Question about a bid?

[clncut]

Im bidding on two properties and Ive estimated a total of 3 Hrs to finish both which includes mowing/trimming/blowing. Im quoting 90.00/cut. What do you guys think?

[edger]

First, I can say that you have alot of unanswered question. First how big are the properties? This is just a starting point.

Chris

[clncut]

I dont measure lots, I look at them and with the experience Ive had in the past I can guess how long its going to take. The lots are pretty wide open with minimal trimming. The only real task is a small drainage ditch that will have to be trimmed taking appox a half hr.

[MEvans857]

No one here will be able to tell you how much (on average) to charge with out knowing the lot size at least!!

[Sammy]

Originally posted by clncut
I dont measure lots, I look at them and with the experience Ive had in the past I can guess how long its going to take......

With your experience you should know the answer.

[Elwood]

It does not matter how big or small the lots are.

He is bidding at $90 for 3 hours work, or $30 per man hour.

Is this enough to cover overhead and make a profit?

That is the REAL question...... and only YOU have the answer.

Good LUck!

[MEvans857]

No.............it doesn't matter how big it is. 1/2 an acre or 5 acres it should be about the same amount! Yeah, ok

[Scaper-S2k]

Actually, you both are correct, just different!


What Elwood is saying is correct because in the end, you need to make a certain amount of $$$ per hour. If you know how long the job will take, you simply multiple by what you need per hour to cover all costs and turn the profit % you want.

So really, it could be a 10000 sq ft property from hell that takes 1 hour or 1.5 acres of flat turf that takes one hour.

If your hourly rate is $45 per hour, either CAN be done at $45.


It's the "CAN" that will possibly change things. You Can do it for your hourly rate, but Can you get more? You know how long it will take, you charge your hourly rate. But if you know you can tack more onto that rate Because Of Property Size, then the extra is gold. Just make sure you are getting at least your hourly rate.

In the end, you should know your hours worked, and how much you charged per hour.

MEvans857 and Elwood are both correct!!!

[Phil Nilsson]

No wonder this industry is so screwed up with "crazy job bids" ... do what edger said ... start by measuring ... otherwise guess at price, cost and profits.

Phil

Proof positive ... guess at the size of a site, write that down, now measure the same site ... the numbers are NOT the same ... are they?

[Elwood]

It's the "CAN" that will possibly change things. You Can do it for your hourly rate, but Can you get more? You know how long it will take, you charge your hourly rate. But if you know you can tack more onto that rate Because Of Property Size, then the extra is gold. Just make sure you are getting at least your hourly rate.

That is what I LOVE about pricing jobs. There is a difficulty level involved. Naturally, smaller lot that is "conjested" can fetch a lot more than a larger lot with no obstacles. The challenge is making the difficult lot look great, in an efficient manor and charging MORE for it!!

Once you talk to the prospective client and gain a lot of experience in the "people skills" department, you will be able to tell just how much "extra" you can tack on and still get the job. FREE money, just for knowing how to "read" people.

I do have to agree with Edger and Phil. Measure, Measure, Measure. I know experience can guide you after a while, but I have measured probly zillions of acres of lawns and I still get suprised at times.

Measure EVERYTHING!

[Scott]

you says $90 for three hours work.

is that solo?

pickup a helpper and get it done in less than 1/2 the time and get 8 more jobs just like it!!! Now that's a full days work and you've grossed $720 in a day. Subtract wages for your helpper, plus what it cost to run your equipment for the day and you should be doing ok.

I know,,, easier said than done.