Estimate/Bid

[Aproct]

Okay, I have a general question for the forum. Since the fall is coming upon us, I have a customer that I recommend a possible mulchng would spruce up there yard. The customer said give me a quote, so I did. Here are the facts:

5 yrds of black dyed mulch (delivered by me-30 miles one way to customers house) and spreading on flower beds
edging and creating a new flower bed approximately 16' X 4'
Pulling weeds and putting down a Pre-eme.
Labor-myself and a helper

Price.....$475.

I thought this was a fair price, but I get the feeling that the customer thought that was high(of course they say they are going to do it themselves). Any thoughts on this estimate would be greatly apprecaited since I feel like I over estimated know.

[dschoefer]

Hello Andy,
I think you priced pretty well. I'm on the other side of the states here, though if landscaping prices are anything like they are here then you’re doing well.
Figuring mulch will run you about $240-$260 (guessing about $36.00 a yard), hired labor $80, your time $270.00 (($45 per hour.) All is based on a 6 hour job from start to finish).
Maybe you under bided slightly. Not sure about over there in New Jersey, though it looks good here.

[Vesta]

Your on the mark as I see it. Some people think what we do is easy and do not consider the labor at all. They think you just come, toss some mulch down and go. I would maybe explain the process to the customer in detail and describe the length of time and thought each task may take and the care and experience it may take to do it correctly. Be professional and this will make your customer realize that you are serious about his yard and your business not just some scrub that throws mulch in a pile.