Stringing Christmas lights

We have been trying to cylcle our lights every 5 years. This year was going to be the first year we replaced a bunch of lights and the factories got over loaded and couldnt provide them. This year will be the 6th on several displays... And last year we had problems with them. I anticipate more problems this year. The newer light are much better, durability and longevity wize. We actually purchase our lights through a company in Philly called Orman. He deals with china for us, and gets what we want when he can. The two main brands we buy are "Holiday Creations" and Diogen. I personally like the HC lights MUCH better. They do have a commercial grade LED sets that have a different plug on them (not normal outlet). They have two prongs inside a coller that screws down over the other end. There is also an O ring for weather protection. When Buzzer said we order a lot he wasnt kidding, we ordered 3600 sets this year (180,000 lights). With the snaffoo in china we are actually only get to get around 700 sets or so. We are scraching around, changing displays, and borrowing lights from other displays to make everything work.
 
I am certain having a client that is willing to accept the cost is paramount, but more importantly having a client that is confident and trusting in the work performed. Not unlike other projects.
Is estimating cost based on a time/materials, cost-plus, fixed cost per tree?
By now I would think you have an idea as how many lights you can install on a given tree. Does it become a labour of love or is there a good profit on materials?
Just a few more questions?
 
Thats where we may not be able to help you, estimating cost. We are employeed by the display garden so we dont have to estimate cost or worry about profits, etc. All we have to worry about is our time frame, start September 1st and have them up and lit by Thanksgiving.

We have a pretty good idea of how many lights a tree will take, how many climbers and be able to roughly estimate the total man hours per tree.

I would think you can make profit on materials but most would come from labor. Just my guess/opinion.

Hope this helps a little...
 
Buzzer is correct, we dont have to worry so much about estimating costs as we are in quite a unique situation. That being said, a couple years ago we looked into subing out some of our light installations. The co's gave us an hourly rate per man/truck to complete the work. We then took what we know it takes us to complete the display, multiply it by the hourly and bang we had a number that scared us. If you wish to get into holiday decorating I would definatly go time and materials. And if they ask for a ball park figure make sure you make it clear that it is a BALL PARK.
 
I was surprised at how much outfits are paying for lites alone?! It makes my own personal liting look pretty...well you know. I would be thrilled to be given the opportunity. If even for the first season we cover wages, with perhaps a bonus if we accomplish the total amount in less time? They could cover the costs of the lighting. Safe for everyone.
You need to have an outfit believe in your abilities, and allow you to do what it takes. I want to string a tree from OK to GREAT!!
 
I agree with you 100%. What I think I would do is do some AWSOME decorations at your house. Take pictures and then sell the "look" to your customers. If someone wants great displays they will pay for them. If they want the run of the mill drapie lights then they can do them themselves with a stick and a nail :). Its a hard buis to get into unless you are Longwood. Here is a vid we took yeterday of us putting up a "cone". Its kinda hard to see exactly what we are doing until we get a little lower but its a fun vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcgGMV3QlGI Enjoy. still working on the other vid
 
I haven't been to Longwood gardens in over 20 years, I really need to get out there being in the tree care business and all. It's not that far away from me and I heard the christmas display is great. Any "better" times to go to the light display than others?
 
Jeepman there is definatly times to go that are better than others. We open the display Thanksgiving night and it runs until the second weekend in January. I would suggest week nights Monday - Thursday would be best. I would also get in around 3 or 330 as this should get you parking on pavement in our main lot. This will allow you to walk through the concervatories and be back outside just after dark. Maybe even get an early dinner. Friday-sunday normally had between 10 and 15K people so its a little crowded.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom