What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have different rates for different types of work. I charge $65 an hour, per person, for landscape maintenance in San Francisco, Marin County and East Bay, and $75 an hour, per person, for landscape designs and installations. For all areas, I have a 2 hour minimum per job, no matter how small.
Prices can change without notice
A $750 deposit will be required to draw up landscape plans and will be refunded only if my bid on the job is accepted
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First, I need to come out and physically see the property. I can not and will not give you a quote without physically seeing the job first. I can only give estimates with photos only. If it is a job for maintenance I can usually give you an estimate on the spot. If it is a landscape design or installation job, I will need to come out and view the property, most likely a few times, take measurements and draw up a set landscape plans with a bid. A $750 deposit is required for me to design and draw up a set of landscaping plans which will be refunded only if my quote is accepted.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I first got into horticulture when I was 11 years old. I started growing cherry tomatoes in my bedroom window. I was amazed at how plants grew and reacted to the different types of growing conditions. I would later move on to study horticulture in college. I have taken all the required horticulture classes to get my AS, I just never saw the point about what an AS degree in this field will get you. The horticulture field has more to do with what practical experience then what type of grades you get in class.
During the recession I went back to school to study landscape architecture at West Valley College in Saratoga. I was studying landscape architecture for about 2 years and then I realized that this type of work wasn't for me. I wanted to spend the majority of my time working outdoors with plants and less inside.
I also
