Q&A How much to Charge for Landscape Plant Installation

[@Solopraneur]

I absolutely loved every last minute of this video. This was pure gold from start to finish. I totally agree with every single last point you made, and I do my pricing almost exactly the same way. I do not guarantee plants. I explain to the customer that if I want to guarantee the plant for a year then it will add 40% to the cost of the bed, and that I have found over the years with my experience that 99.9% of the time if there is an issue with the plant it is because of improper watering procedures. The only thing that I say that somewhat disagree with what you say is I say and it is almost as often that it is overwatering that it is under watering. You say that it’s more often overwatering, I can’t really disagree with that to be honest. I just had someone give me a call back nine minutes later after I said I do not guarantee my plans. They had been in Florida for the last five months so no one was caring for anything in the yard, and six perennials died. I went over and replace them, it’s just not worth having someone upset over something like that even though I know I’m right. I may decide to do two different proposals one with the warrantee and one with out and let them choose. I literally almost never have plants die because I am adamant about watering instructions and I will follow up about once a week with my big installs to ask them if they’re watering and asked how the plants are doing. It helps get me a lot of more work too. To your point about only taking the best jobs, I worked for a guy that did almost $3 million a year and Landscape installs and he still took small maintenance jobs and cleanups. He probably did as much of that stuff as he did the big Jobs

[@upfromthedeep6653]

One of my favorite videos you've made. Thank you ! It helps us beginners big time.

[@shawnbrown3124]

@10:56 "and the owner's making profit w/o even being there! where its gonna take you multiple days to do it..." LMAO!!! that was great!! lol

[@WeykampLandscape]

Hi Keith, I watch all your videos. Thanks for making them. I charge 2.6 times wholesale before tax one year warranty. Which is typically 35% less then retail. All soil, fert. etc extra. Which is similar to your pricing. This pricing is used on a minimum of $500 my cost. If planting individual plants I charged more. To cover driving, paperwork, etc. I also go to the nursery once a week and order my weeks worth of plants at once to save delivery cost and time. If my cost of planting is over 8-10k I sometimes reduce my mark up if it's a "good job" or I want it. I find hedges need to be charged less as well since they are planted quite quickly and is hard to justify thousands of dollars of profit for a half/one day job. Planting is one of the most profitable areas in my company as I can typically profit about 60% and it typically requires less time and equipment than hardscaping. Low Voltage Lighting is another high profit low cost job. Something you should look into. We do not repair existing. Only new LED installs.

[@cameronhelton4903]

I price everything the exact same way you just described. Always worked out great for me. Only difference is I never offer a warranty. I can't promise that I'll live another year, so I'm not gonna promise a shrub will either. Great video man

[@keith-kalfas]

+Helton Landscapes haha. I might discontinue the warranty too! Lol

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

exactly, no warranties on plants or sod; just proper installation & aftecare instructions. if something goes wrong, & if it's not super involved, i'll go back & help out if i can, but no warranties.

[@loredolandscaping9087]

Helton Landscapes lmao that's a great way to put it lol love it

[@damsmx76]

Helton Landscapes where I live no nursery gives warranty at all. So I don’t give warranty. Sometimes when you plant something right but the costumer overwater or don’t water the plant at all and you give warranty on the plant you are losing money.

[@paulunderwood5369]

Thanks for the info! You're videos are very helpful, real, funny, and informative.

[@AZMDHI]

I usually charge 2.5 X for any plant, shrub or flower. Sometimes I offer warranty, depends on client. I get discounts @ 25% in Delaware cause it's tax free. I always use great soil & fert as my pitch to compensate for their reaction if they are prepared for what I charge. Usually a $500 job I make $350 after my biz is covered. 50-75% profit is my range. Great vid KK!

