What to Charge? A Practical Guide to Pricing Gardening & Landscaping Services in New Zealand

Figuring out your pricing for gardening and landscaping services in New Zealand means factoring in your costs, skills, and local market demands. This friendly, practical guide offers 10 tailor-made tips to help gardeners and landscapers set fair prices that work for them and their clients.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Calculate All Business Expenses

Make sure to include labour, equipment, fuel, plants, and garden supplies costs when pricing your work.

For example, Auckland gardeners may face higher fuel and material costs compared to smaller towns like Taupō.

Accurately covering your costs is key to keeping your business sustainable.

2. Understand Local Market Rates

Research competitor pricing on Yada, TradeMe, and local business directories to know the going rates.

Wellington landscapers often have higher prices due to demand and operating expenses.

Market insights ensure you remain competitive without undervaluing your services.

3. Price by Job Size and Complexity

Charge more for larger gardens or complex landscaping features like retaining walls or ponds.

Christchurch landscapers might charge differently for basic lawn mowing versus full garden design.

Explaining how complexity affects pricing helps clients understand quotes.

4. Set Clear Labour and Service Fees

Decide on hourly or fixed labour rates and be transparent about what’s included.

Nelson landscapers may offer fixed rates for standard services like hedging or pruning.

Clear labour costs build trust with clients.

5. Factor in Materials and Plant Costs

Quote plants, mulch, fertilisers, and other materials separately or as a clear part of your total price.

Auckland professionals often source materials locally to keep costs reasonable.

Clients appreciate transparency about material charges.

6. Include Travel and Equipment Expenses

Charge for fuel, wear and tear on vehicles, and any hired equipment like lawn mowers or diggers.

Wellington landscapers often pass on these costs in quotes for jobs further afield.

Weirdly enough, travel and gear costs can significantly impact your profitability.

7. Add Premiums for Urgent or After-Hours Jobs

Surcharges for weekend work or last-minute requests compensate for schedule disruption.

Christchurch garden professionals commonly apply such fees for emergency maintenance.

Clients understand and usually accept these premiums.

8. Highlight Your Certifications and Experience

Showcase qualifications, industry memberships, and years of experience.

A Tauranga landscaper with recognised training can justify premium pricing.

Clients pay for trusted, professional service providers.

9. Promote Customer Testimonials

Collect and display client reviews on Yada and social media.

Positive testimonials helped Auckland gardeners build solid reputations.

Word-of-mouth is powerful in New Zealand’s community-focused markets.

10. Advertise on Multiple Platforms

Use Yada, TradeMe, and local directories to maximise your service visibility.

Yada’s no fee policy lets you keep earnings and price honestly.

A mobile-friendly platform ensures easy client contact and booking.

11. Personalise Quotes and Communication

Utilise Yada’s chat and call features to tailor services and pricing to client needs.

Dunedin landscapers often adjust quotes after site assessment.

Personalised communication strengthens client relationships.

12. Avoid Undervaluing Your Craft

Emphasise quality and reliability rather than just low prices.

Fair pricing helps Wellington landscapers maintain loyal clientele.

Clients respect honest, value-based service fees.

13. Review and Update Pricing Regularly

Adjust your rates annually considering costs, demand, and skill growth.

Leverage Yada’s feedback and job trends to inform pricing.

Regular reviews keep your business profitable and competitive.

14. Build Referral and Business Networks

Partner with real estate agents, builders, and local businesses for steady referrals.

An Auckland landscaper grew steady work through strong network partnerships.

Solid referral systems support consistent jobs and pricing confidence.