Putting together a quote or bid for a landscaping job can be tough. There are many factors to consider when pricing a landscaping job and some are not all that obvious. We've put together this list to help you win the job and make a profit in the process.
Key Takeaways
1. Giving bids over the phone is challenging. You really need to visit the job location before providing a quote. This way you can take measurements, evaluate the soil, and get a better feel for what your customer would like to do.
2. Don't forget about your overhead costs. That includes insurance, worker's compensation, and equipment maintenance.
3. Define your payment terms. When is payment due? What payment methods do you accept? When is the deposit due?
4. When preparing any quote for a landscaping job, make sure to explain the scope of work in great detail. Specify the exact plants and materials that you will use. Put everything in writing.
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Items to Consider When Bidding a Landscaping Job:
1. Size and scope of project. Is this a commercial or residential landscaping job? What type of landscaping work does the customer need? Do they already have a plan or they looking for design help as well? Are you working with a "blank canvas" or will you pulling out a lot of existing plants and trees?
2. Your travel time. How far are you willing to travel for the job? If the location is outside of your typical service area, you may need to add a fuel surcharge to the quote.
3. Job location.
The location of the job may have a large impact on the cost of labor, plants, and other materials. There are often additional challenges associated with working downtown in a major city - as opposed to more rural and suburban areas.
4. Site conditions. Is the lot hilly or will you be working with a mostly flat area? Is there enough room to bring in the equipment you will need?
5. Permitting. Will you need to pull any permits for the job? What fees are associated with those permits? Don't forget to include those in your quote.
6. Equipment requirements. What type of equipment will you need for this job? Do you just need shovels and rakes? Or, will you need to bring in a wood chipper, backhoe, or stump grinder?
7. Plant and material costs. What types of shrubs, trees, and plants will you need to purchase? Can they be found at a local nursery or do they need to be special ordered? How much mulch, dirt, or gravel will you need to have delivered?
8. Crew size. Is this a job you can handle on your own? Or will you need some extra help? Don't forget to factor those extra manhours into your bid.
9. Warranty. If you offer a warranty on your work, have you factored that potential cost into your bid?
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HELPFUL TIPS:
Show up on time to all scheduled appointments! Customers want to hire a professional who they can rely on and trust. Obviously, things happen though. If you're running late, make sure to clearly communicate your ETA.
If you are not sure where to get started or you don't feel comfortable doing it on your own, you may want to think about buying a bid proposal template. You can customize that template to fit the needs of your landscaping company. You may also consider using a landscaping bidding software to simplify this process.
Before you go, make sure to check out ProMatcher's
Landscaping Cost Report. Enter your zip code to see how much other landscaping contractors usually charge in your local area.