[@AlbertoGonzalez-yu3pe]

In Florida nursery the plants are cheap compared to the prices you mentioned, I charge double retail no warranty just instructions on how to maintain, I will go crazy if I have to replace plants

[@amyselle2034]

OK....so last night i was stressing about something reguarding my business. I have no idea how i came across your utube videos. I watched one after the other!! Absolutly every video I watched you totally spoke to me. Especially about how i just raised my hourly rates. Slow hearing back from my clients that Ive had for a couple years. So when you talk about ANXIETY and STRESS being a business owner......I GET IT!! Thank you for making me laugh at myself! Amy - Creative Gardenscapes, Inc.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Amy Selle For sure. Haha thank you

[@amyselle2034]

oh my gosh!!!!!! I fricken couldn't get out of bed today....burning on fire stomach....can we say STRESS AND DEPRESSED!!!!!! OH THE LIFE OF A SCAPER!!!!!!!!!! Wouldn't have it any other way!

[@itsjosebruhh310]

Whatz up Keith keep up the good work. I appreciate the things you do for us that are starting in the landscape business.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Daniel Zarate thanks dude

[@antoinetinker690]

This helped me out a lot, thanks for the knowledge and suggestions. Keep up the good work brother.

[@moundbuilder4101]

you're so honest and I respect your mind, Bra you're so refreshing, all these companies think they're the shit where I live, but I kill them with my designs, In my humble opinion

[@happilyretiredmark2964]

Nice video and more good info Keith. Glad to know I am charging correctly for a change!! Peace Out!

[@keith-kalfas]

+Happilyretiredmark Yes sir

[@rodneygiovanatti5425]

thanks again Keith. Appreciate the info and the thought process that goes into making your determination. Really helpful.

[@thelifeofmatt3229]

i love seeing the look on your face and the place you're living knowing where you came from and having seen the misery on your face just after you quit your job

[@keith-kalfas]

+The life of Matt yes sir. Thank you for your feedback bro

[@thelifeofmatt3229]

you changed my life man, you opened my eyes to the world of business and saved me from a life busting my ass as an employee, now ill be busting my ass for myself haha In a few years when i have good cash flow and im out there killin it making bank, im coming out to Michigan to see you, say whats up and thank you in person because no email or phone call could express my gratitude for the information you've put out

[@Sembrandolasemilla777]

I have a question. Do you get the percentage of owners profit from the total job cost including materials or just off the labor total??????? Pls answer

[@johncunningham3843]

This is a great video. I am getting started this year and I am having to learn how to charge to plant and the proper way as I do not want to kill a living plant. I am curious as to what you charge if the customer purchases the plants? You quoted as you purchased the plant, but not if the customer purchases the plants.

[@pavelponomarev6142]

great video I like how specific you are with numbers and examples waiting for more thanks!

[@MarcM143]

The huge problem about warranty of a living thing in is when it dies from under or over watering and they still want you to change out the sod / plant even when its in your contract that you don't cover these things. They know you'll give in

[@Bellislawns]

big companies smash little companies when it comes to purchasing plants. they buy in volume reducing their cost that smaller companies cannot compete with. if offering a warranty, most won't even honor it unless they maintain the plants after install. This especially true for commercial installs!

[@keith-kalfas]

+Bellis Lawn & Gardens Spot on.

[@bk5825]

Great info Keith! Thanks for everything you do!

[@keith-kalfas]

Thank you so much! 💪

[@Logan-ym1iq]

Keith - thanks for the video, great info. could you do a walk through on a property that you design the landscape for and detail the plants you might install including names of plants and what environment they like? i'm still familiarizing myself with the design aspect and what looks good / where.. species might be different as i'm in florida and you're in michigan but would be cool to see a veteran like you think through the design on film. thanks again. you da man

[@macylandscapingretired]

We charge 2x. So if it's $40 shrub we charge $40 to plant it. For total of $80. I wish we could charge 3x. I have people look at me like I'm out of my mine at 2x.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Macy Landscaping haha. I totally get the same response.

[@chrissadberry7088]

Had the same thing happen to me.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

This is my plan. What do you charge for bag of mulch (or do you only buy in bulk(yards))?

[@t-money1182]

Would that include labor costs if you have employees?

[@louhaullouhaul1495]

question?? How does yodle work for you..they are reaching out to me and I see you use them?

