Great video Dan, I feel your frustration! Materials are a big problem. They don’t realise the cost of it, drives me insane. Tell them to get a quote from somewhere else so they can see how much they have saved. Happy Christmas bud
I’ve actually not spoken to them since, I wanted to air my opinions on it all but thought it best not. Yeh materials are a joke at the cost these days but it’s not our fault that.
Hi Dan thanks for making this video and I hope anybody perhaps just started in business will take on board these lessons it’s happened to me a few times so now think long and hard before doing work from home friends or extended family
£300 Labour for 2 people is more than reasonable everything else is totally out of your control . Material prices are ridiculous and unfortunately make the total figure seem inflated to customers. When you broke down and itemised everything a reasonable customer would see that the job was done as cost effective as possible.
Hey there Dan! You did them an amazing favour. When you mentioned your price. I couldn't believe it and had to rewind the video twice because I thought something was wrong with my device. Don't worry about it too much, you'll definitely learn from this experience and move on to bigger and better things. By the way, I hope you and your family have an absolutely fantastic Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
I don't normally leave comments, but this got me raging. It's a 3k all in job all day long. The big companies would charge that just to throw the boiler on the wall and then expext £100s more for flushing, controls, filters, etc . A boiler fit is not time on line , it's market led and they asked you because they wanted someone they trusted, but that trust wasn't something they were prepared to pay for. They should have snapped your hand off at that price and given you and your dad a healthy Christmas bonus on top while telling everyone in the playground that you are a modern-day Santa clause instead of having a dig. Keep up the good work, and know your worth.
He let them buy the boiler saving a mark up, for that alone they should be thankful, let alone the Labour rate! Some people are just plain stingy and ignorant, the fitter basically earnt £15 an hour after all the faffing about and time spent worrying about what the customer thought
They are probably retired (and so am I). I wonder what work they did and what they were paid. Older folk sometimes don't appreciate what incomes are earned today, and often unlikely to know the other costs a self-employed person has, with running a van, buying tools, training and certification, insurance, etc.
Yes, for some customers its the cost of parts and materials that upsets them. I had a guy complain about a £10 part I fitted in a boiler. He found the packaging in the bin and showed me that it clearly said 1.00 and I had charged him £10.00 for it! He was really cross. Even when I explained that it was a packing slip and 1.00 was the quantity in the bag he wasn't having it. It was ridiculous..I think I'd actually charged him less than cost because I'd forgotten the price from the merchant was net.
Had a customer recently agree to a quote. Work was done as quoted. Customer was very happy with the standard of work done. When the invoice was sent though (and when the job was finished of course) they complained about the cost and wanted a discount. They had counted up all the time and cost of materials used (job was about 5 grands worth, extension new boiler etc) and they thought that by the time the job was finished they thought we were making too much money (we really weren't). They wanted a discount on a quoted, accepted and completed job. Found out from other trades working there they had the same experience. Luckily they paid, not working for them again. Beware there are some crazy people out there.
@@Heatking After nearly half a century in this game Buddy I know I am right. Your parents are better off without folk like that. Have a great Christmas and New Year and give the very best to your Mum and Dad who obviously stood by you that other couple are obviously bloody looney 🤘😎🤘🤘😎🤘🎅🏻🍷🍺
Hi Dan, the customers that want to get the materials are a red flag. Especially a boiler, but we've all been there. I've just retired from gas after 47 years and still think back about bad customers. Good luck for the future, cheers
Im the exception, i showed the plumber everything id done, ripping out the old back boiler, he said it will have to go on the kitchen wall or roof i think he said, i said kitchen, we agreed where, i told him what boiler i wanted, he said its ok, i said anything else you want me to get, flue, mag filter, i went to plumb city, bought the stuff, he came and fitted it, i paid in cash, happy plumber; happy customer
Fact is you should not expect the job being cheap , the benefits are you can trust them to do a good job and if anything goes wrong they’ll be there to put it right .
@@Heatking I'm an electrician but also take an interest in heating etc I still get asked just to get the job done , but I always get either e mail or text confirmation after quote Good luck
I never do work for family or friends, and whoever it is always give a price. 300 labour is cheap! I charge £1350+vat for me, josh, labour & flush. Plus boiler, materials, sundries, etc
What a story! I am always wary of working for friends who I see in the pub often as when there is the slightest issue I feel obliged to investigate immediately to avoid future arguments in the pub. Its usually been a matter of an adjustment. As for your issue about materials I was really surprised at his reaction to your very modest materials bill. No pipework or 'sundries' but just the bits you used. You also did the boiler swap for a very cheap price - I charge a minimum of £600. Happy New Year
You were VERY cheap and their grievance is completely unfounded! I'm often surprised by the cost of kit since covid, everything just shot up in price! Sounds like retired people living in the past regarding prices. Happy Xmas Dan. 👍
This is the first video of yours I have seen. I’m not a great lover of tradesmen and tend to avoid them and DIY. I instantly can tell your a genuine guy. Like so many comments have said “they” tend to want the job doing for nothing. Chalk it to experience and move on. You have said your piece in this video.
The mistake was not discussing price beforehand which I'm sure you're now aware. This summer I visited a leaking bath and found a hole around the waste which was unrepairable and the landlord said please do what you can as it was an air b n b and had guests due in that night and was booked up. I dropped everything went to b n q got a steel bath and installed it and sent the bill and when he found out (I charged him an hourly rate) he started arguing the toss about how much it was and didn't want to pay. Now I never do work with anyone without discussing the price beforehand.
It's so obvious you are an honest hard working family mam Dan...we all come across these situations....yes it is very annoying...But you did NOTHING wrong....Happy Christmas to you and family...
A friend fitted my boiler for me, I supplied everything. He used a handful of end feed fittings out his box and charged me £400. I was perfectly happy with that as I knew nobody would do it any cheaper. Some people just need a reality check 😂
@@Heatking Mates rates, its a laughable term, everything associated with the business needs paying, so the only thing you can cut is labour, £300 for 2 men is silly cheap, knowing how much it is to be gas safe registered, people like this expect FREE, better off walking away, cover all your costs and say goodbye. Anything goes wrong, they will expect repairs free too, or come take a look, not realising self employed trades factor some of this in to the total price
They were probably pissed off because they lost out by buying the wrong boiler in the first place! How many heating engineers would have run around to find a replacement boiler, I would have said I'll come back when you've got the correct boiler!
I've had this. Now, I charge family and friends the same. If they start huffing and puffing and get the job somewhere else, they ain't mates. Mates rates to me are that they can trust the hob I'm doing because they know me. Not reduce the value of my time. £150 cleared for yourself and they through salt at you. Nob ends
Feel your pain , i dont do family rates any more but ive had more trouble with well to do customers accusing me of rounding up my time on site whilst moving a tumble dryer on a washer stack is not gardening. Then had the customer ring back to come and tidy the garden a few weeks later to which i said no thank you . 10:46
Evening matey . Every day is a learning curve so please don’t let this issue put you off . I’ve been in business for 47 years and you still learn how to handle issues differently . 👍
Just had the same problem with my family; he’s had a 75k extension not including the plumbing, I’ve charged him 7k for new 36kw combi relocated from the attic into the garage, ensuite shower room, a first fix for 5 rads plus the ensuite and all the usual saga that goes with extensions and he’s still moaning and dragged feet over payment. The builder who’s done a right crap job, flooded the house and caused loads of damage gets paid the minute he invoices no questions. Never again!
