Going average hourly rate for felling only service

[doobin]

25 minutes ago, oldwoodcutter said:

As any tree company owner who has been established for more than 1 week knows, when dealing with mr or Mrs Jo Public,hourly rates are to be avoided at all costs, and so called day rate too.

For example if you agree a day rate, when it’s time to divvy up your client will bring to mind that on tues you didn’t start til 9, and thurs your lads took an hour and a half for lunch, Friday 2 men short on site etc.

So you will quickly find out all sorts of surprising deductions have been made to your invoice, and best of luck getting the shortfall.

 

Personally, I find that when dealing with big posh country houses with a multitude of different jobs and a long run of work, day rate can be OK for both parties. The caveat is that you charge well, and charge for every machine. £480 plus VAT for a man and mini digger is pretty strong money, but the results are worth it and I have plenty of recommendations to other posh friends.

 

Customer selection is key. If in doubt- price it.