Day Rate and Making Use of That Time

[Basswood]

Got an interesting job I might take on for a weekend. A friend a few hours upstate has about 6-10 trees to be pruned and/or removed at their new home. They offed to pay for a hotel for the weekend. I figured the best way to do this would be a day rate and get as much done in given time as possible. Curious as how many of you calculate that, I assume just take regular RPH and determine based on time and maybe add a little for distance. Also curious, if anyone has done a job like this; do you take one day to do all the pruning, and second day to get the clean up done? Would like to pick the most efficient way to maximize their time with me.

 

[oldoakman]

How GOOD of a friend is he and how much do you want to remain GOOD friends? Certainly travel and lodging should be covered by them but I wouldn't take them to the cleaners on pricing. Another issue is how much of cleanup are you responsible for? If it is just cut and pile, you can be easy but if there is hauling and/or chipping, you need to cover that expense.

 

[CaPowell]

It might not be a bad idea to have him get a couple quotes from local companies so he knows you're giving him a fair price.

As far as trimming goes, I don't know that there is a right way. What do you have energy for? Trimming six trees in one day?

I'd probably trim as much as I could get cleaned up each day.

 

[Wrangler]

I think @oldoakman is right, if it’s a real good friend and you want to visit and hang out and do some laidback tree work then I would not change or if I did it would just be a few bucks ($100 a day or so after expenses) that way no pressures and you can have a good weekend! If you are planning on going at it hard and trying to make a fair days pay then I think telling him to get a few estimates is a great idea, then if you think you can save him some money and still be fair to yourself.....go fo it! There’s just so many ways this can go wrong, I hate working for friends and family.
Good luck!!!!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I did a few 'day rate jobs' with travel time. I charged travel time one way.

I'd ask them if they wanted more off-ground work done or more on-ground. Most wanted me off the ground since they were paying for skilled work. IF there was time I'd start by brushing out and chunking large stuff.

 

[Basswood]

he’s a good friend, his older brother is one of my close friends. It’s actually their parents house where they’re all living right now. They tried to get quotes, and may have gotten some, but local companies are too busy; hence them reaching out to me. I still don’t want to make them pay an arm and a leg but it’s a decent amount of work and I don’t think they want me to come up to chill out and do whatever. From what they said it’s all accessible with a lift, so that would make things more efficient.