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Pricing and Quoting Jobs as a Solo Tradesperson
Confident, profitable pricing starts with knowing your true hourly cost. Add materials, overhead, and a margin before quoting. A clear written quote protects you and sets customer expectations.


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Estimate Costs
Calculate your true hourly cost: desired annual salary divided by billable hours, plus overhead per hour. Add materials at cost plus 15 to 25 percent markup. Never guess on materials costs.

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Write the Quote
Use a quote template with your business name, job description, itemized costs, timeline, and payment terms. Send as a PDF. Include a clear acceptance process and expiry date.

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Invoice and Follow Up
Invoice immediately on job completion. Offer bank transfer and card payment. Set net 7 payment terms for residential. For commercial clients start at net 15 and adjust based on payment history.

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Pricing Setup Checklist
[ ] Calculate your true hourly rate including all overhead
[ ] Create a materials markup policy and document it
[ ] Build a quote template in Google Docs or a free tool like Invoice Ninja
[ ] Set payment terms and add them to every quote
[ ] Open a business bank account separate from personal
[ ] Track every quote sent and its win or loss outcome
[ ] Review your pricing every 6 months against costs and market rates

:NOTE
Raise your prices before you need to. Most solo tradespeople are undercharging for years before a cash crisis forces the conversation. Steady small increases are easier to absorb than a sudden large jump.