Tom,
You hit the nail on the head, "Mark-Up and Profit" By Stone, is not only the safe way to run a business but the only way, however many feel, that if they use these methods of mark-up, they will not get any work, because they are to high on the bid, however, these methods of pricing, assure a profit on every job, The bargin hunter, or price shopper may not like your prices, but the serious buyer with a need to have work done will.
And yes, the auto repair industry uses the split method of mark-up 50% or more Labor mark-up and 50% or more Material mark-up, and they turn a nice profit.
