@@MJTiffPlumbing Very satisfying to see her last text message 🤣🤣🤣 I couldn't believe it when you said 200 quid. I was pricing it at a grand hahahaha. For your next bit of content, you should ring some Irish plumbing companies and ask them to quote for that job. Guaranteed none less than a thousand quid 😝
My Missus was earwigging over my shoulder into your video and said £350 before you’d said the price and then added plus the tip. We are London customers that struggle to find Trades, but when we do we struggle to get them to take a tip!!! All The Best
Nothing wrong with that price mate, one thing I never do is haggle or negotiate on quotes, the first price I give is always the best, thanks for another great video
Exactly Tom…. Good tradesman like us don’t need to do that, we are always busy guys and girls… Thought I would show just what some people are like when it comes to what they expect, want to pay and how they go about it…. As usually you only here “The plumber ripped me off” 🙄🙄
same as you Tom. if you then knock the price down it would be like you are ripping them off to start with. The price I give is the price or they can get someone else.
I fitted a new toilet for someone that had their washing machine in their bathroom. A week later got a call, "the vibration of the machine keeps making the seat fall down, it didn't happen before, you need to fit a new toilet". Ffs
Hey Mark I’m a Bricky working for myself can relate buddy. Genuinely pisses you off when you get a text or an email like that. First time it happened I started to doubt myself for a second thinking I was being unreasonable….then you realise you just get people like that in life and can’t win 😂… love the channel bud
liked this Mark, very relatable.I priced a kitchen for a lady. I had got the inquiry because another customer had recommended me. She had a date she wanted it done by and I was busy but thought I’ll fit it in as it was a recommendation and it looked like there would be more work. Didn’t hear anything but I was getting tight for time to fit it in. Don’t usually call the customer to ask if they want me to book the work but did. Spoke to her husband and heard her say in the background ‘ that’s far to expensive’ and he said they were getting someone else to do it. No problem. Got a call a few weeks later ‘ can you fit us in please’ funnily enough no sorry. 😂
Big thanks for the tip of the folding bucket, for years In spots I’ve struggled to get a drain down tray or plumb tub under to act as a catchment for my wet vac to suck out any residual water I’ve used many methods from heavy duty rubble sack to the customers piedish 😂 not anymore, I’m now a convert to the folding bucket, I even used it today to catch my screen wash when I replaced the washer pump on my transit that packed in on way to Job the other day. Keep up the great vids, this is my 45th year in plumbing and it’s good to watch your down to earth handling of what we all have to overcome. I fitted the older version of Hans grohe multi outlet shower manifold a few years ago and shit myself when I opened the boxes but it all went together in the end, no thanks to their rep 😢
As a customer I genuinely have no idea how much any trade job should cost, so I’d never comment on whether a price is “good value” coz I just don’t know. But for the same reason I might say it’s too expensive (for my budget) even if it’s the going rate. It’s not a criticism of the tradesperson, it’s an admission I’m poor. As a customer I really value tradespeople with good websites with clear pricing so I don’t waste their time asking for an estimate/ quote.
very enjoyable video Mark, i have been plumbing for 45 years, some aspects of the job have become a lot easier (plastic pipes ) ond some a lot harder (back to the wall toilets / concealed showers ) but the biggest pain of all has got to be customer involvement, not helped by customers watching youtube videos and supplying their own items for me to fit . Keep up the great work
I've liked and subscribed! I'm a plumber from Australia and I totally felt your frustration with that job. Everything you said I totally related too! We have those clients over here too mate! I agree, once you see the red flags it's sooo much easier to walk away! I look forward to more videos mate! Cheers 🍻
If that woman thinks the job should take two hours, i would have told her to go and do the job herself and she would soon find out how long it would really take
That’s insane. You do great work at an honest rate. There are a lot of tradespeople in my area that use predatory pricing on elderly and it runs up cost to unaffordable rates for the average homeowner. I’m a teacher turned handyman and plumbing companies around here would charge closer to $800-1200 for a job like that around my area. I’ve learned over years how to do most basic plumbing but would happily pay a plumber $120 an hour for certain jobs
Thanks for the video mate. Some customers can be awkward at times. I've had my fair amount of bad ones, sometimes it makes you consider packing it in. But the nice customers help to balance out the bad. All the best
I am not a tradesman but do run my own business that involves quotes & dealing directly with customers. I can tell from your demeanor that you care about the standard of work you provide & the knowledge & skill you have got comes at a price . I learned through my mistakes when i first started & I now walk away from any customer who shows any sign of being a pain in the bum from the get go . It is strange how they always come back with their tail between their legs . That was a very fair price for the work she wanted done & she will pay double or more now .......... whoops
Excellent episode, Mark. More of this please! More pricing issues, good to benchmark against an established tradesman, to confirm correct pricing...👏👏👏
Wow I was surprised when you said £230 That s was an absolute bargain! The most annoying thing is the part where she tells you how long it's going to take you. That really grinds my gears!
I'm not a tradesman, but I think she learnt a valuable lesson that day. Like you say, there'd be some people charging closer to £500. Was quite surprised you only quoted £230. Seems like a small job from a customers perspective, but draining/refilling a big house could take some time in itself. Maybe some things need to be explained as the customer won't always understand the work involved.
Customers don't need anything explained, they should just shop around for prices after they're quoted before running their mouths. I couldn't believe it when he said £200 - I would have bit his hand off.
Im a sparky not a plumber so sort of understand what is involved, before you said the price I was thinking £150-£200 plus the parts, I charge £60 for first hour then £35 an hour after, it all depends on your area, but half a day for me would be £165 plus the materials.. I don't think it was super cheap but I dont think it was a rip off either... I did two jobs pretty much the same, change a kitchen light, both took about an hour, both £60, one customer said "Are you sure thats enough", second customer said "Oh thats more than I expected it to be".. When I started I offered to change a couple of outside sockets for £15 each (customer had socket) they initially refused... I dont think a lot of people understand the time outside the job or the costs involved in being self employed..
As every other plumber has mentioned that was the right price ,and yes we have all been there ,you were in the right so yes walk away who need s clients like that,all the best and yes even that rad change was bloody awkward ,and onto the next ,thanks again .
There is also a great thing I found in duftons. It looks like a big red tongue that can be bent and adjusted in different ways, which i I used to drain a cylinder on the immersion heater as drain off was blocked
Good stuff, sadly this is all too common.I had a random call me yesterday wanting a cp12 on a combi and a fire. She then told me I was too dear and she tried the haggling crap like I was selling trinkets at a market. It’s getting harder 😅
Interesting video. I've had a couple of plumbers at present house. First one was a rip off merchant (bodged a Megaflow), then I found another one who has done everything (lots of work) since, who is a top bloke and I never query his prices because it is obvious that he is a really nice genuine guy. Same with a bricklayer I use for walls and flooring - I just accept his prices because on the day we met I had a good feeling about him (got three quotes for a job and he was not the cheapest) and he has always done first class work for us. Same with our plasterer. Superb guy. Once you find good tradespeople they become friends and you never let them go. I've got friends who barter everything and they always have problems with the people they employ. I think you know when people are genuine and you will get on.
100% agree i thought to myself £250 plus mats before you even said what you quoted. People dont like paying for trade knowledge. I have 40 years in the business and thats what i charge for👍🏼👊🏼
I had a customer agree the price for a bathroom fit. Said they need to get a decorator in after me before the Tennant comes back. Said I'll push on and get it done before Friday. I got it all done Thursday. Invoice sent. Got the reply of are you taking off a days labour as you were done Thursday and not Friday.
I completely get your point of view, as a DIYer it would have taken me all day to do that. She probably thought it was just replace radiator and “turn heating back on”
Great video. Makes a change. I had a lesson taught me. I said to a fellow once, "Is that your best price(£300)"? his reply was, " No, £400 is!" Peace be unto you.
