Why We Have a $700 Minimum to Do Any Landscaping Job

The Untrapped Podcast With Keith Kalfas

In this episode, Keith Kalfas reveals how setting a $700 job minimum transformed his landscaping business—and how it can do the same for yours.

If you’ve been undercharging, afraid to raise prices, or stuck in the “lowball trap,” this episode is your wake-up call. Keith breaks down the mindset, math, and muscle it takes to confidently set a job minimum, stop negotiating against yourself, and build a profitable, sustainable business.

You’ll hear how he evolved from $99 jobs to a $700 baseline, how to calculate your own break-even point, and how to split-test higher prices with new clients—without losing your sanity or your soul.

"Figure out your job minimum and stick to it. It's gonna be scary. But if you have enough customers coming in and new customers and you have the difficult conversation with yourself and then the positive, friendly, uplifting, professional conversation with your customers, then it'll work out for you." – Keith Kalfas

Topics Covered:

• Why your job minimum matters more than you think

• How undercharging creates a cycle of burnout

• Dealing with old customers vs. new pricing

• Emotional strength vs. price guilt

• How to split-test higher prices confidently

• Budgeting and cost-per-day calculations

• Avoiding the “lowball trap” in busy seasons

• Knowing your worth and owning your price

Key Takeaways

• Raise Your Minimum, Raise Your Game Keith shows how setting a strong job minimum isn't just about money—it's about protecting your time, energy, and long-term vision.

• Test Higher Prices—With Strategy Use split testing to experiment with pricing: serve some clients at your dream rate and others at a modest increase. Let data (not fear) guide you.

• Don’t Negotiate Against Yourself If you believe you're worth more—and you can prove it with quality work and real numbers—then stop lowballing and start leading with confidence.

Connect with Keith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas

Resources and Websites:

🙋♂️Get My Free Landscaping Business Startup Video Series Here👇 Here https://www.keithkalfas.com/Landscaping-Series

Landscaping Course https://keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/8bFERMcs

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS How to Guide: https://www.keithkalfas.com/16

Get Jobber: https://getjobber.com/im/ambassador-referral/?gspk=a2VpdGhrYWxmYXM4NTIx&gsxid=Rs6pwtznLDcs

Get Ballard: https://www.ballard-inc.com/

Easy Budgeting Blueprint: keithkalfas.com/budget

Smartphone Video Creation Guide: Keithkalfas.com/smartphone

Identifying Your Superpower: Keithkalfas.com/superpower

Become An influencer And Monetize Your Expertise: https://www.keithkalfas.com/influence

Multiple Ways to Monetize: https://www.keithkalfas.com/multipleways

LevelUp Your Landscaping Business to $100K and beyond: https://www.keithkalfas.com/LEVELUP

The Untrapped Alliance: https://www.keithkalfas.com/alliance