Your too expensive.....

[scotty plumber]

Just been asked to change over a washing machine new tap required for cold, cap off hot water, remove old machine across lino floor, unpackage new machine etc etc.

Does the stopcock work? Don't know
Are you on a water meter? no
Combi boiler? No, why does this matter.

I explain the problems with valves in airing cupboards to turn off hot supply so you can cap it off properly. May need to drain tank down to do it properly.

(job is already not as easy as you'd think)

I said it'll be a max of 2 hours, (we all know different if you have to drain down tank and get an airlock, prepared to take the loss if there longer)

Give price, HOW MUCH?

I asked 'do you smoke' yes,
how much is a packet of ****?
Do you go down the pub?
Yes, how much do you spend per night.
Pay as you go mobile? how much do you put on it each week?

Do you think 2 hours is expensive now?

The answer I got is 'I'll speak to my husband'

I answer 'you do that, my washing machine works'

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't rude but you can make your point with a little bit of sarcasm and providing you laugh as your saying it you'll get away with it.

MUPPETS, I am hoping the husband does it cocks it up and has to call, it'll be more than 2 hours labour then........

Alway's best capping end of h/w valve with 3/4 female just incase there is ever an airlock alway's handy

 

[WaterTight]

Someone phoned me up yesterday and said they had a small quick job. Alarm bells begin with that phrase alone. It usually translates as "I want it cheap." A radiator doesn't get hot. They don't know if it ever has. I said I'd start by checking if the valves work but it could become a longer investigative process. How much would the first part cost? A minimum of £40. Could be more. I got a response like I'd said £500. What precisely do these people expect? Most people it seems are capable simultaneuosly believing plumbers earn 50k a year and also that they charge a tenner to come and fix something.

 

[fuzzy]

we charge for knowledge and skills not just labour

 

[Resolute]

we charge for knowledge and skills not just labour

That's me buggered then!

 

[rocketmanbkk]

Good posts, going to look at a job later, the chap said to me last night, it will only take you 2 hours!!! I said, if it's that easy why don't you do it!!! but again trying to get a cheaper price before he's even let me around to look! Also, more work to come, yeah, right! Makes me smile but as I am not plumbing ful time I can aford smile as at this time I have a fullt time job but when I am plumbing full time I am sure my smile will turn into a scowl.

Best wishes all.

Rocket

 

[SimonG]

Good posts, going to look at a job later, the chap said to me last night, it will only take you 2 hours!!! I said, if it's that easy why don't you do it!!! but again trying to get a cheaper price before he's even let me around to look! Also, more work to come, yeah, right! Makes me smile but as I am not plumbing ful time I can aford smile as at this time I have a fullt time job but when I am plumbing full time I am sure my smile will turn into a scowl.

Best wishes all.

Rocket

Backs up straight away when I hear "small job for you to look at, won't take you long" also with the "I've got a lot more work to come". A jobs a job and is priced accordingly, if they think I'm too expensive then they can foxtrot oscar and find somebody else. It's the same with "well how much for cash", well it's actually more because the bank charges me more for paying in cash than it does for a cheque!

I might sound a twisty sod, but I do enjoy my work and do smile............99% of the time.

 

[Gordon T]

Got to agree with SimonG. If they ask `How much for cash?` I say the price Ive quoted is for cash. Any other form of payment is plus £20. I also do free on site estimates. The look on their faces when you ask for £40 for a written one is priceless. The old chestnut `It will only take you about 10 minutes` gets replied to with `If thats the case, I have quite a few jobs like that you can do for me then.` Never fails to shut them up.

 

[fuzzy]

That's me buggered then!

its why im cheap!

 

[RPG 80]

Back in the 90's my old man used to do bits and pieces for a guy called Mario, who had a chippy and a couple of house's. I didnt matter what the job was or the cost Mario would always haggle £10 of the final price. After the first time my dad would add £20 to the cost to compensate for Mario the captain of industry, chopper.

 

[midge]

Trying to get a lower price is a sign of the times. Or maybe everyone here just pays their insurance renewal quote without looking around?

General public think we are the same. Just price correctly and stand by it.

 

[Gordon T]

I do and I never budge. EVER.

 

[secret squirrel]

I always do a free estimate BUT if it is for insurance then I'll charge for it, if I'm questioned along the line but you state its a free estimate I say yes, a verbal estitmate is free otherwise you pay.

My theory is this with insurance work they have to get 3 estimates, they'll probably do the work themselves or they know the tradesman who they want to do it.

I do explain that if my estimate is successful then I will take off the cost of the estimate.

I always get 'you'll get the job, you've been recommended blah blah blah'

I explain in that case you won't mind paying then, just to cover the time.