Guide

How to compare yard-work quotes (and what people forget to ask)

Two quotes can look far apart and be for different work. Use these questions so every crew prices the same job.

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My Green Robot mascot holding a quote checklist

First, get every crew to price the same job

Write one list of jobs and send the same list to every crew.
Ask for the price in writing.
Ask every crew the same questions so you can compare.

What people forget to ask

Leaf pickup and haul-away

Are leaves hauled away, bagged for city pickup, or left at the curb? Who supplies the bags? Any disposal fee?

Insurance

Can they show a certificate of liability insurance? Are workers covered if someone gets hurt on your property?

Edging and trimming

Is edging along walks and the driveway included every visit, or extra? Trimming around fences and beds?

Frequency

Weekly or every two weeks? Price per visit or per month? What happens in a rainy week or a dry spell?

Cleanup after

Do they blow clippings off walks, the driveway and the street? Who takes away branches and debris?

If you live in Pawtucket, East Providence or Providence, check your city's yard-waste rules and last pickup date before you decide whether the crew bags leaves for the city or hauls them away.

Printable checklist

Use Print in your browser: only this checklist prints. There is also a PDF version to share. TODO (Rafael): Upload the PDF to the site (for example /compare-quotes-checklist.pdf) and link it here.

Write one crew per column. Tick or note each answer.

Question	Crew A	Crew B	Crew C	Crew D
Written quote Is the price in writing, with the jobs listed one by one?
Leaf pickup and haul-away Are leaves hauled away, bagged for city pickup, or left at the curb? Who supplies the bags? Any disposal fee?
Insurance Can they show a certificate of liability insurance? Are workers covered if someone gets hurt on your property?
Edging and trimming Is edging along walks and the driveway included every visit, or extra? Trimming around fences and beds?
Frequency Weekly or every two weeks? Price per visit or per month? What happens in a rainy week or a dry spell?
Cleanup after Do they blow clippings off walks, the driveway and the street? Who takes away branches and debris?
What can change the price What would make the price go up after they see the yard? Will they ask before doing extra work?
Start date and timing When can they start? How many visits are in the season?
Payment When is payment due? Is there a deposit? Do you get a receipt?
Damage What happens if they break a sprinkler head, a window or a fence board?
Total price

Red flags

They will not put the price in writing.
They push you to decide today.
The price changes later with no clear reason.
They cannot show insurance.

Common questions

Why are two quotes so different?

Often they are not for the same work. One may include haul-away, edging or more visits. Line the quotes up with the checklist before you compare totals.

Should I always pick the cheapest quote?

Not by itself. Pick the quote that covers the work you need, in writing, from a crew that can show insurance.

What should a written quote include?

Each job, how often, what is hauled away, what cleanup is included, the price, and what could change it.

Can My Green Robot ask crews these questions for me?

The robot asks local crews for a price on the jobs you pick and brings back what they say. Add the questions that matter to you in your job notes. Try it free. No credit card needed.