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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 55
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I was wondering when you invioce your customers, do you itemize the material used, or just give them a total amount? Does it differ from service calls to just T&M jobs. I know if you bid something, the customer doesn't need to know what the break down is. Currently I just give a total material amount. I installed a can light in an existing ceiling. T&M job, Invoice showed Labor 3hrs @ XXper hour and XX for material= Total amount owed. Then I give a desription of work done. No one has complained yet, but was just wondering how others go about this and how your invioces are structured.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 507
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LK, NJ recently changed that amount from $200 to $500 from what I understand. But I agree with you. T&M in NJ is a lot tougher these days (too many New Yorkers ;-))
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 201
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LK, NJ recently changed that amount from $200 to $500 [quote]
What do you mean by that? NJ changed
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 100
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Itemizing you invoice will only lead to unhappy customers when they take your invoice and start pricing each and every item out on the Internet (and of course, they'll forget how much it costs to ship heavy stuff like cable) and "conclude" you "ripped them off" royally.
You're not allowed to make any profit on materials, despite your having to make a trip to the supply house (paying $2.75 a gallon for gas, plus wear and tear on the vehicle) or putting your money up to keep a stock of supplies.
I think you're doing the right thing now, and as LK notes, if it works for you, stick with it. You might even be better off by not even separating labor and materials to avoid the "curiosity" factor, or the "$20 for parts $200 for labor" thing.
Just my 2 cents worth (not itemized).
Joe
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 507
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i will check with my father. he just sat through an inspectors course last week where they went over it. it's just changed from what he said.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 57
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I never, ever itemise. There's no upside and plenty of downside. Never forget that there's a strong prejudice against tradesmen.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 717
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I no longer itemize or charge by t+m. Now I am using less ink and paper for my invoices also.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 141
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I never itemize, just a total amount due. I've had only one customer ask for an itemized invoice after paying. I never got round to doing it and they never asked again.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3
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We use itemized bills. It seems to be a lot of needless busy work though. It's very time consuming and I don't think anyone really cares to know what each and every part costs.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 83
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I find that the less you break down the project the less hassle you get also.
That is why I switched to fixed bid upfront pricing years ago. The customers tend to be happier, they know what it will cost them, and I am much happier because I don't get the hassles.
They say, "Less is More!"
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Posts: 1,803
Joined: March 2005
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