In future ask ‘friends’ to get another quote so they know the real price. People don’t believe the costs of materials now as it’s shocking. We were doing industrial pipework on Scunthorpe steelworks. During the first year of the lockdowns they put the cost of manufactured steel up by £300 a tonne overnight! It all comes down to the public in rising costs.
You did nothing wrong what so ever! Don’t let it get you down Dan. Some “friends and relatives” expect the job to be done for free. You run a business not a charity!!! Have a great Christmas and best wishes for the new year. 😊
Wow I have my own roofing company and people are totally out of touch with how much a qualified professional tradesmen costs. £150 each for a days work is unbelievably cheap. They forget you have a van to pay for. Public and employers liability insurance to pay materials also have to be procured meaning a percentage should be levied on them materials they don’t just teleport to the job. Mate I’ve just looked at this and I feel your pain. When I quote for a job and they agree the price for the work undertaken if we finish in a couple of hours to a high standard. They start by saying well you was only here for a couple of hours. My answer is always “ I’m running a business I work for myself I don’t work on an hourly rate jobs are priced on the merit of what the job entails and the skill set required to complete the job to a high standard. £150 for a skilled tradesman is a gift your 100% right if I need a plumber I’ll be contacting you 👍🏼 good luck with your business buddy.
I'm currently getting a new combi boiler fitted today (Worcester 4000) and paying £3200. That's with the old cylinder and tank being removed and new boiler being relocated from kitchen to upstairs. I'm happy with that price
As others have said mate, soon as someone offers to supply materials you can expect them to scrutinise your costs. £300 labour for 2 men is far too cheap as you know! As a spark when family/friends ask for work, I used to get them to ask for a quote first from someone else so their eyes are open to the real cost.
Super cheap for 2 men 1 day boiler change, £500 min for family friends. A real friend don’t wanna take money out of there friends pocket, Crazy how a friend would want to pay a stranger more, it’s a pleasure to have a friend do a job!
The cost for a boiler swap is anything from £600 upwards for 2 men plus materials .i cut thru my gas pipe last year the cost for call out and labour 20 mins on site £245.incl materials.
Im a plasterer thats come across this video on my feed. Ive attempted to fix a few boillers at home over the years and have found i know nothing. Regardless of google i couldnt fix any of them. Plumbers, electrician's, plasterers, and basically all trades are needed. They all come at a price. Your price was more then fair. Mates rates and they moan. Its so disheartening as tradesmen if things go wrong on a job but the reality is it does. You overcome the problem and won the day. They dont see any of the knowledge and experiance gained put in.
Great video with a sad story. Do work for family and friends but always give them a price before you open that tool bag. It sounds like they got a top quality boiler replacement at a true discounted price, some people just don't realize what the true cost to do this job could have been.
5 floor, 21 rad 2 circuit system. Just had a quote for new 35kw Ideal Logic (£1153), flu, wireless stat, a few bits and pieces, £780 labour, +vat. Total £2171.75.
What a class one 🔔end I’ve been stung before with friends and family and I rarely do it these days. and I’ve lost money doing it, and still two years later they want me to replace a radiator for free. I charged a mate £250 to install flush/ register and fit including all the goodies and I was still called a rip of merchant. But in other news have a happy Xmas mate.
Never make the mistake again!! immediate family refuse to take discounts from me when i drop my prices for them, family friends and any friends expect favours. The reality is you were too cheap in the first instance and it has learnt you a valuable lesson. Although this lesson you've learnt will make you a better businessman not only because you'll never earn less than you're worth again, but because you'll now never be burned again and that will make you wiser and more money. These same 'family friends' probably never used you before and never recommended you before either, let it go and push on, wouldn't dwell on it, Great videos by the way, keep up the great content!!!
It sounds as though you got them out of a lot of bother, they should be delighted. Unbelievable, literally unbelievable some people. I’ve had the same interactions whereby I’ve bumped into this or that customer and they’ve made a comment, and I had the same reaction as you, “are you joking?” 😂 some people.. it beggars belief. You went above and beyond by the sounds of it, it’s a professional job and the thing is working so the way I see it is what on Earth is the problem. They probably expected you to say give us £50.. some people are living in a cartoon world. Your lunch at Tesco these days is £20 for Gods sake
I have honest friends who have done great work for people and experienced the same, sadly some people are like this, they seem reasonable at first contact and instead of being grateful to have trustworthy tradesmen they get bitter when it comes time to pay. This can get very nasty if these delusional people decide to go the legal route or attempt to besmirch your reputation. One thing that possibly does mark them out is they often don’t understand the actual nature of the job e.g. they buy the wrong gear as in your case, this is a clue that they aren’t living in the real world. To get a boiler upgraded at the price you charged was a great deal and most would snap your hand off for a deal like that.
Well done on finding the bad egg of the group, ive always given family and friends the proper invoice, then deducted discounts if i feel i need to, these kind of people expect everything for nothing and it makes my skin crawl, once fitted a radiator for this kind of person.. It went nearly a month before they paid me, never again did i get my tools out for them
Fitted a 30kw Baxi last week as replacement of old Worcester . Job was not straightforward and took one and a half days. Labour £ 310 / parts £220 + £530 . Thought that was reasonable - they didn't and said they'll pay no more than £400 ! Like you say, last time I do a job without a price. sometimes that's not easy when problems crop up , like they do.
Can't believe the low price you charged. There are "customers" like this out there. I've had them. If you had charged them 300£ it would have been too much. Trust your instincts. Your first red flag is someone else buying the boiler. Now they are going to tell all their mates and family you ripped them off. Its unbelievable. We need a black book register for people like this. So no-one else gets caught out by people like this.
Unreal mate. You and your dad ripped yourselves off! There's work that goes in sourcing materials but more importantly it's your experience and knowledge they are paying for. I'm pissed off on your behalf!!
Work for family or friends, never again. Worked for a mate tiling in his house, bathroom walls and floor, kitchen walls and floor. Took 10 days and told him rather than pay, he can owe me 10 days in return (he's an electrician) About 6 months later i moved into a new (small) house that needed a rewire, new board etc. 3 days in he called me and said for him to continue we need to talk about payment. He had 2 days more work for which he needed paying for, his argument being as an electrician earning more than a tiler he doesn't 'owe' me 10 days, he reckoned 3. In total he would have needed maximum 6 days which i would have been happy with but no, he was adamant he needed paying. Told him to forget it, got someone else to finish up and not spoken to him or his family since.
Unfortunately some people expect friends to work for free, no vat no parts . Many people base their view of parts such as wood, plumbing part’s electrical on 25 years ago. I would have been happy to have my boiler replaced for that cost in fact it would probably be 2 or 3 times that in South of England
great video. In my experience of doing jobs for family and friends I have come to realise they can be the worst customers. They expect it doing for nothing. I'm only a 3rd year apprentice but since not getting paid for one of the jobs for family which I lost 70 pound I now refuse to do anything other than for very close family. I also gave them a price before I did it they accepted and then refused after I had done it on a weekend haha. Also have a great Christmas and new years.
