Newbie with a long post - pricing question - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

#1 (**permalink**) 09-09-05

Firstly, I'd like to say hello to the residents here on PWN. Please take it easy on me as I find my way. Thank you.

Now,....the main reason I'm here. OK,....so I might have jumped into things a tad bit quickly. I think it's ok though, as life is a constant learning experience. I should also mention I "read" Cody's long and informative pricing guide. However, it's going to take a while to absorb all that info.

Started up my own powerwashing service 2 weeks ago. I'm glad to say that the response has been well above my expectations. I am primarily focusing my attention on the many retirement communities in my area. The average house (in the retirement communities) is $350,000 to $400,000. I realize demographics plays a vital role when it comes to pricing. I guess I should mention that I am in Central New Jersey, and I reside in a middle to upper middle class area. Average single family home is approximately $350,000-$500,000. I am going to list photos of the 4 models in the main community which I am focusing my attention. In your opinion, if you were to charge by Sq. Ft., based on the info I've provided, what equation would you come up with for pricing the following houses:

1744 Sq. Ft.

1897 Sq. Ft.

1723 Sq. Ft.

2172 Sq. Ft.

Also, how about pricing on the driveways, both to clean, and to clean & seal?

I thank you for the long read, and any other advice and/or information you could provide me with is tremendously appreciated. Thanks agaiN!

PressurePros · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-05

In our area of the northeast $.20 to $.25 per sf is an easy sell.

I break down my housewashing into tiers. A simple soap on/soap off wash is called my Silver plan. Including brushing of gutters, using a protective polymer wax. rinsing driveway and patios takes you to Gold level. The Platinum plan can include everything from washing lawn ornaments, using detergents on the driveway, removing efflorescence from brick, interior window cleaning and roof cleaning. Everything that can be safely cleaned is done.

The multi level plan makes the customer feel better about choosing what level of curb appeal they desire without feeling like they are getting bombarded with add-ons. The rarely go with the silver plan (human nature to not want to appear cheap). For me, it allows me to stay competetive with lowballers while still offering above and beyond service for those that want to pay for it.

333-tint · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-05

Ken, That is an awesome idea! thanks for the tip... The window film industry is a lot like that and I never thought of doing that in this industry.

Richard

#4 (**permalink**) 09-10-05

Ken, thanks for the reply. I had 3 estimates yesterday, with 2 "takers" and 1 "I'll get back to you". I used the $.20/Sq. Ft. on all the jobs. One of the guys had no problem with the quote, and the other wasn't expeceting a $354 quote. After chopping me down, I settled at $300. I was almost insulted when I bottom lined him at $300 and he attempted to go lower.

Anyway,....as the new kid on the block, I figure it's better not to squable over a few bucks. I know when he sees the work, he'll be satisfied. In the end, he'll be happy, I'll be happy, and hopefully I generate more work/contacts. Again,.....the reason for my negotiating is because I'm the new kid on the block. I realize whence you build up your name, your reputation, and clientel, there's no need for you to have to haggle. Thanks again Ken!

PressurePros · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-05

Richard, thank you. I can't even take the credit for being all that smart. My fiance was working for Jenny Craig as a marketing manager. She had some literature at my place and it outline multi level plans. Well, I figure Jenny Craig's Harvard mba's are smarter than I (am), so why reinvent the wheel? I have had phenomenal success utilizing the program. I think I have maybe lost two bids since implementing it.

BackBreaker, Your welcome. As your efficiency increases and your name gets well known you will see some nice return for your hard work. Your 1897 sf house (pictured above) with gutters hand brushed, driveway, walkway and concrete cleaned should yield about $650.

Here is what I wash for $300 (our minimum). These prices reflect our area. There are some parts of the country where prices are much lower. Give me a call on my cell when you get a free moment or if you run into any snags. 610-662-4036

taselton2 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-17-05

Ken, I Would Be Lucky To Get $175 For That House In Tallahassee, Fl. 1HR OR SO TO CLEAN.That House Would Run About $125,000 , How Much Up There?

CCPC · #7 (**permalink**) 09-17-05

Quote:

Originally Posted by taselton2

Ken, I Would Be Lucky To Get $175 For That House In Tallahassee, Fl. 1HR OR SO TO CLEAN.That House Would Run About $125,000 , How Much Up There?

Same here. I can't tell how big it is from the picture, but from what I see, its not very big. I would probably be (based on the picture) in the $120.00 to $140.00 range as well.

Mike Gwas · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-05

Back Breaker,
Where in Central NJ are you from ? I lived in the Somerville area for 34 years !!!!!

crosen · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-05

Ken,

How do you present your tiered plans (web site, flier, verbal) to the customer? Thanks.

Chris Rosen
www.adrpressurewashing.com

PressurePros · #10 (**permalink**) 10-14-05

Quote:

Originally Posted by crosen

Ken,

How do you present your tiered plans (web site, flier, verbal) to the customer? Thanks.

Chris Rosen
www.adrpressurewashing.com

"Silver Plan - a basic soap on and soap off wash. No gutter brushing or attention to detail. A nice job, house looks better. Excellent for competing against lowballers that advertise ridiculous rates then upsell anyway.

Gold Plan - gutter brushing, specialty cleaners on glaring spots of rust or efflorescence, ________ brand polymer/wax, water rinse of driveway, small patios cleaned. Most people will go with this and this is where I have my highest profit margin.

Platinum Plan - All of the above plus any of the following extras.
1) Roof Cleaning
2) Brick/Stone restoration
3) Large areas of concrete cleaned with detergent
4) Pool cleaning
5) Concrete/Flagstone staining and sealing
6) Simplified deck cleaning
7) Lawn statues, benches any property ornamentation
8) Screens brightened
9) Interior windows
10) Gutter cleanout
11) Paint prep
12) Landscaping (which I subcontract to a cousin )
** Anything that can be cleaned without dissolving in detergent, or fall apart with 500 psi is candidate.

From a selling perspective you get one shot where the homeowner has his checkbook open and that is when you do the proposal. Walk the property carefully. Discuss with the homeowner all that you have seen that needs addressing. Ultimately he will want to see what the bottom line will be. In explaining all that you can accomplish you appear more professional. In addition, you change his mindset from expecting a $200 housewash from some hack to expecting to pay a bit more for comprehensive service. "