5 Hard Valuable Lessons I've Learned Estimating and Quoting Landscaping Jobs | Owners Profit 📈

hard lessons I've learned from 7 years of estimating and quoting landscaping jobs. So many mistakes I've made that cost me time and money. Calculate owners profit into all of your bids and estimates.
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[@Gbo45]

Lean into the pain. Your always in such a deep state of self awareness, and you always overcome my brother. Your an amazing human being and your honesty about the business world and the world in general is a beacon to many including myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patients, perseverance, wisdom and guidance. Keep on Keepin on my brother!

[@gistus123]

Amen!

[@saltylandscaper7193]

Just wanted to share this with y'all. My wife and i picked up our 1st commercial account yesterday. 😃 we are super excited about it.

[@stevenmoreira228]

Congratulations 🍾🎉🎈 weeepanimo

[@artymunoz5060]

Congrats man!

[@ItsWickked]

Been a few years but how have things grown since then ?

[@DanielIles]

Young kids with lawnmowers make everyone take landscaping less seriously. This is an art!

[@tylerpittmon7936]

Two awesome quotes: “Lesson is repeated until lesson is learned.” “Get in where you fit in.” Great simple advice about life. Keep the advice comin bro

[@ChristopherSmithey]

Minimum time variance for any job should be no less than %30. If you are certain that a job will take an hour. It needs to be billed for an hour and 20 mins. No substitutions. The 30% rule has kept us happy in business over 15 years. An old timer shared the %30 rule and I’ve played with it to the point of not getting jobs because of over bidding and also barley having enough time to get jobs done within the allotted time. It’s a great rule and I hope whoever reads this puts it into practice and reaches a new level of satisfaction from it.

[@BobbyKDesigns]

We all learn the hard way. I've done that for years and too wanted to quit. At the end of the day, we are providing a quality product in a timely manner and we deserve to get paid for that service. AND PAID WELL....it's HARD WORK and THAT'S WHY THEY'RE PAYING! We have skills, we create beauty out of those skills, and the time and effort we have used to develop those skills cost money! Well said! Bobby K

[@brandonkyes354]

I have grossed $50,000,000 dollars in 20 years in business and i have done everything wring that he touched on. I was turning and burning jobs for gross revenue and didnt worry about net profit. I was all over the place wearing a million hats and today have very little to show for it. Really tale what this guy says to heart, he is spot on. I have transformed my business over the last 2 years bu doing everything this man has just said.

[@johnkirby4290]

You are someone that will never stop Learning..... Your a Thinker Keith. 🏴‍☠️

[@joshuacollier5]

I swear you have saved me so much money! You have cut my learning curve down to nothing. Thank you for everything. I really appreciate everything you do! Keep huslinnn!

[@keith-kalfas]

Thats awesome to hear brother. Your comment just made my day. Thank YOU so much.

[@m4ckm4n59]

I always think i'm clever bollocks.. but 'today' I am on one of those jobs I under estimated!!!! man oh man, same old story :~( Ok Ive managed to claw it back today.. smashed out loads saving on labour and shopped about for some Type 1 and saved £150 plus customer after for a quote for some work in the back garden.. added on £200 for what I would normally charge and all is good again :) haha good luck out there my land-scraping brothers and sisters!!

[@IceCreamLover52]

Thanks for this Keith. We are doing our FIRST huge landscape renovation.. you can imagine how excited we were. We did the design and the homeowner agreed. We will be finished by this Wednesday however, we made the mistake of quoting low.🤦‍♀️🤦🏽‍♂️ (The customer told us straight up we were the lowest bidders.) Well, long stort short lets just say the next landscape we can land we will do things alot differently in the sense of being more specific in the contract and especislly doing what you mentioned in the beginning for the profit. Unfortunately, we will not be making any profit due to us not calculating the cost correctly but we have our head up. We won't make this mistake again, keep smiling and keep going. Thanks for everything Keith! You have NO idea how much your videos have helped us with the buisness! Armando and Daniela Arrieta.

