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henrybatzler's avatar
henrybatzler
Contributor 2
1 month ago

How to quote materials accurately and avoid underbidding as a landscaping contractor?

Hey everyone, I’m a small landscaping contractor just starting out to use the jobber and the interface and one of the challenges.

Me and my team are having is consistent quoting. Often times we find ourselves going back to clients because we underbid materials and I’m not pleased about it.

What is the best way in jobber that you guys find to help quote out jobs?

Do you just have a baseline markup on all your materials or do you go different each job? 

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3 Replies

  • jbryant's avatar
    jbryant
    Contributor 2
    27 days ago

    Usually on a job with materials I will do 2.5x mark up on materials, plus labor. 

    Here's an example for 5 yards of mulch:

    Mulch:

    $150 x 2.5 = 375

    Labor:

    Labor rate x 2.5 hours (assumed 2 yards and hour)

    Then I add a delivery fee if i have it delivered. Usually don't mark this up, just pass it to the customer.

    If you're not already tracking things I would start. At least track billable hours and revenue to get an idea of break even then add whatever percentage profit margin you want and that'll give you your labor rate.

  • RBusby's avatar
    RBusby
    Contributor 3
    27 days ago

    I've been using Google Gemini and Claude to help me estimate material cost. I will essentially voice to text into Gemini "This is our project, this is all the work that needs to be done, this is how long I think it will take. Please create an estimate at total hours x $100 + material costx25%. Obviously you can change this to match what you need, but it's been great for me so far. 

  • Recon_Landscape's avatar
    Recon_Landscape
    Contributor 2
    21 days ago

    Depending on the job overall, know the common rate of base materials (pallet of mulch/sod or plants) then get an idea of removal work and manpower needed.  Base rate is a 25% increase over my cost on supplies / materials.  Labor is different depending on number of workers and how much I will be involved myself.  Always add 2-3 hours of labor to project as there is always something that comes up that can put you in a bind. I use a plant broker for larger jobs vs shopping myself for smaller jobs at local nursery.  Establish relationships with local suppliers and if you can afford it pay for supplies upon delivery vs 15-30 net payment after the job is completed.  That has gone along way for me for local nursery I use. This has formed a more respected relationship and when I call for job supplies, they are very helpful with getting things together quickly.