Estimating

[Wade Landscaping]

What is some good advice when estimating a resediential mowing account? How do you come up with your prices?

[LBLC_LCO]

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=279065&highlight=pricing%2C+how+to+price

[coolluv]

Well, say its a half acre property. I would look around and see how much trimming and edging there is and go from there. Most properties down here have beds around the house and some in the yard. So say I figure its going to take 20 minutes to mow and another 15 minutes to edge and 5 minutes to blow. Thats 40 to 45 minutes total. Now if they want Bi-weekly service, which most have gotten used to down here. I charge $45. If its weekly, then maybe $40.

Now if Paco the Taco is in the neighborhood then I tell them $30 for bi-weekly and $25 for weekly service. Usually your not the only one bidding on the lawn. Paco will be there after you leave or Hill billy Jim, so if you want to get the job you have to lowballl the hell out of it.This includes mow,edge,trim, blow and also includes keeping all landscaping neatly trimmed and pruned. And the beds free of weeds. Since Paco the Taco is in every neighborhood down here, not to mention Hillbilly Jim. I just price everything at $25 to $30 per visit. So now your looking at working for free pretty much. You know after you pay for everything you might make a couple of bucks, its better that nothing. I focus on how much weight I'm losing and the great exercise I get. Not to mention the skin cancer.

I'm not in in for the money anyway. I just like to sweat my a$$ off and work for nothing every day. Its fun. You could work 14 hours a day like some on here. Not to mention you should pick up just about every customer with those prices. Remember keep your prices low, and you will do well.

Hope this helps,

Dave...