Customer Pricing Materials

BrendonTW said:

I'm sure this has been posted before, but I couldn't find it.

Customer wants a simple flower bed done. Found all of the prices at Lowes + Home Depot herself. She wants to just buy them herself and then give me the receipt to go pick them up.

I mark up materials even when I buy them at retail stores in order to cover travel time, taxes, etc... When my business has grown in size I certainly will not be doing this type of thing, and I don't want to start with her. How do you all go about this type of thing?

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I've been in a slightly similar situation. I really really really really hate these types of jobs because the customer isn't paying for my full service and I just really wish I could do all the pricing myself and actually get the materials and plants from nurseries I know and deal with all the time. However, in my position, I find myself taking these jobs because they're usually alright for revenue and getting my name in the door, as well as building a positive relationship with customers. I wouldn't charge to pick up the materials, because I figure I don't want her to pay any more than she has to for crappy plants, mulch, etc. The revenue of the job will more than enough cover my travel expenses 3 miles out of my way.