how much (again)

[Fekin]

Just keep pluggin away Clays, I don't know what the rates are like where you live... don't really know the rates where I live either, lol... must remember to call a load of local tilers in my area and ask for rough sqm rates... that's maybe something you could do with doing, then you'll have an idea if you're way over price, but at £25 psqm + mats I wouldn't say that's horribly expensive, try £20 for standard wall tiling and see how that goes.
You might find established pro tilers charge say £23 or something, maybe less, some people quote £24 inc mats, just phone round mate.

 

[CLAYS TILES]

yeah i'll try that m8 thankyou!
i'll let ya know!

 

[penno]

Got knocked back quite a bit myself Clays so i took a look at my tactics. Found that making the customer at ease and explaining worked for me. Rather than just saying "i can do the bathroom for £500" i take my time with them and explain what is what.
Example after i have been around and measured up will give them a call the next day:

"hi i have been away and worked out what the best price is i can do for you.
Managed to get the materials for £120, the materials are the grout and adhesive. Only getting the materials at this price because it is trade and would be a hell of a lot higher if you warked into your local store. The materials are basically the best you can get and i can guarantee my work by using them, so the tiles will not be falling off in 6 months time as what could happen if corners are cut by buying cheap home brands. For fitting the wall tiles the cost will be £277 and the floor comes to £110. So all in including grout and adhesive the total comes to £507" (or words to that affect)

Dunno if that is a correct way but i am finding it is working for me, explaining to the customer exacly what they are getting rather than just throwing a large figure at them.

 

[CLAYS TILES]

thats good advice, i usually go away make a quote up on computer then post it out to them, maybe the next quote i will try your way & see how i go!!!
thanks penno

 

[penno]

Just think it helps with the customer knowing individual prices of what is going to be done. Found that some customers just do not realise the cost of materials so a breakdown in costs really helps.

 

[Fekin]

I guess it's just one of those things, what works for some, don't for others.

I always measure up, tell them they will get all mats at trade through me and tiles too and say I'll phone back within the hour once I've worked everything out on the comp.

 

[scrubmuncher]

Nice one Penno glad its working for you. I always 'ask' if they want a breakdown, and if so give them a breakdown with about 7.5% off punter price (products), just so I'm not fibbing when I'm telling them I'm giving them discount (amazing how many punters nick an empty bag to check up on pricing). The actual discount I get is of no relevance to the client in reality because, well we know the discount we get, they don't.
I never break it down without request or if I get a look of 'oh, that seems expensive' and then I'll pile on the entire price that brings my 'working price' down loads, which takes the sting out of thier ears. As you say, I big up modern materials, lifetime gara and all that, and it will be. I try not to get over technical with them though about cutting in and difficult areas etc (thats our job init), it can become a bit like buying a car if I go over the top, have done and learnt. Basically tell them what they need to know, we know by the expression on the face, lol.
Good luck lads, christmasand new year is almost here and people are wanting nice new rooms for the parties, trowels at the ready!!
Ok, maybe a little dramatic:shades_smile:

 

[CLAYS TILES]

dont mention crimbo till december!!!!

 

[Falcone]

quick newb question!! of the £579 penno quoted, how much is profit? Just wondering as I am trying to get my head around how pricing jobs works. Going on NETT course soon (1-2 months hopefully) and am trying to learn as much as poss.

thanks in advance!!

 

[Fekin]

All depends on how much the materials will cost penno to buy really.

I would quote for a job like that £550 + materials, so my profit\labour charge would be £550.

Might sound a lot but then you got to work out how long you would think it will take to do.

I'd estimate 4 days, so that would work out at £137 a day labour, then you'd make some on the materials too.

And if it took less time to do then even better, and if it took longer, then you live and learn and will know better for the next similar job.

 

[Falcone]

thanks fekin :wink_smile:

I understand it now

(had to edit previous post coz you edited your first one lol)

 

[Fekin]

Sorry, I ended up editing it 3 times, lol

Well, one edit and 2 adding on a bit, and here Im doing it again

 

[Falcone]

lol...no probs... :wink_smile:

 

[felix]

My calculations for that job came to £680 including materials. When I quote I have a standard format estimate sheet which I take a carbon copy of. I fill out all the details and give them a price on the spot. For bigger jobs I would go away and work it out and then hand in a written estimate to them. I only ever give a total price. I never break down into cost of materials and sq m's. The less the customer knows the better about that.

I always talk to them about the job and explain what is involved. I believe showing a good knowledge of your trade has more impact on getting the job than anything else

 

[penno]

Started this job today, had it penciled in for 4 days. Can't believe how my speed has come on, should have it all done for friday.
Well happy, best day i have had yet since i started out.