The Ultimate Guide on How to Charge for Weed Spraying Services in Lawn Care
Struggling with how to price your weed spraying services effectively?
You're not alone.
Dive into this comprehensive guide, where we unravel the secrets behind setting prices that satisfy both you and your clients, backed by real insights from lawn care pros.
Product Costs
In my experience, the type of product you use plays a crucial role in determining your service charge.
Products like Ranger Pro and Roundup are commonly mentioned. One contributor suggests that understanding the cost per ounce sprayed and coverage is vital. Simply put, some pros charge double the cost of the product used.
Others have specific per-gallon rates, ranging from $35 to $65.
Size of the Property
Now for the other part of the story: property size.
One professional points out that rates could vary depending on the square footage. Some recommend a flat fee of $250 per acre. Meanwhile, another advises charging by the size of the property, regardless of how many weeds are present.
Contractual Agreements
Do you have a yearly agreement with your clients? One pro suggests charging $40 a gallon for post-emergent treatments and $60 for pre-and post-emergent treatments at 1k per gallon for non-yearly agreement customers.
Think about it, yearly agreements might warrant a discount, while one-time lawn maintenance jobs could be priced higher.
Hourly Rate or Flat Fee?
Another individual charges an hourly rate of $65 plus the cost of the product. But have you ever found yourself wondering how this works for smaller properties? This pro implements a one-hour minimum charge, a useful strategy for those smaller gigs. Then again, there are professionals who charge a dollar per minute.
Want to know a secret? This can work well for varied job sizes.
To Sub or Not to Sub
One contributor mentions not having an application license and choosing to subcontract the spraying.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, outsourcing could be a viable option. Just ensure your subcontractors are licensed and reputable.
Other Creative Approaches
Let's go beyond the conventional methods.
One pro adds an extra $10 into each yard and simply tells the client it's included in the service. This bundled approach can simplify the pricing process for both you and the client.
On the other hand, if you feel your pricing is below the market rate, don't be afraid to adjust it. Another individual admits to considering a price hike from $30 per gallon.
Final Thoughts
Most people don't know this, but pricing is an art and a science. It involves understanding your costs, assessing property size, and knowing your client base. Whether you're a pro who's been in the business for years or just starting, taking these factors into account can make your pricing strategy more robust.
And the good news? Being transparent about your pricing not only builds trust but also saves you from headaches down the road.
So, how can you beat that?
If you'd like to learn how to grow your lawn care of business and add on additional services, such as weed control or pick up new clients for your lawnmowing business, check out GreenPal.