Just won a big one...

[paradisescaper]

as was said before i do think you bid alittle too low but it may be possible to still make a good pay check and if you hold on to this acct. raise the price (about 15/20%)next year and buy a 72" if you get it. thats what id try to do

[GrassBustersLawn]

Good Luck.

Largest job I've ever done took 10 man hours total for a 3 man crew. I ended up doing it once or twice by myself over the 2 seasons I had it and knocked it out in about 8 hours. You will definitely work harder than an employee will. However, a season is long and it will take a toll on your body. You may want to consider an employee.

If you hire an employee and pay them LEGAL above the TABLE, which is the only way I would do it, you have these things to consider.

1. Work Comp Insurance (figure about $800 minimum premium for EMPLOYEE). Has the HOA asked for your insurance? I'd be surprised if they wouldn't want Work Comp on YOU too, since they could be held responsible if you are hurt on their property.

2. Filing taxes/paperwork for employee. A ROYAL PITA.

3. Obtaining a software program to manage the employee's payroll & paying taxes. (I use QuickBooks PRO, which costs about $200 a year for the PAYROLL portion & they make you upgrade every couple of years at about $250.)

If you hire an employee and don't pay them legally, you are SCREWED if they get hurt. They can sue you for TRIPLE damages.

Back to time saving ideas, for larger properties, I bought a belt with pouches on it. ONe pouch had trimmer line refill pre-strung, so trimmer wouldn't have to walk back to truck to refill. Other pouch had a bottle with mix gas for trimmer. They always run out at the furthest point from the truck. Then when they get back to truck they need to get water & check cell phone, etc.

Other item...should you hire an employee, give them STRICK RULES / Instructions. Explain no goofing off.

Mike

[Herrick]

Originally Posted by Mickhippy

Click on the right arrow to look along the property. That area out the front look like a job in itself.
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&h...79765367351474

That's pretty cool, never seen that on google before....

About half of that front area has been plowed up for sweet corn. Looks a lot bigger on there than it does in real life too. That area will be definately be a couple hours just sitting on the mower.

[CFB]

you are not too far from me herrick. good luck with that, I wouldn't want it.

[kootoomootoo]

Biggest problem I see is that you will lose half your business when 5 or 6 new guys bid this at $29,000 next year since they have the address, location and current contract price.

ps Better hope it don't rain.

[bighaydenslawn]

[QUOTE= ps Better hope it don't rain.[/QUOTE]


lol, he has got a major point right there. If you have to cut wet grass, cleanup with the BR600 will take 2-3 times longer than it already is going to.

[Herrick]

Originally Posted by kootoomootoo

Biggest problem I see is that you will lose half your business when 5 or 6 new guys bid this at $29,000 next year since they have the address, location and current contract price.

ps Better hope it don't rain.

From all the crap I'm taking you really think anyone on here is dumb enough to do that?

[kootoomootoo]

Originally Posted by Herrick

From all the crap I'm taking you really think anyone on here is dumb enough to do that?

Is this a trick question

[rflawnman]

Originally Posted by Herrick

From all the crap I'm taking you really think anyone on here is dumb enough to do that?

yep, someone sure would just to get the work, the only way I would be able to do this is by hiring two guys to do it and try to find some decent used equipment to do it with and I'd just keep doing my residential lawns, I think you've bit off more than you'll be able to chew on this but I wish you good luck and maybe you'll prove us wrong.

[Herrick]

I'm confident that if I do a good job, they'll be asking for a multi-year contract. This place like to keep people around if they are doing a good job. And I'll make sure it's worth my while before I sign...