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How much to charge?
#1
E
evan156
E
evan156
I'm not a lawn mowing professional. I'm just a college kid hoping to pick up a few extra yards this summer to make some extra money. I'm just a little uncertain about what to charge per yard and still turn a profit. I was thinking offer 30 to 50 per hour depending on the yard. What do you think?
#2
kcatr
Same I am 16 and I got a truck trailer and lawn mower and its hard
kcatr
I'm not a lawn mowing professional. I'm just a college kid hoping to pick up a few extra yards this summer to make some extra money. I'm just a little uncertain about what to charge per yard and still turn a profit. I was thinking offer 30 to 50 per hour depending on the yard. What do you think?
Same I am 16 and I got a truck trailer and lawn mower and its hard
#4
jekjr
If you have a zero turn and it works good and you weed eat and blow drives and walkways $50 per hour is normally about right. It does depend on the area you live in as well though. In some areas you won't be able to compete.
Check around and see what your competition is charging also and charge accordingly.
In South Alabama we normally charge about $45 for a yard that is 1 acre or less with a house on it if there is not a tremendous amount of weed eating. I charge a minimum of $35 to unload if I don't have to drive too far.
In the last week or so I posted on here asking how much folks would charge to cut 4 acres. I can cut it in less than two hours with one mower and a helper running the weed eater. Some of the guys on here said that they would be losing money if they charged $175. I am glad to get $150.
Hope that helps.
jekjr
What do you charge?
If you have a zero turn and it works good and you weed eat and blow drives and walkways $50 per hour is normally about right. It does depend on the area you live in as well though. In some areas you won't be able to compete.
Check around and see what your competition is charging also and charge accordingly.
In South Alabama we normally charge about $45 for a yard that is 1 acre or less with a house on it if there is not a tremendous amount of weed eating. I charge a minimum of $35 to unload if I don't have to drive too far.
In the last week or so I posted on here asking how much folks would charge to cut 4 acres. I can cut it in less than two hours with one mower and a helper running the weed eater. Some of the guys on here said that they would be losing money if they charged $175. I am glad to get $150.
Hope that helps.
#5
Carscw
4 acres for $150 is easy money
That's $75 a hour
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
Carscw
If you have a zero turn and it works good and you weed eat and blow drives and walkways $50 per hour is normally about right. It does depend on the area you live in as well though. In some areas you won't be able to compete.
Check around and see what your competition is charging also and charge accordingly.
In South Alabama we normally charge about $45 for a yard that is 1 acre or less with a house on it if there is not a tremendous amount of weed eating. I charge a minimum of $35 to unload if I don't have to drive too far.
In the last week or so I posted on here asking how much folks would charge to cut 4 acres. I can cut it in less than two hours with one mower and a helper running the weed eater. Some of the guys on here said that they would be losing money if they charged $175. I am glad to get $150.
Hope that helps.
4 acres for $150 is easy money
That's $75 a hour
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#6
Ric
Actually you would be better off charging by the cut than trying to achieve an hourly rate. If you are a collage kid hoping to pick up a few extra yards this summer to make some extra money you can't compete against a Professional Lawn Maintenance crew that's doing it for a living especially if you are a solo operator. The Lawn maintenance guys are going to be faster and have the equipment, ZTR's Trimmers, Hedge trimmers, pole saws edgers, anything they need and two or three of each to do the job that needs to be done or that the client wants done. If I were you I'd find a Sub-division with small lawns that you can cut,trim, edge and blow off in 30 minutes, charge $17.50 to $20.00 a cut, two in an hour and you can get you into your 30 to 50 an hour.
Ric
I'm not a lawn mowing professional. I'm just a college kid hoping to pick up a few extra yards this summer to make some extra money. I'm just a little uncertain about what to charge per yard and still turn a profit. I was thinking offer 30 to 50 per hour depending on the yard. What do you think?
Actually you would be better off charging by the cut than trying to achieve an hourly rate. If you are a collage kid hoping to pick up a few extra yards this summer to make some extra money you can't compete against a Professional Lawn Maintenance crew that's doing it for a living especially if you are a solo operator. The Lawn maintenance guys are going to be faster and have the equipment, ZTR's Trimmers, Hedge trimmers, pole saws edgers, anything they need and two or three of each to do the job that needs to be done or that the client wants done. If I were you I'd find a Sub-division with small lawns that you can cut,trim, edge and blow off in 30 minutes, charge $17.50 to $20.00 a cut, two in an hour and you can get you into your 30 to 50 an hour.
#7
Ric
OH my........
Ric
4 acres for $150 is easy money
That's $75 a hour
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
OH my........
#8
Carscw
You just can not help it. I understand.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
Carscw
OH my........<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14240"/>
You just can not help it. I understand.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#9
E
evan156
E
evan156
I was originally thinking probably $50 per hour, so that sounds good. I have to say, the idea of hitting up an entire subdivision at 20ish per yard seems pretty good as well.
#10
jekjr
This discussion of by the hour vs by the cut is discussed all of the time. Truth is however the only way most people, myself included know how to base a per cut price is by how long it will take to cut it. If you have a customer that has a yard that will take you an hour to cut and you charge that person $50 they will probably hire you. However if you tell that same customer you need $50 per hour they are liable to thank you and get another estimate.......
Any way you slice it dice it or figure it you are charging per hour of usage on your equipment and per hour of your time and however you word it dollars per hour is going to be your final measuring stick.
jekjr
Actually you would be better off charging by the cut than trying to achieve an hourly rate. If you are a collage kid hoping to pick up a few extra yards this summer to make some extra money you can't compete against a Professional Lawn Maintenance crew that's doing it for a living especially if you are a solo operator. The Lawn maintenance guys are going to be faster and have the equipment, ZTR's Trimmers, Hedge trimmers, pole saws edgers, anything they need and two or three of each to do the job that needs to be done or that the client wants done. If I were you I'd find a Sub-division with small lawns that you can cut,trim, edge and blow off in 30 minutes, charge $17.50 to $20.00 a cut, two in an hour and you can get you into your 30 to 50 an hour.
This discussion of by the hour vs by the cut is discussed all of the time. Truth is however the only way most people, myself included know how to base a per cut price is by how long it will take to cut it. If you have a customer that has a yard that will take you an hour to cut and you charge that person $50 they will probably hire you. However if you tell that same customer you need $50 per hour they are liable to thank you and get another estimate.......
Any way you slice it dice it or figure it you are charging per hour of usage on your equipment and per hour of your time and however you word it dollars per hour is going to be your final measuring stick.
#11
X-man
X-man
Damn!:shocked: I tend to forget how expensive grass is.
I mow in my trailer park (small lots) for about $10 per lawn, but if you are mowing in a subdivision then $50/man hour sounds about right.
I mow in my trailer park (small lots) for about $10 per lawn, but if you are mowing in a subdivision then $50/man hour sounds about right.
#12
PVHIII
It seems to me that an owner operator with a decent sized ZTR could compete with a Large commercial operation because you don't have near the overhead expenses.. it may take you longer to complete the work but everyone places a different value on their time...depending on the amount of time someone has to complete the job...basically if you have alot of time on your hands then your time value decreases
PVHIII
Actually you would be better off charging by the cut than trying to achieve an hourly rate. If you are a collage kid hoping to pick up a few extra yards this summer to make some extra money you can't compete against a Professional Lawn Maintenance crew that's doing it for a living especially if you are a solo operator. The Lawn maintenance guys are going to be faster and have the equipment, ZTR's Trimmers, Hedge trimmers, pole saws edgers, anything they need and two or three of each to do the job that needs to be done or that the client wants done. If I were you I'd find a Sub-division with small lawns that you can cut,trim, edge and blow off in 30 minutes, charge $17.50 to $20.00 a cut, two in an hour and you can get you into your 30 to 50 an hour.
