Material prices

[Carlosfandango]

Looking for some advise from some of you more experienced business men.
I put a price in for a job, nothing major just power to a new garage, sockets and lights etc. I got an email back from the customer ( got a strong feeling of him being a pick) asking for a detailed breakdown of the material. I know fine well he's gonna go and look on the Internet for cheaper. What would you do, tell him it's not my policy to show my material prices or be honest with him as I've nothing to hide? The builder who is doing the job is a mate so I'd quite like the job but I'm not desperate enough to jump through hoops! He also.asked whilst looking at the job what my hourly rate was and I told him. You could instantly see him going " how much??!"
Oh and he works off shore!!!

 

[Guest77]

I wouldn't tell him anything. I would say thats my fixed price quotation, if you want me to start work then I would like an order. If however you do not want my services then I wish you well finding another Electrician.

 

[Octopus]

Hum...... I give a price for a job - customer accepts it or not.

The only acception I make is when I'm suggesting "expensive" parts and will generally not hide the pricing.

Some customers think they can save money by supplying parts - this can work sometimes, but when my clients do it, they know that I will charge my hourly rate for waiting around for missing parts and /or faulty parts.

Any mug can source cheaper parts - but you will be supplying "known" parts from reliable suppliers with a warranty!

Hope this helps.

 

[dingledong]

Did he ask the builder the same

 

[telectrix]

you give him you price for the job. he takes it or leaves it. ask him if he quizzes tesco on their costs when doing the weekly shop.

 

[Carlosfandango]

He did the same to the plumber on a previous job. I get the feeling he's been shafted somewhere down the line!!

 

[GMES]

He would already be ringing alarm bells with me, so if you do get the Gig make sure your paper work is water tight regarding quote, price T&C
Just incase when you're finished he tries it on.

 

[dingledong]

Well it's up to you really ! I usually just give the price but if it looks high because some of the materials are very expensive then I would say so and so cost a lot but it would only be verbal and not a complete breakdown. Or let him get the parts ,then if something is wrong it's his fault

 

[davesparks]

I think it is fair to ask for materials and labour to be quoted seperately, i have always expected this when getting quotes for things like vehicle repairs.

I wouldn't expect a full breakdown though, more like materials - £XX labour - £XX

 

[Carlosfandango]

I always break my quotes down to labour and material. He wants it broken down to £xx per socket!!

 

[Guest77]

Well I would make the materials look cheap if he wants a breakdown. This way if he decides to get them himself you will still make the profit off the original materials even if you do not supply them lol.