Ok, i give up, everyone does have their own idea on how flat rate works.

"Flat rate is always based on material cost with markup plus labor. A contract price can be any price the contractor wants it to be and for any reason."

And flat rate, can't be any price you want it to be? The whole idea of using rate sheets, is to give you that ability to adjust your prices, the price on the sheet is only a guide, you make adjustments for job conditions, and then giver them a contract price, or flat rate, or up front, or any other name that you like.

"My self-made book tells me how much to charge to install an Old Work box, how much to charge for a 20-A receptacle, cover plate, and wire per foot. Add them up to get the total price (and each thing is itemized on the work order/invoice for the customer to see and sign off on.)"


Does you self made book, have your indexed pricing, with your overhead adjustments, does it have the sales tax adjustment, for service work, can you adjust your assembly price, with add on tasks in the field, is your material cost updated.

"and each thing is itemized on the work order/invoice for the customer"

This sounds more like T&M

Sunny,
I am not saying what you are doing is wrong, if it works for you then, that is great, this discussion is more about the term Flat Rate, and how others view it, so your input is important.

___________________________________________

"I don't think we all use them to mean the same thing."

Bob called this right, from the beginning, every does have their own view, on what flat rate is.




[This message has been edited by LK (edited 09-24-2006).]