Hi all,
I am new to this forum and have just started a garden maintenance company which I am really excited about.
I have started advertising and am in the process of putting together my first quote for a potential client. I would like to see what other people would charge for the following (I know everyone is different but would be good to see if i am on the right tracks):
- The job consists of four blocks of flats
-Each has a small 1m X 6m lawn at the front which needs cutting, along with a 1m x 6m hedge which needs trimming
-At the back of each block of flats there is a 6m x 4m lawn roughly which needs cutting and strimming the borders/edges and small hedges which need trimming.
-Weeding all areas of the block
-General tidying of rubbish area (Weeding etc) and collection of leaf debris if necessary
All 4 are within walking distance of each other.
I was thinking roughly half day for all properties so around £75, but am not sure if this is over or under priced?
Any advise will be much appreciated.
Cheers
Russ
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Replies
Welcome to LJN Russ.
Firstly is this a one off or regular job - if regular, what cutting basis (ie how many grass and hedge cuts per year).
Waste disposal on site or do you have to take it away and pay to dispose of it?
Then its just the time to travel to the job, time to do the job/fuel/chemicals (if needed) to take into account.
And don't forget to save a bit for for the tax man.
Are you running as a ltd company or a sole trader basis?
Thanks for the responce. This will be a regular job with the grass cutting and hedge trimming every two weeks, so twice a month. All waste will need to be taken away and disposed of.
Travel time isnt too bad, its only 10 minutes there and 10 minutes back.
I am running as a sole trader at the moment.
Many thanks
Russ
Hi Russ
Welcome to the LJN, hedges don't need to be trimmed fortnightly and be mindful of nesting birds.
Will you dispose of the waste as you create it or store it until you have a 'load', where will you dispose of it, how far do you need to travel, how much will it cost, the cheapest around here is £24 per load, 16 mile trip, Factor in time and fuel expense.
Remember to get registered to transport waste.
Good luck
I will more than likely store it until I have a load. The cost to dispose is something which I need to find out. Thanks for the heads up. Yes I have got the link to get registered so I will do that :).
What would you charge for this job in your experience?
Many thanks
Russ
Echo replies below - hedges will not need cutting fortnightly (maybe once a month or so depending on specification given by contract - normally supplied by client - sometimes only one or two cuts per year).
Little legal note - if you are trading as a 'Sole Trader' then you are NOT a company - the legal entities are totally different and you must not 'assume the identify of a ltd company' if you are not registered with Companies House and have been issued a company registration number.
It will be very difficult for anyone here to say your price is correct as everyone's outgoing's are different, our costs running as a ltd company in Lincolnshire would be totally different to a sole trader operating elsewhere in the country.
When working with building management companies be very careful as regards your public liability insurance in case of any damages and THEIR payment terms (could be up to 90 days from invoice).
Firstly, logically list what you are going to do. Then make into a Quote and ensure its informative, consise (but clearly detailing what you are going to do - so they know what to expect):-
Detail any client expectations/requirements to complete tasks (ie remove lawn furniture, access to gate etc),
Show visit dates/frequency - detail what happens in event of bad weather.
If multiple/different large tasks - show as 'line items', maybe priced individually.
My take - you're underpriced, but I don't know your costs or market.
If you don't know your costs, sort them out now before you quote.
Do not do a "finger in the air" price. It will come back to bite you.
There are some excellent guides/posts on LJN for this.
Detail what happens to green waste - leave for client to sort, "black bag" it for them or remove to authroised commercial waste station.
As a business you CAN NOT take to a Civil Tip. Don't care what any says about this - it's bad, illegal and unprofessional.
As it's likely to be a redsidential management committee (RMC) - show VAT element of price, with total being inclusive.
As foot-notes, push any qualifications, insurances, licenses (especially a Green Waste rider).
Give them a reason to choose you and not a competitor.
Detail your terms and conditions (payment terms, cancellations etc)
Utlimately, make it professional (using a template or basic software package)
At the end, give it someone not connected and have them read it.
Can they explain back to you what you are going to do / not do ?
If they can.... Job Done :)
(sorry for note form - i'm chilling out somewhere & on an iPhone :)
Wow!
Many thanks for all the repsonses, it is much appreciated.
I am sending the quote of tomorrow so am working out my costs and fingers crossed i get the job. It will be my first proper maintenance contract so i am very excited!
Many thanks again
Russ
IMO £75 is well under priced, I personally would be wanting double that
Thanks for the advise. Sent the quote off yesterday and went with £35 per flat which is £140 per visit :)
Many thanks
Russ
Good luck Russ.
Some excellent advice given here. I hope you get this contract and go on to bigger and better.
Let us know how you get on:)
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