I wouldn’t t worry about it mate I’ve had it, fell out with a friend years ago same thing, it’s your job at the end of the day, you’ve charged them a more than fair price, wonder if they had any other prices of anyone else
Hi Dan iv'e had problems for 20 years with merchants quoting customers less than I paid for materials. This has happened quite a few times though I rarely profited from materials unless iv'e had extra running around they still complain. glad i'm retired.
Been there done that, material costs always surprise me as a sparky, its so quickly adds up, people just don't realise, you have done it properly cheap, I just paid £3k for a boiler swap from system to combi and changing location which i thought was a bargain.. Honestly don't let it get to you, I can do exactly the same job for 2 different customers, one will think its a bargain the other will think I have ripped them off.. You can't get a tradesman out for less than £100 these days so £150 labour is a bargain. Also if something had gone wrong with the boiler in a week, could be nothing to do with you but a failure in the boiler, they would expect you to come out and fix it for free, I give 12 months warranty so that has to be factored in the price.. People that get payed PAYE just don't understand from your days wage you have to pay for van, insurance, days off, sick days, pension etc, you can't compare like for like... Just tell them to do a quote on healable or BOXT or something, if they can get someone cheaper to do the job properly good luck to them..
It’s astonishing how some people get an amazing bargain, and then find something out of nothing to complain about, rather than focussing on what you did for them! Fortunately, most people aren’t like that! (I bet your dad was particularly peeved, it being your parent’s “friends” and also giving up his time for them.) However, thinking positively, have a great new year!
Feel for you there mate, very ungrateful of them that, that’s a cracking price. There always seems to be problems when working for family or friends because price is not discussed sometimes but once you’ve been bitten a few times you definitely learn to just iron it all out beforehand
Waw… I live in London so my charge is naturally a fair bit higher but I charge £1,000 for system / heat boilers and £1200 for combis … I’m shocked at them not being happy with your price.
I would’ve refunded the cost of the labour due to it being a measly £300 and dropped them a snotty email letting them know they were completely unreasonable, I had a similar situation with a neighbour a few years ago, needless to say I don’t work for friends,family or neighbours anymore
Dan, you've got a 66 year old bricky speaking here and I can tell you that you have just learned one of life's most important lessons. NEVER do jobs for mates and family friends. They all think that you are ripping them off, they all think that you will do the job for nothing or at least "mates rates" and, in my experience, it almost always goes pear shaped. What you charged for that work, between you and your Dad, was nothing and if the ex family friends are too thick to realise it, well it's not your problem. Good luck for the future and don't forget, never do work for . . . . . . . . .
I had a guy who wasn’t happy about the price for a job , came nocking on my door, so I showed him what I paid for materials, people just don’t realise the cost of things, but a few weeks later he phoned me up cheeky bar steward askin me to go asap because his tank in the loft was leaking through the cieling ( nothing to do with any work off me) And this was 1130 at night, I can’t tell you how good it felt telling him exactly where to go, I wonder how much it cost to get somebody out ,
Too late now but perhaps an invoice for the full amount with the friends and family discount itemized and subtracted from the total. They can then see the value of your Christmas present to them.
Oh my god you can come and install my boiler anytime. The days of those prices have gone and if I'd been the customer I would have given you more money than you asked. Keep up your trusted work!
Just had my combi swapped, simple job of having a Navien NCB500 38KW at a price of £2350 with them buying the boiler, i was very happy at that price and to be angry at the price you charged would be insane. I think most of the problems come from that plumbers are hated in the trade for charging inflated prices, for example i got 1 quote for £4600 for the same job, its the ones that take the piss that give the good ones a bad rap.
Give them a clear price and a detailed quote, so there's no ambiguity. It's not your job to save them money. You aren't a charity. Better still, don't work for someone you aren't willing to face in court. Sue them immediately! Once they receive a court claim, they'll probably see sense. And in future, take payment for the boiler/materials, once they arrive on site. If the customer wont do that, walk away. Always be thinking, if this goes to court, can I prove my case? From start to finish, get it documented/signed, paid for, photographed, etc. Happy New Year!
Great video. It stands as a good lesson for the self employed out there that are trying to make a living, and do a good job. Don't let comments get at you. I was never self employed, but I dealt with contractors, often several on the one job. One of them,(the best one) scribbled down, in short bullet points, what it was agreed that he should do, no frills, just facts. And the last line said; All other work to be done by others. The job price very reasonable, as many agree. Peace and goodwill.
Yes. Agreed, dont work for family or friends. Ive had my fingers burnt a couple of times, never again. The problem is I think that some of these people are expecting a very cheap or free price because of the relationship.
The only lesson in this is never do work without agreement on pricing. You can charge whatever you want, if the customer agrees to it then that’s fine. Everyone is different when it comes to money and perceived value. Also, because you are in the trade and talk to other trades about how normal x hundred quid a day labour rate is, doesn’t need every customer has even the slightest idea. Maybe last time they had people doing work 100 quid a day was expensive. Presumption is the biggest mistake you can make. Clear pricing, clear terms, clear communication and a decent sales pitch to qualify why you are worth it. It’s so easy.
I’d of charged a hell of a lot more mate, you done a good deed with been a family friend but look where it got you. Think of what’s best for yourself and the family. I really wouldn’t lose any sleep. Don’t need people like that. I bet other tradesmen have been to do jobs in there and have been hard work with them too. My brother had one recently, fitted a bathroom 7 year ago and they tried to get him to come and fix the leak for free and refund them some of the costs back. Yes 7 year ago 😂 couldn’t believe what I was looking at
Whaaaat really?? I can’t believe people these days. I think they’ve changed in the modern day, people just want something for nothing! Thanks for the support mate.
I am a long time serving self employed plumbing and heating engineer, one thing i have learnt is that if the customer says they have had loads of plumbers in the past don`t work for them. Of course you don`t know you are not going to get paid until it`s to late.
You said it buddy, never work for family and friends, done it in the past and caused so much trouble you wouldn’t believe it. Recommend a mate for the work, that way it keeps you out of it and keeps the peace.
Good video, as you say, costs upfront , man, and mate £480 per day, 20 per cent on materials. The customer failed to supply the correct boiler. Therefore, time wasted is due to them. Happy Christmas.
Merry Christmas Dan and a great new year. Yep yep yep, family and friends every time. YOU KNOW it was dirt cheap, many would agree it was dirt cheap though bizarrely there wasn’t a complaint about the labour!? WHAT! Not that the labour was at all expensive but if they were going to complain right. The parts were, as you say at cost and what you needed. So, as upsetting as it is Dan, not at all down to you. Take care buddy.
I’ve learnt the hard way myself over the years mate with similar experiences. Most people you know ask you to do work for them for one reason only and that is because they want it cheap. They’ll spin it that they want to give the work to you coz your a friend or relative but in reality they just want it doing cheap. The same people can offer you nothing in return. I now only do favours for other trades who I know will return the favour when I need them, but it will always be your mate or relative who works in an office or something who’ll case you the most to work for them having f?&k all skill wise to offer u back and expect it cheap. I’m a plumber/heating engineer myself by the way and I pay lads more to swap a boiler than what you charged and that is them just turning up and fitting I’ve supplied everything for them.
