You Need To STOP Underquoting Landscaping Jobs - RANT

Quoting landscaping jobs is tough but Stop undercutting and under quoting.
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[@lc8767]

ugh this is so true! I did a low ball quote yesterday for a client and now I am kicking myself in the ass for it. SO not worth it. I need to be more confident and learn how to be comfy throwing out higher prices. Love your videos!

[@napleshomeimprovementsllc5944]

Don’t let them sell you. Quote high and people will pay you. You want your client list to be all top dollar people.

[@yjersey]

Yeah man.... lets go with an air of confidence. Not settling for less Im BRAND NEW in the game.... but did all phases of work for years as a worker. I was ashamed my first job last week , for not knowing how it would go on my own. Afraid i would take too long. Or whatever. Very silly. I want to charge a decent price. And see what happens. Have a confidence that i just walk off if they are not willing to pay. And hit the bricks till i get someone who is. Who is gunna pay my bills in one day for that week or month. Thoughts guys?? Im so not knowledgeable about pricing. Have no good connections w any boss who i think would help me out. Its like a grimey competition in the whole area im from. Ppl are so scared. I have NO CLUE about pricing

[@yjersey]

Just dont want to work for pennies anymore. Or basically what i used to make as a worker, to get the job. Everything has to be factored. If its 93° , maybe ur best bet is to start early and cut out by 2. To u thats a day. Can u make in 7 hrs significantly more, than u used to, as a worker in 10-14 hrs?? I had better. I cant be scared of getting rejected. Its just, when uve gone door to door to 700 houses and u got not a call.... When one person takes u in their back, and says can u do this..... and u have to feed your family and not get evicted.... That u might say some stupid low rates without thinking..... to get the job.... like i did last week. And all it did was cover overdraft fees in the end anyways. I certainly could use a bro. I wish i had someone to guide me in this area in all this

[@Dogwood_Landscaping]

Call Tony Bass, you're welcome...www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tZP1zcsy84rNMvLMmC0UjWosLBIM061TDM2NDewTDUxNbYyqDBLTjQwMjdITUtMSbY0S7T0EinJz6tUSEosLlZIzs8rLs0pycxLBwApuxcc&q=tony+bass+consulting&oq=tony+bass+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46j0j46j0l2j46.4694j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#

[@mystorymylife9998]

I really don’t like telling other contractors how much they should charge or how much I try to charge. I once told a Utuber contractor you should try to charge 80-100 an hour for your skill. Someone in the comments said my wife is a doctor and I did the math and last year she made 96 an hour. So your trying to tell me I should pay the guy pressure washing my deck the same ? Your damn right. Who is going to pay when something breaks ? Who is going to pay for you at 60 with skin cancer doing this line of work? Each and every day my goal is to make as much as possible. People need to understand one thing, the customer can care less about you or your problems. The only way to grow a business and really see a different level of income is to make 700-1000 a day. I’m telling you now $300 and $400 a day is good but not great. Until your bringing home 2000-3000 a week in this day and age , your not doing too much. All this is just my opinion from growing my business.

[@jplandscaping5069]

damn right! lets build the middle class that obama destroyed

[@loslewis950]

People like that a dumb, a doctor MAKES 96 an hour but they cost the company more than 96 an hour. If i make say £50 an hour I put £30 in my pocket I'm not making £50 an hour I'm charging it, there's a massive difference.

[@cannonball9478]

£400 to 500 a day x 4 days a week in England or there is no point. Makes me laugh when people think it goes straight in our pocket.

[@havaldaandrew4958]

Yep! This is capitalism, not communism!

[@rodolfogonzalez6267]

Wow I just read that I need to record that in my head thank you sir and blessings to you

[@frauddawgs07]

If people in industry would network each other and help instead of cut throat everyone could afford to feed the geese lol

[@kdub9198]

Exactly. A software engineer makes 100K a year typing code into a computer all day. Does he feel like he's ripping off his company because he doesn't break a sweat during his entire work day? Hell no. He feels like he should be making 200K a year and the company is lucky to have a guy like him. That's because he was encouraged as a child and has a great self image. A lot of people never had that support and that's our biggest weakness. Good for you. Your time is invaluable. When you become president of the united states these home owners will think "Wow I got such a great deal on my service... The president only charged me _____"! Keep it up brother!

[@keith-kalfas]

Hahahaha

[@cannonball9478]

Damn true

[@brandonturney3015]

We as small business owners all have similar struggles, thanks for being authentic and real. You are on the right path with pricing. It takes money to grow a business and you can't do that being the cheapest guy in town.

[@keith-kalfas]

Yes absolutely

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

This is the THRUTH!

