I run a lawn care business and I do charge a minimum service fee. Even if a job only takes a few minutes, there is still travel time, setup, and admin involved.
The exact minimum really depends on your industry and your costs, so the key is knowing your numbers and making sure the minimum at least covers travel, time, and overhead.
In terms of customer reactions, some people will decline when they hear there’s a minimum, and that’s okay. In my experience it’s better to be consistent and confident in your pricing rather than making exceptions that don’t make sense for the business.
I’ve also found that maintaining a minimum helps filter out jobs that would otherwise be unprofitable. It allows you to focus on work that makes sense for both the customer and the business.
