i know from whence you speak. i have done a lot of work for heating/cooling contractors.
they see nothing unusual about requiring $1000 a day for 2 men. meaning, if they change out a gaspack that costs them, say $800, the customer will probably pay at least $1800 and thats if the contractor isnt out to screw 'em. lol.
the other day my brother in law told me he made $1000 for an hour of his time on such a job after paying temp help.
it seems we have to take a vow of poverty to ply our trade.
