Landscaping Sticker Shock

Trencher

It seems I am always saying something in regards to a customer not liking my pricing, but here is yet another one I am submitting to you guys because I would trust the consensus of this forum to steer me to me not feeling like I am "overcharging" for work I, and the customer, agreed in doing.

I did a landscaping job for a commercial company where I drove 100 miles to pick-up and planted:

1. 15 Mayhaw trees (15ft tall),
2. 6 Crepe Myrtles (15ft tall),
3. 25 Gardinias (4ft),
4. 12 Mayhaw trees (10 inches tall),
5. Spread 20 bails of pine straw around trees,
6. Tri-staked all large trees,
7. Planted 45 long-leaf pines (1 foot tall),
8. Graded areas for final grade. Difficult terrain and had to leave site dressed on a daily basis, since it was at a road's edge.

The customer paid for all trees and stakes already. I am charging for machine use and labor.
I started and completed this job by myself in 4 days. I used my track loader for all work.
My question is, I have over 44 hours in this job and my invoice is around $4,000, would you be sticker-shocked if you were to see this? Would you charge by the job or by the hour on something like this?

I know demographics dictate different amounts.

Thanks in advance

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...y/P1004596.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...y/P1004585.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...y/P1004592.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...P1004581-1.jpg

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You don't know half, until you know all" - My quote

Fulcrum Services, LLC
www.fulcrumservicesllc.com

Trencher

We did not set on a price nor completion time, but he did know my rate. He was actually very happy with the work and was surprized in how fast I completed it.

__________________
You don't know half, until you know all" - My quote

Fulcrum Services, LLC
www.fulcrumservicesllc.com

Stevelsc8721

If you go into the job with your tail between your legs the owner will pick up on that and do the shock dance.

There should have been a set price for the job plus a clause for extras if necessary.

I have learned that the first one who speaks in a negotation looses.

The word no is very powerful also, when you feel like you are being conned or beat down to death with no profit, say no and walk away.

I have done it many times and the look on the persons face is priceless. I don't to it to spite myself, but to make a profit. Most of the time if the client has a low baller do it I drive by and look and see if they are licensed, if not I drop a dime. I don't mind working where everyone is licensed and insured but the lowballers have to learn a lesson too.

I some times contact the client about the lowballers license and non insurance.

I have been called back many times for this reason to pick up where the lowballer left and complete the job for more monies.

You need to see the client with your business face on to get what you deserve in fee's for your work.

Trencher

Sound advice indeed.

I have not waivered in my price. The cost of doing what I did, in my eyes, is lower than it should be, but to get that call back for the next job is what I have to consider, since the market here is saturated with my type of service. Did I make a profit? - Yes. A rather nice one.
One issue is the wave of illegals coming into the market in S. Louisiana from Texas and is driving the market down considerablly and I guarantee you they are not insured.

Anyway...

The home owner and comm. business I worked for on this know I have the proper insurances and they know what type work I do. Business is business and any amount they can save they will try to do.

Thanks !

__________________
You don't know half, until you know all" - My quote

Fulcrum Services, LLC
www.fulcrumservicesllc.com