Hey Markus, I know this post was from a year ago. I am wondering how you have walked things out?
I am also a newer Company going into my third year of business in the Niagara Region. I have done a little bit of everything to start out even with subcontracting myself out to other plumbing companies in my area to get things going. Things have now slowly slid more into a rhythm of renovation and service work. At some point I am hoping that I will be able to slide into straight service work. I like the challenge of dealing with the issue straight on and customer relationship aspect and the added bonus of being paid upon completion is a bonus.
One thing that I have found is that having a Diagnostic call fee people are okay with. I have it set as $119.99+HST that covers the first 1/2hour. If we are able to do the work same day we will waive the fee. I find it weeds out the people shopping around. Like you mentioned in our trade there are too many variables when some one says I have a kitchen sink that is leaking. I have found that upfront flat rate pricing and being able to start same day is my biggest factor of securing jobs. I’m in booked, completed the job, and paid before most guys even think about calling back or answering the phone. Finding that little thing has helped me find an area that is lacking in our industry, everyone wants the clean new builds around me and most of the plumbers don’t like taking the time to deal with the home owner.
As for building prices, what I do is build a few different options. Toilet for example I will have Customer supplied new install, Beacon Plumbing Services supplied WC new install, Customer supplied WC swap, Beacon Plumbing Services supplied WC swap, and then have your extra items that you may come across as add ons. Ie repair flange, new shutoff. Then being up front with the customer about during the swap the flange may need to be repaired that would be an extra and if the shut off needs to be replaced/repaired that is another additional cost. Once those problems arise going back to the customer and letting them know right away and having them sign off on the additional work. I was told to start with you 10 most common calls and build a price around those items, and as other ones come up then to build options off of those for future ease. Makes the task less daunting, at least to me.
Hopefully there is something in here that helps you out. I would love to hear if you have figured out how to walk things out in your area?
Regards,
Joshua
Beacon Plumbing Services
Niagara on the lake, ON
