Hourly Profit?

[Lasher66]

Hi,
I started my lawn business about 3 years ago. I got about $18,000 invested not counting my truck i use. I work by myself and cut about 40 lawns a week (mostly residential). I was wondering if I could get some input on what most grass cutters try to average as an hourly rate. My lawns range from $25 to $50 a cut and I average about $30 to $40 and hour. Is this a reasonable rate? Thanks for any input.

Lasher66

[Phil Nilsson]

reply

Really depends on the size of the lawns and the market as to what you get for a mowing which in turn relates to sales per hour. Most people I know will do between $50 and $70 per hour with residential ... for lawns in the 10,000 to 15,000 square foot range. Like saying that one man can cut two $35 lawns in an hour if they're close by to each other. With commercial the dollars per hour for mowing can average out lower. What is the average size of your lawns, and are you operating in an affluent market?


Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates Consultants
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[Scaper-S2k]

reply

$1.00 per minute per man over the minimum charge you have to show up.

So, you have a minimum for even the smallest lawn. Say $30 if you are there up to 20 minutes.

If the lawn takes you 30 minutes, it's $40 for just you, $50 (10 minutes * 2 guys) if it is you and another guy.


That was a close estimate. However, we have gotten into almost all commercial (many small jobs) and the rates are usually about $2.00 per minute per man over a minimum.

You have to come up with your own start out price.

Personally, I would always shoot for at least $1.00 per minute per man for residential.

Don't Fear the Green!

[marty wright]

reply

here in dallas fort worth im booking all i can handle at 88 per hour for a 2 man crew in mid to high end residential. I have a new crew doing low end and small commercial jobs any thing extra is billed extra the profits on these are more than the straight billing on my residential lower cost labor and all very fast. This is the niche im going to work hardest at expanding

we mow all week so you can relax all weekend

[Phil Nilsson]

reply

Marty,
If you're interested (or if anybody is interested) in expanding services to those upscale residentials send me an email. I'd like to send you a website link that may be of interest. It's a company that offers a "one stop shop" approach to maximize the homeowner annual revenues. Be happy to send the link to anybody who wants it.

Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates Consultants
Visit Lawn Service & Landscaping Book Store

Edited by - phil nilsson on Apr 24 2002 06:58:15 AM

[asmit764]

reply

Phil

I'd like to see that website.

ALS

S & D Lawnservice and Landscaping
Essex Jct., Vt 05452

[Phil Nilsson]

reply

Okay S&D I sent it anybody else wants it ... let me know. It's a real full service outfit doing very well, one stop, fully diversified, sells rather low skill, easy learn stuff but high repeat bizz services.

Phil Nilsson
Nilsson Associates Consultants
Visit Lawn Service & Landscaping Book Store