Bidding isint easy for a new guy.

Rio_Grande · May 25, 2012

We do bucket work and grubbing work but are starting to do some mowing and clearing. It isint as easy to bid. I have the grubbing and clearing down to the tee, but not so sure about the mowing. I figured it as if I had to clear it and then cut the time in half. Dosent take near as long to mow as to clear. It came out about 100 more than the set minimum charge I have so I figure as long as I dont eat it, I can adjust from here. I was pretty confident about the bid until I told the property owner and he imeadiately accepted. LOl maybee he knows something I dont.

two_bit_score · May 25, 2012

Let us know how it works out.

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Rio_Grande · May 30, 2012

Well that went ok, diddnt loose money but diddnt make much. This is always the toughest part of any job.

RoMad · May 30, 2012

Bidding, like everything else takes practice. If someone jumps on it, you might be a little low.
Another good indicator is that if you are getting all of your bids you are bidding to low again.
You can also ask a few questions on the jobs you didn't get. Most people don't want the losing bidder pestering them, but if your approach is in a friendly manner and just ask general questions like, " I thought I was going to be in there, was I way off?

Rio_Grande · Jun 3, 2012

Second one went about the same, learned something today, We do land learing and mowing not tree felling. Spent two hours I should have been mowing trying not to drop a tree in a pond.

Rio_Grande · Jun 4, 2012

Well that went better than expected.

Thought we were gonna eat this last one, or at best not make much. I had a ground guy with me who was worthless and sat under a tree the bulk of the day. Ended up sending him home after several attempts to get him to work. So that turned a 4 hour bid into 9. When I went to get paid the guy tossed me 1/4 more than the bid. I was happy.

But that tells me I am bidding too low. If when I get done folks are paying me more. I know where part of the mistake was on my behaf in the bid and that wont happen again.

Over all the job went well, despite my help being a ground fixture.

I dont get it at all. When I was 18 we hit the ground running and worked until it was time not too. I usually stop every hour and check the machine. At the same time I make sure my help is working. I never caught him working once. Course after the 4 hours of mowing were done I had to do what he should have done in his.

two_bit_score · Jun 4, 2012

Thanks for the updates. Sounds like you got it moving in the right direction.

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Cat_Driver · Jun 4, 2012

Well that went ok, didn't loose money but didn't make much. This is always the toughest part of any job.

The one thing people never learn about business is - IF you're in it for the long run then there is no such thing as not making much.

If you did a good job I will bet you customer has already told four people about you. You can't buy that type of advertising. You make "not made much" on him, but you will make it in the long run.

When I first started I did a job where I worked 14 hours and although I got paid a lot of money I only earned about $20.00 to put in my pocket. But the phone started ringing and has never stopped in 30 years. To this day I will take on new customers and not make any money to show my service. Once I get my foot in the door I have a customer for life.

Just look at it like giving away free samples of chocolate chip cookies. ( look up famous Amos cookies founder )

Rio_Grande · Jun 4, 2012

I would say you are right Cat Driver. The guy who gave me the 100.00 more indicated that "the next time he has me out to mow" it will go smoother because i know how the land lays now. he also had people at his home and a few times when I looked up i noticed they were watching. I take all of thos as good signs. Hopefully they will all turn into more.

foreman Etexas · Jun 5, 2012

You work your TAIL off,wether you made alot or alittle,it will not go un-noticed. The bidding part will get easier with time,if not sure go with worst case