1. Build a complete cost floor
Include allocated materials, consumables, burdened install and takedown labor, vehicle/equipment, service-call expectations, selling time, and overhead. If the business pays it to deliver the job, decide where it belongs.
2. Price repeatable units
Use a price book for units that repeat: roofline foot, tree strand, wreath/piece, labor hour, and custom work. Review actual production time frequently during the short season.
3. Make job conditions explicit
Apply height, difficulty, and waste as documented adjustments. This prevents an easy single-story line from quietly carrying the rate required for a difficult three-story peak—or the difficult job from being underpriced.
4. Choose margin, not just markup
Gross margin is profit divided by selling price. Markup is profit divided by cost. To find selling price from a target margin, divide cost by one minus the target margin rate.
5. Handle tax and deposit deliberately
Confirm the locally correct taxable base and rate. A deposit helps define the upfront amount but is not revenue by itself and does not replace clear cancellation or refund terms.