How to price jobs properly

[batty]

So as a female sparks are you going to do the job by yourself or get help.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

post #1

its just working out the cable I have problems with...(have a tendency to under price)

post #6

I wasnt asking for you to calculate the amount of cable or price the job for me thats why I didint include the spec

post #16

I was asking for tips on calculating the amount of cable...I gave the size of the house to give an idea of the scale and an insight into why it might prove abit more difficult to estimate, then for say your average 3 bed semi.

Well that

 

[Graham Lister]

Yeehah you will never win against special location. Tbh it seemed like a jump down your throat answer that was given to you but sorry is the hardest word.

I'd like to have an argument please.

Certainly, sir. Have you been here before...?

No, this is my first time.

I see. Do you want to have the full argument, or were you thinking of taking a course?

Well, what would be the cost?

Yes, it's one pound for a five-minute argument, but only eight pounds for a course of ten.

Well, I think it's probably best if I start with the one and see how it goes from there. OK?

Fine. I'll see who's free at the moment ... Mr Manators free, but he's a little bit conciliatory ... yes, try Mr location - Room 12.

Thank you.

 

[Smilers]

You could work out the materials that you believe you need for the job then add 20% or whatever to the final amount just incase you were a bit short so you don't lose out! Whilst offering the client a possible partial refund depending on unquantifiable problems that way they will know the price isnt going any higher than X and if all goes well i might get a few quid back everyones a winner!!

But to work out your length you will need a tape measure or just your legs and pace it out! Its just a bit of unavoidable donkey work

 

[Doc Hudson]

Yeehah you will never win against special location. Tbh it seemed like a jump down your throat answer that was given to you but sorry is the hardest word.I'd like to have an argument please.

Certainly, sir. Have you been here before...?

No, this is my first time.

I see. Do you want to have the full argument, or were you thinking of taking a course?

Well, what would be the cost?

Yes, it's one pound for a five-minute argument, but only eight pounds for a course of ten.

Well, I think it's probably best if I start with the one and see how it goes from there. OK?

Fine. I'll see who's free at the moment ... Mr Manators free, but he's a little bit conciliatory ... yes, try Mr location - Room 12.

Thank you.

I will just take this opportunity to remind everyone that the forum is not about winning or coming to have arguments. Healthy debate is often contradictory with opposing opinions and many aspects of our industry are open for debate and interpretation, regulations, work practices, methods, certification and competence included. Every member is entitled to their opinions and should have the freedom to post them without receiving abusive language or name calling. Discussion at the average workplace or pub frequently involves a level of sarcasm and humor, which doesn't always come across well on forums. I am sure many of us have heard comments like 'my mom could fix cable straighter than you blindfolded.' (polite version). But as has been pointed out numerous times in the past the written word without seeing body language can easily be misinterpreted. Can all members please remember the forum is not just here as an ask and agree everything platform. Members do have and will have opposing views, if they didn't the forum would be very bland. Also it is not too difficult reading the wider forum archive to assess the overall help and contributions given by various members.

Doc H.

 

[davetheglitz]

I tends to price by operation carried out rather than by point.

Copy of the forms I use and a spreadsheet which may help - Available in our Downloads Area Here:

Totalizing Estimating sheet

Electrical Electricians Labour Estimating Sheet

Given the size of this place I would add in extra time for reeving cables and drilling joists/lifting boards. If I find I have under-priced it is because I have missed an operation of some kind.

As always - the more time you spend on a quote - the more accurate it will be. As far as possible I always give quotes - and explain the difference to the customer.

Only trouble with this approach is you don't necessarily get the job and have spent a lot of time!

Really like the tip of getting the customer to buy the materials - nice!

 

[M107]

Dave you could always put your form in the forum download section.

 

[davetheglitz]

I'll give it a go!

 

[Evans Electric]

Yeehah you will never win against special location. Tbh it seemed like a jump down your throat answer that was given to you but sorry is the hardest word.I'd like to have an argument please.

Certainly, sir. Have you been here before...?

No, this is my first time.

I see. Do you want to have the full argument, or were you thinking of taking a course?

Well, what would be the cost?

Yes, it's one pound for a five-minute argument, but only eight pounds for a course of ten.

Well, I think it's probably best if I start with the one and see how it goes from there. OK?

Fine. I'll see who's free at the moment ... Mr Manators free, but he's a little bit conciliatory ... yes, try Mr location - Room 12.

Thank you.

Mr Manator also argues in his spare time

 

[davetheglitz]

Files added in electrical downloads/miscellaneous - complete with spelling mistakes! Hope it's of use.

 

[steptoe]

Mr Manator also argues in his spare time

no he doesnt!

 

[Riggy]

Yes he does, and so do you!

 

[Evans Electric]

I've told you once !!!

 

[steptoe]

no you havent!

 

[Electroglow]

Ok after reading this post... Now I'm not drunk.... The way I see it is the following....

Now u say u under estimate, correct? Then in the experience u have gaind from under pricing does that not tech u about how much cable u will need? Say u have a ring main with sockets on a Normal domestic house ... I know that I would put 100-200 meters of cable on that cct.

Again pricing is all down to experience and what u have done in the past... I know a10 way cu will cost about 60-80 pounds and there fore I know by experience that it will cost the customer 350 pounds to change .

Not including bond ungrades ...

There is no way of pricing with our drawings just experience.

---------- Post Auto-Merged at 19:00 ---------- Previous post was made at 18:59 ----------

Based on a 3 bed house sorry

 

[ProDave]

Can the OP clarify the real size of the house, and what country it is in please.

 

[Voltimax]

Right settle down you lot or I'll have to start kicking backsides!

ROTFWL

---------- Post Auto-Merged at 17:06 ---------- Previous post was made at 17:02 ----------

There is no real right way to price a job. The materials aspect of things is easy, but labour is the gamble. At the end of the day you're giving your best "Guess" and to arrive at that guess you use the most important tool of all...experience.