I hear that pricing usually stands at $1 per minute. I also know that most of the businesses who charge that ride a 60+ inch zero turn mower. Needless to say, I don't own said zero turn mower. Should I try to estimate the time it would take on a zero turn, or should i cut my time pricing down to about half that, since I am mowing at half speed at best???
There are different ways of quoting prices or giving estimates for lawn care. Some company's go to the extent of measuring the property, then measuring what trimming needs to be done, measuring sidewalks, driveways etc. and charging separate fees for all. Some charge for a total package price for a regular size lot and a corner lot being a few dollars extra.
I think you need to decide whether your going to screw people over and charge inflated prices or try to make an honest living and pay your bills. I personally have a set fee and I set it according to overhead. This is the fee for showing up to the customers house, and dropping the gate and it's my minimum service charge. Keep in mind that you and you alone know how much money you need to make or to show a profit. A fair price and a good job can go along ways to a customer.
Sell yourself first then your business. Word of mouth will follow.
Depending on the location, how many other clients you have in the area, the house, the personality of the client, the amount of quality you think the customer will expect, you can give them a little different quote. Also take into account the size of the lawn, obstacles and areas that may take more time I.E areas that you can't fit the big mower in and have to push mow because in time when you get that bigger mower that can be a factor. As I said before time is money.
If a customer requests a bi-weekly mow, and it is a reasonable request (on a slow growing lawn) allow it, but charge a bit extra.
Last but not least, If you want price bargaining power, quote a little high on the price. Giving a higher price first allows room for bargaining on the customers end. If you first give you bottom line price then people tendencies will be to negotiate anyway and you will have no room to bargain with. Also, if you give the high price first and they don't negotiate, you get more for the property anyway so it's a win-win situation.
