How to work out prices for gardening (Works for other trades too)

How to work out prices for gardening (Works for other trades too)
Are you thinking of starting a business? In this video, I will be looking at how much to charge for your services and just as importantly how to increase your price and stay in control
Survival figure, overhead costs, billable and unbillable hours, the pros and cons of fixed pricing versus an hourly rate. How to determine your hourly rate and correct it.
I own and run two successful businesses and these are some of the tools I use to work out how much I should be charging for my services.
00:00 intro
00:32 Who is this video for?
01:05 How can I charge more
01:32 How much do you Have to earn
02:24 Overhead costs
03:26 Average startup cost
03:48 The best software for a small business
04:56 How much can you earn in a day
05:47 What is profit
06:05 The hourly rate calculator
07:52 Let's do the maths
09:14 Hour rate vs fixed pricing
10:12 How to increase your price and stay in control
Get Jobber - The software I use to RUN my business. Quote & Win Work Faster. Earn More Money. . Quote, schedule, invoice, and get paid-all in one. TRY IT FOR FREE & 20% off your first 6 months
premierlawns.link/Jobber
🔨 My videos are supported by Milwaukee Tools UK uk.milwaukeetool.eu/?...
If you have a question about the information shown in a video please post it in the comments section on KZbin and we will do our best to respond as soon as we can.
This information has been gathered from my past history and some of the information can also be found at The Landscape Juice Network. The juice is a source of invaluable information if you are thinking of setting up a gardening business or wish to grow.
#whattocharge #bestinvoicingsoftware #jobber
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Get Jobber - The software I use to RUN my business. Quote & Win Work Faster. Earn More Money. . Quote, schedule, invoice, and get paid-all in one. TRY IT FOR FREE & 20% off your first 6 months
premierlawns.link/Jobber
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🔨 DIY drag mat premierlawns.link/Drag_Mat
🔨 Rake for scarifying premierlawns.link/Rake
🔨 Fertiliser spreader premierlawns.link/Fertiliser_...
🔨 Garden Sprinkler premierlawns.link/Garden_Spri...
👉 Fertiliser and moss control 👉
🍀 Kill moss in a lawn - premierlawns.link/Moss_killer...
🍀 Kill moss and feed the lawn - premierlawns.link/Lawnsand
🍀 Cheap Ammonium Sulphate Fertiliser 21-0-0 premierlawns.link/Ammonium_Su...
👉 Other products 👉
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This helps to support the channel and allows me to continue creating videos like this.
Thanks for the support!
✅ Let's connect:
👉 Join the Premier lawns Community on Facebook, with behind the scenes access, friendly help and advice from the active community. premierlawns.link/Premier_Law...
👉 Instagram / premierlawnsni
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👉 Due to a high volume of texts, phone calls, emails etc I can no longer offer advice on individual lawns unless you live in a postcode that I cover. We cover the following postcodes if you require a quote BT4, BT5, BT7, BT9, BT15, BT18, BT37, BT,38.
I DON'T ANSWER EMAILS FROM PEOPLE OUTSIDE MY AREA - If you would like a quote and live in an area we cover - 👉 premierlawns.link/Request_Quote
If you need help and live outside the area I cover - premierlawns.link/Premier_Law...

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Get Jobber - The software I use to RUN my business. Quote & Win Work Faster. Earn More Money. . Quote, schedule, invoice, and get paid-all in one. TRY IT FOR FREE & 20% off your first 6 months - www.getjobber.com/robbielynn

[@ericclark3782]

Robbie, do you have a referral code for Jobber? Now that it is available to us in Europe I am moving to them as my previous software service wasn't cutting it for me. Thanks, Eric in Italy 🇮🇹.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

@@ericclark3782 www.getjobber.com/robbielynn

[@dicantria]

Excellent video! I charged too little when I first setup in business. I'm a Gardener and the Gardener in me tends to rule over the business man in me. Recently, I took on a large maintenance job. The Gardener in me just wanted to work on the garden because I could see the potential. It's currently my favourite garden to work on but I'll definitely need to put the price up. I keep telling myself, be more disciplined!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It's hard. I'm the exact same

[@JayRockGroundsMaintenance]

Hope your well Robbie 🌱 Completely agree mate, really goes back to knowing your worth and charging what works for you not for anyone else. Need to get you on the pod before we are rushed off our feet in spring !💪🏽🌱

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Anytime that suits! In a month or so it will be all systems go.

[@scottellwoodgardening287]

Great video Robbie. Really good explanation. All the behind the scenes hours adds up.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It's time most people don't include either.

