Price? How much?

[seanbsean]

Ok so I got a possible customer who wants thier lawn cut. So I got their address and of course looked it up on Google Maps. OMG! The lot is HUGE, its about 3 lots in one. It would look amazing in my portfolio, but what would be an ideal rate? They want a seasonal rate till October 2011. And I'm using a Gas powered push mower.. Ya I know a ride mower would be ideal.. but this is the 1st BIG lot I have seen yet. Any input or ideas on how to handle this. My typical rate is anywhere from $25 to $50 depending on lot and required detailed trimming.

[tv_3]

Lawn care business tips

how about the calculators the one too estimate the lawn care bid came pretty close for me try it....

[Liberty Landscaping LLC]

I use the calculator and just adjust the profit for the company and owner and it does a pretty good job. What is the size of the lot? Are you now concidering a rider mower or at least a bigger walk behind with a Velky?
Let us know what happens. Good luck!

[seanbsean]

The lot is about 1/2 an acre. All I have is a gas push mower and just me. I am the company & the owner.. I looked at it and guessed it would take about 3 hours to cut.

[tv_3]

it should only take you about 45 mins to cut that lot i have a push mower to ...i charge about 60 bucks for that size lot

[seanbsean]

I will look at the property in person tomorrow. I will see how large it is - It will be better than looking on a map.

[Hedgemaster]

I'm learning that without the equipment to do the job efficiently (read, quickly), sometimes it's best to pass on jobs that take too long to make a profit on.

Starting out, it's tough to determine what size lawn you can work efficiently using a push mower.

I have one job that takes me 45 mins to mow/trim/blow and I get $40, then I have one that takes a solid hour if not 75 minutes (hillside and many beds/obstacles), and I'm only getting $30. If I can pick up a few others in the area that are easier and pay about the same, I'll drop the $30 job unless I talk it over with them and they are willing to pay a bit more to keep me on.

[Steve]

I'm learning that without the equipment to do the job efficiently (read, quickly), sometimes it's best to pass on jobs that take too long to make a profit on.

Starting out, it's tough to determine what size lawn you can work efficiently using a push mower.

I think you really hit on something important here. From your experience now, what is your take on the size property you feel you can efficiently mow with a push mower vs what size property do you feel you should pass on?

I have one job that takes me 45 mins to mow/trim/blow and I get $40, then I have one that takes a solid hour if not 75 minutes (hillside and many beds/obstacles), and I'm only getting $30.

What is your view on why there is such a difference?

[seanbsean]

Good Question Steve!

Well in all with my 1 week of existence of wanting to cut others grass... I have come to a decision I need a ride mower & trailer. So with that said, I have spotted a new ride mower that is afford-ably priced and trailer I will get my hands on this week-end. The property is slightly under an acre and agreed price was 100$ per cut & trim weekly and agreed till September or when the 1st snow falls. The homes in that area are like mansions. I will take photo's and share (I will get their permission 1st of course) the area. Now... the kicker to my day!! Was.. I got another call from a person and wants me to cut from now till the end of August. Then he say's I have another client for you... Very interesting day!! I have some ideas on marketing that I will experiment with next week. I did very minimal marketing this week... I mean 2 posts online in 5 days.. simple ad and got 5 calls in all. 1 has bailed - now worries.. I will keep the faith of the other 2 that I know I will close this Friday or Saturday. Then I will take the area by storm!!

To better answer your question Steve - I will not turn anyone away.. If I don't have the proper equipment, I will go out and get it. If I need extra people, I will call upon my family.

[seanbsean]

Just closed another one... 1 more left.. keeping all fingers crossed.. yahooo