🧠 Job Overview:
Client needed a rough bushy yard area cleared up — 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.
🔧 Work Done (Actual Time: 40 mins, 2 men)
- 🔄 Full site brushcut and rake-up (2x FS240s)
- 🌳 Dead tree removed (MS180 chainsaw)
- 🌿 Light regrowth cut back
- 🗑️ 1 Bulka bag of green waste + tree taken off-site
- 💦 Knapsack of Roundup
📏 Quoted: $420 (Fixed Price)
Client: Very happy
Result: Site looked sharp, fast turnaround, professional finish
Time Spent: 2 men × 40 mins = 1.33 hours total crew time
📉 Where the Over-Quote Happened:
I priced this as if it would take closer to 2–2.5 hours with disposal, regrowth, and tree removal. But once boots hit the ground, it was a breeze.
✅ 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 you’re 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 — even one bag + a tree can be a 20–30 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 you’re unsure — or charge “up to $X” 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.
⚖️ Final Thoughts:
A slight miss on margin — but a solid win on speed, outcome, and customer satisfaction.
Every job is a lesson. Keep refining, keep quoting smarter.
Mow, Compete, Succeed!