Wouldn’t be to sure about her having a sudden change of heart genuinely, I’ve found that in a similar situation I was told I was overcharging,then customer apologised and said they regretted it all but it turns out it was just because they’d had another 3 quotes all more expensive then they wanted my original cheaper quote to come back and do it… I took great satisfaction in politely declining the job. 😊
I had customers like that,I'm a builder iv priced extentions up then they say its far too dear until they get 2 more quotes that's double my quote I usually don't bother doing the work unless I'm quiet
Great video and really insightful reg the pricing. As I’m sure you are aware it can even take a while to turn the water off never mind start. I was at a job recently where it took me an hour before I even got started. The mains stopcock was totally seized so water had to be turned off in the street then the gate valve at the CWST well I didn’t even attempt to turn that as we all know the score with them. The tank lid had the insulation taped to the side of it and for some reason my rubber bullet wouldn’t stop the water so ended up the whole tank drained out. Customers don’t understand the work you’ve to do before you even get started to do the actual work they hired you to do. That’s just arrogance on her part to tell you how long said job should take. You stuck to your guns well done Mark.
Hi mark love the videos mate I’m a plumber myself and slowly starting to do my own hobbles and don’t really know what to charge the customers could you do a video on plumbing jobs and how much you would charge each job from like changing a filling valve to installing a external stop tap etc … many thanks
I've had a few like this over the years. One, nice lady, messaged me she have found someone much cheaper. I replied that I had no idea how they could do it for that price and her reply was that they were just staring out and so wanted to get a customer base. The problems with this is that eventually they are going to have to charge their new customer base a decent price or they'll have no money in the bank when they need a new set of tyres, pay the insurance, tax bill, buy new tools.... the list goes on. Good vid. Be good to see how you work out what height to mount the new rad brackets... so they line up with the valves.
Nothing piss me off more as soon as they start bidding me down walk away🙈🙈that’s a really fair price I was expecting you to say double that. Keep up the great content
I feel your pain. Someone on the Nextdoor app near me posted asking for a bathroom fitter “That doesn’t charge the earth”… makes my piss boil… Loved your post, I’ve subscribed. 👍👍👍
A CONVERSATION ABOUT PERCEIVED VALUE: A customer asked a contractor how much it would cost to do this project. The contractor gave him a quote: £4500 The customer responded: That’s seems really high. The contractor asked: What do you think is a reasonable price for this job? The customer answered: £2500 maximum The contractor responded: Ok, then I invite you to do it yourself. The customer answered: I don't know how to. The contractor said: Alright, then how about for £2500 I'll teach you how to. So besides saving you £2000, you'll learn valuable skills that will benefit you in the future. The customer answered: Sounds good! Let’s do it! The contractor responded: Great! To get started, you are going to need some tools. You will need a chop saw, table saw, cordless drill, bit set, router, skill saw, jig saw, tool belt, hammer, etc.. The customer answered: But I don't have any of those tools and I can't justify buying all of these for one job. The contractor responded: Ok. Well then for an additional £300 I can rent my tools to you to use for this project. The customer answered: Okay. That’s fair. The contractor responded: Great! We will start the project on Monday. The customer answered: I work Monday through Friday. I’m only available on the weekends. The contractor responded: If you want to learn from me then you will need to work when I work. This project will take 3 days so you will need to take 3 days off work. The customer answered: That means I’m going to have to sacrifice my pay for 3 days or use my holiday time! The contractor responded: That’s true. Remember, when you do a job yourself you need to account for unproductive factors. The customer answered: What do you mean by that? The contractor responded: Doing a job completely from start to finish includes time spent to plan the project, pick up materials, travel time, gas, set up time, clean up, and waste disposal amongst other things. That’s all in addition to the actual project itself. And speaking of materials, that’s where we will start on Monday so I need you to meet me at the lumberyard at 6:00am. The customer answered: At 6am?!! My work day doesn’t usually start until 8am! The contractor responded: Well then you’re in luck! My plan is to start on the deck build by 8am. But to do so we have to start at 6am to get materials picked up, loaded and delivered to your job site. The customer answered: You know, I’m realizing that a lot more goes in to a job than what a customer sees in the finished project. Your quote of £4500 is very reasonable. I would like you to handle the project. CONCLUSION: When you pay for a job, especially a custom job, (whether it’s a physical project or digital project) you pay not only for the material and the work to be completed. You also pay for: ✔️ Knowledge ✔️ Experience ✔️ Custom Skills ✔️ Tools ✔️ Time to plan ✔️ Time to prepare ✔️ Professionalism ✔️ Work Ethic ✔️ Excellence ✔️ Discipline ✔️ Commitment ✔️ Integrity ✔️ Taxes ✔️ Licenses ✔️ Sacrifices ✔️ Liabilities ✔️ Insurance If you request a quote for custom work to be done, please don’t disrespect a tradesman by trying to get them to lower their prices. If their quote exceeds your budget, there’s nothing wrong with getting other quotes. Just remember.. you get what you pay for. 👉🏼 TRADESMEN: Know your worth and be confident in it. 👉🏼 CONSUMERS: Recognise their worth and be respectful of it.
I bet loads of tradespeople can relate to this quote/estimate scenario. Customer wants a top notch job but only wants to pay half the price. As for that radiator swap out. I bet there was some swearing edited out. Keep up the great work Mark
I had a couple of jobs like that - gave him the price and he agreed. Job was done and he said exactly what your Sarah said -It only took you 2 hours so I'll pay you for them' Argument followed and I said give me what you want and I'm off. He gave me something but not all. I felt like undoing the job as you did!! If things get awkward I ask for the money before I start!
I had £400 in my head so £200 would have been a great price. It’s not just your trade, being a freelance graphic designer I have to deal with this sort of stuff but also have to deal with concepts and non tangible things where there is no right answer to what is being delivered at the end.
The problem is too many trademans actually do try and rip you off. I got multiple quotes to decorate a room ranging from 2k -8k. I booked someone who arranged a date and then rescheduled because they were ill. When they came 2 weeks later they went into the room and I overhead them.saying they know how to recoup some money from having 2 weeks off. They wanted to charge me an extra 1500 for something that was already in quote. I asked them to leave and did everything myself at a higher quality for less money.
@Greg Benham because I am a single.father with 3 kids and work. I know I can do it all but there's only so much time in the day and would.rather spend that with my children. Also that's a silly argument. I can also cook but I still go to restaurants, I can drive but still use cabs. Just because I have the skills doesn't justify their behaviour.
We’ve only used Mark & some of his tilers once, it was bloody lovely having a good price, really good job, all done as he said it would be, actually tidied up too! Why don’t people just pay for what is needed !! Do people really think that self employed people would do a shit Job & lose a reputation they’ve built over years ? Their business that pays their mortgage? He’s got me ranting too 😂😂
Hahaha thanks mate….. appreciate that buddy👍🏼👍🏼 People like yourself know the score and exactly what you said, takes years to build up a reputation and seconds to lose it…. In other news mate…. The M2 went today🫣🫣😕
It may not happen often, if it happens at all, but it is said some tradies go out and buy high tech tools like a measuring tape so that they can make up the fittings to drop a radiator on in the first go. A regular tradie can't be expected to know about using such devices so he is fully justified in charging higher for the time tested method of trial and error.
Customers seem to think that you pocket your entire labour rate as income. They simply don't understand that you are self employed and that's the rate needed to pay yourself a wage and keep the business afloat.
hi, back in 2012 i got in a local plumber to replace the combe, the job drain & add inhibitor refill, 5 meters of 22mm pipe and the combe £1,700. the combe was just under £1,000, so for his time £700. back then you had the government scrappage of £400. i think that he over charged for the job, so that the £400 went in is pocket, but he was cheaper then British gas they were around £4000. next time think ill by the combo and get someone to fit it.
I'm a tradesman myself, not a plumber but I can relate, especially when some wifey was trying to tell you how long something should take, I wouldn't even let another tradesman tell me how long something should take, this is why I hate working on peoples House's now, putting up with shit like this, I prefer working on proper big jobs where they can afford your wages, and you are right slot of cowboys out there who do rip people of
well done chap i have that all the time i have been doing plumbing 40 years and customers r getting worse thats a fair price every think you said is right nice one
What are these customers thinking? I’m not a plumber but as a DIYer I know you are not just paying for time but the knowledge that comes with the skills!
