Bobbyho,
I'm just starting up my own contracting business again, after many years of working for other businesses.
Something that I have learned over the years, is that it is possible to find customers for any price range. Admittedly, I am trying to figure out how to attract the higher class of customer who is willing to pay more for really good service. So, I'd say, one key is to try to target your market to more of the better paying clientelle.
Also, although you can't charge $300-$600 for a GFCI change out or such, what other value added services could you offer to the customer? Could you suggest a panel upgrade - maybe that unsafe FPE should be changed out, or after you have installed the GFCI ask if they have any other items that have been bothering them that you could check out while you are there. If not, ask if you can send them information periodically? In this way you can keep in touch. Even ask if they have an email address, and if they would mind you contacting them by email periodically to stay in touch.
One of the marketing people that I am studying talks about the importance of the lifetime client. The client who once they start working with you and your business, becomes so loyal that all their friends hear about you and they call you back time and time again. But to win these customers over, you need to keep in touch with them. They need to learn that you are interested in them and they will keep you in mind.
Just my thoughts.
I believe there is a lot of money to be made even for a one man show.