Been there and done exactly the same as you, and been treated the same. You live and learn, and I have never worked for family friends ever again, and never will. They always expect everything from you even though they are probably better off than yourself, and don’t think they are doing anything wrong. To say that you ripped them off is laughable, £140.00 for materials is hardly unreasonable. I bet they wouldn’t think twice about spunking £140.00 on a decent meal out. I would just warn off anyone I knew that might get called by them to service it in the coming years.
sounds like you've done a cracking job at very very reasonable rates there mate. I've had this in the past just move on like you say be interested to know how much a company like boxt would charge them to supply and fit I sonetimmes do their quick online quote tool to gauge when I think the price is out. cracking channel and videos mate you seem a top bloke and clearly take pride in your work. Merry Christmas 🎉
I think by now the number of comments saying that you did not agree a price beforehand makes it clear that you will not act that way in the future . A negative aspect of this is that this customer will criticise you up hill and down dale , without mentioning the time he cost you by getting the wrong boiler . But try not to let this alter how you work . Keep up the good standard of work you carry out and chalk this one up to experience
Mate ive been there so many times….£150 each is practically free labour for qualified gas engineer. I had a customer telling me i over charged for a boiler cos they saw it online cheaper! After i told them add the flue, filter and VAT they didn’t say another word!
It's a horrible feeling when your customer disputes your invoice. When they start asking for material receipts and question your bill especially when you know you are charging a fair and reasonable price. When the trust is gone it is disappointing
Crazy, you ripped yourself off mate. People forget in this game we deal with Gas, electric and water the potential risk is massive and is all on our shoulders. Society is messed up, have no morals or respect to pay a man for bags of responsibilty, competence knowledge and manual labour but will throw big money at the likes of solicitors for doing things like writing letters and sending emails. God bless you sir keep grafting and doing what you need to. Hard work pays off enjoy the fruits of your labour 🙏
I agree - some customers equate the time spent with the bill and rant about how much I'm earning per hour. I have often used the Solicitor costs which can be £150 for a 10 minute consultation. Its the experience of plumbers they are paying for - not the minutes on site!! If a customer gets too aggressive I ask why he didn't do the job himself!!
I have been a subby all my days until 2 years ago when i started doing small private work, i do landscaping/groundwork. As my subby work was on a schedule of rates format I was a bit lacking on knowledge about time and material rates. For the first year i done, materials + 10% and labour , myself @ £25/hr and my work m8 @ £18/hr. After a year like this i can assure you I realised i was about £10 shy on each rate. I got a living out of it but the bank balance hovered about the same, there was never say 10k spare that could be invested for retirement or put past as a budget to replace the van and tools etc. At 25 and 18 per hour i would have been better off working for someone with no hassle, paperwork etc etc. The myth is if your self employed your loaded 😂, maybe so if your arrogant and dont have a conscience about over charging but if your just working class and genuine its not easy.
I know, shame that other family and friends who would be pleased with that price will now lose out on your help because once bitten twice shy mate. I have had it myself and it put me off straight away. Most people would of been buzzing with that. Keep up the good work mate @@Heatking
Done the exact same thing for my brothers friend around 12 years back. They also brought up the fact, that on one day, they made me a sandwich! Your price was very cheap and reasonable. Like you, I vowed never to fall into this trap again and haven’t. They’re at fault .
I got my best mate who's a builder in to do load of work at my elderly parents as their shower tray was broken, the floor below it was rotten (including the joists) and the shower wasn't working. I couldn't get my plumber to do the work as he'd tried to fix an appliance at their house and they refused to pay him, so I did. My mate did me a big favour by pulling it in as he had loads on. In the end he charged them £400 including time, materials (shower tray, joists, tiles, shower fitting) and labour which I was very grateful for. They were not happy and told him so. I was so embarassed and paid him even though they get pensions totalling over £4k a month (ex senior policeman and junior school teacher) and could easily afford it. They gave their paper boy a £3 tip at Christmas even though he has to cycle up their long drive in all weathers 7 days a week. Some people have no idea of what things cost and that self employed people don't get paid on the dot every month out of public money.
@@MadDog_Rules Thanks. I learned my lesson. My dad died recently and I don't talk to my mum anymore. Said she didn't trust me or my wife after I'd done their finances and we'd looked after them for years. Last I heard, she had to pay £600 to get her heating fixed as none of the plumbers I know would go back.
@@KT-sr3ko I'm really sorry, there is nothing more soul damaging, than having parents who behave like that and i'm sorry for your lose. I hope you are able to move on emotionally.
@@MadDog_Rules Thanks. My wife and I are enjoying life much more since we cut off contact with my emotionally blackmailing mother. We have many friends across the country who we're now able to visit and are looking to move to the South West to enjoy our twilight years. My only child lives in the USA and I would never expect him to give up his life to look after me. I hope you are enjoying life and thanks for getting in touch.
Merry Christmas and thank you for you support this year! 🎉
3k n climbing dan you climbed a long way this year , merry Christmas to you too m8
@@stephenfanthorpe2708 thank you Stephen! Hopefully climb higher next year, with you guys support! Merry Xmas to you and yours mate!
please send your contact details we might need boiler replacement soon ...thanks
Great video Dan, I feel your frustration! Materials are a big problem. They don’t realise the cost of it, drives me insane. Tell them to get a quote from somewhere else so they can see how much they have saved. Happy Christmas bud
I’ve actually not spoken to them since, I wanted to air my opinions on it all but thought it best not. Yeh materials are a joke at the cost these days but it’s not our fault that.
Hi Dan thanks for making this video and I hope anybody perhaps just started in business will take on board these lessons it’s happened to me a few times so now think long and hard before doing work from home friends or extended family
@@billycopeland6162 cheers Billy, that’s the main reason I put this video out, to try help others in the future. 🙏🏽
£300 Labour for 2 people is more than reasonable everything else is totally out of your control .
Material prices are ridiculous and unfortunately make the total figure seem inflated to customers.
When you broke down and itemised everything a reasonable customer would see that the job was done as cost effective as possible.
Hey there Dan! You did them an amazing favour. When you mentioned your price. I couldn't believe it and had to rewind the video twice because I thought something was wrong with my device. Don't worry about it too much, you'll definitely learn from this experience and move on to bigger and better things. By the way, I hope you and your family have an absolutely fantastic Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
NEVER WORK FOR FRIENDS OR FAMILY or Let them work for you - ALWAYS goes awkward when disputes arise!
Yeh I should have known this :(
Yes, me too. I laughed & rewound a few times.
I don't normally leave comments, but this got me raging. It's a 3k all in job all day long. The big companies would charge that just to throw the boiler on the wall and then expext £100s more for flushing, controls, filters, etc . A boiler fit is not time on line , it's market led and they asked you because they wanted someone they trusted, but that trust wasn't something they were prepared to pay for. They should have snapped your hand off at that price and given you and your dad a healthy Christmas bonus on top while telling everyone in the playground that you are a modern-day Santa clause instead of having a dig. Keep up the good work, and know your worth.
Exactly.
He let them buy the boiler saving a mark up, for that alone they should be thankful, let alone the Labour rate! Some people are just plain stingy and ignorant, the fitter basically earnt £15 an hour after all the faffing about and time spent worrying about what the customer thought
4.5k min Worcs 8000 British Gas
They are probably retired (and so am I). I wonder what work they did and what they were paid. Older folk sometimes don't appreciate what incomes are earned today, and often unlikely to know the other costs a self-employed person has, with running a van, buying tools, training and certification, insurance, etc.
