How to Bid on Commercial Landscaping Jobs
Whether you've been in the landscaping business for years or are just starting out, bidding for commercial landscaping jobs can play an important part in growing your business. There are several advantages to having a few commercial clients for your landscaping business. For starters, most businesses have built-in budgets for things like landscaping and business maintenance. Business owners also tend to be more reliable with routine schedules than an are individual homeowner.
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Instructions
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Price some commercial jobs with other landscaping companies. Have a business size and type in mind when you call. They may tell you they need to look at the property. If they do, merely ask for a ballpark figure based on the information you've given them. This should give you a place to start.
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Look at businesses in your area and make a list of potential customers. But keep your own expenses and resources in mind. For example, a large hospital facility with acres of grass to cut may seem inviting, but you have to seriously ask yourself if you have the manpower to get the job done. If you have a small crew it may be possible. However, if you work alone, this specific job isn't feasible.
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Examine the particular commercial property you are considering bidding on. Factors you'll want to consider before making your bid include the size of the business and the amount of work it will entail. As a general rule, landscapers base residential landscaping jobs on square footage or, in some cases, yardage. Services usually included in this rate are mowing, weed cutting, blowing and cleanup. Extra charges may come into play for trimming shrubs or trees or spreading sand in low areas of someone's yard. In looking at a commercial property, formulate an idea of what, if any, extra charges may come into play.
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Approach the owner of the business you want to bid on. When doing this, always make sure to have a professional appearance and attitude. Tell the owner a little about your business and the services you provide. The owner may tell you they upkeep their own landscaping or that they already have a landscaper. Do not let this deter you. Firmly yet politely ask them how much they pay for landscaping services. Also, if they have a landscaper, be sure to ask them if they're happy with their landscaping service, again stressing the different services you can offer.
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Make a bid. By this point, you'll have a good idea whether the business you have targeted is interested in your services. If the business owner is not interested, leave a business card and tell them to contact you if they change their mind. However, if the business owner is interested, or at least on the fence, make a bid. Do not be afraid to undercut their existing landscaper, if they have one, by between five to ten percent.
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Create a commercial contract that spells out exactly what services the client wants, how often the client wants service and the exact cost those services.
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References
- Photo Credit gazon image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
