Left over materials from jobs

[Phil]

As we're in the Arms I just wondered what you guys do regarding buying materials for big jobs, eg do you charge for a full pack of something each job and take home the remainder or just charge for only what you've used.

I'm not talking about huge expensive items just things like timber and screws, my garage is getting full of stock that's all 'free' if you know what I mean and I suppose ultimately will be charged for again.

 

[Nostrum]

That's business!

 

[Destroyer2813]

Yeah say for instance i need 3/4 of a sheet of ply i charge for a full and keep the off cut you must know there sometimes when you only need a small section so saves buying a sheet. I normally through any left over plasterboard out as it always bends in the garage. Screws and stuff i dont buy for a particular job just carry a box full of various sizes

 

[SimonG]

Bigger jobs I'll price pipe to the nearest bundle and bags of fittings, any leftover and it helps top up my pension when doing another job.

 

[Thoggy]

I buy to the nearest bundle or sheet, if any left over just use for the next one!

 

[hammers4spanner]

Depends to be honest sometimes if i want the money i will take back for credit note so get bigger earner from the job,or if its bigger jobs where estimated £5000 worth of pipe n fittings etc thenb draw as i need and if over estimated then a bonus in my pocket . i am curious tho what you guys put on as a percentage on top for materials, i usually stick 10% on but think maybe 15% could be better.

 

[Hybrid]

I like to pick materials like tube and fittings from the supplier and have the large items delivered. I take off what I need from the van as I need it.
I had a custard count up the fittings in the box once after I had them delivered the day before a job. Sent me a bill for a handful of elbows, tees and connectors and a bit of tube when I kept them at the end of the job lol

 

[SimonG]

Depends to be honest sometimes if i want the money i will take back for credit note so get bigger earner from the job,or if its bigger jobs where estimated £5000 worth of pipe n fittings etc thenb draw as i need and if over estimated then a bonus in my pocket . i am curious tho what you guys put on as a percentage on top for materials, i usually stick 10% on but think maybe 15% could be better.

20% on everything

 

[REDSAW]

you lot are picky?.

i just do 2 for one.

you win some n loose some.........

 

[kirkgas]

10% is almost not worth adding on (ok it is haha) but by the time to use up time ordering then paying for material you need to add at least 25% to what you actually pay, or 10% to retail, whatever is most to you, remember your discount is earned because of your total volume so why should the customer benefit, and also remember that all material is guaranteed by you so your call back time etc needs to be coveted somewhere, my price is take it or leave it, I never give a breakdown of labour and material it's not their business, in the good old days before google I would price a job at " it will cost £100 for material and £100 for labour, total £200" but as the material only cost me £60 my profit was more, punter didn't mind paying 200 but would have had an issue with me earning 140, but nowadays they google everything and if I can get the material cheap that's my profit up
Was told years ago by a very successful financial manager that 25% was needed as you pay out then wait on customer paying you and you aren't a charity

 

[grahamgas]

Twenty five per cent darn sarf as well.

 

[REDSAW]

no one charge 100% then for the smaller stuff, dont mean boilers etc, just elbows etc?

 

[Phil]

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/plumbers-arms/10514-bumping-up-materials.html

John Mcginty does!

 

[peteheat]

Minimum 20% + the VAT, one line at the bottom of all estimates / quotes,

contractor removes all rubbish and excess materials leaving the work area in a clean and tidy condition.

As to a customer looking for credit on materials he saw on the job ROFL

Just send him a bill for a few items used out of the van with a thank you note for the reminder.

I don't have many terms and conditions but the first is Warranty will not apply if the account is not paid in full.

So Mr. Smart Azz now owes you money and has given you an out for any warranty / guarantee work.

 

[buckley plumb]

fittings bucket on every htg job any left are mine

 

[woodsy]

Just had something this week along the same lines - customer wanting me to break down a price for supplying and fitting a new rad with pipe work alterations and labour. Told him to do one- wouldn't mind so much but hes one of these photographers that charges about £ 500 for one picture. All frightened to death that you might make a bob or two or wanting you to work it out and supply all the information so they can have a go themselves