Unfortunately, this thread seems to be degenerating into (mild) incivility.
Flat rate pricing may work for some, but it is not the only way to run a profitable residential service business.
I'm from around Dnk's area, and the large service companies with the full page ads have a reputation for exorbitant pricing (real, or imagined).
If their overhead and profit targets dictate the need to charge $4,000.00 for a service upgrade that I can, profitably, do for $2,000.00 that is their business.
I do not charge for estimates. That is my business. I am not "dragging anybody down", I just don't have the overhead that they do, nor do I aspire to grow a company that can be sold someday.
Just because someone feels different about a business model, there is no need to get snide with them.
I have been a member of this boared for about 5 years, and this sort of bickering has rarely been seen.
In the words of Rodney King:
"Why can't we all just get along?"
