I don't appreciate someone calling me/us "greedy." He crossed the line and deserved what he got! It's one thing to disagree - It's another to come in here and insult us for trying to make a honest living. I'm sure he doesn't work cheap, so why should we? I guess he's "greedy"too huh? This guy obviously has never pw'd once in his life so how can he understand what it's worth. One thing that boils my blood instantly is an extreemly ignorant statement like "you're greedy" or "you make too much money" or you are not worth THAT." A close second is when people get all P.C. and stick up for people like this. From what I gather, this guy is looking for a lowballer to reccamend to people. I don't care if someone sees my post. I'm just a succesful contractor sticking up for myself. I don't think what I posted was rude at all. I think what he posted was very rude and offensive. Funny how you are not chastising him. That's the way the world is now, people can be rotton to someone but they can't be called on the carpet for it.

Wtg Mpw!!!

R & R Power Wash
185 CR 3340
Joaquin, Tx, 75954
(936)269-9021
randyd1@valornet.com

Thanks Cody. We are new to this business and your article was very informative. Do you have nay recommendation on a cleaner for removing OIL and or GREASE from concrete driveways?

DR 60 works the best - removes 95% - 100% of the oil and the stain.

So what should I charge for a ....just kidding. Very good info, ta think people pay $50.00 for stuff like that in books.
Thanks for taking the time.
p.s. everything I look at is orange now.

Thanks Cody for the time and effort, much appreciated as costing can be a black art sometimes.
I've been working part time for 2 years now and have tried all sorts of "systems" but have never gone to such detail, generally I itemise the job and then use GGF (General Gut Feeling) based on other jobs (and the location/client type).
My big tips for you all are:
1. pay yourself well - you'll do a better job if you don't have to rush;
2. explain to the client what else you can do - I've found that many clients don't realize that their problem can actually be solved, and would prefer to deal with just one person;
3. provide solutions, don't just provide "take it or leave it" services - customers want results! and don't care what technique you use, so be flexible and do what needs to be done. I recently got a job cleaning a shop front because I said I would have to hand wash with a brush (especially around the neon signs), when the other company only did pressure washing.
4. when working out your pay rate allow for admin time and other non chargable time (quotes, maintenance etc) as well as holidays, sick leave, savings/superannuation. If I was working 40 hours/week I would only charge out 30 hours. If I have 4 weeks holiday, 10 days public holidays, 5 days sick then I have 45 weeks at 30hours/week to earn what a wage/salary earner would have 52 weeks at 40 hours/week to earn. If I think I'm worth $60,000/year, earned over 1350 hours (45 x 30), I need to pay myself $44.44/hour. On top of this is business expenses: fixed - lease payments, insurance, advertising contracts etc. and variable/job specific - fuel, chemical, hire of special equip, equip maintenance/replacement etc. The total is your charge out rate. Keep them separate. While you are the business, you are also an (maybe the) employee, so treat youself like you would an employee (as a minimum).

I think I'll go and read Cody's original post and then put my prices up.

John

Cody I'm new here and really have no idea where to start with the square foot pricing. I have been trying to guage things by the hour, but with insurance and advertising it's not working out. Could you e-mail me and give me some idea where to start. A price list would be great.

email terimoen62@yahoo.com

Cody, I have read your posts many times and every single time I am able to learn even more, (some call that being slow, I don't know) thanks for taking the time to explain in such detail.
I am new to this business however, I have many years experince in other ventures and the one thing I do before actually performing in a business venture is to read, read, and read some more. I'm probably still a couple of months out but have secured my License, Insurance, and getting a grip on pricing.
Anyway, Cody I just wanted to tell you I really appreciate your advice!! Can you e-mail me your price list, NOT.. Just kidding, can't believe anyone would ask the question after reading your post except those that can't comprhend what they've read.

Im as new to this as it gets, so far just an idea actually. Im glad I registered and became a member before I ever even bid a job. Not only the novel you wrote but the whole forum is kicks[bm] . Thanks for everything I will let you all know how my first job goes.

Cody,
Great post. Thanks for taking the time.

I did find one error though. Vermont Maple Syrup is the best and kicks Aunt Jemima's butt.