[@RonHallKungFuBro]

Keith, your passion, honesty and wisdom has been an inspiration to me every since I first discovered you. Your open and sincere revelations speaks to the true experience and struggle of the small business owner and reflect many experiences I have encountered in my own personal journey and I thank you for sharing your insights with us. Any new or aspirating business owner can do nothing but benefit from listening to your wisdom. Thank you , my brother.

[@keith-kalfas]

Dude this means a lot. I just want to be real. Screw looking cool. Can't fool anyone anyways. Might as well be real.

[@RonHallKungFuBro]

Im glad, your words has gotten me through many a tough time and i can relate to every single word that you say... so I'm happy I can share something that meaningful to you. Spiritual warrior, keep fighting the good fight. :) I'll be listening. Again, thanks.

[@yatesestates9114]

right on time bro😎

[@NBA2KGod23]

Ron Hall for real! Same here!

[@bynumtreeandlandscape7506]

It sounds funny to say but Keith kalfas changed my life....

[@madelineoquendo9443]

I hate when people do that, it devalues everyone's work. Love your vlog, very inspiring.

[@willemdegrebber7227]

Another problem is, voice of mouth. People start talking bout this one guy who is so cheap within 1 month you"re booked for an entire year. But by the end of the year you can close up shop.

[@gerhardmarelizelourens7624]

Hi Keith!! We live in a small mining town in Australia! I love your videos! I started my gardening and landscaping business a year ago on the 1st of July after I came across your channel! Your videos have been critical to me building my business! I started with a cheap utility and a few bits a pieces cleaning up gardens by myself....a year later I now have 5 people working for me and 3 vehicles and 2 trailers! You have been a super inspiration man!! Thank you!!! Sending you lots of blessings! Marelize

[@WarriorWillTv]

I’m thankful that you keep sharing your knowledge. This helps me to avoid hard knocks on the head bro!!! 💯

[@jeanalexandre1105]

To make a long story short value your time and the service you provide.

[@allphaselandscape]

True.... Took me awhile to figure this out when I first started but it's absolute truth! You can't rip people off but you can't be afraid to charge either. If you get every job that you quote your prices are way too low

[@ricepadi29]

One job that was quoted correctly is better than five that were under bid financially but more importantly mentally.

[@cannonball9478]

Exactly. You get known for being cheap as well (made this error). Plus you can work 3 days and earn the same as 5. The worst feeling is when you’re working for nothing especially if the clients are rich.

[@Cree_Money]

I've listened to you and watched your videos for years. I just did a landscaping job. They have a professional landscaper. He is successful and owns several properties, including a house two doors down from them. HIS property has amazing plants, including a bushy Crepe Myrtle. She's been requesting plants from him since last year-- but he made no time for her. He gets to cut her grass and trim her plants once a year. I picked a picky woman's plants for her, planted them and now the baller can trim my plants! This could be a solid six figure profession working solo only 45 hours a week + travel time. I doubt I'll ever go full time, but thanks to you I've gained a solid side gig option! Gotta love "luxury services."

[@davidrussell2013]

I moved almost 20 yards of mulch in 3 hours for peanuts. The guy guy flips out 5 ones, does a magic trick turns them into 5 hundreds, gives me one and some change. I was so done after that. Whole mentality shift.

[@aidentorroo]

20 yards in 3 hrs ? How many people with u

[@RayToaetolu]

Thanks man. I'm going to start my own land scaping business here in California next month. I saved up enough money to buy a truck, lawn mower, trimmer and blower. I'm ready for the fire. God bless you and your family. A Million Thank you's. 💪

[@ncsmooth22]

Hey brother, I appreciate your videos. I just started my own business after 12 years working for everyone else. I just experienced my 1st customer with the intent to low ball me. I stuck to my guns being professional 💪💪. Example ,she said I can get $31/ yard for mulch, then I asked her who's going to install it. My price was $75/ yard for delivery and installed. She actually was getting a better deal with that price instead by hour. So then she asked well if I buy the mulch how much would you charge to install it. I said $50/hour plus delivery. Needless to say she said she would call back. She had me write out the contract and had it set for this Thursday and now she changed her mind. I said you're paying for professional services and it will be done right the first time. She said well I will let you know. I'm thinking in my head if she takes to long I'll add another 25% 😂😂😂

[@pedrobauzo9407]

Hay there keith ....lol we the business Owners Like u and i cant talk to any randum person. They Will think that we are going peanuts lol. How daré u rip people off for a sprinkler head that u havent broken yet??? LOL... but thats the Way IT is. 👍🇵🇷

[@MerchantNation]

bro you are so correct. im about to hire a landscaper cause these fools out here are doing front and back yards with edging bush and brush management and charging $50 per visit, twice per month. my neighbor had three guys in her yard for 3.5hrs for 50 bucks. i cant do it myself this cheap. i thought she was paying like 300-500 per visit.

