5 mistakes you're making when you quote a job

For folks in the skilled trades: mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, general contractors.

Let's talk about something that hits close to home - pricing jobs. After working with tradespeople across the country, I've noticed some common mistakes that are leaving money on the table. Here's how to plug those leaks in your pricing strategy.

Not Factoring in Drive Time

Let's be real - your time starts the moment you leave for a job, not when you pull up to the customer's house. I've seen too many people eat the cost of driving across town during rush hour. Here's the fix: break your service area into zones and factor that travel time into your quote. If it's going to take you an hour to get there and back, that needs to be in your price. Remember, your truck isn't running on hopes and dreams - that fuel and wear and tear adds up.

Underestimating the "While You're Here" Jobs

We know how it goes. You quote a simple faucet replacement, but then the customer says, "Hey, while you're here..." Suddenly you're looking at corroded pipes, ancient shutoff valves, and a cabinet that's tighter than a drum. Always do a thorough inspection before quoting and be clear about what's included. If you spot potential issues, mention them upfront: "I can replace that faucet for X, but those supply lines are pretty crusty - might want to factor in replacing those too."

Forgetting About Material Price Changes

With supply costs changing faster than the weather these days, using old pricing sheets is like throwing darts blindfolded. Keep a close eye on your supplier's prices and update your quotes accordingly. Better yet, give quotes that are "good for 30 days" to protect yourself from surprise price hikes. Nobody likes calling a customer back to explain why the job suddenly costs more.

Not Charging for Your Experience

Look, you didn't learn this trade overnight. That quick drain fix that took you 20 minutes? It took years of experience to know exactly where to look and what to do. Don't price yourself like a rookie just because the fix was "easy." You're not just charging for time - you're charging for knowing what to do. When customers balk at your price, remind them they're paying for years of training and experience, not just the hour you're there.

Skipping the Emergency Fund Buffer

Every tradesperson knows that jobs can go sideways fast. That "simple" pipe replacement turns into a weekend project when you find out the whole line is shot. Build some cushion into your quotes for those "oh crud" moments. It's better to pleasantly surprise a customer with a lower final bill than explain why it's going to cost double what you quoted.

The Bottom Line

Remember, you're running a business, not a charity. Your prices need to keep your lights on, your truck running, and food on your table. Don't be afraid to charge what you're worth - the customers who value quality work will understand, and those are the ones you want anyway.

Quick Tip: Keep a notebook of jobs that went sideways and review it regularly. What surprised you? What took longer than expected? Use those lessons to make your future quotes more accurate.

Need help making sure you're quoting right? Trades CXO provides accounting and bookkeeping support specifically to tradespeople. Book a free 30-minute consultation or a email us at hello@tradescxo.com.