This is a good topic .. Billing
I exclusively charge Time and Material, My time is based on a competitive rate which does compensate my necessary overhead which I keep to a minimal.
The customer deserves a fair price, I deserve to earn my cost for every hour worked on a job.
Keep in mind materials usually get marked up to offset the materials labor of pickup also I have a invoice charge regardless which covers tool and vehicle ware.
As I've heard from many successful Electrical Businesses
"you wont get rich in this business, but you will earn a good living"
I use to simply bid the jobs which still I give a range to the customer, although when all is done I bill them for actual time taken and supplies use.
all my stock is paid for by prior projects, I make sure what ever I've purchased becomes reimbursed upon billing, The normal markup is around 30% which covers my time designing and purchasing the supplies.
I do ok .. 3500.00 for a service upgrade is simply a rip off, unless its a 400A or so, or 3 phase. My range averages around 1600.00 to 2400.00 depending on the circuits involved and the bonding ease.
I believe in long term clients not the get in, get out concept.