[@keith-kalfas]

+Louhaul Louhaul Yodle is pretty good during the busy season. I get several calls a day in the spring and several calls a week on average Tell them I sent you. And send me an email first. I can get both of us Free ad credits.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Louhaul Louhaul yodle is good stuff

[@julianlopez694]

I have another Question for you how do you clean the windows on a 23 floor building I working on this building an people come to me asking me to clean the Windows inside and outside to and I told them to give me sometimes to find out how to do it

[@miguelbrenes2166]

How much should i charge a sq foot of sod.

[@temujinkhan6326]

Miguel Brenes That are all dependent on your location. You also have to consider about preparation requirements and how big or small the project is.

[@Soy_Pira]

Hi Keith. I Get so discouraged at times(I help my husband with the business). Husband does deliveries for Buckman's and on the side he does Landscaping (12 years of experience) Long story short I will try to make it as briefly as possible...... Doing one of these deliveries he met a wealthy guy proclaiming to own like 50 apartment buildings. Husband was offered to plant 20 (25 gallon) trees he agreed and said he would charge $1,000 (personally I thought he priced the installment at a very low price but sense we are starting I agreed) no contract! Husband the day of planting told him once again about the price and the guy said oh don't worry!!! the money🤑 is not a problem 😱!! Yesterday he received a call it was the guy😵 saying... for planting those trees he could only pay $400 take it or leave it 😡 I just get sick to mi stomach of all low ballers out there. Just can't understand how people would take advantage of others. I guess we are learning the hard way!!😖

[@raulordon9574]

Great video bro. I got a job and spend $350.00 on plants and mulch and I charge $250.00 for the labor so I'm short with $100.00 bucks. And I offer warranty got 1 year. Thanks. For the help.

[@calpezlawncare6085]

Tanx for sharing this info video with all of us 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@jaycemid7720]

Any sources on how to learn plant/shrub installation?

[@jamesvillegas877]

I think your off on plants a little bit. usually nurseries charge on pot size and some plants are exactly the same size in a small pot. so just need to watch out for that.

[@positiveprepper]

am I grandfathered in at original price?

[@keith-kalfas]

+Nikolas Mariani yessir

[@positiveprepper]

Think fuck chirst! Thank you!

[@tonydannemiller2678]

Do you include your salary in your expenses when you are estimating a job? Or do you pay yourself out of the profits?

[@keith-kalfas]

+Tony Dannemiller Profit First! I love that book. Yes I started ADDING my personal profit on top of the business profit and my prices ended up so high that I lost 90% of my clients. This is another video

[@tonydannemiller2678]

Cool, I'd love to see a video on that!

[@gregorykoven9760]

Compost and fertilizer?

[@thephilb]

So is this strictly just pricing for the actual planting itself, or are the mulch, garden bed preparation/creation and other incidentals included in the 2x/3x price? I haven't been including any incidentals in the 2x price since watching this, and no serious customer has batted an eyelash at my prices though they feel a little high to me.

[@TidesToTerra]

Was wondering the same thing. Need some clarifications here

[@ManzoLawnServiceLLC]

Very informative, Great video Thank you.

[@jonathanmcgregor281]

What nursery do you go to, deneweths is my go to

[@jakearchambault8160]

whud up dood? what cameras you use for videos? I'm thinking bout making construction vids to post on the google box but this is a new thing for me and want to get decent vid and sound. Thanks for all the informative stuff you put out!!

[@keith-kalfas]

+Jake Sony A7s, Sony a6000, Canon t4i, Sony rx100, gopro hero4 , cell phone

[@keith-kalfas]

+Jake Sony a7s, a6000 , rx100, t4i canon

[@jakearchambault8160]

Cool thanks keith! Im flying out to northern Minnesota to visit the Marvin window factory i have my cell phone and a go pro im going to try them just kinda worried about sound quality.

[@hermelindopuluc8118]

do you charge doble plus labor?

