Price? How much?

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by Steve 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? What is your view on why there is such a difference? Cripes. I dunno... I still have no idea what a 1/4 acre lot is vs a 1/2 acre. I just look at it and compare it to what I know already. It seems like when you get past $35 people start to hesitate - at least in some of the neighborhoods. Doesn't matter how long it takes ME to do the job, they want it done CHEAP. I'll mow 3 $20 lawns that take 20 minutes, before I'll take another $45 lawn that takes an hour and a half. As for teh "difference". Some of it is my inexperience, and some is the fact that one person is willing to pay, while the other one (the "long, $30 one) is CHEAP. I quoted them $35-$45 initially and the reply was "We were paying $25 last year." She said she'd go $30, and like a dumbass, I accepted because it was early in the season and "I needed the clients". The lawn is a pain in the a$$. I realize now that I don't need jobs like this one - there are plenty of others around that are less work, that pay the same, or more.

[Done Rite Lawn Care]

Lawn care business tips

I accepted because it was early in the season and "I needed the clients". The lawn is a pain in the a$$. I know what you mean! I mow a yard for a family member where it takes me 3 to 4 hours to mow (with a ZTR), trim, and blow. It only pays $75. I need to raise the price, but I'm to much of chicken to I ask them. I know they can afford to pay more.

[Steve]

She said she'd go $30, and like a dumbass, I accepted because it was early in the season and "I needed the clients". The lawn is a pain in the a$$. I realize now that I don't need jobs like this one - there are plenty of others around that are less work, that pay the same, or more.

I can totally understand. There is nothing wrong with taking work early on like that because all of these jobs are stepping stones where something is learned from each.

I think this points out the importance of not taking on big jobs early on or locking yourself into contracts early on because a job that may seem like a good paying job when you first get started can soon turn into your worst profitable job as you learn more and add more customers.

This is a very important point for everyone to keep in mind.