 bucks a day to achieve a 5 day week to get to the 75k a year.
    our business is a partnership ( good wife and I ) so only one person can get it ... each employee also gets the 1500 as well so pretty good outcome for this hard times ... our domestic market is cool no one is concerned it’s some of the big commercials that are cutting back especially if they are closed down ..I guess talking to a lot of contractors everyone is different ... yes the cash guys not putting through the books are laughing but that’s ok ... next year gst is rumoured to go to 15% so that puts us above board business behind in getting new work ... but that’s ok we have a family member who is a ato investigator and say the hotline for anyone who cares to dob in cashie cowboys will be followed up ...I will not have any problems in dobbing in a cowboy cashiers that undercut us no problem at all ....
    so yes life is still great at 65 I’ve got 5 more years left in me maybe a few more ... 32 years in this business I’ve never been so focused in moving forward... I’ve a grandson that is so keen in horticulture that I would love to take Over and do so much better than me. I am actually excited and this downtime with the covid has out a fantastically outlook for the future ... missing the fcking footy though .. sainters were in for a big year lol

    stay safe people things on the other side will be good.. we have learnt so much from this ( go fck you’re self China ) our close ties to family values have taken a new path .. just my two cents worth anyway

  12. #87
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Pretty sure you don't have to be GST registered just a registered business also turnover is based on same period last year,so with the drought last year I think I would need to drop about 60-70% of current income, now June,July and August I might qualify or stage 4 then I can take the 1st paid holiday in over 20 years
    Anything Ian says may or may not be garbage, it may also be his own opinion or it may not be his opinion at all, it may just be something he felt like stating anyone following his advice does so at their own risk and may be doing something Ian would actually advise against.
    And if you don't like what Ian has to say use the ignore function if you don't know how ask i will gladly tell you

  13. #88
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Quote Originally Posted by ian View Post
    Pretty sure you don't have to be GST registered just a registered business also turnover is based on same period last year,so with the drought last year I think I would need to drop about 60-70% of current income, now June,July and August I might qualify or stage 4 then I can take the 1st paid holiday in over 20 years
    You could be right there it’s just I received notification from the ato to use my business portal via the myGovID ... that’s the portal u use for BAS ... to apply for the job keeper , can’t see anywhere where can apply other than there

  14. #89
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Only one customer called to cancel a service because she lost her job. Told her i would do it for free until this is over, so havent really lost a customer.

    I told customers months back i am reducing services to a minimum for safety reasons and i think that has helped. pushing the lawns out a extra week or two.

    Plenty of work out there maybe some need to drop the rate. Alot of workers have had pay cuts or losty there job. You cant expect to get top dollar during a finacial crissis, just making a basic wage and covering expenses and being safe is the key. The business surviving with a customer base at the end of this is the goal.


    Im prepaired to half the rate to keep customers but havent had to maybe because im doing them less often anyway.

  15. #90
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    Default Re: Coronavirus + Business + You

    Quote Originally Posted by Macka View Post
    Only one customer called to cancel a service because she lost her job. Told her i would do it for free until this is over, so havent really lost a customer.

    I told customers months back i am reducing services to a minimum for safety reasons and i think that has helped. pushing the lawns out a extra week or two.

    Plenty of work out there maybe some need to drop the rate. Alot of workers have had pay cuts or losty there job. You cant expect to get top dollar during a finacial crissis, just making a basic wage and covering expenses and being safe is the key. The business surviving with a customer base at the end of this is the goal.


    Im prepaired to half the rate to keep customers but havent had to maybe because im doing them less often anyway.
    I see where you comming from and yes a noble thing to do I our case we are talking about commercial properties / schools that have cut back because of there budgets , some premises are work 750 a week so when that’s out back to monthly it’s hurts also many of office complexes that have completely closed are deferring derive a so we don’t have the option of halving rates ... good onya for looking laterally that’s what good businesses do but unfortunately we don’t have that available so job keeper will help heaps

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