How do I charge for planting flowers (including cultivating the soil, weeding). Do I charge by the job (according to how many flowers/flats I plant), or do I charge an hourly rate pluse materials? If I charge by the hour, how much do I charge? Do I charge for having to pick out and pick up the flowers, soil and feed (traveling costs)? The customer is leaving everything up to me... they just want the job done right/ a job well done.

Thank you!

Hi! meh428, and Welcome to AMHD :)
How do I charge for planting flowers (including cultivating the soil, weeding) One good way of finding out, Its an earlier post to yours yesterday:
how much to charge for gardening? (http://foxyurl.com/6wd)

Do I charge by the job (according to how many flowers/flats I plant), or do I charge an hourly rate pluse materials?As stated in that post it becomes a matter of "what the market will bear". But, it sounds like your pressed for time.

In your situation, I would go with an hourly rate plus materials, and as you gain experience Keeping in mind your expenses switch over to a flat rate.
Later on in your career you can decide which way to go for each job. Both have their advantages/disadvantages.
If I charge by the hour, how much do I charge? I have found the "going hourly rate" for residential landscaping services to be between $40 and $60.
Do I charge for having to pick out and pick up the flowers, soil and feed (traveling costs)?Why not? Its all part of the days work Right? And put all that on their bill..
There are at least two schools of thought about this...
1)The Landscapers side; "You start keeping time from the moment you get in your truck to go to the job. To when you get back to the shop"
2) The Customers side; "Why are you charging me for 8hours when your only here for 7"?

In either case the Customer doesn't realize the expense, mainly, the costs incurred for property and health insurance.
Personally, I watch both in any service I have performed for my household, and, I'm okay with number 1.

Above all. Be up front with your Customer, so he/she knows exactly where your coming from.


The customer is leaving everything up to me...they just want the job done right/ a job well done.

thank you!That still bares the question; "What do I charge?"
That is a judgment call that only you can make, and includes several factors.

*Your skill.
*The size of your business.
*Your fixed costs.
*Compassion for the Customer.

Your Welcome, Good Luck, and Godspeed... KUXJ