Going Rate For Install...

Originally Posted by GoodHouse

I believe Angus is on to something. People, companies, both want price points. Thats how all business is done. Every house, every building, that gets off the ground has a budget that derived from the "going rate" price points. Also known as the "average" price for the area. If building construction residential or commercial was done like floordude is describing the cost to build would be outrageous. Its just not practical. Its obvious your only strong market for floors are occupied residential homes but then again your a one man show so how could you move a household of furniture? Getting into your business is not really my point, my point is, people can preach all they want about no going rate but that doesnt mean it doesnt exist.

"One price fits all and going rates are for those misclassifying their employed workforce, as subcontractors.
Your going to need to determine your costs and what profit your business needs to stay in business, and that my friends is not just cash flow. I'm talking profits when all is said and done"

One price fits all does not qualify a business as a misclassification. That statement is so far fetched and off base. Your philosphy is basically this.... Since you might drive a 2008 dodge sprinter filled with the latest flooring tools followed by a trailer filled with the best flooring prep machines, you may have 100k invested in that set up. Then you might have a secretary, a storage unit to house your extra material. etc. So your overhead is high. Now the next guy has a 5 yr old used truck, used tools, no secretary and uses his garage. Now you both have insurance, licenses, references, and experience. You saying your price should be higher than his? Well your wrong, just because you decided to invest more in your business does not make you worth more in the marketplace.
To the same point you constantly state how theres no going rate because everybody has different ideals of what its worth for their business. The most important thing on any job for any person is time. Time = Money. So because one installer maybe be 50 yrs old and slower than a 35 yr old, the 50 yr old should charge more? Again this model for business does not work.

I fully understand the idea of selling yourself, image, product over the next guy as a marketing tool such as selling one car MFtr over another but at the end of the day there still remains an average price point.

Originally Posted by PrecisionFloors

Perry some of these guys will never get it regardless of how you show it to em in simple terms.

A better analogy might have been other service work. What is the going rate of getting a car painted? Lets say you have a '69 Chevelle SS. Some could and would argue that it can be considered an investment as it has the potential to increase in value. Just like a homeowner should consider their home an investment, right?

So.
Do you take your investment to Earl Schieb and get a $199 special, complete with orange peel, minimal prep work, and overspray on the chrome? Or, do you take it to a well respected auto body shop that will soda blast it down to bare metal, pull every piece of chrome, align all the panels, paint the jambs, shoot 3 coats of clear, wet sand, and buff it out before handing you back the keys. I bet the invoice won't be $199.

Which type of business are you trying to be? If its Earl Schieb then I guess a one price fits all mentality will work for you and you can just pick up a phone book to find out what the "going rate" is. Hint: Its $20 less than the cheapest guy you called That should get you ALL the work eh.

Originally Posted by Angus

The original post ask what the going rates are. I'm sure he would take all the pricing into account, and formulate a price based on his area, economy, and what he needs to make a profit.

Originally Posted by Angus

Floordude,
NO. My overhead is lower than the store down the way. So that can mean two things. One, I can charge less and have more room to negotiate. Or, I can charge the same and put more money into my company. There are always "in the ball park pricing". What you charge, and what the next guy charge could be completly different.

Originally Posted by Floordude

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Why argue, for the sake of arguing? You just agreed with what I have been saying.

Still sour, from the last time I busted your chops, about your mislabelled subcontractors??


Yes, Union installers have a going rate. They are also employed, not independent contractors. So your going rate, is based on prevailing wages and benefits, right?

Originally Posted by Angus

I agreed with you? Where?? Busted my chops?? You mean your misguided, incorrect rants? Huh. Guess you told me.
Who said anything about unions?? Just because YOU say someone is an employee, does'nt make it so. People like you will never get. So sad. You really are out of touch with reality.