Quoting Garden Maintenance: I've changed the way I think

Pricing garden maintenance work as a self employed gardener is difficult and getting it right comes with experience. I'm into my third year now and I have changed the way I think when it comes to quoting garden jobs. See why, here in my video.
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I am a self employed gardener and run my own gardening business. I offer gardening maintenance packages, hedge cutting, grass/lawn cuts, driveway cleans and much more. This video will explain how I set up on my own and how you can start your own business, so don't hang around!
The main goal of my KZbin channel is to help like minded people on their way to running their own gardening business and help them in terms of pricing jobs, equipment, real life stories and general hints and tips along the way.
So, if that sounds like its for you, hit subscribe and welcome to my channel :)

[@garveybhoy]

I always remember my neighbour teaching me a lesson. He offered me twenty pound to paint his fence when i was 15. Me and my friend thought we would finish it in an hour. It took us 4 hour odd to finish it. He paid us £50 each and said never under estimate the work and your own value.

[@stevenwarren2877]

25 years I’ve been doing this and I could fill an A4 piece of paper in the things that are wrong with my body from doing this 😂😂😂 Great channel keep up the good work Don’t forget when pricing a job you can always come down in price but can’t go up but never sell yourself short

[@THETATTOOGARDENER83]

Hi Adam thanks for the mention mate I still get people asking for discount it’s so frustrating To all gardeners stick to you guns with your pricing you know your worth Keeping working hard everyone 🙌🏼☀️😎

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Definitely mate. Hope all is well

[@THETATTOOGARDENER83]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 yeah mate just really busy at the moment Had alittle rain last night and today much needed it’s been very dry down here Hope your keeping well mate

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@THETATTOOGARDENER83 it's pouring down here as we speak. I've been doing a little bit on a few Saturday mornings too as it's hard to turn down money! I'll get my rest come winter 😆

[@THETATTOOGARDENER83]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 well done mate really pleased your doing well like you said in the video look after your body aswell mate

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@THETATTOOGARDENER83 definitely yeah, I feel I'm doing just enough at the moment but close to my max I think just working by myself

[@nancywells5626]

I forgot to also mention, we go into business to make money, not to break even.

[@THETATTOOGARDENER83]

Exactly this 🙌🏼

[@nancywells5626]

@@THETATTOOGARDENER83 Thank you.

[@DjDolHaus86]

Even if I was going to hide a cash transaction from the tax man why would I pass that saving on to the customer? Unless you're a close friend or family there is no discount 😂 Your hands sounds a bit like carpal tunnel syndrome, you can get braces to wear while you sleep which might help (don't get the cheap ones), worth trying anyway because if they fix it that opens up your options for further treatments down the road (steroid injections/minor surgery). I've been doing this for over 12 years now and my hands get stiff and sore but they're manageable, only problem is that I can't write with a pen for more than about 5 minutes without my hand going into cramp. I always wear gloves when doing any weeding or anything where I might get cuts, grazes, thorns and stings, cuts down massively on blisters and calluses as well. A big one is to look after your knees, invest in some good knee pads and avoid getting your knees wet and cold because it'll ruin you. The other thing that used to occur regularly was that I'd pull my lower back pretty much every spring because I'd lost conditioning over the winter, I solved this by making sure I stretched regularly throughout the day when working and did regular exercise during the slow months. Get plenty of sleep as well, a solid 8hrs is essential for letting the body repair itself, I'd rather lose an hours wages in the morning than lose 10 years of mobility. Also having a nice hot bath at the end of a particularly taxing day can work wonders, lean the phone up against the taps, find something to watch for an hour while you soak and it'll help relax those aching bones. Sunscreen is important through the summer, a nice bronzed tan is good for a while but looking like a wrinkly ballsack by the time you're 40 isn't the one. Look after yourself, money won't do you any good if you're bedbound and crippled from trying to earn more.

[@danielcuttle]

I always struggled with quoting but this really helped thanks man :)

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

It's a lot of guesswork work, especially in the beginning. Trial and error with lots of mistakes!

[@jameseveson3355]

The problem is there's to many people driving round in their family cars with a flymo and corded strimmer in the back doing lawns for £15 an hour cash, so people think that's the going rate for proper gardeners actually running their own business!! 😡

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I know. I mean I started out with my car but I had fairly decent gear at the time and wasn't charging as low as that. But yeah, that is an issue with perceived rates etc

[@jameseveson3355]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 sorry, no offence about the car as we all have to start somewhere. I know you were legit. Just frustrating when your up against people topping up their money or just doing it for pocket money instead of being bored at home. 👍🏻

[@wayneessar7489]

You are certainly correct Sir! Good that you included, do you want the job and does it fit your tools. Every job is an opportunity to learn something. I have done certain services and then said out loud what my ex used to say: "We" are never doing "that" "again"! The comment on here about compression gloves applies even if dexterity is needed, if you normally wear a 9, try an 8 in a cut glove for summer or driving.

