Pricing is where most new Christmas light companies leave money on the table. Quote too low and you work all season for nothing; too high and you lose the job. Here is a framework that holds up on every house.
Start with your three costs
Every quote has to cover three things before it earns you a dollar:
- Materials — bulbs, cords, clips, stakes, timers. Track your real cost per linear foot.
- Labor — crew hours to install and take down. Don't forget the takedown; it's half the season.
- Overhead — truck, ladders, insurance, software, gas. Spread it across your expected jobs.
Add those up, then add your profit margin on top — 30–50% is normal in this trade.
Price by the foot, then adjust
The fastest quoting method is a per-foot rate for roofline, with add-ons for trees, wraps, and stakes. Then adjust for the two things that actually drive your labor: height and difficulty. A steep two-story with dormers takes far longer than a ranch, even at the same footage.
Charge for the takedown up front
Bundle install and removal into one seasonal price. It keeps your cash flow healthy and guarantees you're paid for the January work when you're doing it in November.
Don't compete on price
There's always someone cheaper. Compete on reliability, clean work, and showing up on time — and price for the business you actually want to run. A quote that's a little higher but clearly professional wins more often than you'd think.
Once you've priced a few dozen homes, patterns emerge and quoting gets fast. Save your numbers so next season starts where this one left off.