[@michaelbacile8439]

I think one big reason for this small business owner phenomenon is how much time, energy and sacrifice it takes to even just get it off the ground. After 2 years of grinding your ass off, hiring and firing, making mistakes and networking to get it breaking even we sometimes get stuck in that mindset. We tend to grow slower than the business if that makes sense. Speaking for myself mostly, I’m just now starting to get better at getting my true rate and I’ve been in business 6 years and lose a lot of bids because of it

[@BigdaddiZ]

That thing you said about good money really spoke to me man. I find myself saying “I made good money today”. But I still can’t take my family to dinner without thinking about how much I’m gonna spend.

[@regulardude2011]

Came back here because I gave a quote today and the customer said no (cant afford). I estimated the job at $1320 (labor cost) @ 16 hrs. Now, i offered to do the whole job for $1800 even. Id make $1000 in two days (of course, it might take longer). If they accept my $1800, id be pretty happy because im broke and homeless and need money. However, im not willing to work for pennies. Been there done that!

[@yardmasterswealtheducation8424]

I figured you might like knowing there is a yardwork company (no landscaping; just outside maid service, so to say) that has literally zero concern for route density. At Diamond Yardmasters, route density is simple: From the meeting at the office in the morning: Drive from The Office to your Monthly Maintenance appointment. Drive to your Extra Visit appointment. Done for the day. Unless you are on the Overhaul Crew, then it is just: Drive (or ride) from The Office to the Overhaul site. Done for the day. That's all folks!

[@melissawake3622]

Been there. This year my first year I under cut a job by alot but I'm still learning now I know. That's exactly what happened I blew my tranny on my truck costed 3000. Man it will take me a while to make it but I'm determined to price better moving forward

[@davidsonnow]

Keith - no apologies needed. I think you were on point for this whole video. You were riffing on something that you wanted to share: that’s why we subscribe to you.

[@korereviews8088]

Keith, I totally agree, but even quoting high doesn't mean the customer isn't going to find other ways to screw you AFTER they accept your quote. Here's a few things I've experienced lately that are driving me crazy. Would love to hear how you deal with them: 1) Requesting endless changes and substitutions; 2) Expecting endless consultations/meetings, calling all the time (including all weekend) to discuss things that have already been discussed 4 times, and generally disrespecting my time; 3) Micromanaging every detail of the actual work once it's started, even though they have NO knowledge whatsoever of plants, landscaping or design; 4) going behind my back to MY suppliers (this one REALLY burns me up) to see if they can buy things direct and just get me to install them, so THEY can save a few bucks and deny me any profit while just paying me for grunt labor.

[@keith-kalfas]

Insane! Wow

[@ThisGuyWantsBeer]

Write change orders on the proposal with added cost IN FRONT OF THEM, bill them for call time and make sure they’re aware you do bill for time since time is money, ignore their micro managing and be selective of what you respond to and don’t respond to. Make sure your supplier knows name and address of the client, they can refuse to sell to them if you already put an order/hold on material. If that doesn’t work for you, don’t “warranty” the plant and labor to install/take out when and if it dies. If they continue to piss you off, cancel the contract on them and let the next guy deal with it.

[@mystorymylife9998]

Try to grow your business to the fact that you dominate your market place. When your able to do this customers will seek you out and prepay for services. But in order for this to happen you must dominate your market place and there are only a few ways to do so. I will say it doesn’t happen over night, it takes a little bit of time.

[@joshuashepherd2922]

When certain customers ask for more, to some I say that'll be extra and they're like nevermind! Another guy haggle me down then tried to get me to do his bushes at no extra cost. I was like that'll be extra and he's like, well my other guy, my other guy, my other guy. Yeah, go get your other guy.....

[@korereviews8088]

I put a clause about change orders on all my contracts, so in principle I charge for any substantial changes. The tricky part is the gray area where they try to swap things of equal value. Even if the material cost is the same, it costs me time in terms of revising quotes and talking with the client. Once or twice it's not a big deal, but sometimes you get people who are just neurotically unable to make up their freaking mind, and it becomes a massive time-suck. As for the supplier issue: it's amazing how many people don't understand the concept of wholesale vs. retail, and if I try to explain it to them, get all cagey and think I'm trying to rip them off. 'Owner profit', 'administrative costs' - these things a real to ME, but so often customers think the only thing they're supposed to pay for is the actual time I spend on their property digging holes etc. I know I need to find a way to deal with these things effectively - but it's not easy when you're already stressed out and overworked.