It seems to me that an owner operator with a decent sized ZTR could compete with a Large commercial operation because you don't have near the overhead expenses.. it may take you longer to complete the work but everyone places a different value on their time...depending on the amount of time someone has to complete the job...basically if you have alot of time on your hands then your time value decreases
#13
Ric
Yeah it is discussed all the time. The problem with throwing out the $50 figure you need per hour is that you scare most people away. I find that most people prefer the by the cut charge without any contracts. If I go to a yard that is going to take some time I just adjust for the time I'll be there. The nice thing about charging by the cut is that you can adjust your hourly wage.
Ric
This discussion of by the hour vs by the cut is discussed all of the time. Truth is however the only way most people, myself included know how to base a per cut price is by how long it will take to cut it. If you have a customer that has a yard that will take you an hour to cut and you charge that person $50 they will probably hire you. However if you tell that same customer you need $50 per hour they are liable to thank you and get another estimate.......
Any way you slice it dice it or figure it you are charging per hour of usage on your equipment and per hour of your time and however you word it dollars per hour is going to be your final measuring stick.
Yeah it is discussed all the time. The problem with throwing out the $50 figure you need per hour is that you scare most people away. I find that most people prefer the by the cut charge without any contracts. If I go to a yard that is going to take some time I just adjust for the time I'll be there. The nice thing about charging by the cut is that you can adjust your hourly wage.
#14
lawn mower fanatic
Yeah, IMO I think at least sometimes that is true. Like more example, me....I use smaller equipment so there is less I have to pay for: less gas, etc. It does take longer, but if I can finish all the lawns I have in the week and don't turn anyone down, I am still doing good. But on the flipside, you can't take on the larger commercial accounts, and also it does take longer, so the big operators win against you on that.
lawn mower fanatic
It seems to me that an owner operator with a decent sized ZTR could compete with a Large commercial operation because you don't have near the overhead expenses.. it may take you longer to complete the work but everyone places a different value on their time...depending on the amount of time someone has to complete the job...basically if you have alot of time on your hands then your time value decreases
Yeah, IMO I think at least sometimes that is true. Like more example, me....I use smaller equipment so there is less I have to pay for: less gas, etc. It does take longer, but if I can finish all the lawns I have in the week and don't turn anyone down, I am still doing good. But on the flipside, you can't take on the larger commercial accounts, and also it does take longer, so the big operators win against you on that.
#15
Ric
Yes LMF you don't have the overhead but you don't have a business either. Do you have a license? Do you pay taxes? Do you pay Insurance? Do you pay into your SS? Do you keep records of every expenditure you make? You pay all those fees and more and tell me how good your doing. Thing is I have a pretty good little business, I'm running between 75 an 80 clients a week 15 in a 4hr day and at the end of the year after expenses I do alright and I pay my bills but honestly I can't compete against the larger commercial operators.
Ric
It seems to me that an owner operator with a decent sized ZTR could compete with a Large commercial operation because you don't have near the overhead expenses.. it may take you longer to complete the work but everyone places a different value on their time...depending on the amount of time someone has to complete the job...basically if you have alot of time on your hands then your time value decreases
Yeah, IMO I think at least sometimes that is true. Like more example, me....I use smaller equipment so there is less I have to pay for: less gas, etc. It does take longer, but if I can finish all the lawns I have in the week and don't turn anyone down, I am still doing good. But on the flipside, you can't take on the larger commercial accounts, and also it does take longer, so the big operators win against you on that.
Yes LMF you don't have the overhead but you don't have a business either. Do you have a license? Do you pay taxes? Do you pay Insurance? Do you pay into your SS? Do you keep records of every expenditure you make? You pay all those fees and more and tell me how good your doing. Thing is I have a pretty good little business, I'm running between 75 an 80 clients a week 15 in a 4hr day and at the end of the year after expenses I do alright and I pay my bills but honestly I can't compete against the larger commercial operators.
#16
lawn mower fanatic
Yes I am going to have to pay taxes this year, but you are right....you can do 15 lawns in 4 hours....I can do 5 in 4 hours....that's where you make the money.
lawn mower fanatic
Yes LMF you don't have the overhead but you don't have a business either. Do you have a license? Do you pay taxes? Do you pay Insurance? Do you pay into your SS? Do you keep records of every expenditure you make? You pay all those fees and more and tell me how good your doing. Thing is I have a pretty good little business, I'm running between 75 an 80 clients a week 15 in a 4hr day and at the end of the year after expenses I do alright and I pay my bills but honestly I can't compete against the larger commercial operators.
Yes I am going to have to pay taxes this year, but you are right....you can do 15 lawns in 4 hours....I can do 5 in 4 hours....that's where you make the money.
#17
Ric
Do you have a license?
Ric
Yes I am going to have to pay taxes this year, but you are right....you can do 15 lawns in 4 hours....I can do 5 in 4 hours....that's where you make the money.
Do you have a license?
#18
lawn mower fanatic
Getting one next year. For what I started with I didn't need one but now I do. How far up from $25 do you think I can raise my prices and still keep my customers?
P.S. Sorry to jack this thread.
lawn mower fanatic
Do you have a license?
Getting one next year. For what I started with I didn't need one but now I do. How far up from $25 do you think I can raise my prices and still keep my customers?
P.S. Sorry to jack this thread.
#19
Ric
I don't think I'd try to raise your prices. That would be a good way to price yourself out of your clients. If it were me and you tried raising your price any higher I'd start looking for a professional to do my lawn with professional equipment. I mean really if I'm going to pay a professional price I would want the Pro and his equipment to go with it, not the neighborhood lawn boy. That's what I've been trying to say, you can't compete with the large commercial operators, you don't have the equipment or the knowledge to do it.
Ric
Getting one next year. For what I started with I didn't need one but now I do. How far up from $25 do you think I can raise my prices and still keep my customers?
P.S. Sorry to jack this thread.
I don't think I'd try to raise your prices. That would be a good way to price yourself out of your clients. If it were me and you tried raising your price any higher I'd start looking for a professional to do my lawn with professional equipment. I mean really if I'm going to pay a professional price I would want the Pro and his equipment to go with it, not the neighborhood lawn boy. That's what I've been trying to say, you can't compete with the large commercial operators, you don't have the equipment or the knowledge to do it.
#20
lawn mower fanatic
OK thanks. :thumbsup: I don't mind charging $25; I think it's good.....but I was just wondering. The pro that does the yard next to mine charges probably $40-$45 and is gone in 15-20 minutes, but I understand he has lots more expenses.
lawn mower fanatic
I don't think I'd try to raise your prices. That would be a good way to price yourself out of your clients. If it were me and you tried raising your price any higher I'd start looking for a professional to do my lawn with professional equipment. I mean really if I'm going to pay a professional price I would want the Pro and his equipment to go with it, not the neighborhood lawn boy. That's what I've been trying to say, you can't compete with the large commercial operators, you don't have the equipment or the knowledge to do it.
OK thanks. :thumbsup: I don't mind charging $25; I think it's good.....but I was just wondering. The pro that does the yard next to mine charges probably $40-$45 and is gone in 15-20 minutes, but I understand he has lots more expenses.
#21
Ric
Were back on track with the OP now. The Pro down the road that's getting $40-$45 a cut how many guys does he have working with him?
Ric
OK thanks. :thumbsup: I don't mind charging $25; I think it's good.....but I was just wondering. The pro that does the yard next to mine charges probably $40-$45 and is gone in 15-20 minutes, but I understand he has lots more expenses.
Were back on track with the OP now. The Pro down the road that's getting $40-$45 a cut how many guys does he have working with him?
#22
lawn mower fanatic
Usually alone, sometimes a helper (rare), only when they do landscaping jobs (hedge trimming, mulching) does he usually have a helper.
lawn mower fanatic
Were back on track with the OP now. The Pro down the road that's getting $40-$45 a cut how many guys does he have working with him?
