hardworkingstiff said:Sure, it seems like blame is being put on the system electricians use vs. the perceived system the plumbers use. I'm just saying it's not the system.
If you can't get any work, maybe your overhead is too high, or you are not buying right, or ??? and you are not providing a market perceived value.
If you are working your tail off and not making enough money, maybe you are afraid to charge (or don't know how) properly.
I find I cannot make the money I want doing residential work. I quit doing it almost 30-years ago. In fact, I often do other type of work (non electrical), like fuel distribution, lube lines, tank installations.
A friend of mine (build docks) said "I like Lou's motto, 'I work for money' ".
If the economy gets as snug as I think it might, a lot of the 'fixed rate system' guys may lower their prices, or not be working. You need to be flexible. The bottom line is the market sets the upper limit of prices, but will allow you to work as cheaply as you are willing to go. The only way to know how high you can charge is to lose work because of price. If you can't make ends meet on the market ceiling price, then you might need a different market.
before any of this is answered, please tell me how I can lower my overhead as the market softens?
what areas can I really cut costs in?
thanks