[@jcastello636]

The bid formula is this. If you're getting 100% of your bids your prices are too low. If your getting 0%-25% of your bids your prices are too high. You want to be in the 50% range, that's your sweet spot. 2nd formula: time vs cost vs quality. Customers get 2, contractor gets one. No one says they want a low quality job so that's a given. So it comes down to cost vs time. If they want it done right away, you get to charge more. If they can wait longer on the calendar you can lower the rate a little, but not much. Here in Silicon Valley there is no off season, except for mud.

[@keith-kalfas]

You know the game!

[@nicholasmartinez8204]

Man I just got out the Navy and have been going to school full time on the GI while working at Home Depot on weekends. Expressed myself to my wife that I'm not where I want to be in life. I study and work 24/7. She said "babe you do a great job on the yard minus your allergies lol why don't you make a lawn care business.? You have all your own equipment, a truck etc". After I slept on the Idea and talked to a few people it seems like something I can obtain. After watching your videos it has given me more courage to go out and be my own boss. Let's see what happens, will keep you updated. Thanks boats!

[@svmz7676]

Your videos are better when you rant, it shows passion, and people can relate to it!

[@angiecarlton826]

Do not listem to these fool's that tell you that you need anything! All of the people that follow you and watch your videos that love you and admire you and the people's lives that you have touched and some that you have even saved know that you don't need anything but we need you to STAY YOU, 100%! Dude... BEST BELIEVE THIS.... We ALL Love who you are and what you're about!!! If you were anything or anyone any different, even in the slightest way we wouldn't be here watching your video's and cheering you on my dear friend!

[@yardmasterswealtheducation8424]

The stresses of "The S Quadrant" teach us the lessons that will bring us into the relaxing peace and security of "The B Quadrant." They are just parts of our education, and I'm here to say, this was an important video, and I hope a lot of people take it to heart. I am so happy that I have left all the stresses and anxieties behind, and not by leaving the yardwork profession; but rather, by succeeding in it, as you are.

[@bynumtreeandlandscape7506]

I'm sitting down the street from hopefully a future client and it's my biggest landscape job yet and I'm about to give them the quote. I've been watching your videos and preparing for this since 5 this morning. I reverse-engineered the estimate and I think I have everything covered. This excitement that I feel is truly terrifying and good at the same time. This is what it's all about getting started. I just wanted to say thanks again because I'm not sure if I would have the courage to do it or even know much about doing it at all!!!!

[@bynumtreeandlandscape7506]

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!! I got the job!!!!!!!!!

[@cadebrown2092]

@@bynumtreeandlandscape7506 how is it going these days?

[@bobdylan9117]

I recently did a yard cleanup and only got paid 10-15 dollars an hour and have to minus wear and tear and supplies from that. I learned a valuable lesson. I will never get a decent wage from that customer again because they will feel like I am ripping them off after they got such a good deal, from your other video I learned that.

[@leonardocleaningllc1952]

Story of my life, I have been underbiding jobs so I can pay my bills. Then I when I have a sudden break down, or need to higher employees I am always getting notifcations that my bank account hit zero. Then I always use my real estate money to foot the bills at my cleaning company. This year I went to hire employees and found that they work slower then I do. So now its like a night mare, where 70-90% of the jobs go directly to employee labor. Now I am finding myself calling up my customers asking them to pay more like $6 bucks more and they are cancelling like I am yesterdays news. I have gotten to the point where I don't even worry about losing the $12, or $10, or $15 dollar customers because there is so many other people out their willing to pay my rates of $35 for the same amount of windows. Keith Kalfas is so dead on with charging what you should charge and allowing the customers to buy your rates instead of feeling like they are getting a deal.

[@robertmagyar4735]

That was f-n great ! Cause we all ( especially me ) been there many many times. PS. Sorry for me feeling better for your frustrations! Been in this bus for 25 yrs. Totally get it

[@Riddlerkun]

Hey keith I just wanted to say you have been a big inspiration for me and my brother he owns his own landscaping company and he makes the money your talking about man he charges and make the money he set out to make and now he is living the dream and I'm now starting my own company and you have helped a lot thank you man

[@MiguelNieves-jt3bo]

Dear Keith Thank you for all the teaching that you provide I did a job that was supposed to take me 3 days end up 4 days I still made a profit for this job but I also know that I missed making more money by loosing other ones. thank you for all you do.