[@mmmddd5845]

I've been watching for a while. Thank you! Started door to door this morning. Got my first job within 10 minutes!

[@lovewarrior2329]

Way to go! Congrats!

[@cannonball9478]

Hope it’s going well

[@Freelawnestimates]

stressing with the customer the benefits will make it easier when you are charging them that primium price. There is customers for everyone.

[@jteal8795]

This is gold my dude. What goes up must come down. That speaks loud to me.

[@scotthorning1180]

This is a really good video Kieth. Keep em coming. Chinese proverb for you...the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago... the second time is right now.

[@Kuhlyedascope69]

hey Keith. "earn your stars and stripes" is one of my favorites sayings by you. happy summer buddy o'palington

[@bynumtreeandlandscape7506]

This is a major breakthrough for me.. this video is so important!!!!!! I've watched it 3 times in a row today..

[@williamtolliv3549]

Hey Keith, Bill here from Sir Williams Gardens in Plymouth Mi. You have some incuraging advise for the younger men here. I've come across most of the things you mentioned in my 45 years of business. There's a great book out there called Profit First. Considering Profit is a must. I went to a green industry seminar a while back and they taught this, and asked everyone a question. Do you know how much profit you make? Having a platform really takes yhe guess work out and understanding the time it takes on each aspect of the project is criticle to knowing what it cost, before you add all of the other cost involve, like charging a rate to use your truck. Everything cost money. Also, I learned to provide myself enough time on meeting clients. Last, not all jobs are wise to take. In the same seminar, they discussed about knowing when to say no to a job because it's not the right fit, not enough to make money, or the client does not value my time. There are a lot of low balling clients out there.

[@keith-kalfas]

Very good advice sir.

[@Whiteslopes]

I've been starting to watch all your videos. I love the pauses when speaking. You make sure the point is clear and correct.

[@gwarbaby3024]

Yes. All folks work at different paces. Need to account for the less efficient

[@mixxbreedproductionz]

Georgia here.... Many don't estimate for clean up/debris/bagging trimmings, etc. Customers fail to realize the time these tasks consume. Load/unload times in some cases as well.... depending on any special equipment needed for the job/task at hand.

[@keith-kalfas]

For sure and I can't understand why I didn't calculate all of this into the job times in the past.

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

I just left a crew of 4. I was fed up earning fugg-all for maximum work. I'm starting my own lawn maintenance & garden service. I'll even quote dog poo.

[@lasvegaslawnandlandscapes2775]

Great video Keith,This one hit alot of good points! 1 funny part tho that is so true you said "Calculate Breathing Time" Lol😂😎

[@keith-kalfas]

Lol. Exactly. Man. I just can't believe how many years it's taken me to start seeing my blinds.

[@saltylandscaper7193]

Liked and shared with my missus and a few other business owners. Thanks again brother!

[@keith-kalfas]

Haha thanks a lot Joey

[@richardcorbitt6892]

You hit the nail on the head brother... Thanks for the video!

[@mattcole4867]

Do we all live the same exact lives lol?! Everything you said is on point. ESPECIALLY underestimating the amount of time things take. I ALWAYS overestimate now. If things don’t take as long as you scheduled for you’ve got more time for yourself or to perfect the job even more. One thing to look into... iPad Pro. Just got one. Already LOVE it for landscape design. Cheers

[@keith-kalfas]

Right. Thanks Matt. Haha.

[@lovewarrior2329]

I'm also having issues with block time. Thank you.. I'm going to seek advice about that & I'll be back to share the results of my research. Grow on, Brother!

[@hoeto63]

Great business lessons. Been watching your evolution the past few years and very much appreciate the effort you put into the channel. Absolutely nailed it with the Murphy's Law cost, unless your like the best organized person , nothing goes perfectly for the whole day.