Usually alone, sometimes a helper (rare), only when they do landscaping jobs (hedge trimming, mulching) does he usually have a helper.
#23
Lawnboy18
Lawnboy18
I'm goona pitch in here!
I'm a student and I have a good business. This summer I had about 40 clients for a while and I was working 7 days a week to keep up with the extra work like weeding and other odd stuff. All in all, I made a pretty good profit I must say. Enough to pay bills, tuition, LOTS of commercial equipment, truck repairs, summer tires, going out with the GF and the list goes on... What I learned is that I had good prices, but I can go a little hire. I would charge about 20-25$ per lawn cut and sometimes 45 for the big ones that took me about 1.5 hours. I got lucky on one street where people kept coming and talking to me. Why? Because I look like a Pro with all my equipment, great service and respect. Turns out in that area, alone, I can do 5 lawns (trim, mow and blow). To me, that is real good. When I am with someone, I can do this in about 50 minutes wich is even better. I had good prices and got rid of the competition, because the profit goes up when I stay in one section I do a big load.
All I can say is adjust your prices to what you need to pay. Most big shot guys that look at me on the roads charge something like 35$ a shot or more, but that is because they have three monkeys jumping on ZTR's hacking with trimmers and blowing there heads off. Not very awsome. I'm in the middle of all of this. Better than some kid that just mows and a little lower than the big shots.
I must state that I started with my dad's mower and no blower :O. I would only do 5 yards a year and be excited with that. Now, I am here with a bunch of commercial equipment taking over the garage here and there and a part of the back yard (vintage lawn boys). Over the years I have learned a lot. What clients really like is that you come EVERY week or two regularly. If you come when you want they hate that! Come like if you had to go to Church each Sunday. Also, start with what you have. Once you get money, get better stuff. Not necessarily the big ZTR. Just maybe a wider mower, better string trimmer or whatever. Also keep a book of all your client's name, phone number, e-mail and write down EACH time you mow the lawn to keep control.
I'm a student and I have a good business. This summer I had about 40 clients for a while and I was working 7 days a week to keep up with the extra work like weeding and other odd stuff. All in all, I made a pretty good profit I must say. Enough to pay bills, tuition, LOTS of commercial equipment, truck repairs, summer tires, going out with the GF and the list goes on... What I learned is that I had good prices, but I can go a little hire. I would charge about 20-25$ per lawn cut and sometimes 45 for the big ones that took me about 1.5 hours. I got lucky on one street where people kept coming and talking to me. Why? Because I look like a Pro with all my equipment, great service and respect. Turns out in that area, alone, I can do 5 lawns (trim, mow and blow). To me, that is real good. When I am with someone, I can do this in about 50 minutes wich is even better. I had good prices and got rid of the competition, because the profit goes up when I stay in one section I do a big load.
All I can say is adjust your prices to what you need to pay. Most big shot guys that look at me on the roads charge something like 35$ a shot or more, but that is because they have three monkeys jumping on ZTR's hacking with trimmers and blowing there heads off. Not very awsome. I'm in the middle of all of this. Better than some kid that just mows and a little lower than the big shots.
I must state that I started with my dad's mower and no blower :O. I would only do 5 yards a year and be excited with that. Now, I am here with a bunch of commercial equipment taking over the garage here and there and a part of the back yard (vintage lawn boys). Over the years I have learned a lot. What clients really like is that you come EVERY week or two regularly. If you come when you want they hate that! Come like if you had to go to Church each Sunday. Also, start with what you have. Once you get money, get better stuff. Not necessarily the big ZTR. Just maybe a wider mower, better string trimmer or whatever. Also keep a book of all your client's name, phone number, e-mail and write down EACH time you mow the lawn to keep control.
#24
Ric
What your doing is the same as I do, I have as many as 17 clients in a row. I have 24 client in the same loop I live in all with in four tenths of a mile. I have 75 clients and I never leave the sub-division I live in. You talk about the big shots that charge $35 a shot an more, just let it be known that those big shots by the time they get done are probably at there prices make LESS money than you. Why.... because everyone of those monkeys as you put it draws a paycheck, he also has to provide insurance as well as workman's compensation insurance in case one of those monkeys gets hurt plus his license fees, pay taxes, pays into there SS and so on. So ask yourself after he takes care of all his expenses and the monkeys expenses just how much money does he actually make.:confused3:
Ric
I'm goona pitch in here!
I'm a student and I have a good business. This summer I had about 40 clients for a while and I was working 7 days a week to keep up with the extra work like weeding and other odd stuff. All in all, I made a pretty good profit I must say. Enough to pay bills, tuition, LOTS of commercial equipment, truck repairs, summer tires, going out with the GF and the list goes on... What I learned is that I had good prices, but I can go a little hire. I would charge about 20-25$ per lawn cut and sometimes 45 for the big ones that took me about 1.5 hours. I got lucky on one street where people kept coming and talking to me. Why? Because I look like a Pro with all my equipment, great service and respect. Turns out in that area, alone, I can do 5 lawns (trim, mow and blow). To me, that is real good. When I am with someone, I can do this in about 50 minutes wich is even better. I had good prices and got rid of the competition, because the profit goes up when I stay in one section I do a big load.
All I can say is adjust your prices to what you need to pay. Most big shot guys that look at me on the roads charge something like 35$ a shot or more, but that is because they have three monkeys jumping on ZTR's hacking with trimmers and blowing there heads off. Not very awsome. I'm in the middle of all of this. Better than some kid that just mows and a little lower than the big shots.
I must state that I started with my dad's mower and no blower :O. I would only do 5 yards a year and be excited with that. Now, I am here with a bunch of commercial equipment taking over the garage here and there and a part of the back yard (vintage lawn boys). Over the years I have learned a lot. What clients really like is that you come EVERY week or two regularly. If you come when you want they hate that! Come like if you had to go to Church each Sunday. Also, start with what you have. Once you get money, get better stuff. Not necessarily the big ZTR. Just maybe a wider mower, better string trimmer or whatever. Also keep a book of all your client's name, phone number, e-mail and write down EACH time you mow the lawn to keep control.
What your doing is the same as I do, I have as many as 17 clients in a row. I have 24 client in the same loop I live in all with in four tenths of a mile. I have 75 clients and I never leave the sub-division I live in. You talk about the big shots that charge $35 a shot an more, just let it be known that those big shots by the time they get done are probably at there prices make LESS money than you. Why.... because everyone of those monkeys as you put it draws a paycheck, he also has to provide insurance as well as workman's compensation insurance in case one of those monkeys gets hurt plus his license fees, pay taxes, pays into there SS and so on. So ask yourself after he takes care of all his expenses and the monkeys expenses just how much money does he actually make.:confused3:
#25
lawn mower fanatic
I agree with everything you said. And I keep detailed records (like you said) of when I do a lawn, who owes me what, and who paid ahead.
lawn mower fanatic
I'm goona pitch in here!
I'm a student and I have a good business. This summer I had about 40 clients for a while and I was working 7 days a week to keep up with the extra work like weeding and other odd stuff. All in all, I made a pretty good profit I must say. Enough to pay bills, tuition, LOTS of commercial equipment, truck repairs, summer tires, going out with the GF and the list goes on... What I learned is that I had good prices, but I can go a little hire. I would charge about 20-25$ per lawn cut and sometimes 45 for the big ones that took me about 1.5 hours. I got lucky on one street where people kept coming and talking to me. Why? Because I look like a Pro with all my equipment, great service and respect. Turns out in that area, alone, I can do 5 lawns (trim, mow and blow). To me, that is real good. When I am with someone, I can do this in about 50 minutes wich is even better. I had good prices and got rid of the competition, because the profit goes up when I stay in one section I do a big load.
All I can say is adjust your prices to what you need to pay. Most big shot guys that look at me on the roads charge something like 35$ a shot or more, but that is because they have three monkeys jumping on ZTR's hacking with trimmers and blowing there heads off. Not very awsome. I'm in the middle of all of this. Better than some kid that just mows and a little lower than the big shots.
