Going rates.

[lewjam]

Was wondering what the going rates for jobs were i.e how much to install a socket, light Consumer unit e.t.c. Looking to go self-employed and want an idea on what the going rates are as am hearing varying prices. Thanks. 8O

[Jimbo]

Lewjam, I try and look at it from the point of what do I want per day, one socket can be back to back and your out of there the next one could be a right ******. So price by the half day or day, my rates are based on my locality and the fact that I am competent, blah blah, £200 a day for me plus materials. It may sound good money but by the time you have paid for the van etc etc you should be just above the normal wage working for someone but you have the freedom of being your own boss, I went self employed ages ago and have never regretted it but its not for everyone. Regards Jimbo

[solo3uk]

Well Jimbo at the prices you charge why don`t you open your own bank?, could I borrow some money please?................

Nowadays more and more customers are bartering with me to the bare bone, sometimes it is hardly worth to do the job......

[Jimbo]

Open my own bank? Solo3UK these are reasonable rates, to be honest I personally would not work for much less what with all the regs, test equipment etc might just as well have a job in B&Q. Your customers seem a bit of a tough bunch if they are taking you down to bare bone prices explain to them you have to make a living and you do quality work. Regards Jimbo

[solo3uk]

Thanks Jimbo, I`ll try your tips with my customers but when it comes to paying you are right, they are a tough bunch, their money is stuck to their wallets with superglue..............

regards

[professorgbr]

Hi to all £25 per hour is the minimum going rate, there are still too many out there playing batteries and bulbs with mains electricity have never owned or even seen a test instrument or issued a certificate more needs to be done to get the point accross as why these people are cheaper I have been working for a property developer who has compared me with a guy on benefits whom he paid £50 per day cash for electrified downlighters enbedded in stone steps giving everyone electric shocks and burns I'm the only one who has issued certificates to him I have stopped the job at the moment as I have not been paid Im in a dispute as his plasterer has pushed my downlighter wiring into the ceiling and skimmed it now their position is lost and hey presto its my fault and he wants money off the bill no chance he says the plasterer says he does not pull wires back down as he is not an electrician but he does push them up OPINIONS ON THAT PLEASE

[Andy c]

Agree totally with Jimbo,his rates are reasonable.After all your expenses and waiting for payment! A million phone calls to remind the customer they owe money and having to listen to comments like,When will you finish and My husband would have done it but he hasnt time,its the least we all deserve! All that said I like being self employed but its a hard game making 52 weeks wages and its not for budding Ferrari owners.Dont under charge lads,its screws us all up,cheers Andy

[JohnD]

This always pisses me off. Electrical work can be dangerous, i've been sparking for 20 yrs and still get the odd belt off a live end. I was watching Rogue traders the other day and some of these plumbers are charging £75 an hour and for some reason the customer is always happy to pay. When i rang a local glazier, last week, to replace a couple of panes of glass in an old window the receptionist casually told me theat they charge £45 an hour. This starts from the time he first arrives at your house to the time he leaves! that means that he comes round and measures up. then he drives off down to the supplier and gets the glass cut. Then drives back to the job. He could have been sat in heavy traffic for the last hour. So a guy with a putty knife and some pin nails is getting twice s much as the average spark, something very wrong there!!

[hunkston]

i had an emergency plumber attempting to charge me 150 quid an hour for a call out! its ridiculous!

[Voltimax]

Sorry for the necro post, but I think prices vary depending upon what region you live in. Not all regions can justify £25 per hour I'm afraid.

[mr bump]

Hi Voltimax, doesn't seem to stop mechanics, etc charging 30-50 quid per hour where ever they are. And people pay it.

[rouman]

i think the rates, should be what the job is worth. also it does depend on the area you cover. as i have been a spark for over 30years, i have worked in germany, france. started in liverpool, then moved south to london. now in cental london, due to parking,and congestion charges. 200 a day is more than resonable. some charge anythink from 60/70 a hour till 6pm then its 100 /to 150 a hour. but i have never been a 1 hit customer, i have clients that i have buillt up over the years. so i have contracts. and regular customers. when i have complted a job, i know i have earned my money. and most of all my customers do as well. as for the guy who had his down lighter moved by the plaster. your right itis his fault. i have had many problems with plasters, ie nails in plaster boards thru cables. but like all other trades men its never there fault, but it is. stand your ground you are right...