Hey everyone! I'm kicking off a personal gardening business where I'll handle everything from breaking ground, setting up irrigation, and managing planting, to caring for plants, pruning, weeding, and harvesting. I even provide optional services like cleaning up in the fall, orchard care, mushroom log management, and even chicken and honeybee care for my gardening clients. I've got a solid five years of agriculture experience under my belt, including running a hydroponics greenhouse.
I work in a wealthy area outside D.C. where homes are valued around $1 million, and I see a big gap in the market since there aren't many people who manage gardens throughout the season—most just install them. I've researched some rates and found individuals charging between $30 to $150 an hour, not including materials, but I'm unsure where to set my fees. Considering my experience, I was thinking about starting at $50 an hour, but I don't want to scare off potential clients. What do you think? Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
I’d recommend starting at around $30 an hour. As your schedule fills up, you can hike your rates for new clients while keeping the old ones at a lower price for their loyalty. Also, consider raising prices annually as long as you’re still competitive and maintain good relationships with your clients.
Starting lower can help you build a solid client base. Once you have regular customers, you can gradually increase your rates. For example, I charge $60 per hour in my landscaping business, and we've built a loyal following over 40 years. It takes time, but it's worth it!
Don’t forget to consider your overhead costs and if you have any help. Some jobs may be best billed by the hour, while others might be priced per project. Good luck with your gardening adventures!
That's a good point! What do you think would be a fair starting price for someone just starting out? And how could I approach raising my prices for repeat customers later on?