Homeowners usually get two or three estimates. The cheapest one does not always win. The one that arrives first, is easy to understand and feels trustworthy often does.
Send it the same day
Speed is the easiest way to win. If you visit at 10 a.m. and send the estimate by 5 p.m., you are ahead of most competitors. Use a template on your phone so you can send it from the truck.
Include the basics
- Your company name, logo, phone and license number if you have one
- The customer's name and address
- A short description of the job in plain words
- What is included and what is not
- The price, and how often (per visit, per month, one time)
- When you can start
- How long the price is valid
Offer three options
Instead of one price, give choices:
- Basic: mowing, trimming, blowing
- Standard: plus edging every visit and two cleanups a year
- Complete: plus fertilizer, weed control and mulch in spring
Most people pick the middle one. Offering options also changes the question from "should I hire them?" to "which one do I want?".
Add photos when you can
For bigger jobs like sod, beds or hardscape, include a photo of a similar job you did. It helps the customer picture the result.
Make it easy to say yes
Add a button or a link to accept and pay a deposit online. Every extra step, like printing, signing and scanning, loses some customers.
Follow up
Most estimates that are not accepted were simply forgotten. Follow up:
- Day 2: a short text, "Any questions about the estimate?"
- Day 5: "We have an opening next week, want me to hold it for you?"
- Day 14: a final check-in
Keep it friendly and short.
Fewer estimates, better ones
If you spend hours on estimates that never close, pre-qualify. Show price ranges on your website, ideally with a calculator that measures the lawn from the map. The people who request an estimate after seeing the range are much more likely to say yes.
Common mistakes
- Vague descriptions like "general yard work"
- No start date
- Waiting a week to send it
- No follow up at all
A clear, fast estimate with options and a follow-up plan will win more jobs than lowering your price.
Frequently asked questions
Should landscaping estimates be free?
For regular mowing and small jobs, yes. For large design or hardscape projects, many companies charge a design fee that is credited if the customer hires them.