[@greencutsguelphlandscaping7980]

Don't feed bread to the geese ! Some good options are : cracked corn , grapes(cut in half) , birdseed, uncooked oats

[@RLWSNOOK410]

I think you’d be shocked by the reality that is the majority of the people in the big houses are flat broke, or worse in debt above their eyeballs. Yes they can make payments on their house but one thing goes wrong and they will lose it all. This doesn’t make them rich.

[@yousefvafai935]

Keith Kalfas for president! thanks for the truth its worth more than gold

[@hambdenoutdoors]

You're exactly right! I did a cleanup quote yesterday for this disaster of a yard. And I kept thinking the whole time I'm bidding this for the time I know it's gonna take me cuz it's gonna take a lot for this mess. No way was I gonna be chained to that yard smacking myself in the head with a rake while gnawing on a chicken bone! If another company lowballs that job, God bless 'em! Love your passion, it's reality guys!

[@juanschultz2304]

Bro Keith your videos changed my life, thank you for your hard work on making your videos!, Juan from Washington State.

[@JunkRemovalAuthority]

What many people don't think about is the opportunity cost as well. Especially on big jobs. So you get this really big estimate and you cut back the price in order to make sure you get it. It's a $50,000 job and it's gonna take two weeks. In the mean time you turn away two weeks worth of work. That two weeks worth of work would have turned the same profit as this big job potentially in the short term. Then you missed out on doing work for all those people who could be a repeat customer, give us a referral, and post online reviews. If you compare the lifetime value of that one customer to the 8 or 10 you turned away I'd bet the 8 or 10 have a higher lifetime value than the one. The opportunity cost can be your largest expense on some of these large jobs where you block off your calendar. So you gotta get full price. Or maybe even HIGHER price. Thanks Keith.

[@martindalelawnlandscaping6660]

Youre right keith. I used to do this until one day i realised ive worked every day all year and still no better off then a guy down the road working a 9 to 5 job. When youve worked all year and still cant afford anything you soon realise your price needs to go up. Keep it going keith.

[@paulwhite9848]

I still return to this video from time to time to stay on track thanks Keith

[@TYPE1TEEZ]

I just found your videos by total happenstance. I have started a small business and made all of the mistakes that you are talking about. To point of failure. I still own my shop. Screen printing. I only do work that I can make a profit on, a solid profit. If it’s not there I don’t do it. It took a bunch of free work long nights to learn the hard lessons you are talking about. Truth. I was the guy underbidding. Worst mistake I ever made. Will not do it again. Thanks for videos. God bless. I love your hustle!

[@yardmasterswealtheducation8424]

How I arrived at my price is my own business. I am not charging the customer for mistakes we know will be made. We are charging the customer for the final results. If they comment on anything else, I tell them firmly that they have crossed a line, and to back off immediately. Or we leave!

[@marcocanchola6337]

Thank you Keith ,you walk the talk because you been their .thanks for the heads up , landscapers sometimes just talk the profit side but not the dark side when equipment breaks. But you do both sides. ,👍

[@merrittorius]

Love the video buddy. Its spring! Let's have some fun and grow.

[@njstorozuk]

A Roth IRA is actually opened up too late, never too early. You're a very smart dude, so it's actually surprising to hear you say a Roth IRA is too early for you. It's a tax free vehicle to invest in your retirement. You can only invest like 6K a year too, so it helps prevent us from getting distracted from our businesses

[@edgarcardenas7813]

Thanks man ! Really appreciate it, ive given 2 quotes that have been atleast 20% cheaper then local companies and got rejected i was thinking that even though i didint want to go lower i was going to have to.. but no im going to, im going to stand my ground !! 😡

[@benlundgren3760]

A lot of people are in business because they shouldn’t be. If they charged enough to cover costs the customer wouldn’t hire them. That just says supply and demand doesn’t match up and the job shouldn’t be hired to be done

[@talkingjunkllc245]

Thanks Keith. You always deliver. Yes, a lot of what you say we already know, or should already know. But watching your vids helps revalidate and remind to stay the course. "Maximize profits and obey the law."

[@santasantinagatta]

Thank you for being real- God bless your business and life.

[@yardmasterswealtheducation8424]

Only a greedy person wanting to pay less will accuse us of being greedy for wanting more. The thing is, wanting more is not greed; it is self-interest. And self-interest is righteous. The good thing is, not lowering your prices positively drives away Cheap and Difficult customers, and positively attracts Sophisticated and Affluent customers. The latter are very happy, thankful, and a delight to serve. This Comment is my vote in favor of what you are saying!

[@HectorDiaz-xk7iy]

I love coming back to this video thanks Keith I’ve been averaging 80-100 hour for simple jobs like cleanups

[@randomperson-gp8ph]

Youre videos are valuable for many businesses not just landscaping.

