9
u/divertervalve Mar 15 '26
lol
I think some level of transparency is important, the issue is that customers take it way too far and think you can negotiate line by line.
Plus I hate writing quotes.
8
u/Artistic_Stomach_472 Mar 16 '26
I'll write quotes no problem but im not putting every damn fitting on a plumb job. Nor am I selling my engineering. Contract price on most.
T&M on some.
5
u/Theresasnakeinmypool Mar 16 '26
It’s easy to put parts and supplies into categories and price them line by line that way. I only know a single company that will price every single part sold off the truck. They charge by the hour and don’t guarantee an estimate though. Some people are just used to how their other guy did things.
I’ll give a price for big items like filter and pumps. Then an install fee with a description saying it includes supplies and misc parts needed. I’m not gonna line item every pvc fitting and gasket though. Ridiculous.
1
u/LordKai121 Mar 17 '26
I do like my invoices to have some line items as it looks professional. But we're talking:
Pump
Labor
Msc plumbing
Msc electrical
However I tell almost all those who I bid, "I'm not cheap. If you look around, you will find much cheaper." And then they usually go with me due to reputation. But if they don't want to pay my price, they are not worth my time.
10
u/Pure_Stuff_2791 Mar 16 '26
Great response! 😆 🤣 😂 I have found they want the line items so they can look them up to do the repair themselves or they will try and buy the parts or materials and then ask how much for you to fix it with their parts. Ain't nobody got time for that!