Mulch Install

SECTLANDSCAPING · #1 03-30-2012, 08:06 PM

So I finished a 6 yards of compost, 12 yards of mulch, and a pressure wash today. When I bid I told the client it would 2 days.

Well I bought a kubota in the winter and didnt realize how fast it would speed up jobs. I was out of there in 4 hours.

I go to collect my money and the client ask since it took you less time is the bill less? Hell NO!

For anyone that doesnt know we charge a install fee per yard. I shouldnt be punished for being productive. I couldve sent 1 guy and had him there for a week.

__________________
South Eastern Connecticut Landscaping /Lawn Care /Pressure Washing /Snow Removal /Gutter Cleaning
52" Brutus/52" Super Surfer/44" Pro Line/60" ZMaster
EB630/EB802/EBZ7150/EBZ8000/BR400/Billy Goat 8Hp
FS55&90/FC95/km110/L322&326/TR2350S
HC150/HC155/CHTZ2460
CS440/MS290
Case 1816 Skid

Last edited by SECTLANDSCAPING; 03-30-2012 at 08:08 PM.

SECTLANDSCAPING · #2 04-01-2012, 01:57 PM

Lawn care business tips

I just finished a 15 yard mulch install in 3 1/2 hours. These nice people gave me a $275 tip.

__________________
South Eastern Connecticut Landscaping /Lawn Care /Pressure Washing /Snow Removal /Gutter Cleaning
52" Brutus/52" Super Surfer/44" Pro Line/60" ZMaster
EB630/EB802/EBZ7150/EBZ8000/BR400/Billy Goat 8Hp
FS55&90/FC95/km110/L322&326/TR2350S
HC150/HC155/CHTZ2460
CS440/MS290
Case 1816 Skid

Cashin H&P · #3 04-01-2012, 06:47 PM

If you dont mind me asking how much did that tractor cost? Im looking to buy one. Every thing looks awesome!

SECTLANDSCAPING · #4 04-01-2012, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashin home and property

If you dont mind me asking how much did that tractor cost? Im looking to buy one. Every thing looks awesome!

I paid $8500 with 900 hours on it. I been moving about 5 yards a hour. Its definitely productive. If you dont need the 4wd, you could pick up a older skid for half that with some shopping.

I been trying to find a mowing deck for it but so far no luck.

Steve · #5 04-02-2012, 04:05 PM

Were these jobs all the same client?

Quote:

I just finished a 15 yard mulch install in 3 1/2 hours.

That is fast! Did you have to remove the old mulch or did you just dump the fresh mulch on top?

With the ability to do jobs faster now, how will that effect your future bidding? Do you lower prices a bit because you can do it faster or do you keep them where they were?

Very interesting situation!

SECTLANDSCAPING · #6 04-03-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

Were these jobs all the same client?

Two very different clients. One tipped at 15% the other thought they should pay less since we were done quicker then projected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

That is fast! Did you have to remove the old mulch or did you just dump the fresh mulch on top?

No removal, there was some cleaning of the beds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

With the ability to do jobs faster now, how will that effect your future bidding? Do you lower prices a bit because you can do it faster or do you keep them where they were?

I'm keeping them where there at. I did consider raising my prices by $5 a yard and selling that well finish the job the quickest. The way I see it if you lowered prices because your more efficient, what would be the point of being more productive? I do have to recoup my investment and be able to afford future equipment.

Steve · #7 04-04-2012, 12:48 AM

That is great! It's also a lesson for everyone on how better equipment can help cut back on the need for more man hours to perform jobs!

CS-LawnService · #8 04-04-2012, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SECTLANDSCAPING

Two very different clients. One tipped at 15% the other thought they should pay less since we were done quicker then projected.

No removal, there was some cleaning of the beds.

I'm keeping them where there at. I did consider raising my prices by $5 a yard and selling that well finish the job the quickest. The way I see it if you lowered prices because your more efficient, what would be the point of being more productive? I do have to recoup my investment and be able to afford future equipment.

agree 100 percent .
you spent around 16,000 dollars for a tractor to make you more productive and the customer was happy with the job at the price you bid it to begin with,saving time is your benefit not theirs .

SECTLANDSCAPING · #9 04-04-2012, 05:02 PM

I forgot to take pictures this time. The beds were worst then pictured and there was a few more that I missed.

Steve · #10 04-06-2012, 12:05 AM

What made you finally take the leap and buy that tractor?

Any advice for others considering it but not having done it yet?

Mulch Install

Show Off - Picture Post - Photo Gallery