I must state that I started with my dad's mower and no blower :O. I would only do 5 yards a year and be excited with that. Now, I am here with a bunch of commercial equipment taking over the garage here and there and a part of the back yard (vintage lawn boys). Over the years I have learned a lot. What clients really like is that you come EVERY week or two regularly. If you come when you want they hate that! Come like if you had to go to Church each Sunday. Also, start with what you have. Once you get money, get better stuff. Not necessarily the big ZTR. Just maybe a wider mower, better string trimmer or whatever. Also keep a book of all your client's name, phone number, e-mail and write down EACH time you mow the lawn to keep control.
I agree with everything you said. And I keep detailed records (like you said) of when I do a lawn, who owes me what, and who paid ahead.
#26
Lawnboy18
Excaly! Also, let's not forget the expensive payments on those nice new pick up trucks, ZTR's and more...
It is good to know that I am not the only one here that is in between both. It is a lot of work, but I love it. I sure wish I had 17 in a row. That's a lot!
That is the right thing to do! Since I hav mowed lawns, I have always done that. I write the date down and beside the amount due and add a check mark once they paid.
Lawnboy18
What your doing is the same as I do, I have as many as 17 clients in a row. I have 24 client in the same loop I live in all with in four tenths of a mile. I have 75 clients and I never leave the sub-division I live in. You talk about the big shots that charge $35 a shot an more, just let it be known that those big shots by the time they get done are probably at there prices make LESS money than you. Why.... because everyone of those monkeys as you put it draws a paycheck, he also has to provide insurance as well as workman's compensation insurance in case one of those monkeys gets hurt plus his license fees, pay taxes, pays into there SS and so on. So ask yourself after he takes care of all his expenses and the monkeys expenses just how much money does he actually make.:confused3:
Excaly! Also, let's not forget the expensive payments on those nice new pick up trucks, ZTR's and more...
It is good to know that I am not the only one here that is in between both. It is a lot of work, but I love it. I sure wish I had 17 in a row. That's a lot!
I agree with everything you said. And I keep detailed records (like you said) of when I do a lawn, who owes me what, and who paid ahead.
That is the right thing to do! Since I hav mowed lawns, I have always done that. I write the date down and beside the amount due and add a check mark once they paid.
#27
chobbs1957
chobbs1957
How expensive is the insurance coverage for a typical operation?
I shudder to think about an employee slicing a gash in his leg with a hedge trimmer while I have my mower deck sling a rock into somebody's $70K Mercedes....
In my ag consulting business working with farmer crops some of the best advice I ever got was "buy E&O insurance, and don't let anybody know you have it!" That and some workman's comp sure gives some piece of mind....
I shudder to think about an employee slicing a gash in his leg with a hedge trimmer while I have my mower deck sling a rock into somebody's $70K Mercedes....
In my ag consulting business working with farmer crops some of the best advice I ever got was "buy E&O insurance, and don't let anybody know you have it!" That and some workman's comp sure gives some piece of mind....
#28
Carscw
Carscw
Hire your workers as sub contractors and 10-99 them at the end of the year.
Saves you money for no workers comp and less you pay on taxes.
Saves you money for no workers comp and less you pay on taxes.
#29
exotion
Just make sure they stay current on their taxes if they don't its your ***
exotion
Hire your workers as sub contractors and 10-99 them at the end of the year.
Saves you money for no workers comp and less you pay on taxes.
Just make sure they stay current on their taxes if they don't its your ***
#30
Carscw
Carscw
As long as you do your part it does not matter if they pay or not. I know guys that have not filed taxes in years and has never came back on me.
I pay mine that's all I care about.
I pay mine that's all I care about.
#31
chobbs1957
The IRS has some pretty tight rules over who may be a "1099 contractor" and who may be an employee. From what my accountant described to me, I was going to have trouble contracting crop scouts the way I was putting together their job descriptions. I was always there, always supervising, had to set their schedules, all things that would not pass the acid test if a "1099 contractor", so I employed.
chobbs1957
As long as you do your part it does not matter if they pay or not. I know guys that have not filed taxes in years and has never came back on me. I pay mine that's all I care about.
The IRS has some pretty tight rules over who may be a "1099 contractor" and who may be an employee. From what my accountant described to me, I was going to have trouble contracting crop scouts the way I was putting together their job descriptions. I was always there, always supervising, had to set their schedules, all things that would not pass the acid test if a "1099 contractor", so I employed.
#32
Carscw
He could not find away around it?
Like paying by the job or day
Carscw
The IRS has some pretty tight rules over who may be a "1099 contractor" and who may be an employee. From what my accountant described to me, I was going to have trouble contracting crop scouts the way I was putting together their job descriptions. I was always there, always supervising, had to set their schedules, all things that would not pass the acid test if a "1099 contractor", so I employed.
He could not find away around it?
Like paying by the job or day
#33
chobbs1957
chobbs1957
Contractors have to have a lot of independence to be contractors, with lots of flexible options, options like flexible hours, for example.
I researched on my own, and was not comfortable with taking the chance.
If I had done it, I would have had put together a thorough contract, set procedures, train, and sit back from a distance and let them work. I could only schedule jobs to be done within a somewhat flexible time frame, not hour by hour, for example. Documentation after documentation validating the contractual status was needed as well.
I started to go that way, but was glad I didn't. However, it can be set up to comply in the crop scouting industry, and the lawn care industry as well, I am sure. Just cross t's and dot i's precisely.
I researched on my own, and was not comfortable with taking the chance.
If I had done it, I would have had put together a thorough contract, set procedures, train, and sit back from a distance and let them work. I could only schedule jobs to be done within a somewhat flexible time frame, not hour by hour, for example. Documentation after documentation validating the contractual status was needed as well.
I started to go that way, but was glad I didn't. However, it can be set up to comply in the crop scouting industry, and the lawn care industry as well, I am sure. Just cross t's and dot i's precisely.
#34
dude
dude
I am a 15 year old
I live in a small town. I do a lot of yard work blowing, cutting, mulch spreading every thing else. For mowing I charge $20 a job. For leaves its $15 an hour. Every other project is what every I feel like. Are these ok. For mowing I have 5 clients. That's $100 from that. Going into the fall with all the leaves I use my trusty br 380. That brings in about $150 a week. Mulching in the spring is around $20 an hour. I would like to know if this is ok. Are there any mistake that I have made.
I live in a small town. I do a lot of yard work blowing, cutting, mulch spreading every thing else. For mowing I charge $20 a job. For leaves its $15 an hour. Every other project is what every I feel like. Are these ok. For mowing I have 5 clients. That's $100 from that. Going into the fall with all the leaves I use my trusty br 380. That brings in about $150 a week. Mulching in the spring is around $20 an hour. I would like to know if this is ok. Are there any mistake that I have made.
#35
dude
dude
I am a 15 year old
I live in a small town. I do a lot of yard work blowing, cutting, mulch spreading every thing else. For mowing I charge $20 a job. For leaves its $15 an hour. Every other project is what every I feel like. Are these ok. For mowing I have 5 clients. That's $100 from that. Going into the fall with all the leaves I use my trusty br 380. That brings in about $150 a week. Mulching in the spring is around $20 an hour. I would like to know if this is ok. Are there any mistake that I have made.
#36
Ric
I'd say your doing real good with those prices.
Ric
I am a 15 year old
I live in a small town. I do a lot of yard work blowing, cutting, mulch spreading every thing else. For mowing I charge $20 a job. For leaves its $15 an hour. Every other project is what every I feel like. Are these ok. For mowing I have 5 clients. That's $100 from that. Going into the fall with all the leaves I use my trusty br 380. That brings in about $150 a week. Mulching in the spring is around $20 an hour. I would like to know if this is ok. Are there any mistake that I have made.
