Quote for a tiny job

WarwickApp · Aug 11, 2021

Hi guys. A woman who lives about a mile away has asked me to change two outside lights. One being a floodlight with built in PIR, the other just a stainless lantern. Both have existing wiring in place which is all fine. For the floodlight I need to provide a rotational bracket (cost me about £10) and the customer is providing the light fittings. I don’t want to rip the lady off, but at the same time I want it to be worth my while going to do the work. What would you guys be charging? I’m expecting it to be a 30 min job on my way home.

cheers

buzzlightyear · Aug 12, 2021

[ElectriciansForums.net] Quote for a tiny job

This guy will get you out of a tight spot. Lol.

Zerax · Aug 12, 2021

buzzlightyear said:
This guy will get you out of a tight spot. Lol.

Nah... tried him before... he's a right clown !

Markyd · Aug 12, 2021

All that matters is what you are happy with

Intoelectrics · Aug 13, 2021

I've had the old chestnut of "its just a couple of lights to swap" before and ended up caught out. On the other hand I have done small jobs for folks that turned out to be so simple it left me feeling like I was ripping the customer off. I've had the ones that are happy to pay the price, keep you fed and watered on tea and biscuits and even slipped a few extra quid on top. Then those that "can you just... while you are here" and/or expect the earth for their payment.
I think things balance out eventually, especially if you remember, this is your business and its what you do to earn a living. When you sit down and consider all your outgoings you soon realise that if you are not careful you can end up a busy fool.
If its a straight forward job and likely to bring you repeat custom then just charge what you feel is a fair price. In that, fair to you and your customer!

happysteve · Aug 13, 2021

"£40, assuming it takes less than an hour and I don't need any materials. I'll need to check there's an earth before I start."

If it really is a 10-15 min job, and less than 5-10 mins away, and no materials other than a couple of screws/wall plugs, and the customer has been courteous / kind, I might well just charge £20... but I'd never give them this figure in advance.

Dustydazzler · Aug 13, 2021

Crickey 20-30 quid , are we running a charity now ?

Standard call out now for the first hour / part hour £67.50

Wet pants in my area are billing people £150 just to tighten a nut on a leaky pipe

LukeD · Aug 13, 2021

No job earns less than a call out charge

FatAlan · Aug 13, 2021

At least an hour rate per fitting plus materials inc testing.

HappyHippyDad · Aug 14, 2021

I think I'd assume 2 hours (and it would probably take 1.5 hours, from the time you arrive at the house and remove all of your tools until they are all packed away again) and quote £112. £100 labour, £10 for that bracket and £2 sundries (rawl plugs, screws etc)

Dave OCD · Aug 14, 2021

I recently estimated £30 to change a lounge light fitting 'on my way home' for someone I've known for years only to get told that was too expensive ! It actually made me feel quite offended, when this person has an urgent problem in the future it won't be me getting them out of the s###. ?