Good morning from Chugiak, Alaska. I've recently come across your content and wanted to say job well done. Its interesting to me how buildings in different parts of the world are designed and put together. If the mechanical portion of them doesn't work right however, they're all still nifty storage sheds. Wonderful topic for this video, the "educated client". They knew exactly how long this task should take, but won't do it themselves. Not sure how the skilled labor pool is doing there, but here its shrinking fast. Lots of folks retiring with no one coming in to replace them. When I think about what 10 or maybe even 5 years looks like from now, the "educated client" better pull up their boot straps and hang on. They may not be able to get a skilled or non-skilled laborer on their project for months, no matter how much money they throw out there. Hopefully I'm wrong and things will turn around. Have a great weekend sir !
Ahh yes get this in every industry the client who tells you how long they think something will take. Or someone else will do it cheaper. Then they come back saying the other person couldn't do it can you fix it etc. Or the best one I had was can you tell them how to do it. Great video Mark as usual!
😂😂😂 when you were saying what the job was I was thinking £350-£400 with parts and VAT. Had similar this week with someone texting. “You’ve been highly recommended, how much for a central heating pump change, oh, I’ve already bought the pump.” Told him £90 per hr plus VAT as you never know if the valves are seized and you have to drain down. He said, “Oh ok I will have to think about that” Think on mate, not happening ever! Know your worth and stick to it. Great vids as always mate👍🏼
Randomly found this and was intrigued. You could write what I know about plumbing on a post-it note and still have plenty of space. But that's the point. If I hire a plumber, that's precisely because I don't have the necessary knowledge or skills in that area. The job breakdown you gave was really good as, while I still don't know how to do any of that, it gave a good idea of the effort involved in a way that made sense to me as a layperson, without laying it on thick as if you were trying to make the job more than it had to be. I didn't have a specific price in my head, but my mind was definitely in a place of more than £230. If I was hiring a plumber and they could explain a job like that, and give that sort of quote, I'd be very happy. I think people also don't realise that they are paying for more than just components and on-site time as well. Like, you don't just magically have a business. I hear plumbers can make a decent living, but there is other work to do to enable you to even be on site doing the job in the first place and you don't get directly paid for any of that.
Thanks buddy, really appreciate that comment and you taking the time to write it. Hope you enjoy the channel and some other video that hopefully may be of interest 👍🏼👍🏼
She 100% got other people to quote it and it was more expensive, I was thinking £300 minimum when you said what needed doing. I've had a job before where I did an extension and I popped by on a Saturday to tee my new work into the system thinking I'd be there a couple of hours, and when I cut into the return pipe I cracked a poorly soldered fitting in the back of the airing cupboard right behind the cylinder and it didn't start properly leaking until the system was refilled and up to temp, if the customer wasn't understanding of this and I'd put a shit price on the job I could've easily walked away and cut my loss at that point. 😂 You need to make it worth your while, you never know how bad things can turn in the world of plumbing
It's not just the time they are paying for, which they always vastly under estimate anyway (I'd say 6hrs for what you mentioned and I'm just a DIYer). They are paying for your skill, experience, your tool wear & tear, the van, insurance, the list goes on. These people have no idea. I'm doing my own bathroom currently from scratch and its taking AGES. The work involved is massive, and some jobs end up taking 5x longer than you think!! You're better off without these types of customers IMO.
Only 5x? You're doing well!! I used to reckon on 4x, but as I get older, it tends to double up, so I'm now on an average of 8x!! Keep going - it will be worth it when done.
@@mistermikeanson Very true. I’m building the pre-wall for the toilet frame today. I have visions of it being finished by tomorrow night. In reality I’ll probably only get the sole timber in. 😂
Yes. Although tbf the skill is already accounted for in the hourly / daily rate or estimate. And those skills reduce the amount of time taken compared to a DIYer. Of course if you do any gas work then there are also the costs associated with professional body registration fees.
Bathrooms are the single trickiest room in a house, especially when it’s a high-end bathroom with underfloor heating, heated mirrors, walk in wet room showers, etc. They can easily take a month from start to finish because you can usually only fit 1 or 2 tradesmen in the room at any one time and it requires someone who can work on electrics, plumbing, carpentry, plastering/rendering, boarding, tiling, decorating and sometimes even gas, otherwise you have to bring in individual tradesmen.
I am different with trades, when i get a quote I always ask what grunt work can I do to reduce the cost the stuff the plumber or whomever doesn’t want to do or is safe and good for me to do. You can’t reduce labour without an understanding of the job as a whole
Du ever think that we, customers, shop around and ask how long a job will take, maybe she has a friend or family member who is a plumber and told her it should only take x hours at x cost. Nah, bitch and moan is what ye do.
Great video Mark. As a competent DIYer who can do most of my own plumbing (but i know my limits) I would’ve said £3-400. Looks like you steered well clear buddy.
The second a customer sends messages like that. I'm out. luckily, I've only had a hand full in 20 yrs . Hope the carpenter got paid 👍. I spend hrs watching plumbing videos. I find it interesting watching other trades. Surprising the few tips I've picked up, which helps in my trade . I bought a pipe cutter to cut stairrods absolute game changer . Wish RUclips was around yrs ago . Subbed 👍
£200 plus the £30ish for parts didn’t seem unreasonable for that work. She’s obviously gone out to another plumber and been quoted more 😂😂 Serves her right!!
Fair price mate . I do service and repair, been at that only almost 30 years and in last 6 months not k own anything like it , so dam hard work . Van full of bits, some recycled , cover 7 days still not enough doe them.
Nice video thank you brotha...more often than not I feel like we undervalue ourselves and don't charge enough because people often question the price and want it for cheaper. Can be very frustrating knowing that these same customers are willing to buy name brand items ; clothes,electronics,food ect ....at what usually is technically a rip off price in the grand scheme of things lol.
Mate, I don't comment a lot, but this is one of the biggest reasons I've gone back to employment. Even some plumber Mates are saying it only took you 2 hours you can't charge £100 , it only took 2 hours because I have 10 years of experience plus if it goes wrong you have to cover it !🤬🤬
Listening to your description of the work, I thought £300 plus parts would have been nearer the mark but would not have argued at £350. Had she asked what was involved before turning down your quote, she might have been better informed. I am not trade myself, but work with electricians at times as an electric heating sales rep. People need to include things like fuel, vehicle maintenance, tax, insurance etc as well as pay for knowledge, experience and skill.
I once had a customer query me charging a call out fee for attending a pipe to a garden tap pissing out water ever where at 7.45pm on a dark ,raining Sunday night. The reason being and I quote her exact response “ how come I have to pay that when you only live 10 minutes away “ 🤣😂
£100 a rad was too cheap straight away. I’m sick of customers trying to tell me what they want to pay. Any back chat and I just say sorry my quote is no longer valid and have no room in my diary for you now. 30 years experience as a plumber and bathroom installer 👌🏽
Was more of a turn for Dave as he helped me out on a few jobs before Christmas… and still she thought it was too dear. Yep 27years in the game and still people make me wonder what they are thinking!!!
Not in trade myself, but had a couple of properties fully refitted and when you laid out the job and asked what it might be priced I was thinking £400-£600 all told. Just goes to show some people have no idea when they have a good deal in front of them, and also why the people they get the first time don't end up doing things right!
Brilliant video Mark, and a good fair price. Even if you could do the job in 2 hours like Sarah thinks, she would be paying for your skills and experience to be able to do it in 2 hours.
I am in my first year of being on my own plumbing and I hate charging people because I don't want to be too cheap and at the same time don't want to rip people off. I want to make a living not a killing. Great price great video.
Same as lad in the first year self employed but no point being a busy fool neither! But stick to the ethics making a living as you will get more and more popular with customers.