I'd say your doing real good with those prices.
#37
Lawnboy18
Lawnboy18
I am a 15 year old
I live in a small town. I do a lot of yard work blowing, cutting, mulch spreading every thing else. For mowing I charge $20 a job. For leaves its $15 an hour. Every other project is what every I feel like. Are these ok. For mowing I have 5 clients. That's $100 from that. Going into the fall with all the leaves I use my trusty br 380. That brings in about $150 a week. Mulching in the spring is around $20 an hour. I would like to know if this is ok. Are there any mistake that I have made.
Sounds pretty good to me! After a while, you will be able to raise your prices slightly if you keep up the good work. People are ready to pay for very good services!
#38
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
I hope I'm not ill advising but i won't even think of dropping my gate for less then $35 a yard. We've a decent amount of equipment and I've done the math on what it cost to operate per hour as a legit company. I'm all for the little guy starting out, but talk to the larger companies and find out what they are charging. It's the wrong answer to price your services at half the rate. All it does is drive the rate down for all of us. I get it you don't have as much overhead so why not make as much as you can. We service 17 yards in a small 26 house neighborhood. I recently confronted a guy working out of his van, no insurance, no license, ect. I just wanted to know why he was offering my customers service at a 1/4 the price. I'm not even sure the guy wasn't an illegal immigrant. Long story short you can't compete with larger operations but you can make more money for yourself if you price residential properties close to the same price because they've created the market value. Most guys will even sub contract their services they offer and you don't to you at a discount.
#39
exotion
I could make more money like you said but I don't feel the need I charge 25 a yard I average between 50-60 dollars an hr I'm good if I am driving the price down for the greedy bigger companys oh well that's their problem not mine
exotion
I hope I'm not ill advising but i won't even think of dropping my gate for less then $35 a yard. We've a decent amount of equipment and I've done the math on what it cost to operate per hour as a legit company. I'm all for the little guy starting out, but talk to the larger companies and find out what they are charging. It's the wrong answer to price your services at half the rate. All it does is drive the rate down for all of us. I get it you don't have as much overhead so why not make as much as you can. We service 17 yards in a small 26 house neighborhood. I recently confronted a guy working out of his van, no insurance, no license, ect. I just wanted to know why he was offering my customers service at a 1/4 the price. I'm not even sure the guy wasn't an illegal immigrant. Long story short you can't compete with larger operations but you can make more money for yourself if you price residential properties close to the same price because they've created the market value. Most guys will even sub contract their services they offer and you don't to you at a discount.
I could make more money like you said but I don't feel the need I charge 25 a yard I average between 50-60 dollars an hr I'm good if I am driving the price down for the greedy bigger companys oh well that's their problem not mine
#40
L
LoCo86
" I could make more money " if you're doing this for a living and to support your family. Why not maximize your profit margin? I saw in am earlier post that you were satisfied and felt successful with $42,000 you made last year. I know guys who work a full time job and do lawn care on the side and make more than that just with their lawn business. By living in the south I know the cost of living is lower than the north west, so I really don't see how you can have a good lifestyle making $42K.
As far as working for a lesser price than the larger landscape companies and trying to drive down their prices. At some point would you not want to be one of those larger companies and make more money to provide your family with a better lifestyle. Not have to worry about the electric bill being too high or having threats of someone turning off your water. So if you keep your prices low you're only hurting yourself now and in the future. I had those problems I mentioned earlier when I was growing up and I'm not going back to that lifestyle. And to be honest the larger companies are not even looking at you as a threat. There are several companies here that make almost a million dollars a year or better.
I don't know how ambitious you are and I don't know what drives you to get out of bed and go to work everyday. But if " I could make more money but choose not to" is your attitude towards your bottom line and how your family lives. Then you should just be a shift manager at McDonald's for what your making and the attitude you have towards your profession and you fellow mower men.
L
LoCo86
I could make more money like you said but I don't feel the need I charge 25 a yard I average between 50-60 dollars an hr I'm good if I am driving the price down for the greedy bigger companys oh well that's their problem not mine
" I could make more money " if you're doing this for a living and to support your family. Why not maximize your profit margin? I saw in am earlier post that you were satisfied and felt successful with $42,000 you made last year. I know guys who work a full time job and do lawn care on the side and make more than that just with their lawn business. By living in the south I know the cost of living is lower than the north west, so I really don't see how you can have a good lifestyle making $42K.
As far as working for a lesser price than the larger landscape companies and trying to drive down their prices. At some point would you not want to be one of those larger companies and make more money to provide your family with a better lifestyle. Not have to worry about the electric bill being too high or having threats of someone turning off your water. So if you keep your prices low you're only hurting yourself now and in the future. I had those problems I mentioned earlier when I was growing up and I'm not going back to that lifestyle. And to be honest the larger companies are not even looking at you as a threat. There are several companies here that make almost a million dollars a year or better.
I don't know how ambitious you are and I don't know what drives you to get out of bed and go to work everyday. But if " I could make more money but choose not to" is your attitude towards your bottom line and how your family lives. Then you should just be a shift manager at McDonald's for what your making and the attitude you have towards your profession and you fellow mower men.
#41
BHLC
AMEN brother!!
BHLC
I hope I'm not ill advising but i won't even think of dropping my gate for less then $35 a yard. We've a decent amount of equipment and I've done the math on what it cost to operate per hour as a legit company. I'm all for the little guy starting out, but talk to the larger companies and find out what they are charging. It's the wrong answer to price your services at half the rate. All it does is drive the rate down for all of us. I get it you don't have as much overhead so why not make as much as you can. We service 17 yards in a small 26 house neighborhood. I recently confronted a guy working out of his van, no insurance, no license, ect. I just wanted to know why he was offering my customers service at a 1/4 the price. I'm not even sure the guy wasn't an illegal immigrant. Long story short you can't compete with larger operations but you can make more money for yourself if you price residential properties close to the same price because they've created the market value. Most guys will even sub contract their services they offer and you don't to you at a discount.
AMEN brother!!
#42
BHLC
Thumbs up!
BHLC
" I could make more money " if you're doing this for a living and to support your family. Why not maximize your profit margin? I saw in am earlier post that you were satisfied and felt successful with $42,000 you made last year. I know guys who work a full time job and do lawn care on the side and make more than that just with their lawn business. By living in the south I know the cost of living is lower than the north west, so I really don't see how you can have a good lifestyle making $42K. As far as working for a lesser price than the larger landscape companies and trying to drive down their prices. At some point would you not want to be one of those larger companies and make more money to provide your family with a better lifestyle. Not have to worry about the electric bill being too high or having threats of someone turning off your water. So if you keep your prices low you're only hurting yourself now and in the future. I had those problems I mentioned earlier when I was growing up and I'm not going back to that lifestyle. And to be honest the larger companies are not even looking at you as a threat. There are several companies here that make almost a million dollars a year or better. I don't know how ambitious you are and I don't know what drives you to get out of bed and go to work everyday. But if " I could make more money but choose not to" is your attitude towards your bottom line and how your family lives. Then you should just be a shift manager at McDonald's for what your making and the attitude you have towards your profession and you fellow mower men.
Thumbs up!
#43
BHLC
Insurance?
License?
Cost of operating?
How do you get from a to b?
Taxes?
Manpower?
Repairs?
Maintenance?
Food?
Mortgage?
Electricity?
Heat?
There's a lot more to it than just the weekly income.
If you're pulling your stuff around on your bike through the neighborhood, well, I guess you're doing ok at 15yrs old living with mom & dad,, however there is a tremendous amount more possibility. I was bring in 3 times that at 16 after I got my license, bought my 1st house at 19. Start to bring your prices up now while you can before you HAVE to.
Or...be happy grossing $42k a year...