Yes, for some customers its the cost of parts and materials that upsets them. I had a guy complain about a £10 part I fitted in a boiler. He found the packaging in the bin and showed me that it clearly said 1.00 and I had charged him £10.00 for it! He was really cross. Even when I explained that it was a packing slip and 1.00 was the quantity in the bag he wasn't having it. It was ridiculous..I think I'd actually charged him less than cost because I'd forgotten the price from the merchant was net.
🤦🏽♂️ but I knew that was coming. Because I’ve had that before myself mate! They’re unbelievable sometimes!
Tell him to go buy it himself in his time
Had a customer recently agree to a quote. Work was done as quoted. Customer was very happy with the standard of work done. When the invoice was sent though (and when the job was finished of course) they complained about the cost and wanted a discount. They had counted up all the time and cost of materials used (job was about 5 grands worth, extension new boiler etc) and they thought that by the time the job was finished they thought we were making too much money (we really weren't). They wanted a discount on a quoted, accepted and completed job. Found out from other trades working there they had the same experience. Luckily they paid, not working for them again. Beware there are some crazy people out there.
As soon as you said family friend they expected it for free
I think you’re right buddy
@@Heatking After nearly half a century in this game Buddy I know I am right. Your parents are better off without folk like that. Have a great Christmas and New Year and give the very best to your Mum and Dad who obviously stood by you that other couple are obviously bloody looney 🤘😎🤘🤘😎🤘🎅🏻🍷🍺
@@SuperWayneyb thank you mate. Appreciate your guidance and kind words bud. Have a great Xmas to you and yours mate.
Was extremely cheap - So good for you - Remember you've walked away completing a nice job - but perhaps more importantly the far better person.
My friends grandfather always said never work for family or friends… good advise I think
Hi Dan, the customers that want to get the materials are a red flag. Especially a boiler, but we've all been there. I've just retired from gas after 47 years and still think back about bad customers.
Good luck for the future, cheers
Thanks Karen. And 47 years! Awesome!! Enjoy the retirement!
Im the exception, i showed the plumber everything id done, ripping out the old back boiler, he said it will have to go on the kitchen wall or roof i think he said, i said kitchen, we agreed where, i told him what boiler i wanted, he said its ok, i said anything else you want me to get, flue, mag filter, i went to plumb city, bought the stuff, he came and fitted it, i paid in cash, happy plumber; happy customer
Fact is you should not expect the job being cheap , the benefits are you can trust them to do a good job and if anything goes wrong they’ll be there to put it right .
Absolutely, that's why we have gone for our installer over other cheaper options.
The moment they go to my house, I would go back to theirs, Undo everything I've done, give them their money back, and leave them as they were.
The biggest mistake all tradesmen make is not giving a quote before any work starts , there are no friends where money is concerned
You’re bang on mate! I need to
Learn by this moving forward!
@@Heatking I'm 45 years in the trade and learnt it and lost so called friends also
@@morleywhite911 great to hear your advice mate and experiences!
@@Heatking I'm an electrician but also take an interest in heating etc
I still get asked just to get the job done , but I always get either e mail or text confirmation after quote
Good luck
@@morleywhite911 thank you mate! I’ll be doing this going forward!
I never do work for family or friends, and whoever it is always give a price. 300 labour is cheap! I charge £1350+vat for me, josh, labour & flush. Plus boiler, materials, sundries, etc
Cheers Chiggs for the support mate. Everyone’s getting a bloody price going forward!
What a story! I am always wary of working for friends who I see in the pub often as when there is the slightest issue I feel obliged to investigate immediately to avoid future arguments in the pub. Its usually been a matter of an adjustment. As for your issue about materials I was really surprised at his reaction to your very modest materials bill. No pipework or 'sundries' but just the bits you used. You also did the boiler swap for a very cheap price - I charge a minimum of £600. Happy New Year
I know exactly what you mean, its annoying when they insist on buying materials then buy inferior or incorrect stuff too. All the best mate!
You were VERY cheap and their grievance is completely unfounded! I'm often surprised by the cost of kit since covid, everything just shot up in price! Sounds like retired people living in the past regarding prices. Happy Xmas Dan. 👍
Yeh I think we are all shocked at the prices these days buddy! Thanks for the support mate and happy Xmas to you too!
Thanks
Wow Alex, thank you mate but you know there’s no need buddy 🫶🏽🫶🏽
This is the first video of yours I have seen. I’m not a great lover of tradesmen and tend to avoid them and DIY.
I instantly can tell your a genuine guy. Like so many comments have said “they” tend to want the job doing for nothing. Chalk it to experience and move on. You have said your piece in this video.
Thank you mate! Really lovely comment to read that. Thank you!
The mistake was not discussing price beforehand which I'm sure you're now aware. This summer I visited a leaking bath and found a hole around the waste which was unrepairable and the landlord said please do what you can as it was an air b n b and had guests due in that night and was booked up. I dropped everything went to b n q got a steel bath and installed it and sent the bill and when he found out (I charged him an hourly rate) he started arguing the toss about how much it was and didn't want to pay. Now I never do work with anyone without discussing the price beforehand.
And get an agreement IN WRITING. 👍💪💪💪
Thanks for uploading. Good learning curve re agreeing a price before commencing works.
It's so obvious you are an honest hard working family mam Dan...we all come across these situations....yes it is very annoying...But you did NOTHING wrong....Happy Christmas to you and family...
Thank you mate! I try to be anyway!! Happy Christmas to you and yours!
A friend fitted my boiler for me, I supplied everything. He used a handful of end feed fittings out his box and charged me £400. I was perfectly happy with that as I knew nobody would do it any cheaper. Some people just need a reality check 😂
Yeh and I’d say that £400 was a reasonable mates rates price too buddy. 😂 unfortunately my customers don’t see mine as a reasonable!
@@HeatkingTough. Tell them to look elsewhere. You gotta stop playing the fall guy. You are too nice.
Happy Christmas!
@@Heatking Mates rates, its a laughable term, everything associated with the business needs paying, so the only thing you can cut is labour, £300 for 2 men is silly cheap, knowing how much it is to be gas safe registered, people like this expect FREE, better off walking away, cover all your costs and say goodbye. Anything goes wrong, they will expect repairs free too, or come take a look, not realising self employed trades factor some of this in to the total price
They were probably pissed off because they lost out by buying the wrong boiler in the first place! How many heating engineers would have run around to find a replacement boiler, I would have said I'll come back when you've got the correct boiler!
If I did jobs for friends family my kids would be living in the gutter but at least they got there jobs for nothing.......not!
I've had this. Now, I charge family and friends the same. If they start huffing and puffing and get the job somewhere else, they ain't mates. Mates rates to me are that they can trust the hob I'm doing because they know me. Not reduce the value of my time. £150 cleared for yourself and they through salt at you. Nob ends
Feel your pain , i dont do family rates any more but ive had more trouble with well to do customers accusing me of rounding up my time on site whilst moving a tumble dryer on a washer stack is not gardening.
Then had the customer ring back to come and tidy the garden a few weeks later to which i said no thank you . 10:46
Evening matey . Every day is a learning curve so please don’t let this issue put you off . I’ve been in business for 47 years and you still learn how to handle issues differently . 👍
Cheers buddy! And that’s a good record 47 years !
