How to Price Junk Removal Jobs - Step By Step Guide

Junk Removal Pricing and Bidding Best Practices

There are several best practices to remember regarding how to price and bid on junk removal jobs. By following these practices, you can ensure you provide your customers with a fair and competitive price while maximizing your profits. This guide will explore some of the best junk removal pricing and bidding practices.

Understand the Factors that Influence Junk Removal Pricing

Before developing an effective pricing and bidding strategy, it is important to understand the various factors that can influence junk removal pricing. These factors can include the volume, weight, type of junk that needs to be removed and any challenges associated with accessing and removing the junk. By taking these factors into account, you can develop a pricing strategy that accurately reflects the costs of the job.

How to Start a Junk Removal Business Banner Small

Learn How to Start a Successful Junk Removal Business

Research Your Competition

Researching your competition is one of the best ways to ensure your pricing is competitive. Take some time to find out what other junk removal companies in your area charge for similar jobs. This can help you get a sense of the market rates and ensure that your prices are in line with your competitors.

However, it is important to remember that the lowest price is not always the best option. High-quality services and exceptional customer service can often justify charging a higher price.

Consider Your Margins

When setting your prices, it is important to consider your margins. This involves determining the minimum price you need to charge to cover your costs and make a reasonable profit. Factors to consider when calculating your margins include labor costs, equipment costs, disposal fees, and overhead expenses.

Ensuring your prices are high enough to cover your costs and provide a reasonable profit margin can ensure your business’s long-term success and profitability.

Get All the Job Information You Need Upfront

Before submitting a bid for a junk removal job, getting all the job information you need upfront is important. This includes the volume, weight, type of junk that needs to be removed, and any challenges associated with accessing and removing the junk.

By getting all the job information upfront, you can provide an accurate estimate and avoid unexpected costs or delays. This can help build trust with your customers and ensure their service satisfaction.

Develop a Pricing Strategy that Works for Your Business

Once you understand the factors influencing junk removal pricing, you can develop a pricing strategy that works for your business. Depending on the specific job requirements, this may involve charging a price per cubic yard, per pound, or per hour of labor. Additional costs such as labor, equipment, and disposal fees are also important.

Offer Tiered Pricing Options

To maximize your profits and provide customers with more options, consider offering tiered pricing options based on the level of service required. For example, you could offer a basic package with only junk removal or a premium package with additional services such as cleaning and organizing. This can encourage customers to opt for larger jobs and increase your revenue per job.

Provide Accurate Estimates

Providing accurate estimates for the job is essential to build customer trust and avoid unexpected costs or delays. This can involve thoroughly inspecting the job site and noting any challenges or special requirements. By providing accurate estimates, you can ensure customers understand the costs and make informed decisions.

Pricing junk removal jobs requires careful consideration of various factors, including competition, margins, and job information. By researching your competition, considering your margins, and getting all the job information you need upfront, you can ensure that your pricing is competitive, profitable, and transparent. By following these best practices, you can build a successful and sustainable junk removal business.

Factors That Affect Junk Removal Bidding Prices

When bidding on junk removal jobs, several factors can affect pricing. Here are some common factors to consider:

Scope of work: The scope of work for the job, including the type and number of debris to be removed, the location of the debris, and any special handling requirements, can affect pricing.
Timeframe: The timeframe for the job, including the expected start and completion dates, can affect pricing, as rush jobs or jobs that require working outside of normal business hours may require additional labor and equipment.
Labor and equipment: The amount and type of labor and equipment required for the job, such as the number of workers needed and the type and size of trucks or trailers, can affect pricing.
Dumping fees: The cost of dumping fees, which can vary depending on the type and weight of the debris being removed, can affect pricing.
Pricing structure: The pricing structure used by the business, such as flat fees, pricing by volume or weight, or combination pricing, can affect the overall pricing for the job.
Insurance: The insurance requirements for the job, such as liability and workers’ compensation insurance, can affect pricing.
Safety: The safety requirements for the job, including any necessary safety equipment or procedures, can affect pricing.
Permits: The permits required for the job, such as permits for street closures or special handling requirements, can affect pricing.

By considering these factors when bidding on junk removal jobs, businesses can provide accurate and competitive pricing to their customers. It is important to communicate clearly with customers and factor in all necessary costs to ensure a fair and profitable bid.

How to Price and Bid on Your Junk Removal Jobs, Step-By-Step

When pricing and bidding on junk removal jobs, following a clear and organized process is important to ensure that your prices are accurate, competitive, and profitable. This section will outline a step-by-step process for pricing and bidding on junk removal jobs.

Understand the Work

The first step in pricing and bidding on a junk removal job is understanding what needs to be done. This can involve scheduling an onsite visit to the job location and conducting a thorough inspection. During this visit, you can note the amount and types of junk that need to be removed and any challenges associated with accessing and removing the junk.

Estimate Your Labor Cost

Once you understand the work that needs to be done, you can estimate your labor cost. This can involve calculating the time to complete the job and multiplying that by your hourly labor rate.

