Need help with a estimate.

[jklawncare]

Originally Posted by khj I think this job will take you longer then you think IF YOU ADD IN TRAVEL TIME AND SET UP TIME,, THEN YOU HAVE CLEAN UP TIME IN THERE TOO!! WHAT ABOUT GAS FOR THE POWER WASHER GAS FOR YOUR TRUCK TO GET THERE AND BACK!!! To me I think you are under estimate this job by $100.00 or so. I left that out..thats what i typically add into my service rate..but i was basing the math off of what his estimated time was.. the only thing i dont charge for that you mentioned is to drive to there home. a percentage of the profit goes into a company account which covers gas for truck and equipment. if you bill people for gas and time to show up i think its unprofessional.. the way i do it..its free to them..so they think..the set up adn clean up are included in the hourly rate without them knowing...unless they ask how it works of course..

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Just Kut Lawn and Landscape
"Where Service is Always in Season"
Reach for the stars so if you fall you land on a cloud.

[EgLawns]

Lawn care business tips

My power washer is 1600 psi electric. Also just to remind you guys i am 15 and most of my work is in my neighborhood. I do not have travel time or gas money so I'm good.

[Steve]

the only thing i dont charge for that you mentioned is to drive to there home.

a percentage of the profit goes into a company account which covers gas for truck and equipment.

if you bill people for gas and time to show up i think its unprofessional..

the way i do it..its free to them..so they think..the set up adn clean up are included in the hourly rate without them knowing...unless they ask how it works of course..

Can you tell us a little more about this? It sounds like the customer does pay for your expense of showing up. But if they don't, how does it get paid for?

[jklawncare]

unloading cleanup and loading time are timed along with the service provided
i dont charge for coming out to provide the service
i divide my payments in 2 parts 60% me 40% company
the 40% is applied to new equipment,gas,and other expenses

clear things up?

[Steve]

The thing is, there are many expenses you will have that are kind of stealth expenses, where you may not think the customer will have to cover them. Such things as you mention, clean up and the like.

But if these expenses are not covered, they become silent killers of a business. Then at the end of the month, there is the potential to be looking at the books and saying 'jeeze I made $X amount of dollars this month but where did it all go?'