What do you charge?

[AmTec Services]

What is your per hour charge? How about service call? What do you use as a mark up on parts?

I'm trying to hit $80 per in 1/2 increments, $69 service call. I've been using the MSRP for parts, but I need to rethink that!

How do you handle people who look up their parts online?

........................AmTec

[RegUS_PatOff]

.. How do you handle people who look up their parts online?

"Do you want to wait a week for shipping (OR +over-night shipping), (and I could make another trip charge),

or do you want this one right here, right now ?"

[cuzzin sam]

Hey Amtec, I hesitate to even reply since I'm a part timer, an electrician trying to turn into a newbie appliance repair man, and I'm in a small, economically depressed southern town, but since you asked - I charge 45 bucks for a service call plus the list price on parts for 90% of my calls. Sometimes it good, sometimes not so good, but if it's a major repair I'll usually give them an estimate and if they don't want to do it, I'll take the 45 and leave.

Not much help I know, but I finally found a question I could answer huh? Cuzzin Sam

[ahh-cool]

You should charge what ever you feel comfortable charging. Why would you charge list price? Didn't you have to buy it and or stock it? If they want to look up the part let them order it and come back when they have it and start your time again. I flat rate all my jobs. I do not disclose the price of the parts.

Think about this: I brought my car to the mechanic and I told him it wasn't running right. He looked at it and said it needed a screw and the charge is $200.00. I said $200.00 for a screw that's ridiculous. He said the screw is free, you're paying me because I know what screw, where it goes and how to install it.

[telefunkenu47]

For the price of a service call you get me with over 30 years in the trade, 3 licenses in 2 states, my 20,000 dollar van with 20,000 in the back of it in tools and inventory along with 2 million in insurance and a satisfaction guarantee. I get 75 to 85 for a call plus the part. Some jobs get more demending on time and distance. When I left Sears an E code was 125.00. Im sure it is more now. I dont feel guilty at all charging 50 dollars less than Sears with better, quicker service without having to call India to schedule a call. Sure I lose a few price shoppers over the phone, but I dont really want that kind of customer anyway. Thier equipment is usually brokedick junk stuffed in a closet or down in a crappy dark cellar. Having said that, I also do a few service calls at little or no charge every month for the less fortunate folks in my little town. Ive been known to give away used/reconditioned washers and dryers that I have rescued from the dumpster.

[kdog]

Well said ! and nice analogy with the screw ................