π§ Job Overview:
Client needed a rough bushy yard area cleared up β light regrowth, a dead tree, and general overgrowth.
This is a typical clean-up job that comes up often and can look worse than it is.
π§ Work Done (Actual Time: 40 mins, 2 men)
- π Full site brushcut and rake-up (2x FS240s)
- π³ Dead tree removed (MS180 chainsaw)
- πΏ Light regrowth cut back
- ποΈ 1 Bulka bag of green waste + tree taken off-site
- π¦ Knapsack of Roundup
π Quoted: $420 (Fixed Price)
Client: Very happy
Result: Site looked sharp, fast turnaround, professional finish
Time Spent: 2 men Γ 40 mins = 1.33 hours total crew time
π Where the Over-Quote Happened:
I priced this as if it would take closer to 2β2.5 hours with disposal, regrowth, and tree removal. But once boots hit the ground, it was a breeze.
β
Lessons for the Lawn Bosses:
Not All Jungles Are Created Equal
- Photos can look gnarly, but some sites whip up faster than expected.
- Consider: regrowth vs thick scrub, size of the area, tree removal complexity.
Know Your Team Speed
- Two experienced operators with sharp gear can absolutely punch through work.
- If youβre fast and efficient, adjust quoting margins accordingly (or switch to hourly for unknowns).
Include a Disposal Buffer
- Green waste removal always takes time and vehicle space β even one bag + a tree can be a 20β30 min job including load-up and dump time.
Fixed Quotes vs Hourly
- Fixed quoting works when you're confident in the scope.
- Hourly rates give more protection when youβre unsure β or charge βup to $Xβ and specify inclusions.
Sometimes You Win on Time, Not Margin
- You might not hit a big profit, but turning over fast jobs keeps momentum and builds trust with the client.
βοΈ Final Thoughts:
A slight miss on margin β but a solid win on speed, outcome, and customer satisfaction.
Every job is a lesson. Keep refining, keep quoting smarter.
Mow, Compete, Succeed!