New Company- New Question

[mlsadidas8]

What is the easiest way to get commercial contracts? Do I need to talk to the manager of the projects in order to put in bids?

[lilweeds]

At this point in the season, start looking at them for next year, most commercials stop taking new bids a month or two before the season starts.

[polerpoker]

Its not easy...

[mlsadidas8]

Do I need to talk to a certain person?

[kaferhaus]

Before asking such basic questions, use the search function. This topic is brought up every week if not more often than that.

[melanieb3]

For one company, I called the store and simply asked to speak to a manager. I was lucky that I got the one who was over the lawn. He told me he was actually currently taking bids and I could submit one. It wouldn't hurt to call. The worse thing they can do is say no. And if someone does say yes...then good for you.

As I was making my calls last month I actually had several tell me that they were taking bids in march and some actually in April. Around here, it seems to be just whenever the company wants to take bids...or whenever their contact runs out. One company actually told me that their contract ends in May...

Good luck.

[addictedtolandscaping]

It never hurts to call, ever but going in person is much more advantageous. That way you get to meet face to face, look them in the eye and create a beginning of a relationship. If they are taking proposals, write down the specifics, verify the information, leave them with a card.

When you deliver the proposal, do it again in person. Make sure that if they say mulching for example, and you include edging with mulch application, that this is specified. I actually do more than would be expected in my services, for example, my mulch price also includes initial edging and installation. I have a summary of services sheet that I include in the packet so that they can see I do more than just put the mulch in the area it is already in, I give it the detail to create definition, to create a room so to speak. If you really want to make it, set yourself apart from the rest, give them personalized attention, get the exposure, do quality work for a fair price and you will win every time. Once you get going, you will be able to reference the accounts you handle, these maybe locations that the people who make the decisions have noticed, have envied.

[kaferhaus]

It never hurts to call, ever but going in person is much more advantageous. That way you get to meet face to face, look them in the eye and create a beginning of a relationship. If they are taking proposals, write down the specifics, verify the information, leave them with a card.

When you deliver the proposal, do it again in person. Make sure that if they say mulching for example, and you include edging with mulch application, that this is specified. I actually do more than would be expected in my services, for example, my mulch price also includes initial edging and installation. I have a summary of services sheet that I include in the packet so that they can see I do more than just put the mulch in the area it is already in, I give it the detail to create definition, to create a room so to speak. If you really want to make it, set yourself apart from the rest, give them personalized attention, get the exposure, do quality work for a fair price and you will win every time. Once you get going, you will be able to reference the accounts you handle, these maybe locations that the people who make the decisions have noticed, have envied.

Unless you're dealing with the "owner" that approach does foster good relations but does nothing to get you the job.

If they're taking bids, the low bidder is going to get the job that's the only reason to take bids.

If they're entertaining "proposals" that is a different matter entirely.

Jobs that are "out for bid" usually have the "quality" issue addressed in the contract... IE: how often you cut, what gets trimmed, edged etc. and in the case of pruning when and how it's to be pruned. Cut height, debris removal, yada, yada, yada.