How Should Tradespeople Price a Job?
Price by cost, not by feel. A proper price covers materials, labour, travel, and the hours spent quoting and chasing payment. Guessing a number that "feels fair" is how many tradespeople end up working for less than minimum wage on some jobs.
What Costs Do Tradespeople Often Forget to Include?
Fuel, insurance, tool wear, and the extra trip to get a part you forgot rarely make it onto the invoice, but they all come out of your pocket. Track every cost for a month and you'll see where your real margin sits.
Why Should You Charge for Expertise, Not Just Time?
A customer isn't paying for the hour it takes to fix the problem. They're paying for the years it took you to know what the problem was in the first place. Build that into your price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a tradesperson charge per hour in the UK?
It depends on trade, region, and experience, but your rate needs to cover more than your time on site. Add materials, travel, insurance, and admin time before you land on a number.
Should I charge more for emergency callouts?
Yes. Emergency and out-of-hours work disrupts your schedule and your life, so it should carry a premium, typically 25 to 50 percent above your standard rate.
How do I raise prices with existing customers?
Give notice, keep it simple, and tie it to real cost increases like fuel, materials, and insurance. Most customers accept a fair increase if you're upfront about it.