what price?

[sandman]

hi all,
I think i must be missing a trick,I have been plumbing for over 20yrs,and tiling for 2yrs+,the last 3 jobs have been repairs to new bathroom fit outs by the same national installer,the standard of work is appauling,and customers have told me they have been charged on average £10k for new bathroom fitted and tiled,
I am only charging 1200/2200 for full fit plus tiling(deps on tiles/shower/condition of walls/floor ect)this incl all installation materials ,addy/plumbing ect.,how are these companys getting away with charging these prices? or am i undercharging,im trying to make 130per day?
thinking of try a punt on next couple of quotes,see what happens or am i being greedy.
anyone worked for large org can pass on some sales tips.

many thks

[grumpygrouter]

I think you have answered your own question sandman. If these major chains are charging that amount of money, then they are working to huge margins. The problem is the fitter will still be paid a reasonable rate (?) but they also put on probably the same amount again for their fee - for doing nothing really.

It is time the public woke up to what is happening and started to get their own installation estimates.

[beanz]

I think it's six of one, half a dozen of the other Sandman. Not sure where you're based, but £130 a day seems a little light to me (i'm in Berkshire).

[sandman]

based in london,its strange because down here in london most people will pay anything quoted from a national company,who will use subcontractors , but as a sole trader they seem to believe you can do it for peanuts.
I think Ive got to quote a more competative fig and is fair price for the quality given,i take real pride in my work and have some really good refs,
i may loose a bit of work initially but hope things will even out,otherwise this will eat away at me.
i will see how this works over the next few quotes,
thnks for replys

[enduro]

Sounds like Dolphin again....

[robbbin]

I know a fitter for large company he's pretty good at it....... been at it long time he told me when he is finished he only gets 70% of what he's owed the rest, after 2 months in case of problems. M F I fitters earn good money. Good tilers should in my opinion earn between £800 and £1000 a week. Floors are best money Im in brighton you normally get £20 to £25 a mt for ceramic and porcelain and £30 for stone travi anything that needs sealing and £50 for glass

[frostfree]

I would think if you have a good reputation and do high quality work, you should be charging at least double you current rate. £130 will hardly cover your costs never mind making a profit. Regardless of the credit crunch there are still people out there who will pay top money for a top job. Seek these people out!