Pricing
In a nutshell:
Pricing depends on what, where, and when.
For eligible jobs, the more work you have in a row, the better the price.
Quoted jobs are estimated high, the final total payable may be less.
Need to pay it off over time? Ask first.
"Can you do it cheaper?"
Not a question I like being asked.
I've usually found these sorts of people come across as most entitled, wanting stuff for nothing. Here's some statistics from others out there.
I have worked out my pricing using spreadsheets which factor in market wage rates and basic operating costs.
You can bring your own parts if you wish, but if they fail, standard rates apply to replace them.
I can't do it cheaper, but I can offer flexible payment options.
Pricing depends on what, where, and when.
For eligible jobs, the more work you have in a row, the better the price.
Quoted jobs are estimated high, the final total payable may be less.
Need to pay it off over time? Ask first.
"Can you do it cheaper?"
Not a question I like being asked.
I've usually found these sorts of people come across as most entitled, wanting stuff for nothing. Here's some statistics from others out there.
I have worked out my pricing using spreadsheets which factor in market wage rates and basic operating costs.
You can bring your own parts if you wish, but if they fail, standard rates apply to replace them.
I can't do it cheaper, but I can offer flexible payment options.
If money is a problem, ask me about payment plan options before works proceed.
For those who still wish to complain about pricing, go elsewhere.
Transparency in pricing (How rates are determined):
Employers usually pay their full time workers about $50/h.
It seems to me they offer full time work but then dismiss the workers when the work runs out, which is dishonest. That's another topic for another day.
I made spreadsheets which calculate the charge out hourly rate when factoring in employee leave entitlements and core business licensing overhead costs.
Employee leave entitlements adds about 10% to the base hourly rate.
Core business licensing overhead costs adds 2% to the base hourly rate.
Simple Workcover calculations are based on 18% of the base rate (Source, Page 13)
Base rate $50/h + Workcover equivalent $9/h + Casual loading $5/h + Contractor licensing obligations $1/h = $65/h
A wider range of services means more licensing obligations.
That's where I get the $70/h from - if you regularly have a full day's worth of work.
Travel costs work out to be about $0.80 - $1.20/Km, depending on travel efficiency.
These rates may increase as the dollar continues to devalue.
I've also invested a lot of money behind the scenes to help bring you the best.
A contractor isn't guaranteed 8 hours of work a day and therein lies the problem - the shortfall needs to be factored in to the hourly rate. Sometimes there's too many rainy days, which delay jobs that involve outdoor work. Some jobs carry a high warranty risk.
At 50% billable hours, the hourly rate works out to be $140/h, hence it wouldn't be unreasonable to call for at least $140 plus parts for a short visit.
Parts and warranty:
I do put a markup on parts. This also means there's no cost to you if they fail.
For electrical, where possible, I prefer the Voltex brand. They have good lab testing and an efficient supply chain, ensuring value for money. Their warranty also means you can ring them up even if I'm unable to get there in a timely manner, and you can still claim warranty through them.
You can bring your own parts. But if they fail or they're the wrong parts, additional costs are payable.
Service limitations in summer:
Summer is the least preferable time of year for me to be performing some types of work.
Services remain available, but availability and pricing may be impacted.
Work in the roof space can only be safely carried out on a rainy day.
Air conditioner installations and meter box upgrades can only be carried out on dry days.
For best pricing, it is best to have your needs attended to in the cooler months, especially when it comes to work in the roof space.