Wow, you did them a huge favour! Some people are just entitled and not worth the stress! Their entitlement is on a different scale 🤦♂️
Just had the same problem with my family; he’s had a 75k extension not including the plumbing, I’ve charged him 7k for new 36kw combi relocated from the attic into the garage, ensuite shower room, a first fix for 5 rads plus the ensuite and all the usual saga that goes with extensions and he’s still moaning and dragged feet over payment. The builder who’s done a right crap job, flooded the house and caused loads of damage gets paid the minute he invoices no questions. Never again!
My boiler and fitting, WB8000 combi, 30kw basic, inc filter etc was £2700 total.
You did these folks a huge favour!
In future ask ‘friends’ to get another quote so they know the real price. People don’t believe the costs of materials now as it’s shocking. We were doing industrial pipework on Scunthorpe steelworks. During the first year of the lockdowns they put the cost of manufactured steel up by £300 a tonne overnight! It all comes down to the public in rising costs.
£500 for a boiler installation sounds good to me
You did nothing wrong what so ever! Don’t let it get you down Dan. Some “friends and relatives” expect the job to be done for free. You run a business not a charity!!! Have a great Christmas and best wishes for the new year. 😊
Thank you for the support as always Trev! Happy Xmas and happy new year to you too!
You looked after them mate just a shame they didn't realise this......Merry Christmas & thanks for the content.....Enjoy ur time off with the family 👍
Yeh it is a shame really. For my parents more than anything. Thank you mate, hope you and yours a good one!’
Wow I have my own roofing company and people are totally out of touch with how much a qualified professional tradesmen costs. £150 each for a days work is unbelievably cheap.
They forget you have a van to pay for. Public and employers liability insurance to pay materials also have to be procured meaning a percentage should be levied on them materials they don’t just teleport to the job. Mate I’ve just looked at this and I feel your pain. When I quote for a job and they agree the price for the work undertaken if we finish in a couple of hours to a high standard. They start by saying well you was only here for a couple of hours. My answer is always “ I’m running a business I work for myself I don’t work on an hourly rate jobs are priced on the merit of what the job entails and the skill set required to complete the job to a high standard. £150 for a skilled tradesman is a gift your 100% right if I need a plumber I’ll be contacting you 👍🏼 good luck with your business buddy.
Could be worse, you could be a time served precision engineer in the UK earning £15 per hour , skilled coded Tig welder, the same or less .
Always a pain in the arse working with friends and family. Agree a price before you start & they can always say no. We live and we learn 👍
I'm currently getting a new combi boiler fitted today (Worcester 4000) and paying £3200. That's with the old cylinder and tank being removed and new boiler being relocated from kitchen to upstairs. I'm happy with that price
As others have said mate, soon as someone offers to supply materials you can expect them to scrutinise your costs. £300 labour for 2 men is far too cheap as you know! As a spark when family/friends ask for work, I used to get them to ask for a quote first from someone else so their eyes are open to the real cost.
Super cheap for 2 men 1 day boiler change, £500 min for family friends. A real friend don’t wanna take money out of there friends pocket, Crazy how a friend would want to pay a stranger more, it’s a pleasure to have a friend do a job!
The cost for a boiler swap is anything from £600 upwards for 2 men plus materials .i cut thru my gas pipe last year the cost for call out and labour 20 mins on site £245.incl materials.
Im a plasterer thats come across this video on my feed. Ive attempted to fix a few boillers at home over the years and have found i know nothing. Regardless of google i couldnt fix any of them. Plumbers, electrician's, plasterers, and basically all trades are needed. They all come at a price. Your price was more then fair. Mates rates and they moan. Its so disheartening as tradesmen if things go wrong on a job but the reality is it does. You overcome the problem and won the day. They dont see any of the knowledge and experiance gained put in.
Great video with a sad story. Do work for family and friends but always give them a price before you open that tool bag. It sounds like they got a top quality boiler replacement at a true discounted price, some people just don't realize what the true cost to do this job could have been.
As you say: never work for family or friends. More hassle than it's worth. Good honest video. Cheers.
5 floor, 21 rad 2 circuit system. Just had a quote for new 35kw Ideal Logic (£1153), flu, wireless stat, a few bits and pieces, £780 labour, +vat. Total £2171.75.
What a class one 🔔end I’ve been stung before with friends and family and I rarely do it these days. and I’ve lost money doing it, and still two years later they want me to replace a radiator for free. I charged a mate £250 to install flush/ register and fit including all the goodies and I was still called a rip of merchant.
But in other news have a happy Xmas mate.
I say I’ll learn from this but we all know I’ll forget and do it again! Haha. What are we like! Happy Christmas to you and yours buddy!
Never make the mistake again!! immediate family refuse to take discounts from me when i drop my prices for them, family friends and any friends expect favours. The reality is you were too cheap in the first instance and it has learnt you a valuable lesson. Although this lesson you've learnt will make you a better businessman not only because you'll never earn less than you're worth again, but because you'll now never be burned again and that will make you wiser and more money. These same 'family friends' probably never used you before and never recommended you before either, let it go and push on, wouldn't dwell on it, Great videos by the way, keep up the great content!!!
It sounds as though you got them out of a lot of bother, they should be delighted. Unbelievable, literally unbelievable some people. I’ve had the same interactions whereby I’ve bumped into this or that customer and they’ve made a comment, and I had the same reaction as you, “are you joking?” 😂 some people.. it beggars belief. You went above and beyond by the sounds of it, it’s a professional job and the thing is working so the way I see it is what on Earth is the problem. They probably expected you to say give us £50.. some people are living in a cartoon world. Your lunch at Tesco these days is £20 for Gods sake
I have honest friends who have done great work for people and experienced the same, sadly some people are like this, they seem reasonable at first contact and instead of being grateful to have trustworthy tradesmen they get bitter when it comes time to pay. This can get very nasty if these delusional people decide to go the legal route or attempt to besmirch your reputation. One thing that possibly does mark them out is they often don’t understand the actual nature of the job e.g. they buy the wrong gear as in your case, this is a clue that they aren’t living in the real world. To get a boiler upgraded at the price you charged was a great deal and most would snap your hand off for a deal like that.
We all get people like that, it’s worse when you’re a honest person like yourself. Silence is golden
Well done on finding the bad egg of the group, ive always given family and friends the proper invoice, then deducted discounts if i feel i need to, these kind of people expect everything for nothing and it makes my skin crawl, once fitted a radiator for this kind of person.. It went nearly a month before they paid me, never again did i get my tools out for them
Yeh I’ve learned a valuable lesson from this mate. No1 is a friend in business haha
Fitted a 30kw Baxi last week as replacement of old Worcester . Job was not straightforward and took one and a half days. Labour £ 310 / parts £220 + £530 . Thought that was reasonable - they didn't and said they'll pay no more than £400 ! Like you say, last time I do a job without a price. sometimes that's not easy when problems crop up , like they do.
If your working for yourself surely you know to give a price before works start!!! Family or friend regardless.
800 install only... fuel and labour, 5 hours,,,mates or no mates!
Can't believe the low price you charged. There are "customers" like this out there. I've had them. If you had charged them 300£ it would have been too much. Trust your instincts. Your first red flag is someone else buying the boiler.
Now they are going to tell all their mates and family you ripped them off. Its unbelievable. We need a black book register for people like this. So no-one else gets caught out by people like this.
