There seems to be a problem with the term FLAT RATE, some have the notion, that anyone using flat rate, belongs to a group of price gouging contractors, this has caused much heated discussion, so we might try, using the term contract pricing, and then understand that there are verious types of contracts,
Installation Contracts
Service Contracts
Repair Contracts
An installation contractor, may do only new construction, and little, or no service and repair work.
A service contractor, may do only service, and repair work, and little or no installation work.
Both, are electrical contractors, but their business operations differ, scheduling, planning, distribution of manpower, truck usage, tools, equipment, are not the same.
One can do the others job, but do they understand the cost of each operation?
