How do you price your jobs fairly so your clients are happy and you're not underselling yourself? Here's everything you need to know.
Setting your prices as a tradie can feel like walking a tightrope—charge too much, and you might scare off customers; charge too little, and you’ll be working for peanuts. Striking the right balance is key to running a profitable business while staying competitive in the market.
So, how do you price your jobs fairly without underselling yourself? Let’s break it down.
Before you even think about setting a price, you need to know exactly how much it costs you to do a job. This includes:
Materials – Quality materials can be pricey, but skimping on them isn’t an option if you want repeat business.
Labour – Your time is valuable, so make sure you’re paying yourself (and your team, if you have one) a fair wage.
Overheads – Don’t forget things like insurance, tools, fuel, advertising, and admin costs.
Taxes & Super – Factor in GST, income tax, and super contributions so you’re not left short at the end of the financial year.
Once you know your baseline costs, you’ll have a better idea of what you need to charge just to break even—then you can build in your profit margin.
The best way to gauge what’s fair is to check what other tradies in your area are charging. A quick search on ServiceSeeking.com.au can give you an idea of the going rates for your trade.
Keep in mind:
Prices can vary depending on location—big city rates might be higher than in regional areas.
Specialised skills or certifications can justify charging more.
Experience counts—if you’ve been in the game for years, you can (and should) charge more than a newbie.
Knowing the market rate helps you stay competitive without lowballing yourself.
A common mistake tradies make is charging solely for labour hours rather than factoring in their skills and experience. Your customers aren’t just paying for the time it takes to complete a job—they’re paying for the years of knowledge, precision, and efficiency you bring.
For example, an experienced electrician can install a ceiling fan in half the time of a rookie. But if you charge purely by the hour, you might end up earning less than someone who’s slower but charges the same rate. Instead, consider value-based pricing—charge for the job itself rather than just the time it takes to do it.
Nothing turns off a customer faster than a surprise bill. Being upfront about costs builds trust and reduces the chance of disputes later on. When quoting, break down:
Labour costs
Material costs
Call-out fees (if applicable)
Any potential extras (e.g. if additional work is required after inspection)
Providing a clear and detailed quote makes you look professional and justifies your pricing.
It’s tempting to lower your prices to secure more work, but constant undercutting can do more harm than good.
If you’re always the cheapest, customers may assume you’re cutting corners or desperate for work. Worse, you could end up working long hours for little reward, leading to burnout and financial stress. Instead, focus on highlighting your expertise, reliability, and quality workmanship—customers are often willing to pay more for a job done right the first time.
If you’ve been charging the same rates for years, it’s probably time for a review. The cost of materials, fuel, and insurance goes up over time, so your prices should reflect that.
Some signs it’s time to adjust your pricing:
You’re fully booked but struggling to make a profit.
You’re getting too many jobs too easily—this may mean you’re undercharging.
Your competitors are charging significantly more for the same service.
Don’t be afraid to tweak your rates to reflect your true value.
Setting the right price is just one part of running a successful trade business—you also need a steady flow of quality leads. That’s where ServiceSeeking.com.au comes in.
By signing up, you can:
Access customers actively looking for your services.
Set your own pricing and adjust it as needed.
Showcase your reviews and experience to attract higher-paying clients.
The right customers aren’t always looking for the cheapest tradie—they want quality work at a fair price. With ServiceSeeking.com.au, you can connect with customers who value your expertise and are willing to pay what you’re worth.
Pricing your jobs right is a mix of knowing your costs, researching market rates, and charging based on value rather than just time. Stick to fair and transparent pricing, avoid undercutting yourself, and don’t be afraid to adjust your rates as your business grows.
Want to attract more high-quality clients who appreciate good work? Sign up to ServiceSeeking.com.au today and start pricing your jobs with confidence!
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