[@LogITECH-jk1ss]

5 plant in 10 gal tubs is 250 150 out and 150 in period 😊

[@LogITECH-jk1ss]

For 150 with screens bruh I'm getting ready walk away

[@louisberndt7373]

Isn't 4 grand for a 2 grand cost landscape actually 100% profit?

[@JuanGonzalez-dx2sn]

Hey brother . Like your videos, man . I was wondering if you can please help me out , I'm going to plant Qty 40 15-gallon Indian Laurel ficus nitida 5 feet tall at $50 with favorable site conditions. Is the rule the same to double it or has it changed?

[@thelandscapelifestyle2684]

Whats up bro! What are you shooting on? Looks crispy! haha Keep up the good work bro

[@keith-kalfas]

+The Landscape Lifestyle Sony a7s

[@malcaraz4511]

We hear you Keith - The 316 Yard Barber (I am a substitute teacher, 3 x author, stand up comedian, and yard barber).

[@mlcosmah]

When you charge by the "job" ie. 2x the price of the plant, are you also charging labor on top of that? Or does that include your labor costs?

[@keith-kalfas]

Labor is included in plant pricing

[@chrisclay2422]

listen to the video again, he answered that

[@jaketryban8772]

Ok I'm So confused and I hope you can answer this. My dad and I grow Christmas trees, up in northern Michigan. We dig our trees for our nursery as well. Ok so my dad charges a little less than most the big time nursery around us. He charges for the tree by the foot obviously. He usually gets a 50 dollar delivery fee, then its 50 - 75 bucks for installation and mulch. My question! Shouldn't he be charging labor for me to be there working!? I feel like he should be charging drive time and a labor fee for anyone who is there working beside him! He should be making money off of me not paying me out of his profits for the business right? Any other guy I've worked for before my dad went full time with this charged 50 an hour for me to be on site because I was a crew leader, he charged like 40 for the lower end guys. No matter what we were doing.

[@jaketryban8772]

@@keith-kalfas 50 dollars installation "per tree". I also want to add hes paying me hourly to dig these trees, to water the nursery, and I get paid to load the trees before the job and all that. He's gotta be getting some kind of extra money for this doesn't he

[@amishpaterson1845]

Keith I need your master quick question this 45% profit is that after the materials and the workers wages has been paid because you talked about a job for 4000 leaving you 1800 quid is that £1,800 for yourself after the workers has been paid and materials 🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑

[@WindowCleaningBluePrint]

Yes...after workers have been paid

[@frankevans588]

Hey Keith, what's your opinion on contracting lawns?

[@jafll141]

Great videos brother

[@conorjamesgay2570]

Keith, do you double retail that a regular customer would pay for the plant or double your cost after the usual “landscaper” discount. I get 20 percent off at the nursery, should I double actual customer retail or “my” cost? Love your content

[@keith-kalfas]

Retail. But now it's 2.5 to 3X retail. YOUR 20% Goes in your pocket. I used to pass that discount onto my customers. And they loved it. They loved how I gave them all discounts. That's why I stayed broke, stuck in a 1 bedroom apartment at 32 years old. While my customers lived in big houses and bought a brand new BMW every year.

[@michaeldewitt9827]

What percent of your revenue or profits would you use to reinvest in marketing your business?

[@keith-kalfas]

+Michael DeWitt I'm comfortable reinvesting 6% Gross revenue back into marketing. But if your in a "growth phase" it should be minimum 10%. Some companies invest 20% and 30%. They literally work for FREE and break even on purpose in order to grow faster.

[@michaeldewitt9827]

Landscaping Employee Trap & Window Cleaning That's great advice! I'm in a growth phase for sure. First year sole proprietor. About 45-50 lawns that I cut plus some small landscaping. My goal is to Double my business in 4 months and triple my business by year's end.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Michael DeWitt for me its 6% Off Grosse annual. But I do my own SEO

[@keith-kalfas]

+Michael DeWitt 6% average. 20% growth phase

[@michaeldewitt9827]

Landscaping Employee Trap & Window Cleaning I need another month of two of winter work. I'm running low on clients that need leaf cleanup, etc.

