Is this robbery?

[1Badhawk]

I downloaded from some site (cant remember) a good excel estimate worksheet. Based on my hourly rate, I worked up my first estimate today for a property and Im not sure if im in the right ball park or not.
Residential
1.5 Acre = .75 open field no obstructions, .75 has 4 large mulch beds, and 3 mulched trees and a 3'x12 flower bed and about 8-10 trees
80' of driveway and 20' sidewalk

She wants weekly cuts, edgings, spring & fall cleanup, mulch, & 3 fertilization.

I figure she'd use 3-4 yards of mulch and about a 4 hour spring cleaning.

Based on the estimate sheet, my hourly rate, and small markup on materials I came up with 2800.00 for the season. This is my first full contract, and this seams a bit a high. I mean the numbers are right, but man I feel like im robbing this lady.

[ahlgrenlandscaping]

I figured around $50 minimum per cut up here in connecticut I am averaging 28 cuts per season
28*60=$1680
Spring cleanup=250
Fall Cleanup=450
Mulch=depending on how far it has to be transported on property 4*60=240
Fertilizer apps 3*70=210

I would say that your estimate is dead on i got 2830 with no markup on materials. Whatever Estimating program you are using is pretty good. But don't undercut yourself just to get the job you will not make any money. Because the first time your equipment goes down you'll wish you charged that job correctly.

[mariner]

You would only charge 70.00 for a 1.5 acre fertilization. Thats way off. It'll cost you $70 to fert that size area. Price should be in the $200.00 range per application.

[ahlgrenlandscaping]

Mariner you are correct I it'll cost you 70$ in materials if you are a part time fertilizer applicator I get my fert 50% off i'm buying fertilizer from my supplier 4,000 dollars a shot. so that's about 35 for materials and 35 for labor plus that advertising you get from being the guy who made that lawn gorgeous

[bgtymrz23]

Is there any way you could send me that estimate sheet of yours ill apreciate it
Thanx my email is
bgtymrz22@sbcglobal.net

[mariner]

I dont have an estimate sheet. I just know my costs and about how long the job will take.

[1Badhawk]

I wasnt sure or not. This will be my first full service contract if it goes through. Everyone else is simply cuts end edging.

The owner came to me asked me what I would charge, so I just filled in my hourly rate and based on the number of visits, and such the numbers just worked out this way. I had to double check them at first, because I have to admit it seemed a bit high even for the property.

Thanks for verifying it though , i really appreciate it.

[RRS]

One peice of advice...get the idea that a price seems too high out of your head. Everything seems too high to us becuase we're the type of guys that do most everything around our homes ourselves. That's why we're in business and other men aren't. Price your jobs based on what your business needs to cover costs and make a profit and leave it at that. If it's too high for the customer too bad. There are plenty of things I want that I can't afford also.

[ahlgrenlandscaping]

Very good point RRS I would really like a new truck this year but I don't see it happening I never underbid myself...you generated the bid so it should be exactly what you need to stay in business.

[mariner]

One peice of advice...get the idea that a price seems too high out of your head. Everything seems too high to us becuase we're the type of guys that do most everything around our homes ourselves. That's why we're in business and other men aren't. Price your jobs based on what your business needs to cover costs and make a profit and leave it at that. If it's too high for the customer too bad. There are plenty of things I want that I can't afford also.

Very good point of view!

[1Badhawk]

I agree. My hourly rate is my hourly rate. Cost of materials is just that plus a slight profit margin.

This being my first seasonal contract I wasnt sure is all. As long as Im in the ball park, then I know my estimating tactics are right on.

Thanks.