How much to charge?

[jbroderman]

How much sould i charge? I am 1 man with a 52" v-ride and a 48" turf tracer and stihl kombi system 2 motors and a bunch of attachments, and alot more. i try to get 35 or 40 for something that takes about 45 min(50-60 an hour, but it never works out that way). I do bag for free when it needs it, or to make my job look better. should i be charging more since i have travel time, and maintenance? Also if the grass is alot to dump i will add something, but should i have a flat rate for dumping or charge based on amount. just for grass not leaves. thanks everyone

[Landrus2]

Your rate of $35 for forty five minutes is low you need to increase the productivity or you rates. I would try productivity

[newguy123]

Originally Posted by jbroderman

How much sould i charge? I am 1 man with a 52" v-ride and a 48" turf tracer and stihl kombi system 2 motors and a bunch of attachments, and alot more. i try to get 35 or 40 for something that takes about 45 min(50-60 an hour, but it never works out that way). I do bag for free when it needs it, or to make my job look better. should i be charging more since i have travel time, and maintenance? Also if the grass is alot to dump i will add something, but should i have a flat rate for dumping or charge based on amount. just for grass not leaves. thanks everyone

There are a lot of variables in what one LCO will call a "standard" lawn.

My service area a standard lot in 10-12K sq ft before improvements. One operator can do 2 properties per hour @ $35 per lawn equals $70/hr. If the properties you are talking about are larger than what I described, I would assume that your rates are too low. But, this is ultimately determined by your market.

[jbroderman]

they are more like 16k-18k sqft. takes about 45 min. with walk behind. longer if i have to dump alot. (plus trimming, edge, and blow off. i should be able to shave 10-15 min. with my new 52 v-ride this year. i only have 23 account right now for weekly mowing. Started part time for the last two years, now im incorporated with lic. and ins. and started some advertising. So i dont want to underbid anything.

sounds like i should shoot for 60 an hour or more.

how much extra to charge for dumping grass?

[jrs.landscaping]

$5 to collect 5-$15 to remove depending on volume of clippings (usually based on lot size.)

[Vanderhoff Landscaping]

Originally Posted by joesimoes2

Your rate of $35 for forty five minutes is low you need to increase the productivity or you rates. I would try productivity

Or maybe both!

[32vld]

Why not mulch? Then no bagging and no trips to the dump.

[Vanderhoff Landscaping]

Originally Posted by 32vld

Why not mulch? Then no bagging and no trips to the dump.

Mulch saves a ton of time! I only bag in spring during heavy growth! Just make sure you charge accordingly for bagging!
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