Low ball alternative

[LawnBoy0311]

Billy Goat, what county are you in in MD?

[willshome]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by Billy Goat If this lawn averages $20 base on what most charge and someone bids it at $40 I just hate to see you base your prices on one other business charging $30 have you called around and asked for a price on your lawn? One of my customer told me she called 4 others and I was the only one that showed up. That said why would I charge $5 less than the other guy if I am the only one that shows up. Originally Posted by dpld pricing should be done on what the market will bare VERY TRUE but you should know your costs and what you need to make per day

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[LawnBoy0311]

Originally Posted by willshome

VERY TRUE but you should know your costs and what you need to make per day

This was my point. I base my price off my rates. Not other companies rates. We are all usually in the same ball park range with one always high and one always a bit lower.

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Originally Posted by willshome

I just hate to see you base your prices on one other business charging $30
have you called around and asked for a price on your lawn?
One of my customer told me she called 4 others and I was the only one that showed up. That said why would I charge $5 less than the other guy if I am the only one that shows up.

VERY TRUE but you should know your costs and what you need to make per day

I had a post on here before where I had to call like a dozen people to get 3 estimates. Surprisingly everyone charged more then I would for mowing and less for gutter cleaning and pressure washing.

For some reason people dont show up for estimates. I hear this over and over. Sometimes they even get the job and dont show up to do it. I landed a $75 lawn that the previous guy was charging $60. She told me he would show up whenever he wanted. Well for $75 ill be here every tuesday.

[Billy Goat]

Originally Posted by LawnBoy0311

Billy Goat, what county are you in in MD?

Iam in Anne Arundel County. Glen Burnie to be exact. Most lawns around here are small. I seen a few lawns done in less than 15 mins. One guy with a zero turn walk behind and the other guy trimming. Quick blow off and they are done and out. I was told they charged $45. Same size lawn down the street with 2 different guys different company takes them 20 mins with push mowers (one in the front and one in the back). I was told they charge $30. The $30 guys do a better job in my opinion. My neighbor had his lawn done a few times when he was sick. 2 years ago I use to mow another neighbor's lawn for $20. It would take me 30 minutes or so depending on how high the grass was. He would always push the 2 week mark to save money if he could.

[willshome]

Originally Posted by Billy Goat

takes them 20 mins with push mowers (one in the front and one in the back). I was told they charge $30.

so $30 for 40 mins. of work plus drive time (10 mins times 2 men) that's 20 mins. so their are making $30 a man hour.

[LawnBoy0311]

Originally Posted by Billy Goat

Iam in Anne Arundel County. Glen Burnie to be exact. Most lawns around here are small. I seen a few lawns done in less than 15 mins. One guy with a zero turn walk behind and the other guy trimming. Quick blow off and they are done and out. I was told they charged $45. Same size lawn down the street with 2 different guys different company takes them 20 mins with push mowers (one in the front and one in the back). I was told they charge $30. The $30 guys do a better job in my opinion. My neighbor had his lawn done a few times when he was sick. 2 years ago I use to mow another neighbor's lawn for $20. It would take me 30 minutes or so depending on how high the grass was. He would always push the 2 week mark to save money if he could.

You've got it made in Glen Burnie. I was just out there yesterday buying more fish for my tank at House Of Tropicals. I'm in Bowie. Your lucky because you don't have the DC traffic, which makes things pretty hard here.

Usually you want to get $1 a minute, I estimate how long it takes me to get it done using a push mower, not bagging. This way, when I show up with the ztr, I can get max profit out of it and get more lawns done. Theres a lot more reasons, but I'm hungry and don't feel like typing more.

Everyone has their own price, set an hourly rate and stick with it. Most people in our area stick with $50 to $60 an hour.

[Billy Goat]

Originally Posted by LawnBoy0311

Everyone has their own price, set an hourly rate and stick with it. Most people in our area stick with $50 to $60 an hour.

Thanks LawnBoy0311. $1 a minute is a good base price. Your post gave me what I have been looking for. I understand now what you mean by your base rate.

You are from Bowie, I lived in Bowie for 20 years since I was born. Iam 45 years old now. I remember the good old days when the neighborhood kid like me cut the grass for $5. Those days are over.

Thanks for all your insight, its been very helpful.

[LawnBoy0311]

No problem at all! I just moved here a few years ago, but looking to move out. Lots of changes here in the last few years! Good luck, let me know if you need anything else.