How to Create a Winning Landscaping Bid and Secure More Jobs

Bidding on landscaping jobs is a critical skill for any landscaping business owner. A well-prepared landscaping bid ensures profitability, efficiency, and long-term client relationships. However, many businesses either underbid and lose money or overbid and scare away potential clients. This guide will teach landscaping business owners how to bid landscaping jobs effectively, ensuring competitive, accurate, and profitable contracts.

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Choosing the Right Landscaping Jobs: When to Bid and When to Pass

Not every landscaping project is worth your time and resources. Before bidding, evaluate:

• Project Scope: Does the job align with your expertise and available resources?
• Profitability: Will the project generate a reasonable return after expenses?
• Client Fit: Is the client reputable, and do they have realistic expectations?
• Red Flags: Avoid jobs with vague project details, unclear payment terms, or unrealistic timelines.

Focusing on projects that match your strengths and business goals will improve your chances of winning high-value landscaping contracts.

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Site Assessment & Hidden Cost Factors in a Landscaping Bid

A comprehensive site evaluation is key to an accurate landscaping bid.

• Review the Request for Proposal (RFP): Check for special conditions, deadlines, and submission requirements.
• Conduct a Site Visit: Assess terrain, soil quality, accessibility, drainage, and potential obstacles.
• Identify Hidden Costs: Factor in extra expenses like tree removal, irrigation adjustments, or specialized landscaping equipment needs.
• Use Technology: Leverage aerial mapping or landscape design software to enhance site analysis.

Proper site assessment prevents unexpected costs and ensures accurate pricing when bidding landscaping jobs.

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Creating a Profitable Design Without Overextending Your Budget

A successful landscaping bid should balance creativity and budget constraints.

• Understand the Client’s Vision: Incorporate their preferences while ensuring feasibility.
• Utilize Design Software: Use digital tools to create clear, visualized proposals.
• Ensure Practicality: Design with available materials, labor, and budget considerations in mind.
• Consider Efficiency: Avoid unnecessary complexity that could increase labor or material costs.

A well-thought-out design adds credibility to your bid and makes it easier to win client approval.

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Breaking Down Material Costs in Your Landscaping Bid

Material costs significantly impact your overall bid. To ensure accurate pricing:

• List All Required Materials: Include plants, sod, mulch, pavers, irrigation systems, and lighting.
• Compare Supplier Quotes: Get prices from multiple vendors to optimize costs.
• Factor in Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Plan ahead to avoid unexpected cost hikes.
• Include Waste and Replacement Costs: Budget for inevitable material loss or damage.

Industry Standard Pricing: Landscaping projects can range from $4,000 to $20,317, with a national average of around $12,825. For a more detailed breakdown, visit LawnStarter or Angi. Accurate pricing prevents financial losses and ensures your landscaping bid remains profitable.

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Estimating Labor Costs for Bidding Landscaping Jobs Accurately

Labor is one of the largest expenses in landscaping projects.

• Calculate Workforce Needs: Determine the number of workers and hours required for each task.
• Consider Task Complexity: Skilled labor costs more, so price accordingly.
• Factor in Delays: Account for weather interruptions and unforeseen challenges.
• Avoid Underestimating Labor: Many contractors lose money by not pricing labor accurately.

Being realistic about labor costs ensures your bid remains competitive and profitable.

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Overhead, Equipment, and Profit Margins: Pricing for Success

Beyond labor and materials, other costs must be included:

• Calculate Your Hourly Overhead Rate: Tally your weekly overhead costs and divide by the number of hours worked per week. For example, if your weekly overhead costs are $200 and you work 40 hours per week, your hourly overhead is $5.
• Estimate Overhead for Each Project: Multiply your hourly overhead by the estimated project hours. If a job will take 30 hours, your overhead cost is (200 / 40) x 30 = $150.
• Equipment Costs: Factor in rental, maintenance, and fuel costs for machinery.
• Profit Margin: Landscaping businesses typically aim for a 15% to 45% profit margin after covering all costs.
• Track Expenses: Maintain records of past jobs to refine future bids.

A well-structured bid covers all costs while maintaining a competitive price.

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Where to Find Landscaping Projects Open to Bid

Securing new projects is essential for business growth. Here are some reliable sources where you can find landscaping bids:

• PlanHub: Connects contractors with commercial landscaping projects based on location and scope.
• BidNet Direct: A database of government contracts, including landscaping solicitations.
• BidPrime: Provides access to government bids and contracts from federal, state, and local agencies.
• FindRFP: A platform listing federal, state, and local landscaping bids and RFPs.

Using these platforms can help you find profitable landscaping projects and expand your business.

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The Power of Follow-Ups: Closing More Landscaping Contracts

Following up after submitting your bid can improve your chances of winning.

• Be Proactive: Check in with clients to answer questions.
• Address Concerns: Offer explanations or adjustments without compromising profits.
• Use Testimonials & Guarantees: Reinforce credibility with proof of past success.
• Stay Connected: Even if you lose the bid, maintaining a relationship can lead to future opportunities.

Follow-Up Email Templates:1.

Initial Follow-Up Email:

‍Subject: Follow-Up on Landscaping Proposal Submission

Hi [Client's Name],

I wanted to follow up regarding the landscaping proposal we submitted for [Project Name]. Please let us know if you have any questions or require further details. We are excited about the opportunity to work with you and look forward to your feedback.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Business Name]

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Reminder Email If No Response:

Subject: Checking in on Our Landscaping Bid for [Project Name]

Hi [Client's Name],

I hope you're doing well. I wanted to check in on our proposal for [Project Name]. Please let us know if there is anything we can clarify or adjust to better meet your needs.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Business Name]

Timely follow-ups demonstrate professionalism and help build long-term client trust.

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Learn How to Write Perfect Thank-You Notes for Landscaping Business

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Wrapping up!

Winning landscaping bids requires accuracy, strategy, and efficiency. By selecting the right projects, pricing correctly, and presenting a professional proposal, you increase your chances of success.

SiteRecon (Landscape mapping software) helps landscaping businesses streamline their bidding process with fast, AI-powered property measurements, ensuring accurate estimates and competitive pricing. Use technology to stay ahead and win more bids efficiently.