Flat rate · Sprinkler School

Flat rate

So I’m transitioning into flat rate pricing- but thought I’d check with you all on my process…

For completely new clients that want us to check out the system and do kindof a generic check, adjustments, and come up with a game plan for optimizing it- I’m calling it an Audit and charging a flat rate (per so many zones).

For a call for fixing a problem- I’m charging a flat service call fee, then adding to that each ‘line item’ that needs to get resolved (replace head, repair lateral line, replace diaphragm, etc…), and then (if applicable) have the list approved and do the work.

For some jobs that are ‘complete unknowns’ like searching for a pipe through a forest of tree roots, or chasing wire issues through 2 acres of property that had 8’ deep excavation for septic destroy everything- we go back to a time & materials charge

Here’s where I feel like I’m missing something: with dozens, if not hundreds, of long time clients with properties that we know very very well- often we know exactly what to fix when the call comes in. I lean toward waiving the service call fee on these since we can come right in and address the problem without any effort diagnosing. How do you all address this? Or, other times, we might be trouble shooting an issue that requires several visits- sometimes just showing up for a few minutes to test something, or making sure the adjustments we made are having the correct effect. It’s really easy to eat up half a day on some of these type stops, but can’t justify a full service call. (I suppose I just need to build into the job a price for follow up visits?)

Also- do any of you list your flat rate pricing on your websites or show pricing to clients? I love being transparent, but also know that it can backfire and you get people trying to “work you” around your own pricing…

Sorry super long post!

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Flat rate