Slowpoke Slim
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2017
- Messages
- 3,618
- Location
- Bismarck, ND
- Tractor
- Husqvarna YTH24V48 riding mower, Branson 3725CH
I charge flat rates for jobs. I find it easier for the customer as well as myself. I do charge a "minimum" that would also take into account the transport time to the jobsite (I set a max distance radius I'm willing to travel, unless it's something special). So for mowing, I charge XX per acre, and I charge a set minimum fee, which also covers me if I have a customer with a small (say 1/4 acre) vacant lot.
I know what my average time actually spent per acre mowed is, (usually less than an hour per acre) but since it's "converted" to flat rate, the customer is more comfortable if I have to stop and blow out a radiator (or more than once-depending on the field), or if I have to replace a broken shear pin. They don't have to worry about it if they see me sitting and doing one of the above, and I don't have to worry about what it must look like to the customer if I suddenly stop mowing.
Once I've worked for them a time or two, they are comfortable with me and probably don't worry about it, but it does help with new customers. Plus I'm less likely to feel that I need to rush, and if I do have to slow down through some very thick or rough spots, I don't have to worry about what that "looks like" to the outside observer.
At the end of the job, the customer is happy that the job came in at the quoted price, and so far (knock on wood) I've always gotten a tip included in the payment.
I know what my average time actually spent per acre mowed is, (usually less than an hour per acre) but since it's "converted" to flat rate, the customer is more comfortable if I have to stop and blow out a radiator (or more than once-depending on the field), or if I have to replace a broken shear pin. They don't have to worry about it if they see me sitting and doing one of the above, and I don't have to worry about what it must look like to the customer if I suddenly stop mowing.
Once I've worked for them a time or two, they are comfortable with me and probably don't worry about it, but it does help with new customers. Plus I'm less likely to feel that I need to rush, and if I do have to slow down through some very thick or rough spots, I don't have to worry about what that "looks like" to the outside observer.
At the end of the job, the customer is happy that the job came in at the quoted price, and so far (knock on wood) I've always gotten a tip included in the payment.