New to Pat testing - Help on costs!

[lucky5678]

Hey. I'm new to the PAT testing world and before I get going would really appreciate any help you can give on costing. I'm trying to forecast at the moment - so I don't go jacking my current job in to find myself up the creek without a paddle!

I've seen the amounts people charge per item so have a rough idea of what to charge, but I literally have no idea how many items to expect in certain types of business. For example - whats the average amount of money I could make testing a hairdressers, or a restaurant? I know its probably a huge grey area because the amount you can make will depend on the size of the business. I am really new to this and want to make sure I'm fully prepared and aware of the sort of money I can make before I go running away to the sunset only to get burnt!

Thanks in advance

Jen

 

[Octopus]

Well, Lucky5678, if you can make enough money to live on PAT testing, I'll be amazed.

You need to set a price list, have a minimum charge and stick to it.



Welcome to the forum.

 

[Sintra]

You need to work out how many items you can test in an hour. In my limeted experience of PAT I have only ever managed to average between 8 and 10 items. Figure out an hourly rate that you need including overheads then divide by the average number of items you test per hour and hey presto you get a cost per item.

 

[Octopus]

You need to work out how many items you can test in an hour. In my limeted experience of PAT I have only ever managed to average between 8 and 10 items. Figure out an hourly rate that you need including overheads then divide by the average number of items you test per hour and hey presto you get a cost per item.

Hum.... and don't forget time to get to the job, setting up and documentation time later.....

 

[Jonspark]

When ever I do PAT it's £7.50/item

 

[Octopus]

When ever I do PAT it's £7.50/item

Ha ha, like that.

I have a minimum charge of £50 so I'm still waiting for the customer who wants 1 item tested!

 

[Jonspark]

Ha ha, like that.

I have a minimum charge of £50 so I'm still waiting for the customer who wants 1 item tested!

its no joke! ive a few pubs i do every year at that price.

 

[lucky5678]

Thanks guys!

So I have an idea of cost per item, but I’m still lookingfor an average.

Like, the average pub overall cost is approximatey £100, theaverage hairdressers is approx £80 – that sort of thing. I understand it willvary on the individual and what they charge per item but I really am justtrying to get an idea of overall costs so I know what to expect. I can say thatI’ll charge £1.50 per item, but that still leaves me clueless as to what moneyI can make!..... unless I just go in at the deep end and get on with it!

Thanks again JAny help is appreciated

 

[ruston]

Hey. I'm new to the PAT testing world and before I get going would really appreciate any help you can give on costing. I'm trying to forecast at the moment - so I don't go jacking my current job in to find myself up the creek without a paddle!

I've seen the amounts people charge per item so have a rough idea of what to charge, but I literally have no idea how many items to expect in certain types of business. For example - whats the average amount of money I could make testing a hairdressers, or a restaurant? I know its probably a huge grey area because the amount you can make will depend on the size of the business. I am really new to this and want to make sure I'm fully prepared and aware of the sort of money I can make before I go running away to the sunset only to get burnt!

Thanks in advance

Jen

I think it is fair to say that most electricians pat test as an extra service , or to get in the door. I don't think that many would think they could make a living pat testing only, especially in view of the current charges by the specialist companies who label stick.

 

[Sintra]

You need to work out how many items you can test in an hour. In my limeted experience of PAT I have only ever managed to average between 8 and 10 items. Figure out an hourly rate that you need including overheads then divide by the average number of items you test per hour and hey presto you get a cost per item.

Hum.... and don't forget time to get to the job, setting up and documentation time later.....

That's why I said including overheads