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john_axelson
08-23-2007, 04:41 PM
Just started a new contracting business two months ago.

Can you tell me the "one" big thing you have learned to this point? That one thing that you look back on and think "If I had only known this when I first started out".

There are two of us. I do the "office" work - marketing, estimating, material ordering, bills, invoicing, insurance issues, etc. My partner holds the masters and fortunately, the last couple of weeks has been in the field full-time. We are getting close to needing to hire additional help.

Thanks!
satcom
08-23-2007, 05:26 PM
Just started a new contracting business two months ago.

Can you tell me the "one" big thing you have learned to this point? That one thing that you look back on and think "If I had only known this when I first started out".

Thanks!

Not knowing my real overhead, and the cost of dong business.
480sparky
08-23-2007, 05:34 PM
Not knowing my real overhead, and the cost of dong business.

Sigmund would be proud!

But there's a lot of truth to this statement. You may know how much material costs for a job, but what about your overhead (fixed) costs? Rent, vehicles, gas, insurance, bonds, advertising, utilities, office supplies, tools, outside services, taxes, repairs, maintenance, etc, etc, ad infitum ad nauseum.
celtic
08-23-2007, 05:45 PM
Business Owners' Cost Calculator (http://www.masterplumbers.com/utilities/costcalc/)
ceknight
08-23-2007, 06:29 PM
Can you tell me the "one" big thing you have learned to this point? That one thing that you look back on and think "If I had only known this when I first started out".

Don't sell your time or your skills short. The one real eye opener for me was about 8 years ago, when I started charging what I really needed to be charging to make a decent profit and enjoy the occasional vacation. Business actually got better when I raised my prices, and I don't feel like a slave to my business any more. Well, at least not all the time... :)
hardworkingstiff
08-23-2007, 06:32 PM
Business actually got better when I raised my prices, ... :)

I've seen this happen before.
emahler
08-23-2007, 07:13 PM
there is a simple reason for that...

you get to enjoy life a little more, become a happier person, do your job better and make your customers happy...

it's all related...
wireman71
08-23-2007, 09:05 PM
If you aren't a salesman, find someone who is.
mdshunk
08-23-2007, 09:06 PM
Set your trucks up with the proper equipment to bill on the spot, and reduce the office work later on.
mattsilkwood
08-23-2007, 09:23 PM
Set your trucks up with the proper equipment to bill on the spot, and reduce the office work later on.


is there anything you DONT have on your trucks? :grin:
mdshunk
08-23-2007, 09:30 PM
is there anything you DONT have on your trucks? :grin:
We're talking about billheads. I think most guys can find room for billheads and a price book. Some go with laptops and a printer.
mattsilkwood
08-23-2007, 09:32 PM
We're talking about billheads. I think most guys can find room for billheads and a price book. Some go with laptops and a printer.


we have the same on our trucks. just couldnt help but poke a little fun.;)
cadpoint
08-23-2007, 09:40 PM
is there anything you DONT have on your trucks? :grin:
LOL He's one w/ his truck ... Did You notice it was #61 grey ?