[@jcastello636]

One of my failures early on. Bidding a project I had no business bidding. A Koi pond Construction. Every aspect I had to do twice. How much soil is 800 gallon pond need to be hauled off, how do you water proof a water feature... How much fun was it to execute a 2 month job I estimate for 3 weeks. lol Lesson: next pond job is $20,000 minimum. $10,000 for me and $10,000 for someone that knows what the hell they're doing. Don't bid what you don't know how to do.

[@keith-kalfas]

Exactly. YOUR time is valuable! Spend it on jobs that will give you the highest return because of YOUR knowledge!

[@greenwoodgardenslawnservic6129]

When I listen to you talk it makes me go harder at what I want to get accomplished,Thank you!!

[@mmenard0313]

I appreciate it when you break things down in small business details bro. Keep at it. Thanks.

[@UltimateMMAFan83]

At 12:50 I agreed with you man. F that, like we're supposed to let ppl take a deuce on us. You learn from your mistakes and that's called wisdom my friend

[@thepoorelephant4978]

Start buying out your competitors Keith if you need to get beyond the plateau. Leveraged buyouts can be your new best friend.

[@TheAngel808]

I love your videos and this is so true their is so much competition in our field. My husband and I have our company. I run all the office, accounting and marketing. When he goes out to a site to provide an estimate. I go through the estimate double check prices and labor costs and gas and travel then I send out the estimate. I tell my husband if you provide great service even if your a little higher they will come to us because our work is good.

[@LawnThumbs]

When I trained my Shrub & Garden Manager I basically said all that you said. This “Rant” should go through everybody’s estimator part of their brain before putting the price to any quote. Good stuff man!

[@jasonb.9953]

Great video Keith! My Grandpa was a house painter and I remember him saying he could make more money sitting at home than working for a lower rate! I thought that was crazy until I got older. I’m in sales now and I completely understand what he meant back then! I have a set number that I go by now and if a customer doesn’t spend that with me then it’s not worth it to me to pursue that customer! I believe that even a new guy starting out today can and will make it if they don’t get caught up in the “lowball” game!!! Keep up the good work and have a happy holiday!

[@keith-kalfas]

Thanks brother

[@Sundaydrumday]

Man i dont even landscape, but i watch all your stuff because i enjoy listening to you....like full on listening....you are authentic and deal and have been through the shit, and i can tell....you learned and are trying to learn...your advice and philosophy really resonates with me...kieth your a good dude....here is some positive karma. I know u will receive it

[@yjersey]

Passionate is ok bro!!! The greats have always been passionate. Average ppl expect you to act average. When you go above and beyond, they call u nuts..... until...... things come to fruition over time. Then they follow you. And want to be just like you. People have very little faith or none. They have to see it to believe it. Keep going bro. Love you man. God bless you and your lovely wife and family. 🤗

[@bigskyab]

When my truck breaks down on a job...I steal the clients vehicle....if I get sick on their job, I identity thieve them and use their insurance to pay for my medical....I raid their fridge for lunch and supper and drink all the beer in the garage fridge IF THEY ASK FOR A DISCOUNT!!! If you run over the Canadian geese while headed to or from work...take em home and cook em up....eat them! It's a non taxable perk of self employment! Contractual agreements are never morally wrong...the problem with farmers, broke people and green industry workers is that they look at life through a scarcity lense.....and a desperation lense. Preparation solves these issues, prepare yourself to start a business and approach every bid with an abundance lense and you will attract abundance lense people as clients...who the hell wants a scarcity lense client?

[@roblong436]

I've just taken the plunge and started my own landscaping company here in Vancouver, I've been working as a foreman for a decent size company doing jobs well in access of 100k and what i've learned from that is customers who are in the market for jobs that range in the 10s of thousands are most likely business people themselves and know the value of money so therefore will be able to pick up on your lack of knowledge on how to quote and they know how to squeeze every bit out of you (they usually are the ones who will want work done for free) so like you said Keith quote right and don't under quote and know your customers.

[@ernesto_yz125x]

Old video but GOLD best advice any body could get

[@Cleanest5thgen]

Good video Keith. This is so true. I just started my buisness and when I'm giving quotes, its hard because in the back of your mind you know there's some guy somewhere that will do it for cheaper.so you wanna get the job but you also wanna be profitable. So I've just been going with my gut when writing my quotes i know this this is the best price i can give or else i won't be profitable so why do it .and even though I'm worried its too much,I close my eyes and click send lol. Its been working well.i think if your doing an excellent job then your clients won't mind paying a little extra and those are the clients you want.

