How to price a job that is outside your normal working area?

Question

I have made myself a set price list for work within the 35KM where I like to work, but often get calls outside that area. I have been going and doing the work at the same price I quote for calls within my area and wonder if that is hurting me? The idea was to have people discuss what price I gave them with family and friends in different locations and recommend me, but at what point does that price become unprofitable?
Should I raise all my prices so customers feel I am not adding a travel surcharge?
Should I be upfront and let them know my location and if they want me to come, I will have to add a travel charge? Should I refuse work outside my area?&nbsp;Refuse&nbsp;is such a bad word right!

brandensewell · Answer

The way that I approach this is that I just include more time for me to do the job which is obviously incorporated into the price. For example...if I think the job is going to take 3 days in our home town, but this job is 30 minutes to an hour away I just add a day or two onto the job for travel. I wouldn't sell it as a travel charge; however, it's just your price to get the job done. No need to explain to the customer why it's more expensive. Now, I am a painting contractor and we do one off jobs. You are a pest control company I am assuming so you might have a subscription model business. In that case, I would maybe charge the same amount but try to hire someone to work in those areas rather than having large areas covered by one person. Hope that makes sense and helps.&nbsp;

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How to price a job that is outside your normal working area?

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