What to charge??

[watson]

A thread thats one of millions: First of all, howdy everyone. New here. Wanting to pick up a small (tiny) lawn service this summer because as of now im currently laid off. First customer has roughly a 2.5 acre lot. It took me about 3hrs to mow weed wip, leaf blow etc. To make a long story short she is my great aunt. She used to live in an addition. The guy charged her $45 to mow that small lot. Assuming it took him 45 minutes to mow he would charge 60 per hr. That would be about 180 out in the country. What would be a fair rate to charge that is still less than most commercial companies? What other things should i factor in? Also she puts me to work on other stuff while im there. Ill mow for 20 mins then shell have me run her into town.. twice.. in my truck! The tractor is my fathers, but i mow for him at his business for free in exchange for him letting me use it, the trailer, weed eater etc. out at her house. Thoughts?

[CHEESE2009]

Lawn care business tips

Take your great aunt for all she's got before she goes senile like mine, she'll start telling you her cat is your great grandfather reincarnated or something weird...

[watson]

Originally Posted by CHEESE2009

Take your great aunt for all she's got before she goes senile like mine, she'll start telling you her cat is your great grandfather reincarnated or something weird...

I fear you and i are somehow related..

[WeekendWarriorLawn]

depending on how you feel about the great aunt being a family member, roll with it.

if she wants regular recurring work, do the work. if she wants extras all the time regularly, talk to her about it. ask her if she needs anything on your way into town rather than once youre already there. plan ahead with her during the week.


if it's a family affair, work it out. if shes just another person, then be a bulldog if you want.

bill her fair. what do you think you should be paid? after you account if shes really familly to you or not?

[Steve]

Does she have neighbors that you could potentially market to and get so you could expand your services in that area?