[@Speedy120Dave]

Very well explained. Something customers should watch too. Maybe they may understand things, it can be very frustrating at times 😔

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍👍👍

[@jleebetter]

Fantastic Video! Really well explained, thank you! Just launched my own gardening business (after having gardened for years) and found this hugely helpful! Thanks again!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Fantastic! I have a second channel that I think you will find very useful too www.youtube.com/@Roots_to_Revenue

[@maxwellsgrasscuttingservices]

Great advice Robbie. Charge/quote what you want to be paid not what you think, you would pay. Value your worth, not everyone is after cheap or wants cheap. There are customers who value quality and reliability over cost. With the cost of living going sky high, we all need to charge more. All my prices will be going up 10 percent this year. A forty pound lawn will now be £44. If the customer values your work they will pay the extra £4. If not move on , there are plenty of quality customers out there. All the best.👍🏻

[@cliff9136]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Every thing is flying up this year, fuel is pushing that along with minimum wage. I watched a video of yours a while back and you were talking about increasing your prices. No one likes increasing prices, I'm dreading it, but it's all part of running a business

[@dagtailgroundmaintenance]

All my prices have gone up 10% or more this year. So far not lost a client

[@Premier_lawns_official]

@@dagtailgroundmaintenance did they go up in one go

[@dagtailgroundmaintenance]

@@Premier_lawns_official issued new quotes using jobber. Some had not been raised for 2 or 3 years keep in mind. Ones that don't reply will automatically get the new price increase

[@gailh4466]

Useful breakdown of all the elements for ppl thinking of starting any small business.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks Gail. I'm doing price increases at the moment myself. Keeps me on track

[@themachinerydoctor9117]

Just starting up my own landscaping business in the next week or so and this video has been super helpful thank you!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Glad to help

[@nigeldoherty4446]

Brilliant video, i used to think the rates charged by some professional gardening providers were extortionate but this has really opened my eyes to the true costs and pressures that you or any other sole trader are under to keep a business going and turn a decent wage from it. Wishing you all the best with your business.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Hi nigel, thanks for the feedback!

[@hoehoehoegardeningservices306]

Great video Robbie. When you break it down as you have you realise how important it is to value your own worth. 👋

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It's always kind of crazy what you get paid from a client, how much of that actually goes into your pocket

[@ianlomaxphotography6978]

Robbie, as ever, very sound advice especially for those contemplating self employment or those already doing it. Working out an hourly or daily rate is so important to helping you understand what it really costs to run your business. It so important to charge a realistic rate for the job to keep yourself afloat and doing what you like doing. Keep the videos coming and Happy New Year by the way!😁

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It's not getting any easier, I expect this year to be difficult with all the price increases and getting materials

[@ianlomaxphotography6978]

@@Premier_lawns_official agreed. A very difficult time for a lot of businesses in the months ahead.

[@ss_hat]

Your content is phenomenal.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Glad you are getting some value from it 😊🙂

[@colliegardenmaintenance729]

Really top video Robbie. Thank you so much for that.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Glad you enjoyed it, food for thought 😊

[@colliegardenmaintenance729]

Definitely. Neil

[@stuartmcintosh7187]

Nice video mate. I’m a self employed decorator myself. Seen yous before Christmas up near me in Carnmoney. I can almost smell spring coming. Can’t wait .

[@Premier_lawns_official]

100% roll on the spring, are you busy?

[@paulwatterson1688]

I used to do a bit of gardening and really enjoyed it but couldn’t take the risk and go full time and self employed. Thanks for this interesting video.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👊👍

[@cliff9136]

Good topic and well explained. I’m quite upfront with new clients, I tell them I charge a bit more than some, but I do very good work, I always communicate well and I’m reliable. Most accept this, those that don’t, you probably don’t want as clients in the long run. I can’t stress enough that you should always do a good job and leave the place tidy. You never hear of clients complaining about leaving their project too tidy! Cheers Cliff

[@Premier_lawns_official]

My blowers are my most used tools for that very reason 😁👊

[@danielrodger6016]

Exactly! Just the same here. Been going 7 years now

[@tomreviews9668]

4 years in and I've made most of the mistakes you've highlighted in this video- hourly rates, charging too little. I struggle to make the maths work as many clients think even £20 is too expensive, often in the more affluent neighbourhoods too. I just raised prices for a weekly customer- they rejected it. I don't know whether to feel grateful for the consistent work, or leave them. They want me to continue at the original rate and use their lawnmower to save money!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

If it was easy working for yourself everyone would do it. It's never easy. Making this video made me realize I'm guilty of it to every now and again too

[@danielrodger6016]

