LGGF
12-01-2012, 02:33 PM
Hi All
Love the forum, it's a great read and has certainly helped me kick off my Lawn Mowing Business. It makes it a lot easier when you realise that the problems I have encountered are also common amongst others.
As with most newbies, the quoting is tricky, and I guess there is a fine line, between getting a job and not when it comes to pricing, I went out to quote on a job which was fairly close to home, I have set a minimum of a $30 charge which appears low compared to others on this forum, nevertheless, it was a small job and I was happy to complete it for $30. The owner paid cash and wants me back on a regular basis, he said he had two others quote on the job, the first guy that came out quoted $80 and the second guy quoted $50. I can hear you all sayin that I have quoted too low, but let me tell you, I was flat out turning my mower around in the back yard (that's how small it was).
The owner said his next option was to buy a mower and do it himself if he couldn't get it done for a reasonable amount, which would be one less lawn (small) for us to mow.
I have noticed in the forum that people charge a higher hourly rate depending on the type of work, is there a percentage/formula that can be applied to do doing hedge work as opposed to mowing and edges?
Also, whilst I haven't experienced it as yet, what do we normally do for someone that doesn't follow through with a payment? (lots of ideas came to mind, whilst waiting on a direct deposit to come through)
Thanks for your advice in advance.
Love the forum, it's a great read and has certainly helped me kick off my Lawn Mowing Business. It makes it a lot easier when you realise that the problems I have encountered are also common amongst others.
As with most newbies, the quoting is tricky, and I guess there is a fine line, between getting a job and not when it comes to pricing, I went out to quote on a job which was fairly close to home, I have set a minimum of a $30 charge which appears low compared to others on this forum, nevertheless, it was a small job and I was happy to complete it for $30. The owner paid cash and wants me back on a regular basis, he said he had two others quote on the job, the first guy that came out quoted $80 and the second guy quoted $50. I can hear you all sayin that I have quoted too low, but let me tell you, I was flat out turning my mower around in the back yard (that's how small it was).
The owner said his next option was to buy a mower and do it himself if he couldn't get it done for a reasonable amount, which would be one less lawn (small) for us to mow.
I have noticed in the forum that people charge a higher hourly rate depending on the type of work, is there a percentage/formula that can be applied to do doing hedge work as opposed to mowing and edges?
Also, whilst I haven't experienced it as yet, what do we normally do for someone that doesn't follow through with a payment? (lots of ideas came to mind, whilst waiting on a direct deposit to come through)
Thanks for your advice in advance.