Just as you were going through the job I thought in my head £200 for the labour. I work in electrics but understand how much time jobs take and the expertise involved.
Evening Mark. £200 was an absolute bargain for that! I was sat thinking £300 at least before you stated your price!! But, if it smells like s**t, it'll taste like s**t for sure! Best off out of that one mate, she'll learn the hard way, I've no sympathy for anyone like that. As for the rad, when it's tight like that, I've resorted to putting one tail in first, then hang it in position and couple it up, then put the other tail in and couple up with it in position. Just another option for you. (I try to avoid spinning rad valves incase it pops off 😂). So long as there's enough play on the pipework, I've had a fair bit of success doing it that way. 👍
Hi Mark, thanks for the video. I'm not a tradesman but a competent DIYer. This is a classic example of the customer's expectations exceeding their budget and I'm sure you've learned to avoid them. I like watching snooker and marvel at the skill but I realise that I'm watching the end result of thousands of hours of practice, so what's so different about paying for a tradesman's skill and experience!
Thats actually a good price! Wth! I paid 200pounds to have 1 double rad put in with abit of pipe work and I found that reasonable. Maybe because I'm a tradesman myself so I understand the sort of work that's needed to be done. Tbh I just end up moving on to my next customer because if you actually end up doing the work for some of these people they end up giving you more problems along the way.
Love your videos mark, though im not on the tools now i still like keeping my eye in. I guessed around £180 to £200 before you gave the quote. Obviously i dont know the size of the house but your price seemed more than fair....and we all know things can go wrong or you have to run out for another fitting. Customers just dont understand this. I priced a job in west bromwich, a bathroom refit, ensuite and downstairs cloaks. My price a shade over £5000......this was nearly 20 years ago. He came back with "call it £3000 and the jobs yours" mmmmmmmm nahhhhhhh mate.
Hi Mark not easy when you have got a small space. My tip when valves distance is tight turn valve as you did but fit bracket as far left as possible than slide the rad sideways to the left rad valve.
Hi mark great stuff as per usual mate, gotta say as soon as you described the work needed doing I’m thinking absolute minimum £180 but probably would have said £200 as I know it would be a whole mornings work (at best) I’m often told I’m quite competitive aswell, but like ya say you just lose interest in them and they can end up getting shafted elsewhere 😂
Great video, She should have ripped your arm off for £200 plus parts, I was at £450 with the floor up, You were spot on Never let customers dictate your prices, just walk away she will be sorry when she gets some other quotes.
Good video, having a good plumber is really important, I guessed 250-300 plus bits when you asked the question, she obvs didn’t realise you have to drain the system then fill it up again… unless she wants a new swimming pool that is lol. Best to stay away from those customers don’t need em. I have a concept esp with tradies that you need to be a good customer, which means respecting them, trusting them and paying them extremely promptly. Normally people get recommendations so you’re going to get someone decent if you do that.
I had this just before Christmas, customer tried to knock 2-3k off the job because 1. He would give me 5 sheets of plasterboard and 1 bag of adhesive (been sat in his damp garage for weeks/months), and 2. He would help me with the job "to save me paying anyone else" 🤯🤯🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hi Mark, that there is the reason I went back direct.... I must have had that kind of knob jockey every other week.....it amazes me how all these folk are such experts at plumbing.. .. More than fare price Mark 👍
Customer here. Great to hear your point of view. I've been working with trades over the last two years on my kitchen extension and really appreciate the skills and knowledge the different trades bring. I never negotiate on price but will get more than one quote if it's a new trade. I was typically paying £300 a day for the trades for labour. So £200 for half a day sounds ok but doesn't sound "cheap". Or am I missing something?
Thanks mate, great to hear from a “customer” on this… appreciate it. It’s was more of a turn for Dave to be honest as he had helped me out on some jobs before Christmas… and she still thought it was too expensive🫣
This happened to me a couple of years ago and the customer told me the job should only cost around £600.00. I priced it and it came out at £390.00, the customer is always right I used to be told so £600.00 it was.
First time watching your channel. Not a tradesmen, but I knew straight away that the price you quoted was very good. Like you sai, too many people have no idea, what things cost.
Posting this comment after watching the first 70 seconds. I've never been so excited to watch a video in all my life haha. Let's go!!!
Hahahaha 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
You’ve now had that comment pinned to the top…🤣👍🏼👍🏼
@@MJTiffPlumbing Very satisfying to see her last text message 🤣🤣🤣 I couldn't believe it when you said 200 quid. I was pricing it at a grand hahahaha. For your next bit of content, you should ring some Irish plumbing companies and ask them to quote for that job. Guaranteed none less than a thousand quid 😝
🤣🤣🤣🤣….. glad you liked it mate
Same
When customers start telling you how long a job will take, that’s a cue to walk away from starting the job.
100% mate….. everytime they do that I walk
Too true. I always make a tongue and cheek comment about why they got me there in the first place if they know what's involved.
You just fuck em off don't you the job isn't worth the hassle
And there's plenty more where you came from you greedy fuck. Better yet, do it yourself! And don't let you crooks take advantage
My Missus was earwigging over my shoulder into your video and said £350 before you’d said the price and then added plus the tip. We are London customers that struggle to find Trades, but when we do we struggle to get them to take a tip!!! All The Best
You sound like the perfect people to work for…👍🏼👍🏼🙌🏼
Nothing wrong with that price mate, one thing I never do is haggle or negotiate on quotes, the first price I give is always the best, thanks for another great video
Exactly Tom…. Good tradesman like us don’t need to do that, we are always busy guys and girls…
Thought I would show just what some people are like when it comes to what they expect, want to pay and how they go about it…. As usually you only here “The plumber ripped me off” 🙄🙄
same as you Tom. if you then knock the price down it would be like you are ripping them off to start with. The price I give is the price or they can get someone else.
I fitted a new toilet for someone that had their washing machine in their bathroom. A week later got a call, "the vibration of the machine keeps making the seat fall down, it didn't happen before, you need to fit a new toilet".
Ffs
🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
Every tradesman will relate to this exact thing.....its the other side of the coil that people dont see!!!
Know the feeling mate had one yesterday do it to me
Where are you based mate I cant figure out your accent.
@@scorpionnetherrealm8937
I’m in Warwick buddy…..
Hey Mark I’m a Bricky working for myself can relate buddy. Genuinely pisses you off when you get a text or an email like that. First time it happened I started to doubt myself for a second thinking I was being unreasonable….then you realise you just get people like that in life and can’t win 😂… love the channel bud
Thanks buddy glad you like the channel. Yep you can second guess yourself early on but you soon realise it’s them not you👍🏼👍🏼
liked this Mark, very relatable.I priced a kitchen for a lady. I had got the inquiry because another customer had recommended me. She had a date she wanted it done by and I was busy but thought I’ll fit it in as it was a recommendation and it looked like there would be more work. Didn’t hear anything but I was getting tight for time to fit it in. Don’t usually call the customer to ask if they want me to book the work but did. Spoke to her husband and heard her say in the background ‘ that’s far to expensive’ and he said they were getting someone else to do it. No problem. Got a call a few weeks later ‘ can you fit us in please’ funnily enough no sorry. 😂
Hahahahahaa sounds near on exactly what we had here. Some people eh mate!!!
Big thanks for the tip of the folding bucket, for years In spots I’ve struggled to get a drain down tray or plumb tub under to act as a catchment for my wet vac to suck out any residual water I’ve used many methods from heavy duty rubble sack to the customers piedish 😂 not anymore, I’m now a convert to the folding bucket, I even used it today to catch my screen wash when I replaced the washer pump on my transit that packed in on way to Job the other day. Keep up the great vids, this is my 45th year in plumbing and it’s good to watch your down to earth handling of what we all have to overcome. I fitted the older version of Hans grohe multi outlet shower manifold a few years ago and shit myself when I opened the boxes but it all went together in the end, no thanks to their rep 😢
Thanks for the kind words buddy…. Very much appreciated 👍🏼🙏🏼
As a customer I genuinely have no idea how much any trade job should cost, so I’d never comment on whether a price is “good value” coz I just don’t know. But for the same reason I might say it’s too expensive (for my budget) even if it’s the going rate. It’s not a criticism of the tradesperson, it’s an admission I’m poor. As a customer I really value tradespeople with good websites with clear pricing so I don’t waste their time asking for an estimate/ quote.
