How do you estimate for leave cleanup

[Frontstreetlawns]

I was just wondering if there was a good way to estimate time cleanup for leaves, i got to put some bids in a cemetary with about 3 oak trees over a 60 feet tall, and i dont want to get screwed in this by under bidding the cleanup

 

[tiedeman]

It really comes down to trial and error with clean ups.

 

[Brianslawn]

we dont. give them hourly rate on phone. get half of new callers.

 

[topsites]

Experience has taught me the BEST way to do leaves (and really most any job) is on what I call the 'open estimate,' meaning I give the customer the price after I am done, and they basically agree to pay whatever it costs, whatever it takes, just DO IT.

I tell you what, the un-bridled feel of working with open estimates RULEZ !!!
HayO silver and schitt, lol.

It's gotten so lately, it's the only way I do things anymore. My auto mechanic taught me this little trick, with him I never know how much it's going to cost OR how long it is going to take to fix my car, but by the time it is all said and done, I usually find the price agreeable AND the car is always fixed right... Hmmm, how interesting, I thought to myself.

Why this is so:
- When estimating, I tend to go higher to compensate for risk variables, some of which never materialize, most of which shouldn't bother me.
- Once estimateD, the owner has the problem of completing the job WITHIN said quote, something I noticed tends to slow me down, just like bridles slow the race horse, the estimate in effect exerts control over me, and this control throttles.
- With the open estimate, first I get paid exactly what it is worth, second they pay no more and no less, and last but not least, I can work my @$$ off for all it's worth.

It really is the fairest way, plus I get a virtual HO when they say Yes, I'm all over that stuff like flies on stink... I have never worked harder than on an open estimate, maybe it's just me but the unbound feeling is something I think everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime

So in the end, everybody wins: I get the most $/hour while they get the most work done/hour, we BOTH come out ahead as they pay less for the actual work while I get it done faster than ever before, I get paid good, too.

The secret:
When a customer agrees, make SURE you do not fall for the temptation of trying to get a little extra: Charge what is fair and no more. Doing so should either build or keep their trust in you, failure to do so can destroy you.

 

[6'7 330]

Experience has taught me the BEST way to do leaves (and really most any job) is on what I call the 'open estimate,' meaning I give the customer the price after I am done, and they basically agree to pay whatever it costs, whatever it takes, just DO IT.

I tell you what, the un-bridled feel of working with open estimates RULEZ !!!
HayO silver and schitt, lol.

It's gotten so lately, it's the only way I do things anymore. My auto mechanic taught me this little trick, with him I never know how much it's going to cost OR how long it is going to take to fix my car, but by the time it is all said and done, I usually find the price agreeable AND the car is always fixed right... Hmmm, how interesting, I thought to myself.

Why this is so:
- When estimating, I tend to go higher to compensate for risk variables, some of which never materialize, most of which shouldn't bother me.
- Once estimateD, the owner has the problem of completing the job WITHIN said quote, something I noticed tends to slow me down, just like bridles slow the race horse, the estimate in effect exerts control over me, and this control throttles.
- With the open estimate, first I get paid exactly what it is worth, second they pay no more and no less, and last but not least, I can work my @$$ off for all it's worth.

It really is the fairest way, plus I get a virtual HO when they say Yes, I'm all over that stuff like flies on stink... I have never worked harder than on an open estimate, maybe it's just me but the unbound feeling is something I think everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime

So in the end, everybody wins: I get the most $/hour while they get the most work done/hour, we BOTH come out ahead as they pay less for the actual work while I get it done faster than ever before, I get paid good, too.

The secret:
When a customer agrees, make SURE you do not fall for the temptation of trying to get a little extra: Charge what is fair and no more. Doing so should either build or keep their trust in you, failure to do so can destroy you.

It does not take a page long tirade, one sentence will do the trick...I just say 100$ a Man-hour, or 100 to 120 for a Chicago stamp bungalow every week.

 

[K.Carothers]

It does not take a page long tirade, one sentence will do the trick...I just say 100$ a Man-hour, or 100 to 120 for a Chicago stamp bungalow every week.

I enjoyed it!

 

[ALBsun1]

How do you get $100/man hour to move leaves?

 

[LawnscapeMN]

I am new to the biz and I have been charging $100-$120 for city homes. The lots are only 48 ft wide with a few trees, so its easy money. Also, I talk to the customer before I come about any neighbors that might need cleanup also. I give them a deal if they get me some other customers on their street.

 

[daveyo]

6'7 you tell us your birth date but you say your age is your business, is this a conundrum? Also, telling a new guy to charge a 100/ man hour might put him out of business before he starts. His over head can't be any where near yours to justify 100/ man hour. Frontstreetlawns, you have to figure out your costs and estimate what you should charge to make a living.
Also, do more homework on this site through search, you'll find a bunch of info.

David O'Donnell
O'Donnell Landscape Design