When do we bid for commercial contracts?

[DR. Lawns]

I see everyone writing about commercial contracts, and I would like to get into the action. However, I don't want to look like an idiot and try bidding for a contract when its too late.

[topsites]

I see everyone writing about commercial contracts, and I would like to get into the action. However, I don't want to look like an idiot and try bidding for a contract when its too late.

Well man I dunno, this is my 4th year and I don't do contracts because I'm not familiar with them and they do NOT excite me.
But if contracts are your thing, then by all means...

Still, what always scared me about contracts is you can get royally skru'd (especially in your first 2-3 years, it can put you out of business faster than it will help you stay in it).

[Green Pastures]

Well man I dunno,


You should have stopped right there........


Still, what always scared me about contracts is you can get royally skru'd (especially in your first 2-3 years, it can put you out of business faster than it will help you stay in it).


Do you have any personal experience with exactly what you've just stated above?

Or are you just spouting mis-information to up your post count? ;)

Sure it you're an idiot and do not have any idea of your cost's, you can get into trouble, but most people would not have to lose on to many contracts before they wised up and made some adjustments on their bidding process.

I've been doing this for 6 years now and EVERY single job I've ever had save maybe 3 have been done according to a contract. I've only lost money on a couple maybe three occasions.

Having a contract is THE ONLY way to be sure you are covered, legally for payment on the work you perform. < That's a period. Contracts do not guarantee you will get paid but they dramatically reduce the chances of non-payment. I cannot remember a time where I've not been paid for a job. Something about having a lein on your house makes people pay up.....eventually.

Having a contract lets the customer know in writing EXACTLY what work you will do and exactly how much money it's going to cost. One thing for sure, if you ever do have to take a client to court over payment you better have a contract or you will not get paid. Court's do not recognize handshake or gentleman agreements.

People around here want a contract, I could not/would not do business without them.

[Green Pastures]

I see everyone writing about commercial contracts, and I would like to get into the action. However, I don't want to look like an idiot and try bidding for a contract when its too late.


Many of the commercial contracts I have bid on were put out for bid in late fall/early winter at the end of the season, few are put out very early in the spring.

[Team Gopher]

Hi DR. Lawns,

It never hurts to walk into an office and ask. Hand them a business card and make your first connection with them.

[DR. Lawns]

I appreciate the replies. I guess ambition always pays.

[Miller Rules]

Where do you find out whos taking bids?

[cclllc]

Where do you find out whos taking bids?

Make some visits and phone calls.I usually start in the early fall.

[LwnmwrMan22]

Where do you find out whos taking bids?

Walk in the front door and ask who to talk to about putting in a bid on the property maintenance.

[Scottish LScape]

Hi DR. Lawns,

It never hurts to walk into an office and ask. Hand them a business card and make your first connection with them.
I picked up 3 (18 house) condo's like this. Use your rain days wisely.

[Miller Rules]

What do the bids consist of? (mowing,edging,weed eating)What els?
Do you charge per visit,seasonal or year round? How do you do this and whats the most common one? Can you give an example?What do you say to these people when you see them?What do the bids usually run for a average size business? can you give examples with pictures so I can have something to go buy If I am offered to bid? Can you show me several different types and sizes with pics.What do you charge for the drainage pounds and how do you charge for that?

[cleancutccl]

I have never walked into a commercial account and been refused of offering an estimate for my services. They are running a business and are always looking to make their numbers better, or give off a more professional image from their properties. Pick out an area and go after it aggressively.

[Equipguy]

We do bid a lot of our commercial work in the fall/winter. However, we make "cold calls" every week. It's gotta be a long term on going project. Also, if we see a property we'd like to have we try and focus on that specific project. Good Luck :)

[lawnrangeralaska]

most of the commerical account want to get a contract for next years services at the end of the season.

[topsites]

You should have stopped right there........
Do you have any personal experience with exactly what you've just stated above?

Or are you just spouting mis-information to up your post count? ;)

Sure it you're an idiot and do not have any idea of your cost's, you can get into trouble, but most people would not have to lose on to many contracts before they wised up and made some adjustments on their bidding process.

I've been doing this for 6 years now and EVERY single job I've ever had save maybe 3 have been done according to a contract. I've only lost money on a couple maybe three occasions.

Having a contract is THE ONLY way to be sure you are covered, legally for payment on the work you perform. < That's a period. Contracts do not guarantee you will get paid but they dramatically reduce the chances of non-payment. I cannot remember a time where I've not been paid for a job. Something about having a lein on your house makes people pay up.....eventually.

Having a contract lets the customer know in writing EXACTLY what work you will do and exactly how much money it's going to cost. One thing for sure, if you ever do have to take a client to court over payment you better have a contract or you will not get paid. Court's do not recognize handshake or gentleman agreements.

People around here want a contract, I could not/would not do business without them.

Unrelated to thread.

[prostriper]

Unrelated to thread.

actually yes it was he was rebutting on your reply.

As far as contracts go they a vital to the life of a landscape company. Go to the biggest LCO's in your area and ask if contracts helped them get there.

As far as commercial lawn care contracts go, there are many lawn care publications that touch on this subject in detail. Most of them have online archives of those articles. These articles would be a great resource for you to use.

[TURF DOCTOR]

If you do sign a contract and you still don't make a profit get out nothing will hold you there.

[LwnmwrMan22]

If you do sign a contract and you still don't make a profit get out nothing will hold you there.


Depends on who's contract you sign.

I've got 2 Wal-Marts, and it states in their contract, that if I bail, I could be on the hook for hiring someone else to finish the job.

[TURF DOCTOR]

I know what your saying, as many people as i have in my area that won't be a problem everybody and there brother is in lawncare.Competition will get you out of the bed in the morning.

[lwcmattlifter]

If you do sign a contract and you still don't make a profit get out nothing will hold you there.

That is why the #1 rule for bidding on contracts is know how much your expenses are.

[PROCUT1]

I have never walked into a commercial account and been refused of offering an estimate for my services. They are running a business and are always looking to make their numbers better, or give off a more professional image from their properties. Pick out an area and go after it aggressively.

Perfect reason I got out of commercial contracts around here
The price goes down every time it changes LCO's and the expenses and scope of work go up..