Thanks for the comment…. Much appreciated view…👍🏼👍🏼
Soon as you said the work involved i thought between 200-300 pound. Love the fact she tried to get you back after realizing she fucked up.
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very enjoyable video Mark, i have been plumbing for 45 years, some aspects of the job have become a lot easier (plastic pipes ) ond some a lot harder (back to the wall toilets / concealed showers ) but the biggest pain of all has got to be customer involvement, not helped by customers watching youtube videos and supplying their own items for me to fit . Keep up the great work
Thanks buddy…. You know exactly what does on👍🏼👍🏼
We had a gas engineer who tried to charge £500 to replace a £130 fan that he had in the van for a combi boiler it took him less than 20 mins
Wow!!!!!!….. that’s steep
I've liked and subscribed! I'm a plumber from Australia and I totally felt your frustration with that job. Everything you said I totally related too! We have those clients over here too mate! I agree, once you see the red flags it's sooo much easier to walk away! I look forward to more videos mate! Cheers 🍻
Thanks buddy, and welcome to the channel 👍🏼👍🏼
Great to hear I have reached all the way to the other side of the world🙏🏼🙏🏼
@M J Tiff Plumbing you sure have mate! Keep up the great content!!
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
If that woman thinks the job should take two hours, i would have told her to go and do the job herself and she would soon find out how long it would really take
That’s insane. You do great work at an honest rate. There are a lot of tradespeople in my area that use predatory pricing on elderly and it runs up cost to unaffordable rates for the average homeowner. I’m a teacher turned handyman and plumbing companies around here would charge closer to $800-1200 for a job like that around my area. I’ve learned over years how to do most basic plumbing but would happily pay a plumber $120 an hour for certain jobs
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Thanks for the video mate. Some customers can be awkward at times. I've had my fair amount of bad ones, sometimes it makes you consider packing it in. But the nice customers help to balance out the bad. All the best
Yer thank god this is very rare for me
This is a great video mark! Been watching through some of your videos. Very proud of you 👌🏽
It’s Cory btw lol
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
I am not a tradesman but do run my own business that involves quotes & dealing directly with customers. I can tell from your demeanor that you care about the standard of work you provide & the knowledge & skill you have got comes at a price . I learned through my mistakes when i first started & I now walk away from any customer who shows any sign of being a pain in the bum from the get go . It is strange how they always come back with their tail between their legs . That was a very fair price for the work she wanted done & she will pay double or more now .......... whoops
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼
Thanks for the decorators cap trick. It so annoying when trv dont fully shut me i do a lot of radiator removals for plasterers..cheers mate
No worries buddy👍🏼👍🏼
Excellent episode, Mark. More of this please! More pricing issues, good to benchmark against an established tradesman, to confirm correct pricing...👏👏👏
Thanks mate…. Glad you enjoyed it👍🏼👍🏼
Wow I was surprised when you said £230 That s was an absolute bargain! The most annoying thing is the part where she tells you how long it's going to take you. That really grinds my gears!
Really does my head in, at that point I wasn’t interested at all
I'm not a tradesman, but I think she learnt a valuable lesson that day. Like you say, there'd be some people charging closer to £500. Was quite surprised you only quoted £230. Seems like a small job from a customers perspective, but draining/refilling a big house could take some time in itself. Maybe some things need to be explained as the customer won't always understand the work involved.
She did indeed mate
Customers don't need anything explained, they should just shop around for prices after they're quoted before running their mouths. I couldn't believe it when he said £200 - I would have bit his hand off.
Im a sparky not a plumber so sort of understand what is involved, before you said the price I was thinking £150-£200 plus the parts, I charge £60 for first hour then £35 an hour after, it all depends on your area, but half a day for me would be £165 plus the materials.. I don't think it was super cheap but I dont think it was a rip off either... I did two jobs pretty much the same, change a kitchen light, both took about an hour, both £60, one customer said "Are you sure thats enough", second customer said "Oh thats more than I expected it to be".. When I started I offered to change a couple of outside sockets for £15 each (customer had socket) they initially refused... I dont think a lot of people understand the time outside the job or the costs involved in being self employed..
Your right mate, I’m planning on doing a video about just this buddy
As every other plumber has mentioned that was the right price ,and yes we have all been there ,you were in the right so yes walk away who need s clients like that,all the best and yes even that rad change was bloody awkward ,and onto the next ,thanks again .
Was more of a thanks to Dave as he had helped me out on a few jobs…. And still it was too much for the women!!
There is also a great thing I found in duftons. It looks like a big red tongue that can be bent and adjusted in different ways, which i I used to drain a cylinder on the immersion heater as drain off was blocked
The Nerrad Funnel mate….. great bits of kit👍🏼👍🏼 got a few of them
Good stuff, sadly this is all too common.I had a random call me yesterday wanting a cp12 on a combi and a fire. She then told me I was too dear and she tried the haggling crap like I was selling trinkets at a market. It’s getting harder 😅
Indeed it is
Interesting video. I've had a couple of plumbers at present house. First one was a rip off merchant (bodged a Megaflow), then I found another one who has done everything (lots of work) since, who is a top bloke and I never query his prices because it is obvious that he is a really nice genuine guy. Same with a bricklayer I use for walls and flooring - I just accept his prices because on the day we met I had a good feeling about him (got three quotes for a job and he was not the cheapest) and he has always done first class work for us. Same with our plasterer. Superb guy. Once you find good tradespeople they become friends and you never let them go. I've got friends who barter everything and they always have problems with the people they employ. I think you know when people are genuine and you will get on.
100% right there mate
Very relatable. Before you said the cost I guessed 200-250 for the radiator work. You were bang on. Trust your gut and move on, always another job 👍🏼
Cheers mate, glad you could relate…. So many people have said the same
Highly relatable, definitely a fair price, wether it takes 2 hours or not, it’s not just our time we charge for, great vid buddy 🤝
Thanks pal👍🏼👍🏼
100% agree i thought to myself £250 plus mats before you even said what you quoted. People dont like paying for trade knowledge. I have 40 years in the business and thats what i charge for👍🏼👊🏼
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I had a customer agree the price for a bathroom fit. Said they need to get a decorator in after me before the Tennant comes back. Said I'll push on and get it done before Friday. I got it all done Thursday. Invoice sent. Got the reply of are you taking off a days labour as you were done Thursday and not Friday.
OMG 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
I completely get your point of view, as a DIYer it would have taken me all day to do that.
She probably thought it was just replace radiator and “turn heating back on”
Probably mate….. 👍🏼👍🏼
Great video. Makes a change. I had a lesson taught me. I said to a fellow once, "Is that your best price(£300)"? his reply was, " No, £400 is!" Peace be unto you.
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Wouldn’t be to sure about her having a sudden change of heart genuinely, I’ve found that in a similar situation I was told I was overcharging,then customer apologised and said they regretted it all but it turns out it was just because they’d had another 3 quotes all more expensive then they wanted my original cheaper quote to come back and do it… I took great satisfaction in politely declining the job. 😊
Exactly how I would be👍🏼
I had customers like that,I'm a builder iv priced extentions up then they say its far too dear until they get 2 more quotes that's double my quote I usually don't bother doing the work unless I'm quiet
Great video and really insightful reg the pricing. As I’m sure you are aware it can even take a while to turn the water off never mind start. I was at a job recently where it took me an hour before I even got started. The mains stopcock was totally seized so water had to be turned off in the street then the gate valve at the CWST well I didn’t even attempt to turn that as we all know the score with them. The tank lid had the insulation taped to the side of it and for some reason my rubber bullet wouldn’t stop the water so ended up the whole tank drained out. Customers don’t understand the work you’ve to do before you even get started to do the actual work they hired you to do. That’s just arrogance on her part to tell you how long said job should take. You stuck to your guns well done Mark.
