It’s funny you mention the Internet in that way because it’s literally why I got a smartphone in the first place. I started with HVAC and wanted the ability to look up stuff I wasn’t sure about, but hated being on call all the time and not having a schedule so I stopped doing it. As far as the attitude goes, I noticed that in my short time doing HVAC as well. I ended up being the preferred tech people would request because of how I treat people, so that could transfer pretty well.
In regards to “being greedy” how do you determine your pricing? I’ve never known how to value my time in that way. I feel like I’d be too nice and severely undercharge for everything lol
I charge 60€/hr for plumbing and 50€/hr for everything else. VAT included.
I looked at what others in similar fields are charging, but really I just pulled those numbers out of my ass. I can always adjust my prices later. I went with what felt right.
When it comes to greed, I wasn’t so much referring to the hourly rate but rather all the extra stuff people like to pile onto the invoice. If you say you charge 50€/hr but then add travel fees, starting prices, profit on supplies and all that, it tends to leave a bad taste even if it’s not that much money. It makes people feel tricked.
Sure, many of those things I could charge for, but I don’t want to. My hourly rate is set so I don’t need to sneak in additional expenses. I genuinely try to be fair and offer the kind of service I’d want to use myself but in the end I’m honestly just winging it. Self-employment doesn’t run in the family, so I have no one to model after - I’m just going off vibes.
It’s funny you mention the Internet in that way because it’s literally why I got a smartphone in the first place. I started with HVAC and wanted the ability to look up stuff I wasn’t sure about, but hated being on call all the time and not having a schedule so I stopped doing it. As far as the attitude goes, I noticed that in my short time doing HVAC as well. I ended up being the preferred tech people would request because of how I treat people, so that could transfer pretty well.
In regards to “being greedy” how do you determine your pricing? I’ve never known how to value my time in that way. I feel like I’d be too nice and severely undercharge for everything lol
I charge 60€/hr for plumbing and 50€/hr for everything else. VAT included.
I looked at what others in similar fields are charging, but really I just pulled those numbers out of my ass. I can always adjust my prices later. I went with what felt right.
When it comes to greed, I wasn’t so much referring to the hourly rate but rather all the extra stuff people like to pile onto the invoice. If you say you charge 50€/hr but then add travel fees, starting prices, profit on supplies and all that, it tends to leave a bad taste even if it’s not that much money. It makes people feel tricked.
Sure, many of those things I could charge for, but I don’t want to. My hourly rate is set so I don’t need to sneak in additional expenses. I genuinely try to be fair and offer the kind of service I’d want to use myself but in the end I’m honestly just winging it. Self-employment doesn’t run in the family, so I have no one to model after - I’m just going off vibes.
Thanks for the info! I appreciate the insight