[@acutabovegardeningservices1957]

great advice

[@Grahams-Grass]

Try getting some anti vibration gloves .I'm not gonna say it's a permanent fix but it helps .... also I use to use long horn handle bar strimmer which never used to give me any hand pain ..

[@BadRightEye]

This video is a great reminder, I worked as a sub-contractor doing this type of work, now im going self employed while working retail to keep my bills paid. The only problem I feel like I will get is a customer questioning my car instead of having a van. No idea why this is my concern but thoughts pop into my mind like I don't want them to see me as a "odd job, cash grabber" guy trying make a quick quid. So I made myself a uniform, logo, business cards , professional paperwork style just to show "this is a real thing" when handing them info and also to boost my self confidence more when showing up at a strangers place. But still get that feeling which is mostly me being silly. So far I got 1 confirmed client, 1 quoting job and 1 potential client, all from a word of mouth. I do get impatient with goals but i know I cant rush. My next goal is getting a van but because of ULEZ prices are soring high so I kinda using this as the main excuse of not having a van right away.... If it was not for ULEZ I would of had a cheap one for the first year or two since i already got a trusty mechanic and i know a thing or two on fixing vehicles to keep it going bit longer.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I started working out of my car and I totally understand your thoughts. At the end of the day, your reliability and ability to do a good job is more important. The van will come in time. You need to advertise though or it will be slow progress I feel

[@arge6396]

Same here, started in a yaris with an electric mower to a couple of jobs. I felt daft and it had to be done to make a start, but it did push me to upgrade myself and my gear. I swapped the car for a van, but fortunately I don't come across the ULEZ scam cams much. Keep at it!

[@fubar12345]

You're absolutely right about looking after your body. I started 3 years ago too, first year I was fresh as anything, but this year I am feeling it. My hands hurt most days, have to be careful with my back. Won't work without kneepads. About your hands, I think most of the issue is vibration. Since I sold the petrol kit and went all electric, I've had much less pain in my hands and wrists. I look at the vibration level on every power tool now before I buy. The worst one for me is my lungs though. I work down south, and in the summer it gets dry as hell. The dust that results from this has been causing my lungs problems - waking up and coughing shit up, and of course end of day you blow your nose and it's black. I've started wearing decent 3M masks for some jobs - it really helps. It took me a while to get over the self conscious aspect of wearing a mask, but I remind myself I'm putting my health first - before what other people think. Sometimes running the hose pipe over an area before working can be enough to suppress the dust, but when that's not an option the mask is key. Look after yourself mate, all the best

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Thanks for commenting, some really good points 👌 all the best 👍

[@Ginge2714]

Anti vibration gloves work wonders

[@bobbelsekwol]

I was told of a story where someone paid cash "for a deal" then bubbled them to the tax. Unbelievable some people.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Crazy man 🤦‍♂️

[@peacebeuntoyou8934]

Being active beats sitting down all day. I'd rather be active. I hated my office job.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

100%

[@tomarmstrong5244]

Look out for vibration white finger mate.

[@garethcumming667]

I am 58 in my 7th year.. Recently diagnosed with Osteo Arthritis.. Like a shot out of the blue when I was told.. It comes and goes but when it comes it stops me from doing anything other than possibly the easy mowing jobs. I have scaled down from taking on hedge trimming. weeding and large bush trimming to protect myself.. To think when I started I was charging 10 pound per hour for solid grafting! I try and avoid hourly rates for all the obvious reasons but some jobs can only be charged this way as there is too much to do at any one visit. Enjoy your channel!

[@BottleBrookGardens]

Sorry to hear about your health. I’m 35, sat here thinking I’ve developed a groin hernia. Good topic this.

[@StewartCormack]

Try adding Sardines to your diet. It’s a Superfood that might help you...

[@johnnyd9441]

Now in mid 50s been at this malarkey since 17..gettin steroid injections in elbows gettin tested 4 carpal tunnel..white noise in fingers etc..hopfully the battery tools will help yous younger guys out ..choose your jobs wisely learn to say NO itll serve u well..

[@nancywells5626]

Hello I agree trying to figure out what you will charge per job or by the hour can be difficult. You are correct to factor in the job, time, tools and equipment to use, maintenance on those items as well, if you have to pay for help, etc. I consistently charge by the hour. My hourly rate is dependent on how far I have to travel, if I have to take yard debris off site, if the maintenance will be easy or make your eyeballs pop. Lots to consider when stating your charge for the job. I think it's good to ask people that are your clients, that you actually enjoy, if they know of anyone that needs what you do. Word of mouth from your existing clients may help get you more quality clients. Remember quality over quantity! I have been doing gardening and flower bed maintenance since 1998. My worst physical pain was some carpal tunnel in both hands and fingers in 2021. Repeated movements without rest can catch up to you. My doc told me to get some wrist braces and use them when I was not working. Also give my hands a rest from weeding, etc. I noticed when I use the non powered hedge trimmers inconsistently my hands tend to shake. Probably better to sip a drink with a straw, than spill it all over yourself, just sayin'. Good luck and enjoy what you do!

