Many service owners quote by the job and use an hourly rate to build that price. ProfitDrawer's price per job calculator starts from hours x the hourly pay you want, adds materials, travel and overhead, then a margin. Flat prices suit repeatable work, such as a $140 recurring clean in our cleaning guide's example. Hourly suits small odd jobs or work you cannot predict. Example numbers only.
By the job (flat rate)
- Customers know the price up front, which is why flat rates are popular with homeowners.
- You keep the gain if you get faster.
- Risk: if a job runs long, you absorb it, so time real jobs before you set flat prices.
By the hour
- Fits small odd jobs and work where the time is hard to predict.
- Protects you on jobs that grow.
- Customers may worry about the final bill, so give an estimate range.
Mixed methods are common. In our landscaping guide, maintenance is a flat price per visit, installs are priced per job (labor plus materials with a markup) and small odd jobs are hourly. Our box truck guide prices local moves by the hour plus mileage, for example 3 hours at $95 plus 30 miles at $1.50 = $330.
Whichever you choose, price it from your real costs and compare with local rates. Example numbers only, not market rates.
Source: Price Per Job Calculator for Service Businesses · Updated
Tools and spreadsheets for this
Related questions
All questions on ProfitDrawer Answers →
General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.