[@sokhenserey9938]

Thank for your Wisdom. I been in landscaping, maintenance for 3 years. Man your video help me

[@LaLunaLandscaping]

I dont know if I'll ever be or get comfortable enough to just straight up make a video giving life lessons on a potential clients property like that 😂 but damn appreciate your words so much truth to everything said

[@lovewarrior2329]

I agree with everything you said. I found myself talking back with you as if we're having a serious conversation. I feel your heart & mind, Brother. I came across your channel simultaneously as my gardening biz became a dream just a few months back. Your advice & wisdom is going to help my family & me so much very soon & already has! Thank you from the bottom of my heart & sou & Father bless you!!l!!! 💖🌾🌹🌿🍀✊

[@keith-kalfas]

Many blessings! Congrats on your successful launch.

[@lovewarrior2329]

@@keith-kalfas Thank you, Keith! Have a great week, man!

[@jodirichardson2820]

Ive bern a landscape gardener,stone mason for 20 years,i took 5 years off to raise my son ,i do all work myself.and let me say,your video really helped me.im always the "nice gal"with more knowledge and better work Then most of the larger companies.but like you said i always was left with what ever was left over.always scrapping buë and working my ass off.ive always hated doing estimates and having not much left over.well not anymore.thanks to your video.again,thanks you

[@talkingjunkllc245]

Good stuff Keith. Again you've touched on some really valuable lessons.

[@bynumtreeandlandscape9000]

Excellent video. Thanks a million times over

[@christianwilson9264]

Man so many great points. Great to see someone get out there and get it themselves and turn around and help the next one in line! Appreciate your work and grind. Have a couple major things coming up and would love to chat and get some professional opinions.

[@colleenkailin]

That got deep really quick at the end! Thank you that was great

[@chrismoon1584]

Thanks again for this dude. Every time you publish I feel my confidence grow. Thanks!!

[@keith-kalfas]

Haha thanks Chris.

[@chrismoon1584]

I have always taken a lot of pride in processing other people's advice and I feel like what you say is what i need to be heari.g right now. I been thru some low lows and it just means a lot to know that there is light on the other side of so.e hard work.

[@yashuarazohr486]

Very wise and thoughtful lessons. I'm going to start a landscaping business and still stuck in the process of starting at all. Yet the golden nuggets you share are very valuable. Thanks for the time you spare bringing everybody great knowledge.

[@tarascully5852]

Love all your invaluable guidance Keith. I have learned so much. I have set up my gardening business recently and ye I am frustrated at myself I find myself charging way less becos I have got jobs from senior citizens so I'm working my ass off for free basically. Im working on my mindset to change that. Ye love audible. Thanks for all your insights Keith.

[@ThePeterDislikeShow]

I've also learned that if you've accidentally lowballed yourself think about what exactly you promised and see if there's anything outside of that, you can always negotiate the extras.

[@schmitzvi]

This guy actually gets it

[@richiemills4513]

You explained that very well awesome and I hope your business grow with abundance in prosperity peace

[@LearningSpanishwithDrL]

Fall down 99 times, get up 100 times!

[@Section8Consulting]

I always lauph when I watch him , hes on point but the way he says thinks makes it intresting .Nick name him DR.K

[@WiderNiner]

Keith how do you skim the cream off the top? Please go into this more! You're a massive inspiration for self employers. Thank you

[@keith-kalfas]

I'll make more videos on this.

[@SiD-sl3tg]

I owe my business to you brother. Thank you for always sharing information.

[@keith-kalfas]

Many blessings my friend. Thank you.

[@shawnmcchambers7132]

that microdose was strong on this day. lol good stuff man.

[@Jason-zw2dg]

Spot on brother.

[@tonydoherty3536]

Keith kalfas for president#1 , this lads a legend , keep it real lad ,☘💲🍺

[@marrakech7735]

Great content kalfas , keep up the good work 👍

[@keith-kalfas]

And thank you as well.

[@johnnyburkejr]

Keith I have learned so much from you , keep it up, thanks J.B.

[@ninad4570]

Keith, I truly appreciate your heart and all of your videos; thankU! :)

[@joshuaoesterle4383]

Hey Keith you got me outta bed this morning, keep up the good work!