Completely agree with all of that mate….
Hi mark love the videos mate I’m a plumber myself and slowly starting to do my own hobbles and don’t really know what to charge the customers could you do a video on plumbing jobs and how much you would charge each job from like changing a filling valve to installing a external stop tap etc … many thanks
Problem is it varies a lot around the country but I will see what I can do 👍🏼👍🏼
I've had a few like this over the years. One, nice lady, messaged me she have found someone much cheaper. I replied that I had no idea how they could do it for that price and her reply was that they were just staring out and so wanted to get a customer base. The problems with this is that eventually they are going to have to charge their new customer base a decent price or they'll have no money in the bank when they need a new set of tyres, pay the insurance, tax bill, buy new tools.... the list goes on. Good vid. Be good to see how you work out what height to mount the new rad brackets... so they line up with the valves.
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Nothing piss me off more as soon as they start bidding me down walk away🙈🙈that’s a really fair price I was expecting you to say double that. Keep up the great content
Was more of a thanks to Dave as he had helped me out on a few jobs…. And still it was too much for the women!!
I feel your pain. Someone on the Nextdoor app near me posted asking for a bathroom fitter “That doesn’t charge the earth”… makes my piss boil…
Loved your post, I’ve subscribed. 👍👍👍
A CONVERSATION ABOUT PERCEIVED VALUE:
A customer asked a contractor how much it would cost to do this project.
The contractor gave him a quote: £4500
The customer responded: That’s seems really high.
The contractor asked: What do you think is a reasonable price for this job?
The customer answered: £2500 maximum
The contractor responded: Ok, then I invite you to do it yourself.
The customer answered: I don't know how to.
The contractor said: Alright, then how about for £2500 I'll teach you how to. So besides saving you £2000, you'll learn valuable skills that will benefit you in the future.
The customer answered: Sounds good! Let’s do it!
The contractor responded: Great! To get started, you are going to need some tools. You will need a chop saw, table saw, cordless drill, bit set, router, skill saw, jig saw, tool belt, hammer, etc..
The customer answered: But I don't have any of those tools and I can't justify buying all of these for one job.
The contractor responded: Ok. Well then for an additional £300 I can rent my tools to you to use for this project.
The customer answered: Okay. That’s fair.
The contractor responded: Great! We will start the project on Monday.
The customer answered: I work Monday through Friday. I’m only available on the weekends.
The contractor responded: If you want to learn from me then you will need to work when I work. This project will take 3 days so you will need to take 3 days off work.
The customer answered: That means I’m going to have to sacrifice my pay for 3 days or use my holiday time!
The contractor responded: That’s true. Remember, when you do a job yourself you need to account for unproductive factors.
The customer answered: What do you mean by that?
The contractor responded: Doing a job completely from start to finish includes time spent to plan the project, pick up materials, travel time, gas, set up time, clean up, and waste disposal amongst other things. That’s all in addition to the actual project itself. And speaking of materials, that’s where we will start on Monday so I need you to meet me at the lumberyard at 6:00am.
The customer answered: At 6am?!! My work day doesn’t usually start until 8am!
The contractor responded: Well then you’re in luck! My plan is to start on the deck build by 8am. But to do so we have to start at 6am to get materials picked up, loaded and delivered to your job site.
The customer answered: You know, I’m realizing that a lot more goes in to a job than what a customer sees in the finished project. Your quote of £4500 is very reasonable. I would like you to handle the project.
CONCLUSION:
When you pay for a job, especially a custom job, (whether it’s a physical project or digital project) you pay not only for the material and the work to be completed. You also pay for:
✔️ Knowledge
✔️ Experience
✔️ Custom Skills
✔️ Tools
✔️ Time to plan
✔️ Time to prepare
✔️ Professionalism
✔️ Work Ethic
✔️ Excellence
✔️ Discipline
✔️ Commitment
✔️ Integrity
✔️ Taxes
✔️ Licenses
✔️ Sacrifices
✔️ Liabilities
✔️ Insurance
If you request a quote for custom work to be done, please don’t disrespect a tradesman by trying to get them to lower their prices.
If their quote exceeds your budget, there’s nothing wrong with getting other quotes.
Just remember.. you get what you pay for.
👉🏼 TRADESMEN: Know your worth and be confident in it.
👉🏼 CONSUMERS: Recognise their worth and be respectful of it.
Welcome to the channel buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
I bet loads of tradespeople can relate to this quote/estimate scenario. Customer wants a top notch job but only wants to pay half the price. As for that radiator swap out. I bet there was some swearing edited out. Keep up the great work Mark
Hahaha indeed there was 🤣😉
I had a couple of jobs like that - gave him the price and he agreed. Job was done and he said exactly what your Sarah said -It only took you 2 hours so I'll pay you for them' Argument followed and I said give me what you want and I'm off. He gave me something but not all. I felt like undoing the job as you did!! If things get awkward I ask for the money before I start!
I would of stood my ground and got him to pay what I quoted otherwise I would be removing MY materials as they were not paid for
I had £400 in my head so £200 would have been a great price. It’s not just your trade, being a freelance graphic designer I have to deal with this sort of stuff but also have to deal with concepts and non tangible things where there is no right answer to what is being delivered at the end.
Seems to be happening all over many industries
I'm in dublin and that would be 4 hours labour at €120 an hour
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Customers pay for the job not your time. Otherwise what's the point in becoming more compitent and quicker at your job.
Stop arse licking it’s outrageous 100 quid an hour when poor people are struggling
Ahh had this, absolutely does my head in when the customer knows best
Yep🤦🏻♂️
The problem is too many trademans actually do try and rip you off. I got multiple quotes to decorate a room ranging from 2k -8k. I booked someone who arranged a date and then rescheduled because they were ill. When they came 2 weeks later they went into the room and I overhead them.saying they know how to recoup some money from having 2 weeks off. They wanted to charge me an extra 1500 for something that was already in quote. I asked them to leave and did everything myself at a higher quality for less money.
So if you did such a good job then why get them around!!
@Greg Benham because I am a single.father with 3 kids and work. I know I can do it all but there's only so much time in the day and would.rather spend that with my children. Also that's a silly argument. I can also cook but I still go to restaurants, I can drive but still use cabs. Just because I have the skills doesn't justify their behaviour.
Sound like the kind of pain in the arse clients we all try to avoid
@gregbenham5586 because of time. He'd rather be spending that time recreationally, not because he doesn't know how to decorate.
@@victorsandler4241 no no noooo he can paint, not professionally decorate 😂 bet the room is shocking
What radiator brands do you recommend. Thanks
Stelrads are good also I find Purmos to be good👍🏼👍🏼
We’ve only used Mark & some of his tilers once, it was bloody lovely having a good price, really good job, all done as he said it would be, actually tidied up too!
Why don’t people just pay for what is needed !! Do people really think that self employed people would do a shit Job & lose a reputation they’ve built over years ? Their business that pays their mortgage?
He’s got me ranting too 😂😂
Hahaha thanks mate….. appreciate that buddy👍🏼👍🏼
People like yourself know the score and exactly what you said, takes years to build up a reputation and seconds to lose it….
In other news mate…. The M2 went today🫣🫣😕
@@MJTiffPlumbing what ? What’s he sold you now ? 😂
It may not happen often, if it happens at all, but it is said some tradies go out and buy high tech tools like a measuring tape so that they can make up the fittings to drop a radiator on in the first go. A regular tradie can't be expected to know about using such devices so he is fully justified in charging higher for the time tested method of trial and error.
Customers seem to think that you pocket your entire labour rate as income. They simply don't understand that you are self employed and that's the rate needed to pay yourself a wage and keep the business afloat.