BHLC
I am a 15 year old I live in a small town. I do a lot of yard work blowing, cutting, mulch spreading every thing else. For mowing I charge $20 a job. For leaves its $15 an hour. Every other project is what every I feel like. Are these ok. For mowing I have 5 clients. That's $100 from that. Going into the fall with all the leaves I use my trusty br 380. That brings in about $150 a week. Mulching in the spring is around $20 an hour. I would like to know if this is ok. Are there any mistake that I have made.
Insurance?
License?
Cost of operating?
How do you get from a to b?
Taxes?
Manpower?
Repairs?
Maintenance?
Food?
Mortgage?
Electricity?
Heat?
There's a lot more to it than just the weekly income.
If you're pulling your stuff around on your bike through the neighborhood, well, I guess you're doing ok at 15yrs old living with mom & dad,, however there is a tremendous amount more possibility. I was bring in 3 times that at 16 after I got my license, bought my 1st house at 19. Start to bring your prices up now while you can before you HAVE to.
Or...be happy grossing $42k a year...
#44
TaskForceLawnCare
Your exactly right, no ambition, why wouldn't want to make more. That's why I got into my own business, so my wife could drive a new car and i can drive a big diesel truck run multiple mowers have employees, send my kids to collage and not worry about my bills. Which by the way boost the American economy. If I wanted to have a gross income of $42k a year I'd flip burgers at a fast food joint. The small guys aren't a threat to me, if i felt the need i could offer their customers more services higher quality with less time on their property and a higher price that they always end up being happy to pay. Because we're reliable have curb appeal and offer a lot of services to include a sales/public relations rep that ensures they're always satisfied. Why would you under cut yourself short, because you're scared to ask a higher price?
TaskForceLawnCare
Insurance? License? Cost of operating? How do you get from a to b? Taxes? Manpower? Repairs? Maintenance? Food? Mortgage? Electricity? Heat? There's a lot more to it than just the weekly income. If you're pulling your stuff around on your bike through the neighborhood, well, I guess you're doing ok at 15yrs old living with mom & dad,, however there is a tremendous amount more possibility. I was bring in 3 times that at 16 after I got my license, bought my 1st house at 19. Start to bring your prices up now while you can before you HAVE to. Or...be happy grossing $42k a year...
Your exactly right, no ambition, why wouldn't want to make more. That's why I got into my own business, so my wife could drive a new car and i can drive a big diesel truck run multiple mowers have employees, send my kids to collage and not worry about my bills. Which by the way boost the American economy. If I wanted to have a gross income of $42k a year I'd flip burgers at a fast food joint. The small guys aren't a threat to me, if i felt the need i could offer their customers more services higher quality with less time on their property and a higher price that they always end up being happy to pay. Because we're reliable have curb appeal and offer a lot of services to include a sales/public relations rep that ensures they're always satisfied. Why would you under cut yourself short, because you're scared to ask a higher price?
#45
TaskForceLawnCare
Well put, but they can only temporarily drive prices down until they realize that they can't afford to replace their equipment by under cutting the larger company. that understands the cost to replace and maintain equipment. Which is the same equipment that earns your paycheck. They're usually gone in a few years if not earlier.
TaskForceLawnCare
" I could make more money " if you're doing this for a living and to support your family. Why not maximize your profit margin? I saw in am earlier post that you were satisfied and felt successful with $42,000 you made last year. I know guys who work a full time job and do lawn care on the side and make more than that just with their lawn business. By living in the south I know the cost of living is lower than the north west, so I really don't see how you can have a good lifestyle making $42K. As far as working for a lesser price than the larger landscape companies and trying to drive down their prices. At some point would you not want to be one of those larger companies and make more money to provide your family with a better lifestyle. Not have to worry about the electric bill being too high or having threats of someone turning off your water. So if you keep your prices low you're only hurting yourself now and in the future. I had those problems I mentioned earlier when I was growing up and I'm not going back to that lifestyle. And to be honest the larger companies are not even looking at you as a threat. There are several companies here that make almost a million dollars a year or better. I don't know how ambitious you are and I don't know what drives you to get out of bed and go to work everyday. But if " I could make more money but choose not to" is your attitude towards your bottom line and how your family lives. Then you should just be a shift manager at McDonald's for what your making and the attitude you have towards your profession and you fellow mower men.
Well put, but they can only temporarily drive prices down until they realize that they can't afford to replace their equipment by under cutting the larger company. that understands the cost to replace and maintain equipment. Which is the same equipment that earns your paycheck. They're usually gone in a few years if not earlier.
#46
Carscw
Carscw
Man just charge what ever makes you happy. At 15 years old and cutting yards in your neighborhood I see nothing wrong with charging $20 a yard.
I know plenty of people that wish they made 42k a year. A shift manager at MC D only make around 20k a year.
We see a lot of the so called big company's with the big trucks and high $ mowers pull up to a yard 5 guys jump out hack the yard up and gone in 15 mins.
My wife looks at me and says they should be embarrassed to leave a yard looking like that. And charge $50.
I know plenty of people that wish they made 42k a year. A shift manager at MC D only make around 20k a year.
We see a lot of the so called big company's with the big trucks and high $ mowers pull up to a yard 5 guys jump out hack the yard up and gone in 15 mins.
My wife looks at me and says they should be embarrassed to leave a yard looking like that. And charge $50.
#47
exotion
Happy life style at 42k is easy considering I was making 23k last year and next year I am shooting for 75k well see where it goes from there I charge the most my customers will pay I take in the people who normally can't afford professional care and the people who have money but won't spend it I have had a few people try to come in and steal some of my customers they walked away empty handed people like me.. I run a clean operation my truck trailer and equipment look nice I am effecient professional and reliable .... For 25 a cut
ya I am happy with 42k we no longer have government assistance and I don't worries about my bills
exotion
Man just charge what ever makes you happy. At 15 years old and cutting yards in your neighborhood I see nothing wrong with charging $20 a yard.
I know plenty of people that wish they made 42k a year. A shift manager at MC D only make around 20k a year.
We see a lot of the so called big company's with the big trucks and high $ mowers pull up to a yard 5 guys jump out hack the yard up and gone in 15 mins.
My wife looks at me and says they should be embarrassed to leave a yard looking like that. And charge $50.
Happy life style at 42k is easy considering I was making 23k last year and next year I am shooting for 75k well see where it goes from there I charge the most my customers will pay I take in the people who normally can't afford professional care and the people who have money but won't spend it I have had a few people try to come in and steal some of my customers they walked away empty handed people like me.. I run a clean operation my truck trailer and equipment look nice I am effecient professional and reliable .... For 25 a cut
ya I am happy with 42k we no longer have government assistance and I don't worries about my bills
#48
Carscw
Man that's all that matters is that you are happy with what you make.
Carscw
Happy life style at 42k is easy considering I was making 23k last year and next year I am shooting for 75k well see where it goes from there I charge the most my customers will pay I take in the people who normally can't afford professional care and the people who have money but won't spend it I have had a few people try to come in and steal some of my customers they walked away empty handed people like me.. I run a clean operation my truck trailer and equipment look nice I am effecient professional and reliable .... For 25 a cut
Man that's all that matters is that you are happy with what you make.
#49
L
LoCo86
"I am happy with 42k we no longer have government assistance"
Taken from the Front Porch Forum titled Affordable Health Care: " I only need me and my wife because Washington state offers health care to kids untill they are 18 unless you make over 60k a year in the household the best to we have never paid a dime for our kids to go to any doctor."
When I was in school I work as a laborer for a construction company and most of the guys I worked beside were happy as a clam to make $8 an hour just so they could have beer money for the weekend. But those were employees. The owner who ran the business had to have the ambition, the drive and the desire to be more successful everyday. As a owner you should never be content with the operation of your business.