[@TexasASF]

I've been landscaping pretty much my entire life, helped my dad build his business. Ended up starting my own. But I'm starting to get tired of dealing with customer so now I'm resorting to working only commercial. Calculating profits over a yearly turn Have been a pain but it's so much more easier not dealing with anyone coming out and watching your every move lol

[@twinkie656]

I own a Lawncare company and have for 6 years now. You are so deep into my mind that it hurts. I can’t wait until I get it right, because I keep stepping on my own feet fighting for jobs when I shouldn’t have to. I’m highly rated at 4.9 on Google business with a lot of reviews. I get 20 to 40 calls a day for new work and can’t get the work I have now done, yet I still say yes to new work. What the fuck is wrong with me??? Why can’t I figure out how not to screw myself into a financial nightmare like I keep doing.

[@Liz.N.Belle.]

Thanks man for the great content!

[@MammothRemovals]

Was struggling with blocking time, been working w my notes and paper planner to smash in quick notes and setting reminders. Setting up good habits and not accepting the latter is ideal

[@MVPDabba]

Damn this was so deep I forgot it was about landscaping. Great advice

[@keith-kalfas]

Haha thank u

[@ethenlingo3288]

Thank you for the free game , and the free philosophy. 🤟🏻

[@thepoorelephant4978]

Do not whip nature. Shepherd it. Great video dude, rich advice

[@MrLewis-gt1bs]

Wanda Sons landscaping &tree removal is my business. I thank you for the content it help me and my family daily .

[@Youyuppers]

Keith I have a good ole saying ….”The customers $100 is my $60…

[@joshuamohr8265]

I hear you, I started my business in April. 1st job was retaining wall repair, if it wasnt for the costumer willing to tell me her 1st bid amount 12,oop i never wouldve thought id make that much, money iN 43 hours myself. AMEN I was able to drop 5he pric3 but prolly to much 9500

[@keith-kalfas]

Interesting.

[@HerbalLyfStyl]

I believe the one that is most successful is the one that keeps putting in work while everyone else doesn’t

[@hunterfischer5371]

Great video, I learn a lot from these

[@adamsc9049]

great video keith

[@waltermartinez1052]

Do you use any apps to collect money? Thank you..

[@levianderson9564]

I can't thank you enough for all you videos! They are all so good and insightful. Thank you!

[@keith-kalfas]

You're welcome thanks Levi.

[@keith-kalfas]

You're welcome Levi

[@racheledwards4833]

I suspected that you'd read the 12 wk year then you mentioned time blocks and I was sure of it, lol. I just read it myself and it's a wonderful book for the motivated business person. Thank you for sharing it with your viewers and thanks for the great video.

[@petercampobasso1802]

When you come up with a good price, Add on 20%.

[@alyzamoralesrivera350]

You are funny 😂😂 but thank you for keeping it 💯‼️🙏🏼

[@ThePeterDislikeShow]

When you said calculate profits first it kind of reminds me how I handle my 401k. I contribute as early in the year as I can instead of counting on investing what's left over. Besides, markets generally go up on average so the earlier in the year the better. If you wait for what's left over nothing will be.

[@indizona4610]

Kieth! What up dawg from Arizona!

[@keith-kalfas]

Haha what's up Indi

[@isabellaarellano4161]

Hi Keith, I just started a landscape maintenance business in Colorado, and I was wondering what a good hourly price is to start at? (Pulling weeds, trimming, lawn mowing, hedge trimming, raking) I’ve called a couple of companies here and nobody starts lower than $50/man hour

[@s.p.3575]

How do we learn,well EA$Y ,you make video ,we watch ,Repeat,watch,Repeat🙊Did I say too much.Thanks for sharing.

[@CookinWMatt]

Just got your book on audible! I love it. Thanks for all your info and time bro. It really has helped and inspired me. I finally got my business off the ground from literally the one trimmer one mower and one blower.

[@keith-kalfas]

You're welcome

[@demetriomartinez9077]

Whats the book called?