Sounds All too familiar doesnt it... Money misers mate

[@dicantria]

When I read your comment, I thought I wrote it myself. I've got mostly large gardens, a few hours each week and at the start, I gave discounts because I was too eager to get them. Still paying the price! A customer once said to me, you probably make more money doing the large gardens, she was surprised when I said no and explained why I said no. This video is probably a good video to show to any customer who is reluctant to accept a price increase, me thinks 🤔

[@rosscraddock6241]

Thank you, it’s always tough as a self employed person, it’s nice to hear from someone else who is in that boat to.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Hi Ross, it's tough at the moment, this is the time of year I increase my own prices. Not looking forward to those emails

[@TKG]

@@Premier_lawns_official yeah I always feel bad as if I am not supposed to put my prices up

[@Paul-mz2dq]

Great video, thank you 👍

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks for the feedback

[@Paul-mz2dq]

@@Premier_lawns_official you're welcome, I started out last year and guess what, not charging enough and at an hourly rate, trimmed back a massive tree yesterday took me 5.5 hours and I charged an hourly. It was my first one but will be quoting at least double next time 👍

[@Premier_lawns_official]

@@Paul-mz2dq it's all a learning curve, I still get the odd pricing job wrong. I will on occasion do hourly work, but try not too as I always loose out one way or another

[@scoyle1750]

Good upload I am self employed and know fine well to many of us are under charging including myself subbed👍

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Welcome to the channel 😁 👍💥

[@alanryan5464]

Great video well thought out. As a PAYE worker I’ve always admired entrepreneurs who go it alone. My god this video shows that it’s not easy . I certainly don’t mind paying a good price for a skilled trade whose properly taxed, insured and skilled

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Yes Alan, it can be tricky at times. Though I couldn't go back to working for someone else. I love being my own boss 😁

[@stevenbuckley1416]

No Notification again 🤷🏼‍♂️just Checking up your list and found it👍❤️

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Good lad 👍

[@stevenbuckley1416]

@@Premier_lawns_official I’m 66y old 🤣😂😅but thank you anyway for the compliment🤝👍

[@Premier_lawns_official]

​@@stevenbuckley1416 it's ok, one of my other regulars, who I converse with, was joking with me about wanting to work for me, I offered him a job as a teaboy. Turns out he teaches surgeons how to operate lol.

[@Jordan.E]

Thanks Robbie, great breakdown and information 👍🏾 the big issue with running your own business I find is that people don't realise how much overheads you actually have... I agree with fixed pricing over hourly any day!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Are you increasing your prices much this year? Costs seem to be going through the roof for most things at the moment

[@Jordan.E]

@@Premier_lawns_official yeah I'll be putting a £5 rise on majority of customers, some of the smaller gardens I'll be keeping at a £20 minimum as I can be in and out in 20mins... as you say I may lose some customers but it's a good way to filter them out and bring in new work

[@danielrodger6016]

30 minimum down south allday long regardless of size. Still got to make time travel fuel machines tools insurance etc etc etc

[@diesel_man99]

Good video keep it up

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍🙂

[@TheBigadam1980]

As a guy who started out on his own last August this was amazingly informative

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Once you start to understand what the numbers are telling you it start to get easier

[@TheBigadam1980]

Thank you.

[@TKG]

there is a wealth of knowledge on youtube it can be a bit confusing as we all operate differently, its good to brows around.

[@grahammacklam4736]

I'm not even self employed but found this highly interesting. I do feel some of the pressure you self employed must have. For one being in the NHS, I get sick pay whereas you don't have that security. Add in a pension scheme and it all eats into the deductions. Found it interesting how investing in good tools and generating new custom all fits 👍

[@Premier_lawns_official]

That's it, if you don't charge enough, you can't afford to market to better clients and you get stuck in a never-ending cycle. Takes money to buy advertising, keep good staff etc. The people that pay for this are of course your clients.

[@TKG]

it would be nice if all our clients would see this, its hard to envisage how a self employed person works if you have never been self employed.

[@mpchmr1317]

Great video showing the challenges of self employment. Most people severely undervalue their time and fail to understand the billable hours concept you set out so clearly here. Get Jobber looks really interesting. A few people I will be recommending it to. Thanks Robbie.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Yes, the true cost of working for yourself often isnt't all its cracked up to be

[@paddybrowne5742]

hi Robbie. great video i think you should charge more your work is A1 and it's not easy and your always on the go , you have expensive tools l do think you could with a bigger van something like long wheel ford transit where you can stand into and a lot of tools , Thanks from Patrick Jay in Co Clare

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Hey paddy, I think most of us could do with charging more. I need my Danny driving then another van on the road.

