Question
CAN YOU GIVE ME THE RULE OF THUMB MARK UP FOR A LANDSCAPE PROJECT I AM BIDDING?  I JUST GOT MY CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, HAVE A POTENTIAL JOB AND NOW I WONDER HOW TO BE COMPETITIVE YET MAKE A PROFIT.  DO I TAKE THE COST OF ALL THE PLANTS I HAVE ON THE BID LIST AND ADD A % TO IT TO COVER THESE PLANTS PLUS THE LABOR TO PLANT THEM OR HOW IS THIS DONE?

Answer
Your GPM (gross profit margin) will be based on different markups for different types of work.  You can, as a new contractor, put 20% markup on RETAIL (not your cost) for plant and other materials.  Labor should be decided as a per hour rate that you sell at, which absorbs your costs.  For instance, if you are paying crew $20 hourly, you may charge anywhere from 35 - 50 hourly.  This should give you a starting point.