[@CookinWMatt]

@@demetriomartinez9077 called "your first year in the landscaping business" i just cleared 70k this year. solo operater

[@rudyportillo3860]

I've been struggling with making money on landscaping and am having a hard time understanding a little bit do you think you can break it down into laymans terms for me if you can please if you have time.

[@vicm1848]

2021 n just heared this like you were speaking to me. Thanks bro.

[@eusebioluna5511]

This guy hit the nail on the head!!!

[@freddyleftyou486]

This video is pure gold. Thanks for sharing this Keith.

[@BabashiSensei]

Holy ship I got the chills the ending

[@jodirichardson2820]

I always bring a shovel with me

[@ale.g.x.667]

This is just some good advice in general if you don't listen to it for business ethic and advice.

[@LifeDownUnder-uk4df]

This is excellent

[@BabashiSensei]

Love your weeds you are my number 1 inspiration

[@malcaraz4511]

Keith, this is the 316 Yard Barber. Can you talk about insect bite and plant poison protection and creams lotion to cure bites.

[@m4ckm4n59]

so the question is... who is going to take this advice and who is going to keep making the same mistakes???

[@peggycrislip-mkcontractors3887]

Needed this

[@JacobGodar]

Great video brother! Profit is the name of the game.

[@mikepeterson4746]

Great video I wish I heard this 30 years ago. Customers always walk you thru what they want done fast, me thinks they do this to get a lower price.

[@macleodstonemasonry6594]

If you worked alone and charged top dollar you don't need to close as many jobs. Do everything in your own time as you've planned. No employee paperwork or admin time which gives you more chill out time. If you go from four men to working alone you free up 3/4 of your need to feed your business. A one week job for four men becomes a four week job for one man which is more job security. Unless you want to scale your income by employing people of course. I had a crew of 7 guys, cut to 4, then cut to 2. Me and another guy. Simple and just as effective in making money. Too much stress feeding the monster for me having a big team.

[@kylesimons6881]

I love this dude just wish he didn’t say “bite” so many times in his videos haha

[@matthewdudley8818]

Words of wisdom man!!! I relate in so many ways in my business

[@thelawncaregivers6034]

What up dawg. First as always

[@davekingston9973]

Well said

[@kintabowman3019]

Bro I need your Guidance

[@christulumello586]

I can relate! Good video!

[@Strangeland701]

Man lots of wisdom in this video!

[@ThePeterDislikeShow]

How do you raise your prices? I do private tutoring. I find that rising costs erode profits doubly fast. E.g., if I have a student (or maybe a family) I'm tutoring for 3 years straight, by the 3rd year my gasoline to go to their home has gone up 20%, traffic is worse (I'm in Eastside Seattle), and then, the (fewer) dollars I do get to keep as profit don't go as far either. So a 10% inflation is actually a 30% loss per hour because it takes more time to do as well.

[@ThePeterDislikeShow]

E.g., I had a client in 2016 I was charging $20/hour. When I sat down to do the math, when you factor in vehicle expenses and the fact that a 2 hour tutoring session now takes 3, my pay is quite bad, although livable. So 2 years later, the kid's younger brother is looking for a tutor and the mom calls me. We're talking about all I've done in 2 years and what they're up to, and his mom said, just one question for you. Is your rate still $20/hour? I was on such a high talking about life and such I agree to it, and then I get off the phone and beat the crap out of myself. The first tutoring session, I got to say, the kid is nice to work with, no questions asked. But I go to my favorite store and I recall that back when I was doing this two years earlier, my favorite 2 liter green tea that used to be $1.99, now it's $2.59. So I'm thinking, not only am I keeping less of the $20 you're paying me because of gas prices going up, but the fewer dollars I keep goes a lot less far too. It's like inflation on steriods. Haha.

[@williamtolliv3549]

Wow, add your gas's cost plus travel time. Charge $50 a hour for your time or move on

[@pogipogi2007]

Where do you get your shirts done at?

[@simplybeautifullandscaping5895]

Couldn't have said it any better 👍🙏 good advice