Trade Pricing Calculator
Trade pricing isn't just about covering the materials and your daily wage. It's about pricing to sustain a healthy, resilient business. Whether you are a solo operator or running a small crew, getting your pricing structure right is your most important job.
Key pricing factors
Overheads Recovery
Your van, insurance, tool replacement, and phone bill. A portion of these must be paid by every job.
Wastage & Contingency
Add 10% to your material calculations for cuts, breakages, and minor mistakes. It happens to everyone.
Subcontractor Costs
If bringing in another trade (e.g., a sparky on a kitchen fit), apply a management markup to their fee for organising them.
Example: Kitchen Fitting (Labour Only)
- Fitter (4 days @ £250)
- £1000.00
- Labourer (4 days @ £120)
- £480.00
- Sundries & Fixings
- £75.00
- Cost
- £1555.00
- Margin & Overheads (25%)
- £388.75
- Final Trade Price
- £1943.75
Factoring in the labourer and overheads ensures the lead tradesperson isn't subsidising the business out of their own day rate.
Practical quoting guidance
- Review your day rate annually. If inflation is 5%, your rate needs to increase just to stand still.
- Do not discount your price just because a job is simple. You are charging for your experience and the tools you bring.
- Track your actual time against your estimated time to improve future quotes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a day rate vs a priced job?
A day rate charges the customer for your time regardless of progress. A priced job guarantees an outcome for a fixed fee, shifting the risk (and potential reward) to you.
How do I calculate my business overheads?
Add up your annual costs (insurance, van finance, accountancy, tools) and divide by your workable days (usually around 220 a year) to find your daily overhead cost.