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As all jobs are different and coming from pre computer days, I have always priced each job individually. However, since I started using a PC about 15 years ago, I have costomised blank excel spreadsheets with various formulae inserted that will work out labour and material costs, with profit margins, VAT etc as we go. Once entered, the plant lists can be lifted and forwarded as needed.
I think time spent on an a quote is time well spent, as it gives you a feel of the job and will help you give an honestand accurate quote - essential from your point of view and of course the potential customer.
thanks Colin - I was hoping there might be something available as an app or software package that would help me fill in and organise this element of the quote prep rather than fashion something myself in excel - there seems to be stuff around for the hard landscaping/construction side but nothing for the soft landscaping side?
Beware of 'apps and software packages' - only you know your business, local prices, conditions and of course the speed at which you work.
Rachel, I'm not a 100% sure what you are looking for - is it a framework application to help you create, organise and issue a tender for soft landscaping or an automated take off list & schedule from a CAD design ?
If its the former I might be able to suggest something, if it's the later you are talking megabucks and a steep learning curve.
Rather than try converse via posts, come and catch me on chat and I will expand more (and easier).
If I've totally misunderstood ....it's an 'age' thing ...(ie my age ;-)
Hi Gary - its more a framework application - trying to find a slicker way of creating the plant lists to start with - perhaps there is something with a sort of autofill for the latin name once you start to type it is & its gets recognised (yes v lazy) then something that will then enable me to store it under a project or client ref and revisit it later when amends/subs occur. If this can interface with the systems nurseries use, mainly wintree, then it will save a lot of time to-ing and fro-ing both ends. Also perhaps allowing me to call off/manage phased planting. Any ideas how this could be achieved? living in hope!!