[@m4ckm4n59]

What Kieth says is true.. In fact its the golden rule we must remember - charge more! And I'd like to add: forget everything you've ever learned about 'your' money. You are in a permanent war over 'your' money. think about it.. are people, businesses, governments working on ways for you to keep your money or are they working hard to take it? you have to be on guard all the time. resist spending out on worthless crap and work hard on adding 10% to what you charge. this 10% comes directly to you - sit and work out how your profit changes by adding 10% to what you charge. This has a bigger effect than what most small business people appreciate. combine this with not spending £$s on coffee and crap like that and you'll really start to notice the difference. Ben Franklin said: Get what you can and what you get hold; 'Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold.

[@NP-ux9xg]

It's a trap I have to resist as a new guy to this business. I catch myself thinking I won't get the work because some other fly-by-night guy will come in and undercut my price by 30-40%. I actually talked to a customer today who told me she was going to start paying me more for weekly mowing because her husband (who owns his own electrical contracting business) told her "that poor boy will never make a living if he doesn't start charging more." This was right after I nervously told her my price to mulch their property, thinking she was going to tell me I was crazy for charging so much. I had already decided I was going to resist the urge to give a lowball price in hopes of getting the job and instead give the price it needed to be, regardless of the outcome. She agreed to my price immediately.

[@keith-kalfas]

Powerful man.

[@davidrussell2013]

I'm getting a couple grand bids pretty easy now. I took this shit to heart. I got a professional website now and making some progress.

[@ChipChurp]

Hey Keith love your channel I've been seeing you grow as a businessman I can totally see the confidence you have now as you continue your journey. Keep it up. Never sell yourself short bud. Shootout to you from Omaha Nebraska !

[@Rob_2002_NCAA_Champion]

I did it Keith. I finally got a career. Won’t ever forget you

[@floridaprosoftwashllc.3416]

You’re awesome bro. That’s why I like listening to your videos , always truthful real stuff. Keep up the good work. You inspire me to go out there and give out best Quotes keep it real brother keep on yelling lol 👍🏼

[@cronklawnscape]

I’m starting to wonder if where I went to be is even actually achievable in a service business with so much overhead.

[@walliehornsby9742]

I have been under quoting everything!! I was like screw it. Go big or go home!! So I quoted a sod job recently and was like it’s going to be $6000. He said sure, can you do it this weekend. I already sent you a check for 1/2. I am freaking out because I am solo lol!! So I am looking for a couple of people to help. But, even if i have to do it myself it will get done!! Profit is $4500!!

[@keith-kalfas]

Have the sod delivered and rent out a Dingo. Haha

[@MarcM143]

You do not need an evaluation, your just very real. I love that you don't write these videos, you just are.

[@JoseRamirez-vt1yt]

“I wish I had a loaf of bread... “ 😂😂

[@schaeferlawncareandpropert9625]

The truth hurts! Everyone in the greene industry needs this video. Great info

[@jimpark4600]

I am validating your thought process. Your correct don't listen to the haters. What is that saying, if you don't have haters your not successful enough. Something like that. I quoted a job and have heard nothing back but I feel great because I know that I would not be happy with myself if I did that job for any less. It was a big mulch job and that is my time away for the 5 lawns I could mow in the same amount of time which would be the same price as what I quoted. There was another client I though I wanted and was so happy to get a shot at mowing this large property and it took 2.5 hours and I could have made more mowing 5 smaller lawns for 40 bucks a pop. I hated myself and told the customer that I was not interested in mowing their yard going forward and gave them two competitors that were bigger than me. They have the employees and equipment to handle this yard with no issues. Once that client gets quotes they will see the true cost of the job.

[@renownservicesllc2350]

Nice video brother, you should make more rant videos. I miss the bathroom rants lol

[@gregridgeway8790]

That's the most irritating aspect of the tree business for me, the race to the bottom. Especially when times are tough like now when the stock market and every other measure of the economy is going to chit and all of the inflation. Tree service is one if the first items to get put on the non-essential list and desperate arborists are out here low balling jobs. For what!! If I'm gonna spend all day making no money I'd rather be working in my yard than somebody else's and save the liability. On the other hand, if you have a high threshold for risk, people are most likely right now to buy from 2 bucks in a truck and no insurance in times like these. Doctors and lawyers get expensive quick though so don't screw up.

[@daking1544]

I listen to one of these every Saturday morning before I start my quotes ,

[@yardmasterswealtheducation8424]

That's good money! LOL I remember an old guy who said, "Ohhhhh... (waiver in the voice) You want reeeeeeeal money!" Now, I pre-qualify much better on the initial call!