Exactly mate, this what a lot of people don’t understand
hi, back in 2012 i got in a local plumber to replace the combe, the job drain & add inhibitor refill, 5 meters of 22mm pipe and the combe £1,700. the combe was just under £1,000, so for his time £700. back then you had the government scrappage of £400. i think that he over charged for the job, so that the £400 went in is pocket, but he was cheaper then British gas they were around £4000. next time think ill by the combo and get someone to fit it.
You will get charged me then…
I'm a tradesman myself, not a plumber but I can relate, especially when some wifey was trying to tell you how long something should take, I wouldn't even let another tradesman tell me how long something should take, this is why I hate working on peoples House's now, putting up with shit like this, I prefer working on proper big jobs where they can afford your wages, and you are right slot of cowboys out there who do rip people of
Thanks buddy
well done chap i have that all the time i have been doing plumbing 40 years and customers r getting worse thats a fair price every think you said is right nice one
Thanks pal
What are these customers thinking? I’m not a plumber but as a DIYer I know you are not just paying for time but the knowledge that comes with the skills!
Thankyou mate….. fortunately these people are few and far between
Good morning from Chugiak, Alaska. I've recently come across your content and wanted to say job well done. Its interesting to me how buildings in different parts of the world are designed and put together. If the mechanical portion of them doesn't work right however, they're all still nifty storage sheds. Wonderful topic for this video, the "educated client". They knew exactly how long this task should take, but won't do it themselves. Not sure how the skilled labor pool is doing there, but here its shrinking fast. Lots of folks retiring with no one coming in to replace them. When I think about what 10 or maybe even 5 years looks like from now, the "educated client" better pull up their boot straps and hang on. They may not be able to get a skilled or non-skilled laborer on their project for months, no matter how much money they throw out there. Hopefully I'm wrong and things will turn around. Have a great weekend sir !
Wow….. thanks buddy….. genuinely made up with this comment..
Thankyou
Ahh yes get this in every industry the client who tells you how long they think something will take. Or someone else will do it cheaper. Then they come back saying the other person couldn't do it can you fix it etc. Or the best one I had was can you tell them how to do it. Great video Mark as usual!
Thanks mate….. yep there are some people about that you just can’t understand
Hi MJ where can I get that orange bag you used to drain water from the radiator please 😊😅
Amazon 👍🏼👍🏼
😂😂😂 when you were saying what the job was I was thinking £350-£400 with parts and VAT.
Had similar this week with someone texting. “You’ve been highly recommended, how much for a central heating pump change, oh, I’ve already bought the pump.” Told him £90 per hr plus VAT as you never know if the valves are seized and you have to drain down.
He said, “Oh ok I will have to think about that”
Think on mate, not happening ever!
Know your worth and stick to it. Great vids as always mate👍🏼
Exactly mate, we can sense them a mile off
Tbf. Sounded like the customer was just shopping around. No harm in that. He or she didn't give you a nasty reply or anything lol.
Randomly found this and was intrigued. You could write what I know about plumbing on a post-it note and still have plenty of space.
But that's the point. If I hire a plumber, that's precisely because I don't have the necessary knowledge or skills in that area.
The job breakdown you gave was really good as, while I still don't know how to do any of that, it gave a good idea of the effort involved in a way that made sense to me as a layperson, without laying it on thick as if you were trying to make the job more than it had to be. I didn't have a specific price in my head, but my mind was definitely in a place of more than £230. If I was hiring a plumber and they could explain a job like that, and give that sort of quote, I'd be very happy.
I think people also don't realise that they are paying for more than just components and on-site time as well. Like, you don't just magically have a business. I hear plumbers can make a decent living, but there is other work to do to enable you to even be on site doing the job in the first place and you don't get directly paid for any of that.
Thanks buddy, really appreciate that comment and you taking the time to write it.
Hope you enjoy the channel and some other video that hopefully may be of interest 👍🏼👍🏼
She 100% got other people to quote it and it was more expensive, I was thinking £300 minimum when you said what needed doing. I've had a job before where I did an extension and I popped by on a Saturday to tee my new work into the system thinking I'd be there a couple of hours, and when I cut into the return pipe I cracked a poorly soldered fitting in the back of the airing cupboard right behind the cylinder and it didn't start properly leaking until the system was refilled and up to temp, if the customer wasn't understanding of this and I'd put a shit price on the job I could've easily walked away and cut my loss at that point. 😂 You need to make it worth your while, you never know how bad things can turn in the world of plumbing
We all know plumbing can be a tough game sometimes
More than fair mate
Electrician here and hate when this still pops up
Yep it’s never going away is it…..🫣
I love this. Nightmare customers should be exposed
Completely agree👍🏼👍🏼
I’m guessing she’s not the one that forked out £800 for some plastic angle bead around the shower tray then.
🤣🤣….. nope
It's not just the time they are paying for, which they always vastly under estimate anyway (I'd say 6hrs for what you mentioned and I'm just a DIYer). They are paying for your skill, experience, your tool wear & tear, the van, insurance, the list goes on. These people have no idea. I'm doing my own bathroom currently from scratch and its taking AGES. The work involved is massive, and some jobs end up taking 5x longer than you think!! You're better off without these types of customers IMO.
Yep completely agree mate…. Glad you enjoyed it mate
Only 5x? You're doing well!! I used to reckon on 4x, but as I get older, it tends to double up, so I'm now on an average of 8x!! Keep going - it will be worth it when done.
@@mistermikeanson Very true. I’m building the pre-wall for the toilet frame today. I have visions of it being finished by tomorrow night. In reality I’ll probably only get the sole timber in. 😂
Yes. Although tbf the skill is already accounted for in the hourly / daily rate or estimate. And those skills reduce the amount of time taken compared to a DIYer. Of course if you do any gas work then there are also the costs associated with professional body registration fees.
Bathrooms are the single trickiest room in a house, especially when it’s a high-end bathroom with underfloor heating, heated mirrors, walk in wet room showers, etc. They can easily take a month from start to finish because you can usually only fit 1 or 2 tradesmen in the room at any one time and it requires someone who can work on electrics, plumbing, carpentry, plastering/rendering, boarding, tiling, decorating and sometimes even gas, otherwise you have to bring in individual tradesmen.
I am different with trades, when i get a quote I always ask what grunt work can I do to reduce the cost the stuff the plumber or whomever doesn’t want to do or is safe and good for me to do.
You can’t reduce labour without an understanding of the job as a whole
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That’s exactly what I’d have charged and I know exactly how you feel , customers telling me how long a job will take is ridiculous.
Deffo mate
Du ever think that we, customers, shop around and ask how long a job will take, maybe she has a friend or family member who is a plumber and told her it should only take x hours at x cost. Nah, bitch and moan is what ye do.
Even £200 was very cheap. The work involved, overheads and knowledge we need to know all adds up.
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Great video Mark.
As a competent DIYer who can do
most of my own plumbing (but i know my limits) I would’ve said £3-400. Looks like you steered well clear buddy.
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
The second a customer sends messages like that. I'm out. luckily, I've only had a hand full in 20 yrs . Hope the carpenter got paid 👍. I spend hrs watching plumbing videos. I find it interesting watching other trades. Surprising the few tips I've picked up, which helps in my trade . I bought a pipe cutter to cut stairrods absolute game changer . Wish RUclips was around yrs ago . Subbed 👍
Thanks buddy…. Appreciate that, and very true words…👍🏼👍🏼
£200 plus the £30ish for parts didn’t seem unreasonable for that work. She’s obviously gone out to another plumber and been quoted more 😂😂 Serves her right!!
Exactly…… 🫣🫣
Fair price mate .
I do service and repair, been at that only almost 30 years and in last 6 months not k own anything like it , so dam hard work .
Van full of bits, some recycled , cover 7 days still not enough doe them.
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pay cheap pay twice
100% mate
No get Romanians to do it.......... they fuck up and they can't tell u as they don't speak english
Nice video thank you brotha...more often than not I feel like we undervalue ourselves and don't charge enough because people often question the price and want it for cheaper. Can be very frustrating knowing that these same customers are willing to buy name brand items ; clothes,electronics,food ect ....at what usually is technically a rip off price in the grand scheme of things lol.
