Multiple State Chain Contracts.. Advice?

I was just invited to bid on a multi-state contract for a chain store its 696 locations across two states with an average location size of 50-60 stalls, 3 handicaps, and a small amount of curb at the front doors. This is the second type of contract like this I have been contacted about this year with the other being a National hotel chain. I'm still a small company and have only operated locally so I don't have any experience with this type of contract. I was hoping maybe some of you that have had these type of jobs in the past could offer up any advice as to what to look out for what the biggest hurdles might be and how the pricing usually goes on this type of thing.

Obviously I would have to add another crew to concentrate on this contract as well as have some subs working at some of the locations. I guess I'm just curious as to what positive or negative experiences others to done this exact thing have run into in dealing with subs and what not

if possible id stay away from the one price fits all trap most of these are seeking.

Any time you get into travel you get into more expense, you need enough money in it to make it worth doing. Adding another crew or subcontractors also adds possible issues you may not want to deal with.

Yeah its an all or none thing.. Im trying to come with averages for the travel time, time on each site, etc... I guess you have to take your best shot, make sure you're covered and hope the closer and smaller locations make up for some of the ones that are further away or have a little more work involved.. Its mostly in my state with the furthest being maybe six hours. But with stops on the way out and back Seems that efficiency in mapping it out would be the most important thing. I'll make sure im covered and bid it for what i feel comfortable with.. . Its one of those if i get it, i get it, and if i don't, i don't, type of things i guess. Would still like to hear everyones advice though

this summer i was able to negotiate a deal with a gas station chain. I charged my mileage fee and a per foot fee for the striping. I planned out my day to hit between 6-9 stores all within driving distance. I was able to make it home every night even though some days were long. I did 53 stores in a short amount of time. Not sure if you have to have a one price for all with mileage included, that would be tough. This deal for me worked great.

I think the only business with that many locations operating in Canada would be Tim Hortons

Have you thought of giving them an itemized estimate i.e. price per foot, per stencil, per handicap? A cost per mile and a per diem? This would give you the right amount to charge for each location. Can you move about freely or will you have to do only the one's they release to you?

I would price it out so the farthest one made you money the rest then couldn't loose. That is if they are all approx. the same layout.