{"id":9393,"date":"2024-03-18T07:00:58","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T11:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newprocontainers.com\/blog\/?p=9393"},"modified":"2026-03-14T23:56:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T03:56:52","slug":"quick-guide-pricing-interiorscape-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldm2.newprocontainers.com\/blog\/quick-guide-pricing-interiorscape-jobs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Quick Guide to Pricing Interiorscape Jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pricing is an ambiguous topic that often goes unspoken among interiorscapers because of its vast variables. However, the bottom line should always prioritize actual profit<\/a> over potential. <\/strong>We provide a service; we are professionals. To undervalue or question our worth and the worth of our service undermines the entire interiorscaping industry. Recognizing the complexity of our work, let’s delve into the aspects that contribute to our unique challenges and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Power of Knowledge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Education is always key. Taking a moment to enlighten your audience\u2014property managers, facility managers, building owners, interior designers, architects, or anyone else interested\u2014is an important step. The origin of tropical plants, the costs of freight, and the training and knowledge of your staff all add significant value. Add up the experience you and your employees bring to the table\u2014likely an accumulative 30+ years of both interior and exterior plant knowledge. That\u2019s quite impressive! Offering a short course or a private lunch and learn session might help to bridge any understanding gaps if you\u2019re feeling frustrated or misunderstood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Navigating Our Yes Culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are a rare breed, an industry of “yes” people. Admit it, we seldom turn down requests. We\u2019re the kind of people who thrive on the joy of uniting plants and people. If you\u2019re anything like me, you like a good challenge, too, but beware. In the early days, when you’re trying to get established, you might find yourself in some bizarre situations. I remember 2 am teardowns of short-term rentals, navigating absurd heights with electric lifts during the holidays, and making barter deals. Speaking from experience, steer clear of bartering. There’s a local chiropractor who still owes $1,000 for our services, and I have not had the chance\u2014or the inclination\u2014to visit and collect. Needless to say, they\u2019re on their own with plant care now. It\u2019s likely we all have a story or two like this that causes us to cringe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Avoiding the Overwhelm in Interiorscaping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Embrace the “work smarter, not harder” approach. Taking on too many little “projects” usually leads to feeling overwhelmed and resentful, and we may unfairly label clients as “needy” or “difficult,” even though we’re the ones who accepted the work in the first place. Have you ever crunched the numbers to figure out the minimum dollar amount you need to make it worth leaving your office? Open up an Excel sheet and calculate everything\u2014rent, utilities, gas, plants, containers, installation supplies, insurance, labor wages, and so on. Determine that baseline amount, stick to it, and use it as a foundation to grow. Essentially, stop spinning your wheels and wasting precious time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Art of Pricing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is my “nitty gritty,” but by no means definitive, guideline to pricing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Market Strategy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Aim to charge as high as the market allows, being careful not to drive customers away by appearing to gouge them, and avoid making yourself vulnerable to undercutting through competitive bids. This is where the value of exceptional service is most fully realized\u2014customers stick with you despite lower offers elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Markup Considerations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Markups are determined regionally. Consider factors like climate, logistics, your client base (including whether to offer short-term rentals), and the range of services you provide, from events and high-end residential to commercial office spaces<\/a>, hotels, restaurants, and more. The availability of skilled labor in your area plays a significant role in pricing, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Freight Costs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Shipping plants isn’t cheap. Some suppliers charge a whopping 30% for freight, plus an additional $180 for oversized items. Factoring these costs into the bid is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Monthly Maintenance Charges<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Monthly maintenance fees consist of two components: the cost of replacements and the labor involved in both maintenance and replacements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n