day rate versus how many days to charge?

[PEM]

I've read a lot if posts re day rates etc but few on how many days the average sparks charges for different jobs.

So here is my example:-

1. Hot tub install, 35m 10mm SWA into usual IP66 boxes, 4 gland connections, kill button, lighting circuit etc. SWA will be surface mounted on brick walls.

2.Seperate external lighting circuit run in 20mm plastic conduit etc.

3. Install 2x 6ft double fluorescent light in garage garage cu with RCD's etc in place.

Total materials excluding lights at trade comes to just under £400.00.

I'm charging 2 days labour at £135.00.

Location is Suffolk.

Too cheap or what?

Your views?

PEM

 

[bugsy]

Have not read all the posts but if your charging £ 135 a day you'll be in Tesco's stacking rice crispies next year


that £135 has to pay your trade membership fees, your van ( replace every three years ) van insurance, tools , public liability , etc (dont worry about tax - at your rate you wont pay any )
going rate ( london - £ 350.) plus expenses

 

[Octopus]

If you say you can get £160 per day why don't you charge £160??

Being self employed costs about £125 per week so do the sums and you say the foreigners undercut you - well, as YOUR reputation grows people will just want a reliable, quality spark so charge accordingly.

 

[dannyc]

I would just like to see while on subject if anyone charges by the hour? All my gardener mates do but I always go with a day rate. Wonder what's best?

 

[bugsy]

£ 35.00 per hour

 

[Octopus]

I would just like to see while on subject if anyone charges by the hour? All my gardener mates do but I always go with a day rate. Wonder what's best?

So you charge a whole day for changing a light fitting?

 

[dan86]

Depends on what kinda job it is obviously. On the kinda job the OP described, i'd just add up in my head how long it will take and give a price overall. So I suppose technically that's a day rate based on two days+materials.
Smaller job, clearly by the hour would be best.

 

[dannyc]

I meant if it is a day job I price for a day 8am til 5ish if I work til 7-8pm that's my tough luck where they would add an extra 40 quid because there hourly.

 

[dan86]

I meant if it is a day job I price for a day 8am til 5ish if I work til 7-8pm that's my tough luck where they would add an extra 40 quid because there hourly.

slighty lost. If it's a day job, 8-5, and you charge them a days rate (whatever that is for you), why would you then work extra if you wouldn't get paid for it? If you get to the end of the day and there is still a couple of hours work to be done, just tell the customer you will charge hourly to complete.

 

[kingeri]

I sometimes charge by the hour and sometimes by the day and sometimes for the whole job. I usually get it more or less right. It tends to be based on the type and complexity of the job. I remember in my early years screwing up more than once and actually ending up working for nothing til 11pm to get a job finished. Never again!

 

[dan86]

I sometimes charge by the hour and sometimes by the day and sometimes for the whole job. I usually get it more or less right. It tends to be based on the type and complexity of the job.

same for most of us i'd think