big venture,
sorry, i wasn't really clear. there is nothing wrong with charging that much. so long as you provide that level of service. For the record, we are in the $180-200 range (but I serve a small area) and we are around $3000 for a 200A service. I am comfortable with our rates and the service we provide.
The key to my entire post was th R&R philosphy. Bang the people for as much as you can. I do have an issue when a company charges $3000+ for a service, then uses AL SER cable and a homeline panel.
I preach to my techs all the time, charge a million $, but give them $1,000,001 worth of service. It's not a novel concept.
My issue is with the companies that bill out at $300+/hr. but run in and run out of the customers homes. They don't provide the level of customer service they should. Their techs throw prices against the wall and see what sticks. They have the techs running 5-7-10 calls per day. You can't provide customer service when you are pushing your men on that many calls.
They charge a ton of money and leave the customer feeling like they just got out of a prison gang rape. (sorry to get so graphic, but I've seen the results)
I am not saying that we are perfect, I am saying that we have about a 60% repeat customer rate in the 1st 18 months.
I do agree with you whole heartedly about the $20/hr guys. I've said for the longest time, you can charge $20/hr and rip someone off, or you can charge $200/hr and give them the biggest bargain of their life. It's not about the money, it's about what you do for the money.
My point was that, too many guys see flat rate as a way to bloat their overhead and jack up their prices with impunity. If used correctly, flat rate can create a great business. If it falls into the wrong hands, it leaves the customer feeling cheated.
Does that make sense?
