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Replies
I wonder why the pond is unfinished it could indicate a fall out with a previous gardener over some payment issue .
Is there an actual job schedule or will the work be allocated at random ?
I do day work but I know the routine so it's very easy to work out with no curved balls thrown in without first being discussed .
On some occasions I have had to upgrade to a better piece of equipment to make me more efficient so you have to justify the cost as it comes out of your earnings pot but also it's a business expense you may be able to off set .
If it is regular work then it is worth sitting down and doing some serious calculations before committing when you may be supplying materials such as pond Liner , building materials , pumps ,electrical contractor ,plants ,plant fertilizers , labels ,plant supports ,plus the sourcing of plants and materials .
It's always easy to visualise job opportunities and finished projects in a nano second but the reality is a different matter they take longer also we invest time in thinking about the outcome and problem solving .
Day rate is a massive chunk of our time invested when in reality you could go out and earn more cutting half a dozen lawns without the hassle .
That said it works for me due to the variety of tasks and I am not running myself ragged going from job to job .
I work my rate out on that basis of potential earnings of doing say Three 2 hour slots a day .
For example say £300 but add to this all your extra time investment where projects are involved other wise you will lose out and would be better off charging per project and coming to some arrangement for regular maintenance you may be able to do in say Three hours and not have to commit to staying all day at a customers beck and call .
Thanks for the reply thats quite helpful. I'll probably go with the hourly rate to keep things simple.
He mentioned the last guy was just a let down - seems quite easy going with rules etc and even said he'd pay on the day so at the minute I've not got doubts about money issues.
Josh, I would go with price work, as with the quoting thread on here domestic customers seem to have issues with realistic rates expressed as an hourly rate.
If you are charging a decent hourly rate which takes into account your experience , skill set etc for regular day work perhaps all year round it can work out and provide a regular income .
However I still charge day rate .
I have found some gated properties still operate on a domestic rate mentality when the work spec is commercial grade so you have to be aware and be realistic before committing even though they can provide regular work .
I would just look 'em in the eye and tell them the 35 pounds hourly rate
Charge a price on regular maintenance. Then anything else is extra. How bigs the garden and how complicated is it?
Or alternatively if your relatively new to the industry it may be worth going on a day rate to to hone your skills.
Me personally will never do to a whole day for regular customer. I prefer 4hrs slots, i can cover a lot of gound in 4hrs.