Pricing Landscape Jobs in a Down Economy: Georgia Market Reality

New landscape business owner in Lawrenceville, GA seeks pricing resources and tips.

Market Reality Check (2008-2009 Context)

• Worst landscape economy in 20 years (drought + recession)
• Wealthy clients hoarding cash, not buying landscaping
• High-end builders folding
• Flood of new competitors (laid-off workers with trucks/bobcats)
• Established companies down 50%+
• Only maintenance contracts providing steady income

If Proceeding: Pricing Methods

1. RSMeans catalogs (rsmeans.com) — industry standard cost data
2. Competitive bids: Create test plan, get 3 competitor bids
3. Time studies: Plant 10 of each size, record hours → know true labor cost
4. Multiplier method: 2-3x wholesale plant cost (adjust for job size, plant value)

Cautionary Advice

Expert's inquiry volume dropped 66% (1-2/day → 1/3-5 days). Market signals extreme caution. Secure maintenance contracts first. Have capital reserves.