What sort of prices should I be charging?

[Kjb Electrical]

Hi all, I was wondering how much hourly rate I should be charging? I recently quoted a job only to be questioned if I was an electrician due to being too cheap.
I’m thinking of upping my rates but want to keep at an honest and fair price.

 

[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.