Getting work

[Richard 1234]

Bird you are doing ok and the guys are just pointing out that you need to take a look at your costings while making sure depreciation of kit is dialed into your pricing strategy. I think its important to make your own mistakes on pricing and learn from that, I still drop the odd clanger as many on here do. Good luck on your new adventure.

 

 

 

Bob

 

 

Good post

[Robert_S]

You posted you charge £30-£35 for cutting grass but you only charge £150 for two of you and kit doing tree work, seems odd

[Bird]

What price is fair for days work then for myself and my friend who helps?

[Richard 1234]

Depends what you are doing?

 

You need to cover all costs plus wages and some profit or you might as well stay working with your dad

[Bird]

Cutting grass is a decent wage I get from a rich farmer doing his headlands it's not the same as tree work which I'm hoping to do more of !

[flatyre]

I spent a small fortune in advertising over the past year, a web site, business cards, banners etc. Had pretty much run out of work and in desperation resorted to cold calling. Folk will tell you cold calling doesn't pay but its the best way I found to drum up business so far. My business is in its first year so I have no real reputation, and word of mouth is slow. So When I get a job, no matter how small I take it even if its just an hours work trimming shrubs. I put on my chainsaw gear, and start knocking doors. People know tree surgeons are expensive so when one turns up (or on the doorstep offering to do work for half the usual price because they are already in the area, it makes them think. Secret is looking professional and not just a handyman. proper gear, graphics on your vehicle, business card, web site, advertisement in yell.com, be traceable. Anyway Its bringing work and building my reputation. Point is what works for one outfit may not work for another.

[Bird]

Ok but what is a typical day rate ?

[Luckyeleven]

Bird, I am in a somewhat similar situation.

I started my business in June, and I am still scraping around for work.

1. Get a website- I did mine alone and I know nothing a about computers, put the hours in and learn it yourself.

2. Take your time over advertising, if it looks rubbish its gonna do more harm than good.

3. Think hard about who your are trying to sell to, and trying find similarities between them in order to target your advertising.

4. Make an effort to do something for the business every day, I lay awake at night if i have not made progress that day, even if its something as simple as dropping a few leaflets or updating the webpage.

5. Seek advice and follow it! don't let the negative responses drag you down. I believe my business will work because it HAS to. I have been so lucky with the help I have received from some really generous people, you just have to find someone.

 

Good luck!

[felixthelogchopper]

I thought I shouldn't charge too much as I'm a beginner and want to get clients, after reading a lot of posts I will be certainly charging more !

 

Before you decide what you are going to charge, you need to sit down and work out 2 figures, what you want to earn and how much it costs you to go out and earn it. If it's your kit, you need to factor in servicing, replacing it as it wears out and insuring it, yourself and anybody you employ. Once you realise how much you have invested in a job, you will understand why you should be taking a bigger cut than the people who work for you. To be frank, £75 a day is brash dragger money and no more. Good luck with it all, and don't be apologetic about asking for advice; it's what forums are for.

[Bird]

When you say cold calling..... You knock on someone's door and ask if they have any tree work they need doing ? Hadn't thought about this !