Just finished a job for some close relation. I'm fine with charging them for material at cost but don't know what kind of break (if any) should be given on the labor. Was asked to do the job by them, does that factor into it at all? Just looking for some thoughts on the matter. Thanks.
Rates for family members
- Thread starter nizak
- Start date
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knoppdude
Senior Member
- Location
- Sacramento,ca
I like this question, as I have done this before. I give great rates for friends, and for family, I only ask that they pay for parts. If they choose to throw a few bucks my way, fine, but I don't ask. I even have some friends from work that will get the family deal. This is just my way of dealing with this type of situation, but you have to do what is best for you. Good luck.
zbang
Senior Member
- Location
- Roughly 5346 miles from Earls Court
Also, was this a spare-time job? Changing a bathroom light on a weekend is one thing, but when it's using the same time as other paying customers, they should pay the same amount for that time. You can always charge them full-boat and give a family discount (15%?) on the bill.
I make it a point to tell friends/family that I'll charge them the going rate, or close to, unless it's a small job. Real friends respect that.
I make it a point to tell friends/family that I'll charge them the going rate, or close to, unless it's a small job. Real friends respect that.
chris kennedy
Senior Member
- Location
- Miami Fla.
- Occupation
- 60 yr old tool twisting electrician
Same here but they always hook us up with a dinner and I usually will also get a case of beer, soda or water.
When Al does work for his family, do they also hook him up with dinner and he gets a shovel, rake or hoe?
jeremysterling
Senior Member
- Location
- Austin, TX
While my father dated my mother in college, my grandmother gave him discounts at her retail store. After Dad and Mom got married, Granny made him pay full price!
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
I agree with this. Ma and Pa did alot of stuff for me. The rest of your family should realize that this is a buisness and you do it to make money. I would also give my grandparents a break to.
dmagyar
Senior Member
- Location
- Rocklin, Ca.
Extend that to a neighbor rate
Extend that to a neighbor rate
Family just materials, drinks and dinner; with neighbors most of them where it's just one or two items they get a good rate. If I'm doing more than one job then I get a little more generous. That said it's not taking any work away from the guys working for $20-30/hour through "Craigslist".
Extend that to a neighbor rate
Family just materials, drinks and dinner; with neighbors most of them where it's just one or two items they get a good rate. If I'm doing more than one job then I get a little more generous. That said it's not taking any work away from the guys working for $20-30/hour through "Craigslist".
mivey
Senior Member
Depends. If it is Ma & Pa: No charge, not even materials.
If for a close relative or friend, and can be done while we visit: material only unless it is a trivial item.
If it is for a close relative or friend and a big job: a 10% discount if they don't get in my way.
If it is for a family member or friend who helps me from time-to-time: in like kind.
If for a not-so-close friend or family member: regular price
If for a close relative or friend, and can be done while we visit: material only unless it is a trivial item.
If it is for a close relative or friend and a big job: a 10% discount if they don't get in my way.
If it is for a family member or friend who helps me from time-to-time: in like kind.
If for a not-so-close friend or family member: regular price
Volta
Senior Member
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
I find that if it is usually better to do small tasks completely for free rather than offer a deep discount. The friend or family member always feels like they paid for work otherwise, and I feel like I was giving it away anyhow.
I am more likely to feel like I cheated myself when charging a low price than when I give a true gift of labor and misc. parts.
The recipient can never really appreciate the dollar value of what they got either, so a low price is forgotten long before the work itself is. I try not to offer slight savings, all or nothing is easier to work with.
I am more likely to feel like I cheated myself when charging a low price than when I give a true gift of labor and misc. parts.
The recipient can never really appreciate the dollar value of what they got either, so a low price is forgotten long before the work itself is. I try not to offer slight savings, all or nothing is easier to work with.
Mgraw
Senior Member
- Location
- Opelousas, Louisiana
- Occupation
- Electrician
This is one of the hardest questions to answer. I have wired houses and installed A/C units for strangers for free and I have charged relatives full price. I always base my decision on their ability to pay. I will tell you one of the best payments I received was from a handicapped lady and her husband cooking diner for me.
myoung2165
Member
- Location
- PORT ORANGE FLORIDA
i have always thought it funny that anyone but family would want a deal. are they gonna do their job for you (whatever that might be) for free. what if their a secretary. are they gonna answer your phones and do your paperwork for free. no matter what there job is they more than likely cant reciprocate. come on guys/gals. charge for your knowledge and expertise. just my 2 cents. i didnt spend the last 38 years learning this to work for free or for less than i'm worth. maybe thats why i have no friends LOL:roll:
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We are all in business, and have all the expenses of operating it, so, no matter who asks for a break, we need to meet our cost on every job, or we will end up paying them to do a job, a true friend and family member, should understand, you make your living running the business, they should not expect you to work for free, but some guys just can't say no, and business many be the wrong choice for them.
Rewire
Senior Member
- Location
- Lake of the Ozarks
I donate time and material to worthy causes like lighting the flag pole at the blue star memorial. As long as family buys the material I don't have a problem donating a little of my time after all they are family.I always remember that everything I have is just on loan from God.
growler
Senior Member
- Location
- Atlanta,GA
If you are going to do this as a relative doing them a favor then charge whatever you feel is right.
If you are doing this as a business it should be handled as you would any other job. With a signed contract stating the price up front. This will avoid problems as everyone understands what they are getting and how much it will cost.
Blue star memorial work and many community activities are different and deserving of your time, and the business time, but when everyone starts looking for a break, then you need to control it, we even can forget to invoice a blue star mother.
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