Brand new and looking for advice

T

TheNewGuy14

Location
Central Florida
I kind of tripped into a part time tree business. Long story short, I was helping a relative who's neighbors trees fell into his yard during hurricane Matthew. When I got to the point that the small saw I had couldn't cut anymore, the neighbors said they hire a tree crew and it would be roughly $1,000 to finish. Since I'd already done 2.5 out of the 3 trees, I bought a Stihl MS291 and told them I'd finish what I started if they paid for the saw (my intentions were to just get a free saw). By the time I was done, I had 2 weeks of work lined up with the neighbors and was getting calls from their friends.

Fast forward a month, I now have 2 pole saws, a few ladders, filed paperwork to be legit and I'm getting insurance quotes. As of now, I consider myself "self insured" because I haven't done any jobs that I'm not 100% comfortable with.

I have a full time job and I'm doing this part time. I'm having trouble giving estimates. My estimates are $400 compared to a real crew estimating $1,200. How do factor the cost when giving an estimate?

What advertising do you do? Everything I've done has been word of mouth. I just got business cards made.

Pretty much any advice anybody is willing to give, I'm willing to listen to.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
TheNewGuy14 said:
I kind of tripped into a part time tree business. Long story short, I was helping a relative who's neighbors trees fell into his yard during hurricane Matthew. When I got to the point that the small saw I had couldn't cut anymore, the neighbors said they hire a tree crew and it would be roughly $1,000 to finish. Since I'd already done 2.5 out of the 3 trees, I bought a Stihl MS291 and told them I'd finish what I started if they paid for the saw (my intentions were to just get a free saw). By the time I was done, I had 2 weeks of work lined up with the neighbors and was getting calls from their friends.

Fast forward a month, I now have 2 pole saws, a few ladders, filed paperwork to be legit and I'm getting insurance quotes. As of now, I consider myself "self insured" because I haven't done any jobs that I'm not 100% comfortable with.

I have a full time job and I'm doing this part time. I'm having trouble giving estimates. My estimates are $400 compared to a real crew estimating $1,200. How do factor the cost when giving an estimate?

What advertising do you do? Everything I've done has been word of mouth. I just got business cards made.

Pretty much any advice anybody is willing to give, I'm willing to listen to.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Hey, TheNewGuy14, welcome to the TreeBuzz forum! So, how long have you been doing tree work, to this point? Two months, maybe? You are truly kicking ass and taking names! Very aggressive, ambitious play, so far, as far as I can see.

I should tell you up front I'm not a pro arb like most here, but I find what you've done so far to be very impressive. There are parts of this forum dedicated to the business side of things, and the search engine contained within the site can lead you to a wealth of great old threads on almost any topic relating to tree work.

The only thing I would add based on just my guts talking to me is to try to bid at a level at least 2/3rds of what the pro outfits might. That way the customer still gets a good deal, and you get to buy more gear more quickly to provide more capability to the next customer in line.

Great going, and best wishes for continued success! Please tell us more about your experiences as they develop. Most importantly, always wear your personal protective equipment. Safety first, always. It only takes a second to have a life-altering injury happen. Best wishes.

Tim
 
Last edited:
Welcome. Being less expensive than the other guys is not surprising just starting out, you probably have less expenses still. After you get more business related bills your costs will rise by default. What you want to stay away from is being so cheap that you insult your local guys and the skill level that it takes to do this job everyday for a lifetime. Also make sure you get to know some of your local guys that freelance or have smaller crews. You will not/should not be able to handle everything presented to you. When that happens you will need people you can call on for help. Discuss thd job with them and pay them what they need or more if possible in the quote. They are helping you make money and you will learn more by watching them then money can buy. You should certainly pick their brains so your quotes can get better but by no means should you ever think they are not worth every dollar they are asking for.
 
@monkeylove just gave some great advice. I work with some smaller companies that utilized almost every aspect of my company. I am not one of those owner who is too proud to work with my "competition". I feel it raises the level of both parties involved.
I have companies that just use our crane, use crane and a climber, or bucket truck, some companies use my whole crew. I keep my cost for the day down slightly to allow them a little meat left on the bones so they can make a little money too. It works for all parties involved.
If you can find someone to collaborate with it will help you when you run into a job you are not skilled, staffed, or equipped to handle.
In regards to pricing. It will take some time to figure out what the market around you is charging for tree work. Once you figure this out you will feel better about pricing jobs. Like was said above, don't be so low that it makes it hard for other companies. All it takes is one crew in town to lower their prices and then it affects everyone.
 
Saddle up!

Read the Tree Climber's Companion. Read it and learn everything in it.

Buy the basics for climbing. Saddle, lanyard, rope, carabiners, friction device. Learn to use them proficiently.

Climb small trees until you are comfortable.

Continue to educate yourself until your earthly departure.
 
Wow! Lots of good info!

How do you guys advertise? Facebook? Google? Classified ads?

Great idea getting to know another tree crew to refer work to that I can not handle.

As far as the ladder, it's a 10ft step ladder. I use it with the pole saw and I can get about 25ft up factoring in my height.

I've done some small climbing but need to learn to the ropes, literally.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
There is so much to be said, so I will only say one thing. Don't be afraid to walk away from a dangerous tree! Don't get trapped thinking you have to finish what you started. If it is too much or too dangerous with your equipment, it is better to lose money than lose life or limb. So start out low and slow, small and not tall, and wear all the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment). Don't think you have to ramp up to be offering the same services as the other companies right off. Find things that you can do to get your foot in the door...like others have said. And yeah, go on YouTube and watch ladder accidents in tree work...
 
Once you have acquired your climbing gear, practice in a tree in your yard or at a friends house. Just some recreational climbing will build skill. If you get an in with one of the local crews in your area, offer to be a groundie from time to time. This will give you a chance to learn some rigging skills. There is old and new school methods of rigging and climbing. Learn both. Old ways require less tools but typically are physically more demanding. As said earlier .... safety first. Oh .... and welcome to the buzz. Lot of great guys and gals here.
 
John_KAYS said:
There is so much to be said, so I will only say one thing. Don't be afraid to walk away from a dangerous tree! Don't get trapped thinking you have to finish what you started. If it is too much or too dangerous with your equipment, it is better to lose money than lose life or limb. So start out low and slow, small and not tall, and wear all the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment). Don't think you have to ramp up to be offering the same services as the other companies right off. Find things that you can do to get your foot in the door...like others have said. And yeah, go on YouTube and watch ladder accidents in tree work...
Click to expand...


Thanks! I've already turned down several jobs. I'm glad you said something about it. When I turn them down, I have this feeling of discourage. Oh and passing up money doesn't feel good either. Oh well. Not only do I not want to get hurt but I also don't want to look like a horses ass either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom