Quoting Residential and Commercial Jobs

[TTLC603]

I am just starting my own business and I have been reading alot on here about low balling and ways to put yourself out of work before you even start. Im looking for a way to quote properties and such...it is myself and another person that split the company 50/50 and we work together so I am curious how to charge hourly so I can put back into the business and have money for each of us. If anyone can give me any ideas on what to Charge in the Northeast for mowing, mulching, edging and mostly lawn care jobs.

Evan Adams
Turf Tenders Lawn Care
48" ExMark
2006 Silverado

[KLC]

http://www.lawnserviceforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18

Try looking at the above link for ways to find your operating costs. First and foremost you need to know what it costs you to do business and how much money you both want to earn. After that its kinda easy.

I have found that some just want it cut for the cheapest amount they can get away with and others dont mind paying for quality work. Always do the absolute best you can do. Your quality of work will stand out. Make sure your clients know your looking to grow and would appreciate referrals.

Best of luck.

[TTLC603]

Thanks for the advice...also any advice on getting more clients..I work for a bigger Company monday-friday b/c I know I cannot make a living yet on my own...my fear is Im going to get more then I can handle and grow too fast and put myself out of business

[likestomow]

Some take the approach of pricing their work based on their cost of doing business. For example, if you drive a 2006 pickup, new mowing equipment, etc., you would be charging way more than the guy who drives a 1990 pickup, uses 5-6 year old mowers, and so on.

The first guy might look at a yard and say to himself, "I need at least $35 to do that yard." He talks to the owner and finds out the guy was paying the last lawn boy $25. So he says, "I wouldn't even drop my gate for less than $35, Buddy!" So he drives away without the new customer.

You may come along and want to charge the guy $30, which is better, but still no sale for you either. Now walking away is certainly okay and necessary to do sometimes, but still, it doesn't get you any business.

I try to learn what the MARKET is paying for lawn service in various areas of town. If I were to bid $35 for a yard in a $25 neighborhood, I'd be driving away empty-handed also -----so I price the yard at what I know the people will pay and get the property. So what if $25 was actually a little low for the time and work it required?

My goal is to fill up my schedule, so I get some properties which pay really well and others that pay average. At the end of the week I still make a good living. I have the opportunity to drop poor paying properties and take better ones.

The bottom line for you is to learn what the Market is paying in your area. It wouldn't hurt one bit to solicit business and ask people what they are/have been paying. If you have to charge them more, make sure it's not to much more.

You have to make some rediculously high quotes and never get the business and also quote way too low and find out how long it really takes and loose money. It is still hard for me to think in my mind how long it will take to mow, trim, blow (and what ever else is required) and then not bid too high. Maybe you could find a friend in the business to help you learn.