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Hi Nancy, thanks for commenting...I agree with of that!

[@nancywells5626]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 Thank you, I hope this info helps.

[@kirisute6280]

My mum is self employed gardener , I have a full time job on nights but did do landscaping for a while, recently been thinking about taking over from my mum as she's wanting to give it up, ideally I would like to take it over and build it up so been watching all your videos

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Good stuff, all the best 👍

[@susanlane8803]

Go for it, it's much more rewarding to be your own boss, and she can always give you a hand now and then, if you need it!

[@johnloran]

I find my makita tools are always the smoothest with the least vibrations and good built in dampeners/shock absorbers. Milwaukee tend to be more powerful and ramp up qicker (battery stuff) but definitely vibrate more. Keep up the good content 👍John from Clarendon_gardens Leicester 👍

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Thanks for the tips John 👍

[@johnloran]

@TheGreyGardener1990 no worries mate, look after your body as much as possible - I even use the 12v Bosch powered secateurs if I'm doing loads of pruning. Also mini chainsaws are great to save your arms - I have the Milwaukee m18 hatchet and it's a game changer for everyday small rubbish that I chop into bins etc. 👍

[@kepadaservices1286]

I have learnt from experience to ask a new customer how they were intending to pay, the response you want is them asking "whats good for you"? But a red flag response is "what difference does it make how I pay"? If a new customer gets spikey at being asked, then that may not be a good customer. The body wears out pretty quickly when doing manual work with machinery, so recognise the symptoms early, and get treatment. I'm 56 and feeling it. Look after yourself fella. Peace and love

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Cheers mate, great advice as well. I'm so sceptical of people and that would be a definite red flag, 100% agree 👍

[@CurtisBennett96]

Quick question mate might seem a bit random but do you write receipts for your customers? Just started out with some flyers and got 5 customers booked in already for this week! Very excited to start and your channel has been super helpful with all the information you have available for us

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I do it for landlords and commercial work. Other than that generally not. Good luck with the business 👍

[@CurtisBennett96]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 ok mate good to know thanks for the reply! I'll definitely be on here with many more questions in the coming weeks 😂

[@susanlane8803]

Be careful not to take too much on all at once, it's not too bad at this time of year, but when the weathers against you it's a bugger to get it all finished, especially if you want it to look good!

[@kennybutler9069]

Good videos mate, it has helped me out massively as i have started gardening this year. Do you also give advice on plants etc?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Cbeers mate. I have a handful of plant videos, looking to do more

[@kennybutler9069]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 that will be brilliant. I will look forward to watching them. I struggle to remember plant names!

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@kennybutler9069 me too mate it's difficult. You'll see the same 15/20 or so plants and flowers in people's gardens. Once you know them you'll be fine. Google lens is a great app

[@kennybutler9069]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 cheers buddy for the tip!

[@woetmann1]

what do you do in the winter? is there jobs or do you just vacate?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I still work. There are a couple of videos I've done on winter so feel free to check them out.

[@kevinsteel2608]

Bang on the button , we price things in favour for us ( company) not the customer to have a good deal

[@susanlane8803]

The eternal phrase is ' Oh whilst you're here would you mind', when you've already priced a job. The best way to get out of this extra work for nothing is to say ' oh I haven't got my hedge cutters (or relevant tools) on me today or I'm due at another job in 10 minutes after you've finished, but I'll do it tomorrow or next week!

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

🤣 every gardeners most hated phrase I imagine. Or the classic, my last gardener charged...

[@kyegibson8274]

i started out around a week ago and have done a few jobs also quoted a few which was hard as 2 of them are big jobs however im going to quote a job putting in 14 6ft cherry laurels are you able to give me a rough mark?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

It's not something I've done really to that scale. Guess it comes down to how long you'll think it will roughly take, how strenuous it is and obviously any direct costs associated.

[@kyegibson8274]

@TheGreyGardener1990 there's no direct costs customer's buying bushes just labour but I don't know what to much is🤣🤣 never done one like that

[@cathalmccallan1458]

Any tips on trimming garden bushes that's out of shape cheers

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

What I do is stand back, imagine the shape you think will be best suited. Then look for any bald spots in the bushor any obvious defects. (Areas can obviously grow out though) Find the lowest point as you can't go above that, everything else will have to be at that level. Then ask yourself is it feasible to do what you're thinking. If not, have a rethink and go again

[@cathalmccallan1458]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 cheers

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

Been in the garden maintenance business for 30 years, 12 of those self employed! Look after yourself physically chap, and don't end up like me! I'm 54, but have wrecked my body because of work, money is NOT the be all and end all! Thankfully I have an amazing supportive wife, which has allowed me to cut down to 3 days a week! Wish you all the best young man, but don't work yourself to death .