[@RealityisaComedy]

Keith, I have been doing this concrete and block work for my business for 18 years. I STILL SOMETIMES MAKE MISTAKES!! Sometimes I’m slower and get a little nervous and quote it cheaper - then I screw myself. My major worry when quoting is not myself, but it is my guys. If I slow down and don’t have hours to give my guys, I could lose them. You’re not being greedy. You’re busy and taking the cream off the top!! When I’m busy I quote it much better than when I’m slow. Hahaha it is a crazy thing owning a business. We are doing the best we can. Don’t kick yourself if you sometimes do this. I think we are all guilty of it. I’m still learning and it has been 18+ years!!

[@iancrossley855]

I agree with what you are saying I live in the uk Have a landscaping company I know all my running costs and profit margin I need to work in to cover all my expenses etc but after quoting 30 jobs and only winning 3 down to price it gets really demoralising and takes a lot of unpaid work to produce the quotes I live in one of the most deprived areas in the country so people are very price conscious There comes a point where you don’t have any work so you have to come in line with your competitors We try and aim for the high end clients but they are few and far between I have started to pre qualify my clients on the phone basically telling them that our garden start from a certain price point Seems to save a lot of time

[@shadetreelawncare8516]

this is my first year in business. i have learned that already. i bid a job very high today just in hopes they wouldn't accept it. not only did they accept. they tipped on top of it. love your videos dawwwg. keep it up.

[@harrykersey5151]

I've been underselling myself for 50 yrs .Some of us never learn . My experience is off the chart . Love your vids lol !!! Moved from East Central Fla.to small city in NE Georgia hell ..... Your lucky if you even get paid lol ...... I hate giving quotes ! In fla I had a good reputation. and could charge pretty much what I wanted plus I had 3 acres container grown material and a couple acres of B&B trees and friends other growers close with material at a killer price to me so life was good .I'm older now and life threw me a couple curves and I'm starting over with little to no money start up and need these lil reminders 😎f reality and enjoy yer show ! Later dude ! 😀

[@themotivatedgardenergarden7822]

Lol good call your only saying what most think but terrified to utter a word

[@mickmouse92]

The strangest comparison I've been told was "police officers don't even make that much". While my response could have gone many ways, I explained very quickly, I hope you don't realize your payment does not go in my pocket..

[@tylerbarnes3851]

Dude, advice like this has helped me so much. You are an amazing E-mentor and you instill the confidence in me to push my self. Thank you.

[@keith-kalfas]

Haha E-mentor... that dope. Best of success my friend

[@freddyleftyou486]

7:58 shit gets real. actually had an 87 year old friend of mine harp on me yesterday cuz "I was buying too many things". really? I thought to myself. a used 32inch ferris hydrocut and a trailer from Lowes is wasting money huh? love the content bro!

[@johncunningham3039]

I just got to 9:27 and wanted to answer your question. I think it's because most of us don't know what the right quote is. How do you figure profit into your bid. I mean I hear you throw numbers around about what you charge to do a tree or a Bush or to spread mulch or pine needles, but never a breakdown as to why you charge that. What warrants $150 to trim a tree or $45 to trim a hedge? I screwed up tonight and priced a job way too low again, but like you said, now I'm stuck doing it for that much. I just don't know. I can admit it.

[@samuelfigueroa7593]

Hey bodyi like the fact you keep it real Life/business how it actually is special in the beginning

[@NBA2KGod23]

Mental evaluation!?! Haha that’s hilarious. Thanks for all you do for us firs-timers!

[@keith-kalfas]

Teehee

[@jeffreywebster8825]

Keith I just sold the biggest landscaping job I've sold yet for $1230!! I was scared and nervous about the price. But I remembered what you said about owners profit. Thank you!!!

[@backwoodsp.n.w]

Your so hardcore & truthful, I love it!!!! Keep up the videos & the passion you have for this industry!! 👍💯😎

[@yardmasterswealtheducation8424]

One major dynamic that keeps people quoting low: They set prices based on a comparison their results to the time it takes to provide them. People actually make buying decisions by a comparison between commodities. For example, instead of my yardwork being presented as a charge per visit, it is a monthly charge for monthly enjoyment of your yard. It is no longer seen in comparison only to the date of service. This works so easily. Nobody knows how much lawn care should cost, but you can bet they know what their car payment/lease payment is. The phrase, "it's a car payment," can be casually tossed in during the bid anywhere, and the specific price they currently pay for their own car will instantly be called to mind, just like yours was right now! see?). That phrase is how I get them to anchor the price. If they pay $375/mo to lease that nice car, my $249/mo lawn care fee will automatically produce a happy response from the person, as their mind apprehends the price being lower than expected! And I created that expectation only seconds ago, but THAT time differential is never noticed, as the mind loves spending money!