So part of this is just me blowing steam- the other is seeking genuine advice.
When bidding my thought process used to be something like "What will other tree services bid on this and how can I do it for a little bit less and still do a good job?" I didn't always make a ton of money per day but we were busy all the time. There was a ton of competition in Los Angeles.
Sold the old company, moved to rural PA a few years ago, and started another company with the thought process of "What do I need to make a good profit and do a great job?" without putting into consideration what other companies are bidding.
There's really only one other professional company in town (with several "have saw will travel" types) and I'm the only certified arborist within a half hour and probably the only company with worker's comp (though everyone says they are "fully insured"). I have 2 great/reliable employees I pay well, 2 larger chippers, and mini skid with BMG. Generally we gross 2-3k per day.
I was basically 2-3 weeks booked out all year but I'm really slowing down now and seem to be losing every bid from the last couple weeks.
My question is- when do you start considering lowering your prices, if at all? This will be my second winter with this business though we worked all winter last year.
When bidding my thought process used to be something like "What will other tree services bid on this and how can I do it for a little bit less and still do a good job?" I didn't always make a ton of money per day but we were busy all the time. There was a ton of competition in Los Angeles.
Sold the old company, moved to rural PA a few years ago, and started another company with the thought process of "What do I need to make a good profit and do a great job?" without putting into consideration what other companies are bidding.
There's really only one other professional company in town (with several "have saw will travel" types) and I'm the only certified arborist within a half hour and probably the only company with worker's comp (though everyone says they are "fully insured"). I have 2 great/reliable employees I pay well, 2 larger chippers, and mini skid with BMG. Generally we gross 2-3k per day.
I was basically 2-3 weeks booked out all year but I'm really slowing down now and seem to be losing every bid from the last couple weeks.
My question is- when do you start considering lowering your prices, if at all? This will be my second winter with this business though we worked all winter last year.
