Install only charges – looking for advice, please?

[David Rogers]

I do hourly / daily rates but you’ve kinda got to give an indication of what you’ll charge.

I don’t do any quotes for sub-fitting without the FULL story. What, where, when. Pictures of the site…blah, blah.

Learnt long ago to never go in blind…or to scare them off with over estimating.

This is always rewarded back to the client with a full installation report including photos during, tape measures showing measurements, snagging reports and solutions…basically, it’s like they are standing watching me.

Sure I might seem like a pain in the azz when requesting the up front info – or calling mid job to say…"half of it’s missing, do you want to send out, or I can make it here"…happens more often that I care.

Dave

[Bob Scullion]

Cheers Dave

I find myself in a similar situation, all common sense really but just wondered if there was such a thing as Industry standard rate between trade so to speak, ie, £10 per metre depending on blah blah blah.

Thanks again for the prompt reply

Bob

[Martin Pearson]

Similar to Dave in that I wouldn’t quote a job without more info about what was involved, your 50 mtrs of dots could go anywhere, one per window on the outside at 300ft high lol. If it’s a company you haven’t dealt with before asking a few questions often helps reassure them that you know what your doing as well.
I tended not to quote an hourly rate though, Daily rate with a half day minimum.
Use to do quite a bit of this for Companies down south, worked with a few Different companies but generally first thing was that I was asked to do a site survey, makes it a lot easier to quote the fitting when you have already done a site survey for them.

[Chris Windebank]

Hi Bob, I work in London fitting manifestation most weeks.

My initial charge is 70.00 before I start. That covers me for parking 35.00, congestion charge, 10.00, fuel 10.00
Total 55.00 but as I have to wait 30 days and make a profit that’s where the 70.00 come in.

Per metre of manifestation I charge anything between 25 and 45.00 per metre depending on the size of the job.

As for travelling I am just over an hour outside of town so 35.00 each way.

The rest is down to how long you think a job takes. By the time you have parked, got in, cleared security, applied a few meters you can waste most of the day.

Always go in high if working in town as its easier to come down in price than to go up.

[Iain Pearson]

Hi Bob
It depends where "down south" you mean.
Most of my work is london based.
I charge a day rate with additions of congestion charge @ £10.50 , mileage @£0.40 per mile and any relevant parking charges.
Going in too high is the wrong way as there are far too many freelance crews based in and around London that will undercut you.
Be sensible with your prices, but NEVER give a quote as a quote is an agreement, and trust, a client will hold you too it,your far better to give an ESTIMATE, as this way it allows for prices etc to be adjusted as per the install.
There is always room to negotiate on prices, don’t price yourself out the game, but on the same token, don’t sell yourself short.
It’s always wise to be supplied with site survey pictures etc before you even consider the job.
Look at it logically, if your 300 miles from home and something goes wrong, then your in trouble.
I’m happy to help if you need anything fitting or any further advice

Regards

[David Rogers]

Oh, yeh. If you are not on regular terms with them do it pro-forma invoice. Get the money up front.

Only stung once on a sub-fitting and that was enough. Now it’s be confident, simply state that as a non-account holder you will require advance payment. Credit terms can be negotiated on subsequent jobs. Think big, talk big and even the largest of companies tow the line. If they don’t want to pay – they don’t trust you…move on, it’s just the start of a bad relationship!

So far – everybody, except my regulars has paid up front for sub-fittings by me…no problems…and once I’m paid I’m significantly more motivated to push their job through & give outstanding service.

[Chris Windebank]

have to say of all the work I do in London, new client or old they want a firm price beforehand, so like I said go higher if this is the case.

[Unknown Member]

I have a set day rate of £500.00 night rate unsocial hours £650.00