Add Any Other Expenses

In addition to your labor cost, it is important to factor in any other expenses associated with the job. This can include disposal fees, gas, and costs of supplies. Make sure to add these expenses to your estimate to ensure that your pricing is accurate.

Add in Taxes

Remember to factor in any applicable taxes when calculating your pricing. This can include sales tax or any other local taxes that may apply.

Estimate Your Profit

Once you have calculated your labor cost, expenses, and taxes, you can estimate your profit. This involves determining the profit you need to make on the job to cover your costs and make a reasonable profit.

Write the Quote or Bid

Once you have all the necessary information, you can write the quote or bid for the job. This should include a detailed breakdown of the costs involved and any terms and conditions associated with the job.

Send to Customer and Follow Up

Once you have written the quote or bid, please send it to the customer and follow up to ensure that they have received it and have any necessary information. This can help build trust with your customers and ensure they are satisfied with your services.

When to Adjust Your Junk Removal Pricing

Pricing for junk removal jobs can be a delicate balancing act. You want to offer competitive prices to attract customers and win business, but you also need to ensure that your prices are profitable and sustainable for your business. Adjusting your pricing to meet changing market conditions or business needs may be necessary. This section will explore some situations where you may need to adjust your junk removal pricing.

Changes in Market Rates

You may need to adjust your junk removal pricing if there are changes in market rates. This can happen if competitors start offering lower prices or if the cost of materials or disposal fees increases. Staying aware of market conditions and adjusting your pricing accordingly to remain competitive is important.

Changes in Operating Costs

Another situation where you may need to adjust your junk removal pricing is if there are changes in your operating costs. This can include increases in labor costs, equipment costs, or fuel costs. If your costs increase significantly, you may need to adjust your pricing to maintain your profit margins.

Changes in Customer Needs

Sometimes, changes in customer needs may require you to adjust your pricing. For example, if customers request additional services such as cleaning or organizing, you may need to adjust your pricing to reflect these added services.

Changes in Business Strategy

You may also need to adjust your pricing if you change your business strategy or target market. For example, if you start targeting higher-end clients, you may need to increase your prices to reflect the added value you offer.

Checklist for Bidding Junk Removal Jobs

Here is a comprehensive checklist for bidding on junk removal jobs to help ensure that you are prepared and can provide accurate and competitive bids for your customers.

Size Matters: Charge by the Cubic Yard

One of the most common ways to price junk removal services is to charge by the cubic yard. You’ll charge a certain amount per cubic yard of junk you haul away. The average rate for this type of service is between $50 and $75 per cubic yard, with a minimum charge of $99. This ensures that you’re making a fair profit while also giving your customers a clear idea of what they can expect to pay.

Take the Weight into Account

In addition to size, you should also consider the weight of the junk you’re removing. Some landfills charge by weight, so you’ll need to charge more for heavier loads. You should also factor in the additional work required to lift and transport heavier items. Make sure that you’re covering your costs while also being transparent with your customers about why you’re charging what you’re charging.

Don’t Forget the Cleanup

If there’s any additional cleanup required beyond simply hauling away the junk, you should charge an hourly rate in addition to the load charge. As of 2023, the national average for this type of service is between $25 and $35 per hour per person. This ensures that you’re fairly compensated for the time and effort required to clean up after completing the junk removal job.

Consider the Location of the Items

Sometimes, the junk you’re removing will be easy to access, while other times it will be more difficult. If you’re required to haul items from an attic or basement or to navigate tight spaces or difficult terrain, you should charge an additional hourly rate. The going rate for this type of service is also $25 to $35 per hour per person.

Charge Extra for Bagging or Boxing

You should charge an additional fee if you must bag or box items before hauling them away. You should be fairly compensated for any work beyond simply picking up the junk and putting it in your truck or van. Ensure you’re transparent with your customers about why you’re charging extra so they understand your services’ value.

Keep Dump Fees in Mind

Many landfills charge by the pound, so you’ll need to factor in dump fees when figuring out how much to charge your customers. If you’re hauling away a particularly heavy load, consider adding an extra charge to cover these fees.

Charge More for Rush Services

If a customer asks you to haul away junk on short notice, you should charge an extra fee. This is because rush jobs require you to rearrange your schedule and potentially miss out on other jobs you could have been doing instead. Consider adding a 10% surcharge for rush jobs to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your time and effort.

The charge for After-Hours Work

Finally, you should charge an additional fee if a customer asks you to do a job outside your regular working hours. This could be a flat fee of $15 or $30 if it’s particularly late at night, early in the morning, or on a weekend or holiday. This ensures you’re fairly compensated for working outside your regular schedule.

Average Prices for Junk Removal Services

Here is a breakdown of the average prices per load size for junk removal services offered by popular franchises in the United States:

1-800-GOT-JUNK?

Load Size	Price Range
1/8 Load	$139 – $218
1/4 Load	$218 – $359
3/8 Load	$328 – $439
1/2 Load	$359 – $529
5/8 Load	$488 – $600
3/4 Load	$529 – $638
7/8 Load	$600 – $679
Full Load	$639 – $749