Multi-housing maintenance

[Evergreen]

Just started rolling this spring. So far been able to establish a good residential customer base--lawn maintenance & landscaping. Want to do some small-med apartment grounds maintenance and/or small-med commercial property maintenance. Just got a call from a regional property manager for some apartments. #1--Anybody got any pointers for estimating/selling this job? #2--What's the best way to find good, experienced employees? #3--Since a bigger contract like this will necessitate adding another crew, would you call this too big, too fast? By the way, this forum is the best source of information around for a scrub like me. Many thanks!!

[Phil Nilsson]

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Mr. Evergreen,
Here's one ...

General approach to commercial ... call on phone, get to the right person in charge ... then say ... "Mr. Smith, my name is Evergreen and I'd like to do a landscape maintenance audit for your company. I think I can save you money and will visit your property at my own time and expense ... draw up your work requirements ... and get back to with the results of my findings. All I need is your say so to drop by ... I don't need any of your time. Let's see if I can save you money on the work."

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

Edited by - phil nilsson on Aug 01 2002 12:46:36 PM

[Mike Bedford]

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Ms. Evergreen:
I bid commercial just like residential... based on square footage with a 5000 sq ft minimum price.
I don't really like most commercial accounts- the area where I operate generates more revenue from smaller home lawns. With commercial you tend to underbid, particularly on the more difficult landscapes (e.g. lots of isolated grass medians, scattered beds, etc.).If you do bid on a tough property, remember to allow for extra time needed to move your equipment from spot to spot.

Hope it Helps!


MBedford

[alcpi]

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Evergreen, that's a good question that I have been meaning to ask as well. I've made some horrible bids on commercials-mainly the townhome style accounts and even had to quit 3 for my low bid. Recently, I saw a lco giving an estimate and they were using a measuring wheel for all the hedges, turf, etc. Is there some kind of formula I need to learn or what?

[Ajinx]

We are currently trying to do an estimate for a 140 Unit Townhome Complex. Looking for any kind of tips. We've landed one very large commercial account but mainly stick with residentials. We've given bids on a number of townhomes but just don't seem to make it in the door. Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

[chriscampbell]

it takes several years to build relationships with the townhomes directors and property management companies. Sometimes you have to wine and dine them for a while. Last year I spent about 1K on this one lady and when it was time to do the contract for the gas stations this year. She polietly informed me where i needed to be in pricing. PS i know gas stations arnt huge but all of the contracts involved flower planting in the beds, pots of flowers and they are building appx: 20 new ones per year. Can you say making an investment in the future.