Plant Availability Substitution Suggestions
When a plant on a job is out of stock or unavailable, this lays out substitution options drawn from what the owner says is available, and writes a short note the owner can send to the customer for approval.
Before and after
Substitution options for Hannah Tucker, 4129 Ivyworth St, Clayland
Unavailable: Sprite sweetspire, 6 plants, 5 gal, quoted at $38 each ($228 total). Location: north fence line, morning sun then shade, damp soil.
Option 1: Virginia sweetspire, 5 gal, $42 each
- Difference: $4 per plant, $24 for 6
- New line total: $252
- 8 are in stock, so all 6 can be filled.
Option 2: Oakleaf hydrangea, 5 gal, $56 each
- Difference: $18 per plant, $108 for 6
- New line total: $336
- Only 4 in stock, so it would cover 4 of the 6 spots.
Option 3: Dwarf fothergilla, 3 gal, $34 each
- Difference: minus $4 per plant, minus $24 for 6
- New line total: $204
- Smaller pot size than the original 5 gal. 10 in stock.
We recommend Option 1. It fills all 6 spots in the same 5 gal size as the original, and it is the smallest price increase of the options that cover every spot. We still need to confirm with the nursery that it suits the damp fence line and the look Hannah wanted.
Customer note:
Hi Hannah, this is Lynnworth Landscaping. The nursery is out of the Sprite sweetspire for your north fence line. We recommend Virginia sweetspire in the same 5 gallon size. It would raise your total by $24, from $228 to $252. I have two other options if you would like to see them. We will not change anything until you approve. Please let me know by Friday so we can pick up plants on Monday. You can reach me at 402-555-0192.
Questions for the owner
- Mature size, flower color, and moisture tolerance of each option were not given. Please confirm with the nursery that they fit the 3 ft spacing, the damp soil, and the white flowers Hannah wanted.
- Do you want to offer a mix of Option 1 and Option 2 (for example 4 oakleaf and 2 Virginia sweetspire)? If so, give me the look you want.
What it does
When a plant on a job is out of stock or unavailable, this lays out substitution options drawn from what the owner says is available, and writes a short note the owner can send to the customer for approval.
Use it when: Use when a landscaper's nursery or supplier is out of a plant on a planting plan or quote and the owner needs substitution options to offer the customer, such as: plant is not available, nursery is out of stock, need a substitute for this shrub, what can I swap in.