What sort of prices should I be charging?

[Octopus]

I did a small job for a new client a couple of weeks back - his normal spark was on "holiday" and semi retired ................ but now lives over 50 miles away ........... which made me wonder how much he charges...

 

[sinewove]

I did a small job for a new client a couple of weeks back - his normal spark was on "holiday" and semi retired ................ but now lives over 50 miles away ........... which made me wonder how much he charges...

Are most people on here not vat registered,because I find it can lose a lot of domestic work?
Regards,S

 

[Deleted account]

I'm not vat registered

 

[telectrix]

what's vat? only one i know is on a bottle. vat69.

 

[telectrix]

Are most people on here not vat registered,because I find it can lose a lot of domestic work?
Regards,S

is that because you're vat registered or not?

 

[suffolkspark]

Im not VAT registered, keeps me competative for the type of customers/jobs I want...

As before comes down to knowing your target audience/customer i guess

 

[dksanders]

I'm £35 per hour and not VAT registered. I used to be but it's a nightmare, just more accounting and paperwork to deal with, I'd much rather keep under the VAT threshold and have an easier life.

 

[dksanders]

Oh and if people balk at my price, I tell them to get other quotes, they'll get cheaper ones and they'll get more expensive ones, but I do a quality job and that's what I charge for it.

 

[saint]

Are these hourly rates you guy are charging x8 hrs per day x 5 days per week etc, or for smaller 2-3 hour jobs for example?

 

[Deleted account]

£45 per hour for small jobs
£225 per day rate 9 til 4 or 10 til 5

 

[dksanders]

£45 per hour for small jobs
£225 per day rate 9 til 4 or 10 til 5

Damn, no wonder I'm poor

 

[Octopus]

Damn, no wonder I'm poor

Surely that depends on where you are based and working?

 

[Deleted account]

The reason customers accept my prices are because when my phone rings I answer it there and then or phone back within 5 mins.

After that I arrange a visit that day. Even if it's a Sunday , evening or bank holiday for a no obligation quote.

Get there first and your 90% there to getting the job regardless of price.

I explain in detail the options available to them, give advice and let them come to conclusion.

Written detailed quotes are with the customer within 2 days.
If the customer needs job done quickly I will do it quickly even if it means working weekends, bank holidays or evenings.

Another big one arrive on time for appointments. I hear all the time from customers a sparky just didn't turn up and phoned later to say they where too busy.
On the rare occasion I am running late even by 10 minutes, I ring to let them know.

Customers hire the person not the price.

 

[Octopus]

^^ hit, nail and head ...

You only get 1 chance to make as first impression.

 

[dean.diy]

bloody good thread. Thank you all.

 

[Andy5678]

Is it all worth while or better being employed making 30-40k a year?

Always thought about making the move

 

[Nigel]

Is it all worth while or better being employed making 30-40k a year?

Always thought about making the move

If anyone self-employed earns less than £50-£60k then I cannot see the point.

 

[telectrix]

If anyone self-employed earns less than £50-£60k then I cannot see the point.

i am now semi-retired and make less than 10k doing small jobs mostly. state pension pays for essentials like smokes and beer. for luxuries like food and bills i need to work .

 

[suffolkspark]

More to life than work mate

 

[Nigel]

i am now semi-retired and make less than 10k doing small jobs mostly. state pension pays for essentials like smokes and beer. for luxuries like food and bills i need to work .

You would work for tins I know.