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Thank you mate. What would you have done differently?

[@christopherstanton8015]

Mate I'm 42 been doing it over 20 years it's hard on your body bro cbd cream helps I rub a bit of that on gets me through just 😅

[@vapinpenguin]

so how does the pricing actaully work, is it per job, how long it will take, per week per month, per two weeks, because if i do this i will be going through it straight away, i can deal with horrible nasty people, and i'd get my money's worth to, that's just the barman in me, however, i really need a job where i have hours daily, even if it's just grass cutting, hedging, picking up leaves or planting flowers or whatever it is, i reaLLY NEED MORE OF A ADVANCED HELP with this, sorryt for the caps.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Check out my channel mate I go into all of that on various videos.

[@andrewjohn7952]

Fleece and beanie hat. It’s been 30c for last 4 weeks 🥵

[@DjDolHaus86]

He's in the frozen north, apparently they even get rain between May/November! 😂

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Filmed a while ago mate, I always have videos scheduled a few months ahead of time

[@nancywells5626]

If I could give you some Florida warmth I would. Last week temps were in the mid 90s to 104 degrees. Feel like temps were even hotter. Please send some cooler temps to Florida!

[@Peanut21-qu3mt]

I've got rid of someone in recent weeks who thought it was acceptable to set when he would pay me. I let myself down because I kept giving him chances after I said my payment terms are 7 days (since reduced to 5) if making a bank transfer. Also if no payment made in that window, no return. He kept saying "I'll pay you next week" and I had to keep chasing. Finally stuck to my guns and when I didn't return he kept ringing and sent messages asking if I'd been influenced in making my decision. I've since found out from the neighbour (a loyal customer who recommended me to him) that he owes the lady across the road £7000 because he had a sob story about being behind with the mortgage. So he was always a dodgy Herbert who's terrible with money. Sorry for the essay but needed to get that off my chest 😂

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Sounds like you're best rid!

[@Ginge2714]

If you declare everything your a better man then me. Lol.. The more cash jobs the better

[@Dez86.]

Yeah but nearly any work is having an effect on your body and there is many jobs worse than gardening well worse infact , plus just ageing alone affects your body in multiple ways , and without even working . You can't just go work all day then go home and sit there dormant like most men do , this is what does you in , if you have an active life style aside from work , work doesn't effect you to that. I no men that been working hard grafting jobs for 40 years + go gym before or after work nearly everyday and have kids and home life to deal with and are completely fit and healthy its all about you as a person and your life style like I say

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

Can't disagree with the majority of that mate

[@Dez86.]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 your video are half decent mate 👏 only just come across you last night

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@Dez86. cheers. No doubt they'll be stuff you disagree with too which is fine. I've basically put everything on here from the beginning so my older videos, lots of things I'd do differently or my thinking has changed. Hope you enjoy the channel 👍

[@daggy6683]

I disagree strongly with your mindset about how much wear and tear this game puts on your body. It is going to put some on yes, but you sound like you are feeling it a lot more than most. I would paradoxically suggest increasing your output and adding in exercise into to your routine to make the physicality required of the work day feel more trivial. Kettlebell swings are a great one for working, they help you engage your glutes and posterior chain when bending over and picking things up at work, saving your back massively. Maybe I’m speaking out of turn for you personally as I have no knowledge of how Crohn’s disease affects people. For most though, exercise, good nutrition and a good nights sleep shouldn’t leave anyone feeling run down at all just from doing garden maintenance. Maybe supplement cod liver oil too

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

I'm thinking more along the lines of what the next 20/30 years could potentially do. Most days I'm fine. Sleep isn't great for me as we have a toddler who isn't a good sleeper and I do take a good multi vitamin. Being able to pick and choose jobs is a game changer but of course that only comes a few years in when you're fully booked etc. But yeah, I do feel some days are a struggle due to my crohns. How long have you been going out of interest? All I seem to read on here is people in their 50s/60s who have been buggered by gardening over the years 😵‍💫 Great comment though 👍

[@JDMM92]

I really want to know.. how often do you lose customers? Does anyone else have problems losing customers?

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

That's probably a really good topic for a video. The comments should be useful too. Is it OK if if talked about that?

[@JDMM92]

@@TheGreyGardener1990 yes of course, I'd love to see a video, im sure me and every gardener lose a decent amount of customers.

[@TheGreyGardener1990]

@@JDMM92 spot on will add that to the list 👍