bidding jobs

I have done so many different contract style jobs that I rarely know how to bid on such side work myself.

What I would do is call some other pruning services JUST outside your local area (so as not to cost you much) and get a rough quote. If this is someone you work with on a regular basis or an ongoing contract, you don't have to worru if you end up being a little lower in your quote.

I don't know how many times I've called competitors for quotes and then offered MY client a slightly lower price. (That's also why I NEVER quote work over the phone or by fax).

As a sales rep, it was common for someone to talk you down in price and then take YOUR card to the competition who just low balls you without even really looking at your price. ""Whatever he quoted less $500.00".

Many companies are dumb enough to just offer a reasonable quote over the phone, take advantage of their poor business practices to gain yourself a contract. ;-)