Unreal mate. You and your dad ripped yourselves off! There's work that goes in sourcing materials but more importantly it's your experience and knowledge they are paying for. I'm pissed off on your behalf!!
I thought we had ripped ourselves off too! Haha. Cheers for the support Brad! Happy Christmas to you and yours!
Work for family or friends, never again. Worked for a mate tiling in his house, bathroom walls and floor, kitchen walls and floor. Took 10 days and told him rather than pay, he can owe me 10 days in return (he's an electrician) About 6 months later i moved into a new (small) house that needed a rewire, new board etc. 3 days in he called me and said for him to continue we need to talk about payment. He had 2 days more work for which he needed paying for, his argument being as an electrician earning more than a tiler he doesn't 'owe' me 10 days, he reckoned 3. In total he would have needed maximum 6 days which i would have been happy with but no, he was adamant he needed paying. Told him to forget it, got someone else to finish up and not spoken to him or his family since.
Unfortunately some people expect friends to work for free, no vat no parts . Many people base their view of parts such as wood, plumbing part’s electrical on 25 years ago. I would have been happy to have my boiler replaced for that cost in fact it would probably be 2 or 3 times that in South of England
great video. In my experience of doing jobs for family and friends I have come to realise they can be the worst customers. They expect it doing for nothing. I'm only a 3rd year apprentice but since not getting paid for one of the jobs for family which I lost 70 pound I now refuse to do anything other than for very close family. I also gave them a price before I did it they accepted and then refused after I had done it on a weekend haha. Also have a great Christmas and new years.
Glad you’ve learnt from your experience buddy! I hope I learn from this too!!
Happy Christmas to you and yours mate!
I wouldn’t t worry about it mate I’ve had it, fell out with a friend years ago same thing, it’s your job at the end of the day, you’ve charged them a more than fair price, wonder if they had any other prices of anyone else
You've been very kind. They don't deserve you.
The rip of plumbers from my part of the country want £750 for 3 hours work .. they try to charge more than solicitor's...
It always causes problems doing jobs for friends. Always give price up front. I do not think what you charged was expensive. Happy new year to you.
Lesson - Always agree the price in advance even if it’s to qualify the customer.
Hi Dan iv'e had problems for 20 years with merchants quoting customers less than I paid for materials. This has happened quite a few times though I rarely profited from materials unless iv'e had extra running around they still complain. glad i'm retired.
Been there done that, material costs always surprise me as a sparky, its so quickly adds up, people just don't realise, you have done it properly cheap, I just paid £3k for a boiler swap from system to combi and changing location which i thought was a bargain.. Honestly don't let it get to you, I can do exactly the same job for 2 different customers, one will think its a bargain the other will think I have ripped them off.. You can't get a tradesman out for less than £100 these days so £150 labour is a bargain. Also if something had gone wrong with the boiler in a week, could be nothing to do with you but a failure in the boiler, they would expect you to come out and fix it for free, I give 12 months warranty so that has to be factored in the price.. People that get payed PAYE just don't understand from your days wage you have to pay for van, insurance, days off, sick days, pension etc, you can't compare like for like... Just tell them to do a quote on healable or BOXT or something, if they can get someone cheaper to do the job properly good luck to them..
It’s astonishing how some people get an amazing bargain, and then find something out of nothing to complain about, rather than focussing on what you did for them!
Fortunately, most people aren’t like that!
(I bet your dad was particularly peeved, it being your parent’s “friends” and also giving up his time for them.)
However, thinking positively, have a great new year!
Feel for you there mate, very ungrateful of them that, that’s a cracking price.
There always seems to be problems when working for family or friends because price is not discussed sometimes but once you’ve been bitten a few times you definitely learn to just iron it all out beforehand
Waw… I live in London so my charge is naturally a fair bit higher but I charge £1,000 for system / heat boilers and £1200 for combis … I’m shocked at them not being happy with your price.
Feel your frustration mate! Worst people to work for don't let it get to you.
Have a good Xmas 👍
Thank you buddy, cheers for the support! Have a great Xmas buddy
I would’ve refunded the cost of the labour due to it being a measly £300 and dropped them a snotty email letting them know they were completely unreasonable, I had a similar situation with a neighbour a few years ago, needless to say I don’t work for friends,family or neighbours anymore
No chance, Why mug yourself off by refunding them for work you have done.
Dan, you've got a 66 year old bricky speaking here and I can tell you that you have just learned one of life's most important lessons. NEVER do jobs for mates and family friends. They all think that you are ripping them off, they all think that you will do the job for nothing or at least "mates rates" and, in my experience, it almost always goes pear shaped. What you charged for that work, between you and your Dad, was nothing and if the ex family friends are too thick to realise it, well it's not your problem. Good luck for the future and don't forget, never do work for . . . . . . . . .
Thank you for the support mate. You’re right there. A true life lesson learned!
I had a guy who wasn’t happy about the price for a job , came nocking on my door, so I showed him what I paid for materials, people just don’t realise the cost of things, but a few weeks later he phoned me up cheeky bar steward askin me to go asap because his tank in the loft was leaking through the cieling ( nothing to do with any work off me) And this was 1130 at night, I can’t tell you how good it felt telling him exactly where to go, I wonder how much it cost to get somebody out ,
Too late now but perhaps an invoice for the full amount with the friends and family discount itemized and subtracted from the total. They can then see the value of your Christmas present to them.
Oh my god you can come and install my boiler anytime.
The days of those prices have gone and if I'd been the customer I would have given you more money than you asked.
Keep up your trusted work!
Thank you mate.🫶🏽
Just had my combi swapped, simple job of having a Navien NCB500 38KW at a price of £2350 with them buying the boiler, i was very happy at that price and to be angry at the price you charged would be insane. I think most of the problems come from that plumbers are hated in the trade for charging inflated prices, for example i got 1 quote for £4600 for the same job, its the ones that take the piss that give the good ones a bad rap.
Give them a clear price and a detailed quote, so there's no ambiguity. It's not your job to save them money. You aren't a charity. Better still, don't work for someone you aren't willing to face in court. Sue them immediately! Once they receive a court claim, they'll probably see sense. And in future, take payment for the boiler/materials, once they arrive on site. If the customer wont do that, walk away. Always be thinking, if this goes to court, can I prove my case? From start to finish, get it documented/signed, paid for, photographed, etc. Happy New Year!
I always ask for materials money up front before starting work and for big jobs 50% of the labour charge before starting.
Great video. It stands as a good lesson for the self employed out there that are trying to make a living, and do a good job. Don't let comments get at you. I was never self employed, but I dealt with contractors, often several on the one job. One of them,(the best one) scribbled down, in short bullet points, what it was agreed that he should do, no frills, just facts. And the last line said; All other work to be done by others. The job price very reasonable, as many agree. Peace and goodwill.
Yes. Agreed, dont work for family or friends. Ive had my fingers burnt a couple of times, never again. The problem is I think that some of these people are expecting a very cheap or free price because of the relationship.
The only lesson in this is never do work without agreement on pricing.
You can charge whatever you want, if the customer agrees to it then that’s fine.
Everyone is different when it comes to money and perceived value.
Also, because you are in the trade and talk to other trades about how normal x hundred quid a day labour rate is, doesn’t need every customer has even the slightest idea. Maybe last time they had people doing work 100 quid a day was expensive.
