Lawn care for areas with extreme overgrowth or unusual conditions can be challenging and requires special consideration when it comes to pricing.
Here's a helpful guide on approaching pricing for such challenging jobs, drawing from the experiences of seasoned professionals in the GreenPal community.
Assessing the Job
Evaluate the Conditions: If you quoted the job, but it's more than you expected, personally inspect the site to assess the height of the grass, the density of the overgrowth, and any potential hazards hidden in the grass, like rocks or debris. This can help you gauge the difficulty and risk involved.
Equipment Needs: Determine if special equipment, such as a bush hog, is required for the job. Regular mowers might not be suitable for extremely tall grass and could be damaged.
Setting the Price
Start with a Base Rate: Calculate what you would normally charge for a yard of this size under typical conditions.
Adjust for Difficulty: For significantly overgrown areas, consider at least doubling or tripling your base rate due to the additional time, effort, and wear on your equipment. For instance, if a normal yard costs $50, a severely overgrown yard might be priced at $150 or more.
Consider Additional Costs: If you need to rent special equipment, factor in the rental cost. Also, consider any disposal fees if you need to bag and remove the clippings.
Communicating with Clients
Clear Explanation: Explain why the job is priced higher than a regular mow. Educate the client about the challenges and risks involved with their particular yard.
Flexibility and Negotiation: Be open to negotiation, but also set a minimum price you are willing to accept to make the job worthwhile. You can cancel the appointment in your GreenPal account and enter your new price to tackle the tallgrass.
Alternative Options: If the client finds the price too high, suggest they compare rates by getting other quotes. This can often help them understand the fairness of your pricing.
Need Further Assistance?
Dealing with challenging lawn care jobs requires physical effort, the right equipment, and smart pricing strategies to ensure profitability without compromising on service quality.
Remember, every job is an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to quality, even in the toughest conditions.