I glad to see you set a goal of making $75k next year, however you should set more realistic goals. You're talking about nearly doubling your business in one lawn season with customers who are either stingy with their money or who don't really have it to begin with. The offering of your services for your current customers more than likely begin and end with mowing edging trimming and blowing everything off. For you to reach your goal you will need to expand your services to customers who want more done than just what I call the " basic" services. And with the idea of doubling your business comes with a cost of hired labor. As you know that comes with payroll, more insurance, more equipment, etc.. Which is going to effect your bottom line. Which means you're going to have to more than double your business to reach the $75K mark.
I wish you the best and maybe I just have enough ambition for the both of us. I would just like to see a better attitude toward the lawn care profession and those in it to make a living. But at the end of the day it's your life not mine.
L
LoCo86
Happy life style at 42k is easy considering I was making 23k last year and next year I am shooting for 75k well see where it goes from there I charge the most my customers will pay I take in the people who normally can't afford professional care and the people who have money but won't spend it I have had a few people try to come in and steal some of my customers they walked away empty handed people like me.. I run a clean operation my truck trailer and equipment look nice I am effecient professional and reliable .... For 25 a cut
"I am happy with 42k we no longer have government assistance"
Taken from the Front Porch Forum titled Affordable Health Care: " I only need me and my wife because Washington state offers health care to kids untill they are 18 unless you make over 60k a year in the household the best to we have never paid a dime for our kids to go to any doctor."
When I was in school I work as a laborer for a construction company and most of the guys I worked beside were happy as a clam to make $8 an hour just so they could have beer money for the weekend. But those were employees. The owner who ran the business had to have the ambition, the drive and the desire to be more successful everyday. As a owner you should never be content with the operation of your business.
I glad to see you set a goal of making $75k next year, however you should set more realistic goals. You're talking about nearly doubling your business in one lawn season with customers who are either stingy with their money or who don't really have it to begin with. The offering of your services for your current customers more than likely begin and end with mowing edging trimming and blowing everything off. For you to reach your goal you will need to expand your services to customers who want more done than just what I call the " basic" services. And with the idea of doubling your business comes with a cost of hired labor. As you know that comes with payroll, more insurance, more equipment, etc.. Which is going to effect your bottom line. Which means you're going to have to more than double your business to reach the $75K mark.
I wish you the best and maybe I just have enough ambition for the both of us. I would just like to see a better attitude toward the lawn care profession and those in it to make a living. But at the end of the day it's your life not mine.
#50
M
mowerman05
M
mowerman05
There seems to be a awful lot of opinions on what to charge on this thread. Who cares as long as the person is happy. Money doesn't make everyone happy, there's more to life than that.:thumbsup:
#51
R
Raw Dodge
R
Raw Dodge
I give you credit for coming on here and posting what your prices are... so I'm not going to tear into you, however at 15,if you want a decent car next year and a drivers license and to be able to affordable insurance coverage so you can drive... your probably going to have to review you're pricing policy.. I do not necessarily worry about an hourly wage because I feel I can be more profitable using by the job pricing on everything. This way I'm not punishing myself for using efficient equipment. where you say you charge 20 a lawn that may be about right if you done in 15-20 minutes...try to find out what going rates are for your area and make sure you're not giving away you're services... it's important to enjoy what you do... but thats not a reason to work for free.
#52
H
Hustling
There's nothing wrong with bringing value to a customer. The problem is if you have ever added up the cost of ALL your equipment, expenses etc. and then did some basic math to figure out how much useful life you are taking out of that equipment (i.e. A mower doesn't last forever so what did you spend the 3,000 hours that you got out of it on) Someone elses yard. Did you just destroy a $5,000 ztr over 5 years mowing other peoples yard for practically nothing. Your time is one thing but your not making 50-60 an hour when you figure in your costs. Think about it - add it all up and then figure out what you really are making per hour.
If your using your dad's equipment and he is ok with replacing it in 3 years and absorbing those costs - I guess good for you.
H
Hustling
I could make more money like you said but I don't feel the need I charge 25 a yard I average between 50-60 dollars an hr I'm good if I am driving the price down for the greedy bigger companys oh well that's their problem not mine
There's nothing wrong with bringing value to a customer. The problem is if you have ever added up the cost of ALL your equipment, expenses etc. and then did some basic math to figure out how much useful life you are taking out of that equipment (i.e. A mower doesn't last forever so what did you spend the 3,000 hours that you got out of it on) Someone elses yard. Did you just destroy a $5,000 ztr over 5 years mowing other peoples yard for practically nothing. Your time is one thing but your not making 50-60 an hour when you figure in your costs. Think about it - add it all up and then figure out what you really are making per hour.
If your using your dad's equipment and he is ok with replacing it in 3 years and absorbing those costs - I guess good for you.
#53
exotion
It's my equipment I'm proud of it even if I could replace all my equipment for 1500 dollars low overhead means I make more profit my overhead is apx 5 or 10 dollars a day just saying
exotion
There's nothing wrong with bringing value to a customer. The problem is if you have ever added up the cost of ALL your equipment, expenses etc. and then did some basic math to figure out how much useful life you are taking out of that equipment (i.e. A mower doesn't last forever so what did you spend the 3,000 hours that you got out of it on) Someone elses yard. Did you just destroy a $5,000 ztr over 5 years mowing other peoples yard for practically nothing. Your time is one thing but your not making 50-60 an hour when you figure in your costs. Think about it - add it all up and then figure out what you really are making per hour.
If your using your dad's equipment and he is ok with replacing it in 3 years and absorbing those costs - I guess good for you.
It's my equipment I'm proud of it even if I could replace all my equipment for 1500 dollars low overhead means I make more profit my overhead is apx 5 or 10 dollars a day just saying
#54
dude
I don't own my own mower but I do own my own blower
dude
It's my equipment I'm proud of it even if I could replace all my equipment for 1500 dollars low overhead means I make more profit my overhead is apx 5 or 10 dollars a day just saying
I don't own my own mower but I do own my own blower
#55
Lawnboy18
Lawnboy18
After reading many posts, I have not scene an important factor in pricing.
Now, we have assessed that it costs money to maintain our equipment, buy it and pay all the surrounding bills (insurance, employees, new equipment, etc.), but we haven't talked about the areas in where we live! Prices can highly depend on that! In example, I have heard that in the State of Washington, they charge big bucks to mow lawns. Where I live, to be honest, a typical lawn contractor will charge 400-450$ for a lawn mowing contract. It is how it is. We don't mow lawns during winter time, so too catch up we do snow removal wich can be very sucky (getting up very early in the cold).
Really, what is the point of arguing about this? Some one just asked about how much he should charge! He is just a kid! Give him a breack. A kid can't charge big bucks to mow a lawn, because he is in another social context. If you are a father and have a wife and all, well you will definetly raise your prices and have a few teams to mow lawns and have more profits.
I could easily triple my amount of contracts with having three other employees, offer more services and all of that, but I can't and the reason why is that I am a student and it gets very tricky in September and October to have that kind of responsibility. For now, I am very happy with what I have made. My company is growing and that is a good sign. People are always satisfied meaning that I can raise my prices gradually. You can never start at the top. When you start a business, you start at the bottom and years later you find yourself being a big boss and ordering all your employees on what to do. I see my company as an easy way out should I ever have problems in my life.
Now, we have assessed that it costs money to maintain our equipment, buy it and pay all the surrounding bills (insurance, employees, new equipment, etc.), but we haven't talked about the areas in where we live! Prices can highly depend on that! In example, I have heard that in the State of Washington, they charge big bucks to mow lawns. Where I live, to be honest, a typical lawn contractor will charge 400-450$ for a lawn mowing contract. It is how it is. We don't mow lawns during winter time, so too catch up we do snow removal wich can be very sucky (getting up very early in the cold).
Really, what is the point of arguing about this? Some one just asked about how much he should charge! He is just a kid! Give him a breack. A kid can't charge big bucks to mow a lawn, because he is in another social context. If you are a father and have a wife and all, well you will definetly raise your prices and have a few teams to mow lawns and have more profits.
