First Estimate: Think I Overbid

[Sup3rman]

Well, I guess it is better to overbid than underbid, so I guess it could be worse. This was my first estimate. The yard is maybe just under 3/4 acre. Back yard is raised up compared to the neighbors, with a retaining wall going all the way around. The back is also fenced in with a pool in the middle, and the woman wants everything bagged. The yard would need a lot of trimming around the fences (two of them) and the retaining wall below. Plus the bagging is kind of a pain. Also, the yard is full of dog droppings which was an unpleasant surprise.

Anyway, I gave her a price of $60-65 a week due to the bagging and extensive trimming. Do you think that sounds high or is it reasonable?

[SSS 18734]

Very reasonable. I have one account that pays $60 per cut. It's one acre of open yard, no bagging, limited trimming. I'm sure a lot of people on here will tell you that's low considering you have to bag 3/4 of an acre.

[Lynden-Jeff]

I agree. For me a bagged 3/4 acre would be $80. I do a no bagged 1 acre prop for $80.

Cheers
Jeff

[supercuts]

i dont even offer bagging, its so time consuming, i can cut another $50-60 lawn in the time it would take to unload the bagger every 2 mins. i only have one for fall cleanups, its big, time consuming, and an aggervation. your price seems low, but if you dont have much work, perhaps its ok.

[DodgeTruckMan731]

I think that was a good price maybe even a little low but good for a first, hope when you bag you don't pick up the doggie droppings, that would be a mess, also consider charging a cleanup fee for when you get the yucky stuff on your equipment, i charge 5 dollars and use there hose to wash it off.

Chris

[bohiaa]

What............

You Think You Over Bid ???

Hell I Think You Underbid....

[Military Lawns]

Do not take short cuts with bagged lawns. It is time consuming and cumbersome. Therefore, you should get paid. I had one customer I took on who wanted her lawn bagged. I quoted her bagged and un-bagged. She took the quote for two weeks and then dropped me like a hot potato. No love lost because it was a lot of work! I am a professional in that I am licensed and I carry $500,000.00 in general liability insurance. I charge what I am worth.

ML-

[amscapes03]

i'd charge $60.00 just to pick up the dog crap!!!

[Sup3rman]

Thanks for all the replies. You guys have definitely made me feel a bit more confident now. The first thing I thought when she asked for bagging was "I'm going to have a bag full of dog crap." Anyway, I guess I'll find out within a few says whether or not I hear from her again.

Again, thanks for all the replies. This site has been a great help to me.

[HVC]

Go to Grainger and pick up a qt of Kil-Odor. It is concentrated so mix it with water.