Debate: Flat rate pricing vs hourly for washer repair calls

I had a job last Tuesday in Austin where a Samsung washer needed a new drain pump - took 45 minutes but the flat rate I quoted was $200. Guy complained it was too much for such a short visit, but I had to eat gas and drive time. Do you guys find flat rate or hourly works better for keeping customers happy without losing money?

3 comments

3 Comments

juliashah13d ago

I mean idk, maybe it's just me but I'd argue hourly is actually fairer for everyone in the long run. Like yeah you lose money on quick jobs but you also make way more on the complicated ones that drag out. A $200 flat rate for 45 minutes probably feels like a rip-off to that guy, but if you hit a seized bolt or a wiring mess that takes 3 hours, you'd be losing your shirt. Hourly at least keeps it honest and customers know exactly what they're getting into upfront.

rodriguez.felix12d ago

Never really thought about it that way before but you got a point. I was dead set on flat rate because I hate dealing with hourly billing and customers watching the clock. But the seized bolt thing hit home. Last month I had a brake job that should have been 2 hours tops but it took almost 5 because everything was rusted to hell. Flat rate would have killed me on that one.

grantp2812d ago

honestly you might be right. i used to be all about flat rate because its quick and simple but when you put it that way hourly makes way more sense to even things out. kinda changed my mind on this one.