[@chilledchoasxx8057]

I think I underprice most of my jobs because the am just a 13 yr old so I'm really confused about how much to charge on spiral shrubs and shrubs in general I lose more then I make

[@rootbeer9908]

Don't be scared to come up in price. The worst they will say is no.

[@chilledchoasxx8057]

ok

[@chuyhernandez6419]

So if you lant a few one gallons that cost $3 its almost better to refuse that job because making 6 dollars for the plant installed is not profitable is there like a minimum you need to get

[@ployd0017]

I was thinking if the plant is under $20 or $15 to make one of those your minimum for a 1 gallon.

[@amishpaterson1845]

Thanks Keith for explaining this 🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑

[@julianlopez694]

Hey Keith your not making no more videos you okay

[@keith-kalfas]

+Julian Lopez I'm working on my new book and video courses. 12 hrs a day. 100% full engaged.

[@texasglassauthority7909]

I use the exact same laptop to work on that's the 17inch alienware...i7 nvidia graphics card lol

[@keith-kalfas]

+Mike Lynch yea. Haha

[@keith-kalfas]

+Landscaping Employee Trap & Window Cleaning its a badass unit

[@triumphovertragedy7860]

I bet you are happy you don't do snow huh Keith!! It's about six" in warren right, now.

[@MIHYLLC]

Hey Keith... if/when you work solo, do you have a "happy" hourly rate per job? Not that you charge this way, but maybe just a cross check thing? Good info on this video. Appreciate the pricing share. Shout out on the Husqy hat btw👍

[@keith-kalfas]

Yea man. It's a 50% gross profit Margin off jobs. Or $65 an hour. The business is basically a $10an hr employee. Then there's overhead and taxes on profit. So if you want to pat at least $30 an hour ....or $300 per day in your pocket..then you need to charge $65 an hour.

[@MIHYLLC]

@@keith-kalfas Perfect. I operate in a similar fashion. Wanted to see where I am, and where I may want to go. It's all relative, I get it. Appreciate the detailed response. I Respect your work and your vids are very helpful👍

[@davidmayes7455]

Hey Keith, I'm just starting I have not got my first job yet. But I was wondering when I charge for a job how do you go about getting paid? Do you get have up front or wait to the end of the job?

[@markraffo6794]

David Mayes, Usually charge for the expenses up front. I don't tell the customer my expenses to do the job but make it my down payment. If for some reason they don't pay on the completed job, you've only lost your own labor time. Just my opinion. I also have the sign a contract for larger jobs.

[@RolfCityDirtHunt]

this is exactly what i needed. im about to buy,deliver, and install a lot of bushes/cactus

[@julianlopez694]

good video

[@joshuasanchez1689]

Hey brother did you get paid for the advertisement of the hat ha? Jk awesome video!

[@thelandscapelifestyle2684]

Customers want safety.. I like to warranty my installs.

[@CASG93]

💯 comment

[@julianlopez694]

Hey Keith thanks for this video I need that video know I need to know how much you charge to Hedge 85 feet of bushes 3feet wider

[@loganmclemore1262]

Julian Lopez 250-400

[@jackmasters9953]

Logan McLemore not near enough

[@adrianruiz6227]

are you hiring?

[@josiahbowden1451]

200

[@omarkosovali2381]

Let me ask you something and if u can tell me : I have on customer she call me for estimate she want me to plants for her 43 Evergreens 4to5 ft tall And she will purchased this plants and she will delivered my job is do make hole and plants all 43 how much you thinking price is. i live in Pennsylvania let me no buddy. thanks.

[@lmforestry5924]

It's a simple question!!! Lol wow

[@Metalhead82to11]

no warranty for customers with pets or kids....ever PERIOD. Dumbest thing you can do.

[@al.e123iis7]

Alienwares are as overpriced as MacBooks... you play videogames??

[@zillah7599]

Wayne County Michigan....#smallbusinessowner.. you're doing a great thing here. Really enjoy the content. (Doesn't happen often) you rock. share, comment, and enjoy the positive vibes. (His frequency is high on the parallelogram)