Daily rates for tradesmen

davethedecorator

i always do a job rate, if I am on a job and get a call about other work or supplier or anything else to do with the business i might have to spend half an hour in the van sorting it, or if i am having a particular bad one with a corner that well, just isn't a corner!! (other decorators will know) then a 10 minute time out is required or the whole job could go to pot, the customer wouldn't be happy with me sitting in the van if i were on day or hourly rate, job rate always agreed prior and never added to as long as there is no additional work of course. never understood hourly or day rates (on the smaller jobs anyway) as if i get it done sooner i am on a bonus and if it takes longer the customer isn't in for a shock, everyones happy that way. An experienced tradesman will know to the hour how long it will take and should be able to price accordingly

Katykat

Dave, thats exactly my point, you've hit it on the head. McNeff, i understand what you mean, and I would be happy if the job was quoted at £450, as long as it didn't end up at £600 because the tiler spent time away from the job and then took longer than originally quoted. I'm definately going with a job quote, not daily or hourly quote. Thanks all

ormus

always insist on a job quote and not a day rate.
try and find another tiler.

or ask him exactly what hours he works for the day rate?
tell him you will assume that any short days will be pro rata.

day rates are not often/never used for domestic customers.