[danzboy]

Hello all, I need some advice and wasn't sure which forum to post this in so went with this one. Anyhow, I have a customer that just wants her beds edged. She's going to mulch again next year. Her edging measures out to 340 linear ft. What would be a good way to price this? by ft, hr, etc. and what would fair pricing be avg of course?
Thanks for any info

[martinjohn]

I am a little concerned that if you can't figure or know how to price something as simple as a little edging then what happens when the project involves something more complicated. Look at everything from a cost per hour, schedule it that way and manage it that way otherwise be ready to lose money.

[Doug70]

I estimate everything by hour. From pruning & mulching to excavation. I do look at certain numbers after I complete the estimate and try to see $ per foot, sq. ft., cu. yds. concrete placed, etc. but only as a quick check. I may have the highest sq. ft. price on a patio or cu. yds placed, but what if it adds $200 to the job. The customer might be impressed with my previous work, like my schedule, be happy that I returned their call right away etc. I really need that extra $200, that's my fuel and supplies for the day.

Try to estimate by the hour and when you find that your estimate was right, do a great job. That customer will think about price second from now on.

[Mac]

i have to disagree. I estimate edging by the foot and will vary it based on the size of the job. In early march, I get out and edge all my scheduled mulch jobs so they are ready when we are ready to lay mulch. It adds up to a few weeks of edging - and aside from plowing, it is simply the most profitable service I provide. Granted, it doesnt provide cash flow since the cost is built into the the mulching price but once I bill for the mulch, I turn a very handsome profit.