[@davel831]

Robbie, wise words indeed! I am a senior lecturer for a University . So my wages holidays sick pay all covered, however, i found this really interesting and the pressures that you guys have . price increases lost jobs, weather the list is endless! Well mate i would still give you a hand as a YTS, well OTS as older lol.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Welcome to the team 😜 👊 we need a tea boy hahaha

[@Premier_lawns_official]

What do you teach?

[@davel831]

@@Premier_lawns_official tea boy!!!! Lol I am what they call a operating department practitioner or (ODP) worked in Operating theatres for over 25 years. However I teach surgical assisting when you assist a surgeon.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

@@davel831, wow!! I'm just a lad that left school with no GCSE's, not one qualification. I wasn't ready for school, turns out I'm dyslexic with numbers, so this video was FUN to put together!

[@davel831]

@@Premier_lawns_official Robbie I am Dyslexic also , once I had someone explain how your brains works as a dyslexic you then adapt how you can learn. I have two degrees a Higher teaching certificate and now completing a masters . It is all about support and you do that to so many wanna be green-keepers like me! Looking forward to the banter and videos this year , plus starting as a OTS.

[@siggi5395]

Good Video, good Mony vor you 😁

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks 😁

[@markhammett5072]

Good Morning From Frozen Wisconsin USA

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Good morning!

[@TKG]

double your money half your work, that's what someone said to me once, I think I am still a busy fool, but my problem is I don't want to be greedy. or start to be complacent. the year we are on now when finished will give me a proper idea of how I need to change my prices, I used to think £30 an hour was a lot, but its not, I do both hourly daily and set rates depending on the job. thanx for the good info

[@Premier_lawns_official]

It's hard to see how you can charge under £30 per hour now and still get a reasonable wage

[@TKG]

@@Premier_lawns_official I know, but in some areas its had to charge more than 25, I was talking to someone at saltex and they struggle to get more than 15 a lawn, a lot does depend on where you live, and how far your willing to travel. and as another youtuber said, presentation is key, first impressions last.

[@robertchisholm9215]

Hi Robbie, where did you get that tool for lifting the lawn edgings? cheers and great video. rob

[@Premier_lawns_official]

The tool for cutting or lifting?

[@robertchisholm9215]

@@Premier_lawns_official lifting

[@bidders77]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@Premier_lawns_official]

👍👍😁👊

[@ronmccullock1407]

I always charged per job rather by the hour that way the customer would not be looking at the clock all the time

[@Premier_lawns_official]

100%

[@valentinwenzel3865]

Respekt 🙏

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Thanks

[@michaelgough4489]

Hi, Why is it that customers ALWAYS ask a gardener how much they charge per hour? I can guarantee other tradesmen don't get asked this question. Always charge by 'the job' and not by the hour.

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Yep, always by the job. make more

[@mrpucklepops4447]

Hey" I got a question for ya, I'm planning on doing a circular lawn, and on the outside a flower border, here's my question, option A, My lawn and garden needs leveling, should I level the lawn and garden first and then make the circular lawn? , but I would be using a lot more top dressing. or option B, make the circle first and save a lot more top dressing ? , I want the very best results!!! and would be happy to use more top dressing if needed ? I'm so bloody confused 😂 what do I do ? Help

[@Premier_lawns_official]

I have a private group on Facebook that can help you with that, it's called the premier lawns community

[@bma4203]

Best quote in any self business is….. IT TAKES $$$$$$ 💰💰To MAKE 💰💰💰💰money!!

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Yep, have to spend to make

[@romaroma955]

👍🇺🇦🤝

[@gavincollins9376]

You forgot to mention being your own boss is boss!!! Not being a slave for another..

[@Premier_lawns_official]

sometimes I'm my own slave lol

[@lenlennox1432]

I charge way too little, £15ph 23 years experience on big private grounds.. jeez

[@Premier_lawns_official]

Is that £15 per hour with your own tools and fuel etc?

[@danielrodger6016]

Yep. Clock watchers and time counters even when its a price job like for me today. You have to be firm and stick to your guns with such people or theyll walk all over you. I just tell them well thats the price i gave, you agreed to it and ive done the job and properly so if youre going to be negative about it I do have other customers waiting for me who do appreciate it. so I can do theirs instead if you want. Its no skin off my nose I Saved a customer 100s on a price job today and they still gave a negative money miser attitude.. even when you explain the costs of things and how much theyve saved and done more compared to the other competition and that they couldnt do it for cheaper they still dont even say thanks. Those sorts of customer never last long with anyone. Low vibrational beings...