Originally Posted by
conrad
Hi all,
I am looking at adding some acreage customers. I do one big job already, but that's body corp and I do a heap of other work there (gardening, pruning, fert & spray lawns etc.). Most of my work is residential from average to high end, I use the Walker whenever I can these days - basically charge it out at $130/hr or in the past have quoted based on push mower $66/hr and I do it in half the time or less with the Walker so it all works out.
Just not sure how to approach acreage tho... not having much experience with it and not being confident in estimating time just looking at a job, my gut feeling is to do it at my normal rate $130/hr and charge based on time (then get into a routine and set the regular fortnightly price after a few mows). But I've already kinda tried this approach and the customer said "yes, but how much for the job?" What can you do? How long is a piece of string I guess...
Do you think my rate is a bit high? Or about right? I have a 42" multi-deck at the moment, will side discharge for acreage. Wondering if I need a much bigger deck to justify my rate or make it more profitable? Also I won't be chasing rough acreage, these are lawns.
I did a search and found some old old old posts, someone commented 10+ years ago that they charged $100 per acre if rough, but average $70 acre. But no mention of what machine and how long an acre took them. I know this question comes up every so often, but just wanted to get some up to date info. Also I'm guessing its a bit different being reasonably close to city, I can see it being a whole different game in the country.
Thanks for any comments.