The Head of finances and stuff for my school just called me
and wanted me to do pressure washing at the school this
weekend (school starts monday ). I dont know exactly
how much they want done but I have never bid anything
bigger than a driveway. Heres the thing:
- This lady is high up in the School
- They really want it done.... now
- This is a expensive private school (but theyre cheap!)
- Its probably going to be a big job
Now... should I just charge for expenses and do the labor for
free and call it volunteer hours (I need some) or try to make
some money? My thinking is since shes high up in the school
I could probably get some good jobs from her and they will
probably let me put my sign out in the front area for the
first few days of school (good advertising!) Whatcha think?

Here are some thoughts:

Most schools, by way of their charter, will not allow any type of advertising on their property.

Most times you think that more work will come your way because you lowered your price, you're wrong. It rarely works out that way.

If you have your business license, insurance and are constantly looking for ways to market your business, why would you want to give away your first real job?

Rush jobs = larger invoices. That's the way it is with any service oriented business.

You could negotiate your price for some free advertising in school programs or have them mention your comapny at the next school meeting. This will be a good experience for you.

Ken Fenner
PressurePros, Inc
Havertown, PA
www.pressure-pros.com
pressure washers in PA

Charge accordingly. School Budgets are in the Millions. Some are in the hundred of Millions. They usually set a certain amount aside for maintenance. Price out the job the way you would any other. Don't give away the farm..for nothing.

John Tornabene
Clean County Powerwashing

Since it is a private school, some of the rules change. If they are a true private school and do not accept any State monies, they can do alot of things other schools can't do. You might ask her about setting a sign out.

My kids go to private school and in my state I can not deduct the tuition from my taxes (about $13,000/year for 2 kids). So I wash the school (church) and sidewalks and do fire extinguisher inspections as a "donation" to the CHURCH. Donations are tax detectable for the church that supports / backs the school.

In the end, I come out WAY ahead.

Maybe offer her 50% off the price and a 50% donation and a sign in the yard. This way you still get cash in your hand and also get to deduct your services on your taxes.

Check w/your accountant to find out what is and is not deductable. If I buy an advertising sign on the little league field, that is deductable. If I clean the hood for free, there is no deduction.

If you service the fire extinguishers for free, and there is a problem when the extinguisher does not work, your liability insurance may not cover you because the service was not reported as income and you do not have an invoice to prove the work generated any income. You need to bill the church at least $1.00 to protect yourself and the church. reach into your pocket and pay the $1.00 yourself if you want to, but a check from the church is a better idea.

Doing free work for anyone is a bad idea, they will then expect the same price for ever more.

Advertising in the school paper/programs will just give you a warm fuzzy feeling, but go for it if you want. Reduce your price by doing a trade-out for advertising.

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
I give the Salvation Army 50 % off labor only. That is my warm fuzzy for the day.