I could easily triple my amount of contracts with having three other employees, offer more services and all of that, but I can't and the reason why is that I am a student and it gets very tricky in September and October to have that kind of responsibility. For now, I am very happy with what I have made. My company is growing and that is a good sign. People are always satisfied meaning that I can raise my prices gradually. You can never start at the top. When you start a business, you start at the bottom and years later you find yourself being a big boss and ordering all your employees on what to do. I see my company as an easy way out should I ever have problems in my life.
#56
L
LoCo86
In my region you normally get $1 per minute and have a minimum price for any job. We understand that he is a student who is just starting out. We have all been there. All we are trying to do is guide him from our experiences so that he doesn't get out there and lose money. I know money isn't everything, but why even start a business if you're looking to do nothing more than what it takes to get by. If that's the case just get a 9-5 job somewhere. And for you I recommend that you don't give up on your lawn business. Because even with a college degree you probably won't find a job that will pay anywhere close to what you can make doing lawn care. Also like I said to Exotion, your attitude towards this profession is a bit negative. Some people see this line of work as an easy way out but when you get into it as a business I believe you will find that's not the case.
L
LoCo86
After reading many posts, I have not scene an important factor in pricing. Now, we have assessed that it costs money to maintain our equipment, buy it and pay all the surrounding bills (insurance, employees, new equipment, etc.), but we haven't talked about the areas in where we live! Prices can highly depend on that! In example, I have heard that in the State of Washington, they charge big bucks to mow lawns. Where I live, to be honest, a typical lawn contractor will charge 400-450$ for a lawn mowing contract. It is how it is. We don't mow lawns during winter time, so too catch up we do snow removal wich can be very sucky (getting up very early in the cold). Really, what is the point of arguing about this? Some one just asked about how much he should charge! He is just a kid! Give him a breack. A kid can't charge big bucks to mow a lawn, because he is in another social context. If you are a father and have a wife and all, well you will definetly raise your prices and have a few teams to mow lawns and have more profits. I could easily triple my amount of contracts with having three other employees, offer more services and all of that, but I can't and the reason why is that I am a student and it gets very tricky in September and October to have that kind of responsibility. For now, I am very happy with what I have made. My company is growing and that is a good sign. People are always satisfied meaning that I can raise my prices gradually. You can never start at the top. When you start a business, you start at the bottom and years later you find yourself being a big boss and ordering all your employees on what to do. I see my company as an easy way out should I ever have problems in my life.
In my region you normally get $1 per minute and have a minimum price for any job. We understand that he is a student who is just starting out. We have all been there. All we are trying to do is guide him from our experiences so that he doesn't get out there and lose money. I know money isn't everything, but why even start a business if you're looking to do nothing more than what it takes to get by. If that's the case just get a 9-5 job somewhere. And for you I recommend that you don't give up on your lawn business. Because even with a college degree you probably won't find a job that will pay anywhere close to what you can make doing lawn care. Also like I said to Exotion, your attitude towards this profession is a bit negative. Some people see this line of work as an easy way out but when you get into it as a business I believe you will find that's not the case.
#57
Lawnboy18
I try to stick with that 1$/minute rule. Usually, I am close to that. The yards around here are small. In certain areas, I can do 5 in one hour. With a Redbull, probably 6 in an hour.
Trust me, with 8 years of University I can be a Psychologist and earn lots of money.
I am not negative with my business. I love what I do and I want to keep my business for as long as I can. The easy way out that I mentionned earlier was that if something went wrong with University or anything else in my life, I know that I have a pretty good company that I can make very big and popular and have a good life style. I have no clue of what I will do with it in a few years when I am done with University. Maybe sell it, but that would make me sad. Maybe keep it and just boss around two or three teams that run around town for me doing landscape work. As of now, I am concentrating on keeping my clients satisfied and making my prices higher and higher gradually.
Lawnboy18
In my region you normally get $1 per minute and have a minimum price for any job. We understand that he is a student who is just starting out. We have all been there. All we are trying to do is guide him from our experiences so that he doesn't get out there and lose money. I know money isn't everything, but why even start a business if you're looking to do nothing more than what it takes to get by. If that's the case just get a 9-5 job somewhere. And for you I recommend that you don't give up on your lawn business. Because even with a college degree you probably won't find a job that will pay anywhere close to what you can make doing lawn care. Also like I said to Exotion, your attitude towards this profession is a bit negative. Some people see this line of work as an easy way out but when you get into it as a business I believe you will find that's not the case.
I try to stick with that 1$/minute rule. Usually, I am close to that. The yards around here are small. In certain areas, I can do 5 in one hour. With a Redbull, probably 6 in an hour.
Trust me, with 8 years of University I can be a Psychologist and earn lots of money.
I am not negative with my business. I love what I do and I want to keep my business for as long as I can. The easy way out that I mentionned earlier was that if something went wrong with University or anything else in my life, I know that I have a pretty good company that I can make very big and popular and have a good life style. I have no clue of what I will do with it in a few years when I am done with University. Maybe sell it, but that would make me sad. Maybe keep it and just boss around two or three teams that run around town for me doing landscape work. As of now, I am concentrating on keeping my clients satisfied and making my prices higher and higher gradually.
#58
exotion
exotion
Not negative I am happy I'm not out to get rich or huge I am out to be happy I will work by my self not hire employees and work when I want I enjoy my work I use it to support my family and we live happy that's all I price my work what I think the job is worth for me and guess what its working lol
#59
L
LoCo86
I'm glad it working out for you, also that you're happy. However, there will come a time when you're not 24 anymore and all this work you're doing by yourself will not be feasible. When that time comes and you're kids are heading to college and the mortgage is still coming I hope your business is still "working" for you.
I'm not trying to get on your case, so don't take what I say as an insult or with malus. I am just trying to give you some foresight of what is to come.
L
LoCo86
Not negative I am happy I'm not out to get rich or huge I am out to be happy I will work by my self not hire employees and work when I want I enjoy my work I use it to support my family and we live happy that's all I price my work what I think the job is worth for me and guess what its working lol
I'm glad it working out for you, also that you're happy. However, there will come a time when you're not 24 anymore and all this work you're doing by yourself will not be feasible. When that time comes and you're kids are heading to college and the mortgage is still coming I hope your business is still "working" for you.
I'm not trying to get on your case, so don't take what I say as an insult or with malus. I am just trying to give you some foresight of what is to come.
#60
exotion
The thing is and is completely realistic is I have the potential of making 100k a year including all seasons I've gone over the calculations and estimations I could make more buy by the time the kids are off to colledge I will be making close to that number. Plus I'm going to invest in rental property I actually just put an offer on a duplex for sale (fingers crossed) so ya actually it will work
exotion
I'm glad it working out for you, also that you're happy. However, there will come a time when you're not 24 anymore and all this work you're doing by yourself will not be feasible. When that time comes and you're kids are heading to college and the mortgage is still coming I hope your business is still "working" for you.
I'm not trying to get on your case, so don't take what I say as an insult or with malus. I am just trying to give you some foresight of what is to come.
The thing is and is completely realistic is I have the potential of making 100k a year including all seasons I've gone over the calculations and estimations I could make more buy by the time the kids are off to colledge I will be making close to that number. Plus I'm going to invest in rental property I actually just put an offer on a duplex for sale (fingers crossed) so ya actually it will work
#61
BHLC
BHLC
Best of luck
#62
dude
dude
I'll I'm doing is making some extra cash. In a small town everyone says that the work looks great. I don't have multiple employes just me and me friend. Next year I will raise my prices up. I don't really know to what though.
#63
Ric
What are you getting now for price.
Ric
I'll I'm doing is making some extra cash. In a small town everyone says that the work looks great. I don't have multiple employes just me and me friend. Next year I will raise my prices up. I don't really know to what though.
What are you getting now for price.