This is a simple system.
Quote fast. Win more. Keep profit.
What this guide covers
- The one-minute bid.
- Photo rules that save time.
- Price stack math.
- Drive time and dump fees.
- Text scripts to close now.
- How to win ties.
The one-minute bid (load tiers)
- Price by volume, not weight.
- Use clear tiers: ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, full truck.
- Set a minimum for tiny jobs.
- Add small fees for stairs, long carry, or extra heavy items.
- Confirm on site before loading.
Example tier notes
- ⅛ load: “few items”
- ¼ load: “small pile”
- ½ load: “one room”
- ¾ load: “big room”
- full load: “whole truck”
Photo bid rules (get these every time)
- Ask for 3+ photos: front, side, close-up.
- Ask for a wide shot that shows doors, stairs, or tight halls.
- Ask, “Where is it? Curb, garage, upstairs?”
- Ask, “Any hazards? Paint, chemicals, glass, bedbugs?”
- Send a range if unsure. Final price set on arrival.
Your price stack (keep it simple)
- Dump fees + labor + drive time + profit.
- Dump fees: use your average from tickets.
- Labor: set a per-hour value for crew time.
- Drive: add a small zone fee after X miles.
- Profit: add a clear margin. Do not eat this.
Tip: write your stack on the quote. It builds trust.
Drive time pricing (zones)
- Zone A (0–10 miles): included.
- Zone B (11–20): add $X.
- Zone C (21–30): add $Y.
- Past 30: send a range or schedule a site check.
Dump fees math (no guesswork)
- Save every ticket for a month.
- Find your average cost per load.
- Divide by your typical load size to get per-tier cost.
- Add fees for mattresses, appliances, or tires if your site charges extra.
- Hazardous or banned items: do not haul. Give a proper referral.
Quote scripts that convert
Photo request
“Thanks for reaching out! Please text 3 pics and the zip code. I’ll send a quote in minutes.”
Price quote
“From your pics it looks like ¼ load. All-in $___. We can come 2–4 today. Card or cash. Want me to book it?”
On arrival confirm
“I’m here. Based on what I see, we’re still at ¼ load for $___. Good to start?”
Tie-breaker nudge
“I can lock today 2–4 and send the crew ETA by text. We handle sweep-up and card pay. Book it?”
How to win the tie
- Speed: reply within 5 minutes.
- Clarity: one price, one window.
- Proof: share before/after pics and reviews.
- Care: mention sweep-up and floor protection.
- Certainty: “We confirm price before we lift anything.”
Hold your margin (discount rules)
- One deal at a time. No stack.
- Offer a small curbside discount.
- Use bundles (two loads save $X).
- Say “no” to jobs that break safety rules or laws.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Bidding by weight without a scale.
- Forgetting stairs/long carry in the price.
- Not asking for hazard details.
- Over-promising arrival windows.
- Loading before final price confirm.
People also ask (quick answers)
How do you bid a junk removal job?
Use volume tiers. Add dump, labor, drive, and profit. Confirm on site.
How much is a truck load?
Set clear tier prices (⅛–full). Post them so clients trust your quote.
Should I bid by weight or volume?
Use volume. It is faster. Add fees for stairs, heavy, or special items.
Can I quote from photos only?
Yes. Give a range. Final price on arrival before loading.
What if the dump fee is higher than usual?
Track tickets. Update your averages. Adjust tiers monthly.
See more tactics in the complete junk removal jobs guide.
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