Commercial Mowing Contracts: How to Price, Bid, and Get Them 

Securing commercial mowing contracts is an excellent way to grow your lawn care business. Having ongoing contracts offers consistent work and a higher revenue potential.   

But in commercial landscaping, you need to bid to win these contracts. You’ll need a strategic plan. This guide walks you through the process so you can learn how to bid on, win, and manage commercial mowing contracts.  

What Are Commercial Mowing Contracts?  

Commercial agreements are generally for office parks, apartment buildings, homeowners’ associations, schools, and retail centers, to name a few. They often cover bigger areas, follow tighter schedules, and have higher standards. But they also offer greater rewards.   

A commercial mowing contract is an agreement between your business and property owners or facility managers. The commercial lawn care contracts will outline the required services, schedule, and payment terms.   

To win a contract, you’ll have to compete with other companies. Create a proposal that demonstrates your reliability, expertise, and value. A clear commercial bid increases your chances and leaves a lasting impression on the client. You need the right tools, skilled workers, and dependable systems to succeed.  

Advantages of Commercial Lawn Care Contracts  

Commercial landscaping contracts can benefit your business by providing steady work and higher income. By learning how to price, bid, and market your services, you can secure profitable contracts and grow your business.  

These contracts are also usually larger than residential projects. That means they come with longer engagements and bigger revenue potential.   

Here are more of the benefits:  

• Consistent work. Commercial lawn care contracts often provide year-round work. This minimizes downtime between seasons and secures steady income.  
• Increased revenue. Commercial landscaping contracts usually involve services for larger properties and require advanced skills or lawn services. You can charge more per project as your skill level increases. Remember that you may have to invest in commercial equipment to handle the workload.   
• Straightforward expectations. With such large projects and price tags, commercial lawn service contracts need to clearly outline duties and service needs. A clear scope of work helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts between clients and landscaping contractors.  
• Professional growth. Working with commercial clients builds your reputation and credibility. Use it to create a professional portfolio to bid for more commercial landscaping contracts.  

These benefits help your business grow and improve your finances and career.  

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — 7 Strategies for Generating Commercial Landscaping Leads   

How to Price Commercial Lawn Care Jobs in 4 Steps  

Setting prices for your lawn care services can be challenging. Finding a balance between covering costs and staying competitive is the foundation of long-term success.   

Here’s a simple guide to estimating a commercial mowing job:  

1. Estimate Hours of Work  

Estimate how long the job will take. Find out how big the property is, how complex the job will be, and how often you must provide the service. Doing a test run or track time on similar jobs may help get an accurate estimate.  

2. Calculate the Hourly Rate  

Once you have the estimate, calculate an hourly rate—factor in your experience, the going rate in your area, and your profit. Also, account for labor costs, time, and unforeseen expenses.  

3. Include Equipment Cost  

The equipment you use to maintain a commercial property comes at a cost. Include gas, wear, and any maintenance or repairs. Make sure to account for the cost of your landscaping equipment in your pricing to keep your business running.  

4. Overhead Costs  

Don’t forget about your overhead. Your overheads include insurance, licensing, marketing, and administrative costs. It’s important to include these costs when setting your prices so you don’t miss out on potential earnings.  

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — The 7 Best Commercial Lawnmowers for Landscapers   

How to Get Commercial Mowing Contracts in 5 Steps  

Landing a commercial contract requires preparation, networking, and effective marketing. Here’s how to get started:  

1. Research Your Local Area  

Understand the needs of businesses and commercial spaces in your region. Identify properties with large green spaces, like office parks or malls. Speak to the managers, property owners, and organizations in charge to determine what services they use.   

Competitor information will help you position yourself. Find out what competitors charge and which services they offer.   

2. Make a Prospect List  

Create a list of potential clients. Include property managers, homeowners’ associations, and business owners. Use online directories, social media platforms, and business listings to gather leads.   

3. Use Your Residential Accounts  

Leverage your existing residential client base for referrals. Ask satisfied customers if they can introduce you to people they know who own commercial spaces.  

Satisfied customers will also be willing to act as your referrals. Showcase your skills and professionalism by sharing before-and-after photos on social media.  

4. Participate in Community Events  

Join local business groups or sponsor community events to increase your visibility. This gives you access to people in your community, letting you build your network and grow your contact list.  

5. Advertise Your Business  

Invest in marketing strategies like online ads, direct mail, and social media. Highlight your experience and professionalism. Customer testimonials and strong reviews are a great way to do that.  

You can also run local ads on online platforms, local newspapers, and business magazines.   

RELATED ARTICLE — Landscaping Pricing Guide: How to Price Landscaping Jobs    

How to Bid Lawn Care Jobs: 4 Pro Tips  

Bidding on commercial lawn care jobs can feel overwhelming. But you can win commercial landscaping contracts with a clear strategy. The secret is striking a balance between providing high-quality service and competitive prices.  

Use the following tips when bidding.  

1. Do a Walkthrough on Your Client’s Property  

Always tour the client’s property before submitting an offer. Examine the lawn’s size, condition, and challenges, like steep slopes, weeds, or obstacles. Meet with the client to see if they have special requests.  

2. Provide a Service Quote   

Break down your pricing into clear, understandable terms. Include details about how much your services cost, such as mowing, edging, and fertilization. Transparency makes it easier to build credibility and show your expertise.  

3. Write a Business Proposal  

Present a professional proposal that outlines your experience, services, and pricing. Include references and testimonials.  

4. Keep In Touch   

Follow up with the client after submitting your bid. A courtesy email or call shows interest and keeps your proposal in mind.  

RELATED ARTICLE — How To Write a Business Proposal for a Small Business  

Win more clients on the spot with quick and professional estimates  

Win more commercial mowing bids with fast, professional estimates. Create and share estimates in minutes using Joist, an easy-to-use tool designed for landscaping contractors. Packed with features like deposits, markups, and contracts, it helps impress clients and close deals faster.