charging for jobs

[gassafe]

Thanks for all the useful feedback. Trust me I'm not at all cocky. I know this post appears that way but I also know this is the place you can throw these questions out and get some sensible answers. No I'm definately not cocky....a bit ambitious maybe but its either that or carry on working a rubbish job forever and earn not much and never take an ounce of pride in my work. Thanks again guys

Just cuz you work for someone else, does not mean you cant take pride in your work!!! The people you work for with your employer may be one of your own customers one day! Thats not likely tho if you dont take pride in your work.

 

[Kyle87]

So you're going to hoover up all the work we can't be bothered to chase and set the plumbing world alight but only after we've told you how much we charge? That's a classic lolGood luck.

Ha ha not at all matey. I'm just trying to build a picture for myself. I'm not trying to ask how much you earn, just how to break down the process of how to charge customers without being too greedy or too generous. and as for my rant, I've just had enough of people trying to put me down before I've even started a career. The worlds always going to be a tough place, I don't need pesimists to tell me that. I'm not going to lose sight of my goals but I'm not naïve either.

 

[desrob]

i'm not getting involved...

 

[andrewcplatt]

You need to add another 48% on top.Plumbers need to make money

 

[Kyle87]

Just cuz you work for someone else, does not mean you cant take pride in your work!!! The people you work for with your employer may be one of your own customers one day! Thats not likely tho if you dont take pride in your work.

Your dead right mate. I'm a supervisor in retail at the minute and its killing me slowly, but it is a job and for the time being its just about paying the bills but its not what I want to do. And as for the potential customers, I've already got a few lined up from my current work. I give a very good level of customer service and it does pay off. I'd just rather be giving that level of customer service as a plumber

 

[jtsplumbing]

When you get into Plumbing you will just be paying the bills too, Building trade is at rock bottom, if you have got a steddy job, with long term employment, pension ect you would be better off sticking to it, forget working for your self, within the next 10 years the small Co will be squeezed out ,with costs and paperwork, the days of the sole trader are numberd, Glad ill be out of it soon !! But best of luck youll need it,

 

[Kyle87]

When you get into Plumbing you will just be paying the bills too, Building trade is at rock bottom, if you have got a steddy job, with long term employment, pension ect you would be better off sticking to it, forget working for your self, within the next 10 years the small Co will be squeezed out ,with costs and paperwork, the days of the sole trader are numberd, Glad ill be out of it soon !! But best of luck youll need it,

Thanks, I know I may need the luck to get off the ground. My job is not very secure at all mate, find me a job that is

 

[andyplumber]

Hi, i know of a plumber who was asked by a independant builder for a price to fit the loo in a house, he quoted £120, he gave it to another guy who charged him £50. The £50 made a few quid and the builder is happy and the plumber is now his regular "go-to" bloke for fast turnaround work. Price your jobs appropriate to your customer

 

[REDSAW]

sorry, my saddles broke/..

 

[CES]

When you get into Plumbing you will just be paying the bills too, Building trade is at rock bottom, if you have got a steddy job, with long term employment, pension ect you would be better off sticking to it, forget working for your self, within the next 10 years the small Co will be squeezed out ,with costs and paperwork, the days of the sole trader are numberd, Glad ill be out of it soon !! But best of luck youll need it,

Geez... make my day mate eh?

 

[Dannypipe]

Its funny, we're all so secretive about our hourly rates etc. If you want mine, all you need to do is call me and I have to tell you it!!

For anyone who's bothered, it's £50 for the first hour (regardless of whether I'm there 5 minutes or 60). Its then £25 per half hour. I charge more for the initial hour if there is considerable travel involved (Kent and Sussex is a big area).

I charge by the hour for smaller jobs. I'm not the fastest plumber in the world. I hate rushing. I would rather ensure the job gets done to my standards....which I think are high. I never take the pee out of some one. I won't charge Mrs Smith for the chat and cup of tea I had with her. I'll charge just for the time I was actually on the tools.

I do charge more for out of hours. I will get out of bed at 2am and come and fix your burst pipe, but I want extra money for that. I don't think that's unreasonable.

I don't charge for quotes. Which is a shame as I spend a lot of time on a quote. Ensuring I haven't missed anything, so there are no nasty suprises. I do charge for reports though. Which I do about 5 or 6 of a year for landlords and perspective buyers.

If I charged less, would I get more work. Maybe. But I'm not making fortunes. I put back so much of the money into training, insurance, tools, equipment. My ethos is to be a really reliable and competant tradesman that people can trust. That way they'll choose you over joe soap who may be a tenner cheaper but who's in it for the pay cheque not for the long term. It helps that I enjoy plumbing and aren't one of those misery guts who makes out like he's doing you a big favour by turning up.

 

[WaterTight]

Your figures are only for jobbing work I'm presuming Danny?

I imagine you've got a cheaper day rate.

 

[Dorset Plumber]

I think the local plumbers who live next to this guy are in for some extra work.
So i guess its a good thing...

 

[Dannypipe]

Your figures are only for jobbing work I'm presuming Danny?

I imagine you've got a cheaper day rate.

Yes, I have a cheaper day rate of £200 a day.

 

[Dannypipe]

I think the local plumbers who live next to this guy are in for some extra work.
So i guess its a good thing...

If that is in reference to me, then I can assure you the local plumbers (gas or oil qualified) are all charging the same amount of money or if they're part of a local small firm they are going to be charging much more. I have two mates working for different firms (both employing around 8 men) and they charge £85 per hour.


I don't think it's unreasonable at all. If I put my van in a gargage the mechanics will want around £50 an hour, and they only have to train once. I'm not going to say any more in defense of my rates. I'm plenty busy with lots of repeat business and referrals, so I don't have to.