Indeed buddy 👌🏼
If they're questioning your price you're not selling your business services and skills correctly.
Mate, I don't comment a lot, but this is one of the biggest reasons I've gone back to employment. Even some plumber Mates are saying it only took you 2 hours you can't charge £100 , it only took 2 hours because I have 10 years of experience plus if it goes wrong you have to cover it !🤬🤬
100% mate….. and this is happening more and more
Listening to your description of the work, I thought £300 plus parts would have been nearer the mark but would not have argued at £350. Had she asked what was involved before turning down your quote, she might have been better informed. I am not trade myself, but work with electricians at times as an electric heating sales rep. People need to include things like fuel, vehicle maintenance, tax, insurance etc as well as pay for knowledge, experience and skill.
Exactly buddy
I once had a customer query me charging a call out fee for attending a pipe to a garden tap pissing out water ever where at 7.45pm on a dark ,raining Sunday night. The reason being and I quote her exact response “ how come I have to pay that when you only live 10 minutes away “ 🤣😂
Unreal 🤣🤣
Good for you, sticking with your great working practices. That why I love this channel. Cheers Mark.
Thanks mate 👍🏼👍🏼
£100 a rad was too cheap straight away. I’m sick of customers trying to tell me what they want to pay. Any back chat and I just say sorry my quote is no longer valid and have no room in my diary for you now. 30 years experience as a plumber and bathroom installer 👌🏽
Was more of a turn for Dave as he helped me out on a few jobs before Christmas… and still she thought it was too dear.
Yep 27years in the game and still people make me wonder what they are thinking!!!
Not in trade myself, but had a couple of properties fully refitted and when you laid out the job and asked what it might be priced I was thinking £400-£600 all told. Just goes to show some people have no idea when they have a good deal in front of them, and also why the people they get the first time don't end up doing things right!
Indeed mate
Brilliant video Mark, and a good fair price. Even if you could do the job in 2 hours like Sarah thinks, she would be paying for your skills and experience to be able to do it in 2 hours.
100% correct mate…. Thanks buddy
I am in my first year of being on my own plumbing and I hate charging people because I don't want to be too cheap and at the same time don't want to rip people off. I want to make a living not a killing. Great price great video.
Thanks buddy…. You’ve got to make a living buddy
Same as lad in the first year self employed but no point being a busy fool neither! But stick to the ethics making a living as you will get more and more popular with customers.
Just as you were going through the job I thought in my head £200 for the labour. I work in electrics but understand how much time jobs take and the expertise involved.
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Love the real world jobs Mark. Do you use Loctite 55 on rad tails mate? Thanks
Thanks mate….. yes mate I do👍🏼👍🏼
Evening Mark. £200 was an absolute bargain for that! I was sat thinking £300 at least before you stated your price!! But, if it smells like s**t, it'll taste like s**t for sure! Best off out of that one mate, she'll learn the hard way, I've no sympathy for anyone like that.
As for the rad, when it's tight like that, I've resorted to putting one tail in first, then hang it in position and couple it up, then put the other tail in and couple up with it in position. Just another option for you. (I try to avoid spinning rad valves incase it pops off 😂). So long as there's enough play on the pipework, I've had a fair bit of success doing it that way. 👍
Yep, was more of a good turn for Dave to be honest but that’s her loss now
Hi Mark, thanks for the video. I'm not a tradesman but a competent DIYer. This is a classic example of the customer's expectations exceeding their budget and I'm sure you've learned to avoid them. I like watching snooker and marvel at the skill but I realise that I'm watching the end result of thousands of hours of practice, so what's so different about paying for a tradesman's skill and experience!
Exactly that mate…..👍🏼👍🏼
Thats actually a good price! Wth! I paid 200pounds to have 1 double rad put in with abit of pipe work and I found that reasonable. Maybe because I'm a tradesman myself so I understand the sort of work that's needed to be done. Tbh I just end up moving on to my next customer because if you actually end up doing the work for some of these people they end up giving you more problems along the way.
Yep she won’t be a customer of mine buddy
Yes she definitely had another plumber with a much higher quote, only just found your channel. Keep up the great work
Glad you found the channel mate, hope you enjoy the content
Love your videos mark, though im not on the tools now i still like keeping my eye in. I guessed around £180 to £200 before you gave the quote. Obviously i dont know the size of the house but your price seemed more than fair....and we all know things can go wrong or you have to run out for another fitting. Customers just dont understand this. I priced a job in west bromwich, a bathroom refit, ensuite and downstairs cloaks. My price a shade over £5000......this was nearly 20 years ago. He came back with "call it £3000 and the jobs yours" mmmmmmmm nahhhhhhh mate.
Thanks mate… appreciate the comment buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Hi Mark not easy when you have got a small space. My tip when valves distance is tight turn valve as you did but fit bracket as far left as possible than slide the rad sideways to the left rad valve.
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"The price is the price, there is no negotiation" (liam nelson)
Love it
Hi just wondering what is the hourly rate
For plumbing sean
Depends on the area
Hi mark great stuff as per usual mate, gotta say as soon as you described the work needed doing I’m thinking absolute minimum £180 but probably would have said £200 as I know it would be a whole mornings work (at best) I’m often told I’m quite competitive aswell, but like ya say you just lose interest in them and they can end up getting shafted elsewhere 😂
Yep, as soon as that mesage came back I was out of there
Good video mate - at some point can you do a video going through how you measure up rad brackets? Cheers
I’m sure I’ve done one a while back, but will do it again mate….. no harm in it
Great video, She should have ripped your arm off for £200 plus parts, I was at £450 with the floor up, You were spot on Never let customers dictate your prices, just walk away she will be sorry when she gets some other quotes.
Indeed mate…. Her loss
Good video, having a good plumber is really important, I guessed 250-300 plus bits when you asked the question, she obvs didn’t realise you have to drain the system then fill it up again… unless she wants a new swimming pool that is lol. Best to stay away from those customers don’t need em. I have a concept esp with tradies that you need to be a good customer, which means respecting them, trusting them and paying them extremely promptly. Normally people get recommendations so you’re going to get someone decent if you do that.
Completely agree with that buddy
I had this just before Christmas, customer tried to knock 2-3k off the job because 1. He would give me 5 sheets of plasterboard and 1 bag of adhesive (been sat in his damp garage for weeks/months), and 2. He would help me with the job "to save me paying anyone else" 🤯🤯🤣🤣🤣🤣
Unreal mate 🤣
If the customers there the price goes up not down lol
Hi Mark, that there is the reason I went back direct.... I must have had that kind of knob jockey every other week.....it amazes me how all these folk are such experts at plumbing.. ..
More than fare price Mark 👍
They walk amongst us mate 🤣🤣
I would be around £300 or do it on an hourly rate plus materials.
yep i was doing the chippy a turn as he helped me out before christmas......and she still thought it was dear..... oh well, he loss
Customer here. Great to hear your point of view. I've been working with trades over the last two years on my kitchen extension and really appreciate the skills and knowledge the different trades bring. I never negotiate on price but will get more than one quote if it's a new trade.
I was typically paying £300 a day for the trades for labour. So £200 for half a day sounds ok but doesn't sound "cheap". Or am I missing something?
Thanks mate, great to hear from a “customer” on this… appreciate it.
It’s was more of a turn for Dave to be honest as he had helped me out on some jobs before Christmas… and she still thought it was too expensive🫣
This happened to me a couple of years ago and the customer told me the job should only cost around £600.00.
I priced it and it came out at £390.00, the customer is always right I used to be told so £600.00 it was.
Hahahaha brilliant
Classic !!! yes I love it customer always right. 😂
First time watching your channel. Not a tradesmen, but I knew straight away that the price you quoted was very good. Like you sai, too many people have no idea, what things cost.
Thankyou buddy and welcome to the channel