Presumption is the biggest mistake you can make.
Clear pricing, clear terms, clear communication and a decent sales pitch to qualify why you are worth it. It’s so easy.
I’d of charged a hell of a lot more mate, you done a good deed with been a family friend but look where it got you. Think of what’s best for yourself and the family. I really wouldn’t lose any sleep. Don’t need people like that. I bet other tradesmen have been to do jobs in there and have been hard work with them too. My brother had one recently, fitted a bathroom 7 year ago and they tried to get him to come and fix the leak for free and refund them some of the costs back. Yes 7 year ago 😂 couldn’t believe what I was looking at
Whaaaat really?? I can’t believe people these days. I think they’ve changed in the modern day, people just want something for nothing! Thanks for the support mate.
I am a long time serving self employed plumbing and heating engineer, one thing i have learnt is that if the customer says they have had loads of plumbers in the past don`t work for them. Of course you don`t know you are not going to get paid until it`s to late.
You said it buddy, never work for family and friends, done it in the past and caused so much trouble you wouldn’t believe it. Recommend a mate for the work, that way it keeps you out of it and keeps the peace.
Mental! Average price in london is £1000 for a boiler install. I paid this last year! They are probably peeved that they have had to buy 2 boilers!
Wow. I was shocked at the price. Wasn’t expecting that.
Good video, as you say, costs upfront , man, and mate £480 per day, 20 per cent on materials. The customer failed to supply the correct boiler. Therefore, time wasted is due to them.
Happy Christmas.
Merry Christmas Dan and a great new year.
Yep yep yep, family and friends every time.
YOU KNOW it was dirt cheap, many would agree it was dirt cheap though bizarrely there wasn’t a complaint about the labour!? WHAT! Not that the labour was at all expensive but if they were going to complain right.
The parts were, as you say at cost and what you needed.
So, as upsetting as it is Dan, not at all down to you.
Take care buddy.
I’ve learnt the hard way myself over the years mate with similar experiences. Most people you know ask you to do work for them for one reason only and that is because they want it cheap. They’ll spin it that they want to give the work to you coz your a friend or relative but in reality they just want it doing cheap. The same people can offer you nothing in return. I now only do favours for other trades who I know will return the favour when I need them, but it will always be your mate or relative who works in an office or something who’ll case you the most to work for them having f?&k all skill wise to offer u back and expect it cheap. I’m a plumber/heating engineer myself by the way and I pay lads more to swap a boiler than what you charged and that is them just turning up and fitting I’ve supplied everything for them.
Been there and done exactly the same as you, and been treated the same. You live and learn, and I have never worked for family friends ever again, and never will. They always expect everything from you even though they are probably better off than yourself, and don’t think they are doing anything wrong. To say that you ripped them off is laughable, £140.00 for materials is hardly unreasonable. I bet they wouldn’t think twice about spunking £140.00 on a decent meal out. I would just warn off anyone I knew that might get called by them to service it in the coming years.
Your price seems very reasonable. can I ask have they done unpaid or discounted work for your family in the past because this sometimes happens?
sounds like you've done a cracking job at very very reasonable rates there mate. I've had this in the past just move on like you say be interested to know how much a company like boxt would charge them to supply and fit I sonetimmes do their quick online quote tool to gauge when I think the price is out.
cracking channel and videos mate you seem a top bloke and clearly take pride in your work. Merry Christmas 🎉
Thank you for the kind words and support mate! Sometimes I do check boxt prices too haha! Cheers buddy! And Happy Xmas!
I think by now the number of comments saying that you did not agree a price beforehand makes it clear that you will not act that way in the future .
A negative aspect of this is that this customer will criticise you up hill and down dale , without mentioning the time he cost you by getting the wrong boiler .
But try not to let this alter how you work . Keep up the good standard of work you carry out and chalk this one up to experience
Mate ive been there so many times….£150 each is practically free labour for qualified gas engineer. I had a customer telling me i over charged for a boiler cos they saw it online cheaper! After i told them add the flue, filter and VAT they didn’t say another word!
It's a horrible feeling when your customer disputes your invoice. When they start asking for material receipts and question your bill especially when you know you are charging a fair and reasonable price. When the trust is gone it is disappointing
Crazy, you ripped yourself off mate. People forget in this game we deal with Gas, electric and water the potential risk is massive and is all on our shoulders. Society is messed up, have no morals or respect to pay a man for bags of responsibilty, competence knowledge and manual labour but will throw big money at the likes of solicitors for doing things like writing letters and sending emails. God bless you sir keep grafting and doing what you need to. Hard work pays off enjoy the fruits of your labour 🙏
Thank you for the lovely words Liam! You’re absolutely right mate! Have a great Xmas and new year buddy!
I agree - some customers equate the time spent with the bill and rant about how much I'm earning per hour. I have often used the Solicitor costs which can be £150 for a 10 minute consultation. Its the experience of plumbers they are paying for - not the minutes on site!! If a customer gets too aggressive I ask why he didn't do the job himself!!
I have been a subby all my days until 2 years ago when i started doing small private work, i do landscaping/groundwork. As my subby work was on a schedule of rates format I was a bit lacking on knowledge about time and material rates. For the first year i done, materials + 10% and labour , myself @ £25/hr and my work m8 @ £18/hr. After a year like this i can assure you I realised i was about £10 shy on each rate. I got a living out of it but the bank balance hovered about the same, there was never say 10k spare that could be invested for retirement or put past as a budget to replace the van and tools etc. At 25 and 18 per hour i would have been better off working for someone with no hassle, paperwork etc etc. The myth is if your self employed your loaded 😂, maybe so if your arrogant and dont have a conscience about over charging but if your just working class and genuine its not easy.
Great price. This is the problem doing jobs for family and friends. MADNESS
Yeh I hope I’ve learnt my lesson on this one Paul!
I know, shame that other family and friends who would be pleased with that price will now lose out on your help because once bitten twice shy mate. I have had it myself and it put me off straight away. Most people would of been buzzing with that. Keep up the good work mate @@Heatking
Dam! And if you add gas and vehicle maintenance business expenses liability insurance rags Teflon shoe covers tarps gloves etc etc
Done the exact same thing for my brothers friend around 12 years back.
They also brought up the fact, that on one day, they made me a sandwich!
Your price was very cheap and reasonable.
Like you, I vowed never to fall into this trap again and haven’t.
They’re at fault .
Well have you seen the prices of sandwiches these days and they are very labour intensive to make lol
Shocking pal! Tight gits!! 😂Merry Christmas
Haha cheers Ted! Happy Christmas to you and yours!
I got my best mate who's a builder in to do load of work at my elderly parents as their shower tray was broken, the floor below it was rotten (including the joists) and the shower wasn't working. I couldn't get my plumber to do the work as he'd tried to fix an appliance at their house and they refused to pay him, so I did. My mate did me a big favour by pulling it in as he had loads on. In the end he charged them £400 including time, materials (shower tray, joists, tiles, shower fitting) and labour which I was very grateful for. They were not happy and told him so. I was so embarassed and paid him even though they get pensions totalling over £4k a month (ex senior policeman and junior school teacher) and could easily afford it. They gave their paper boy a £3 tip at Christmas even though he has to cycle up their long drive in all weathers 7 days a week. Some people have no idea of what things cost and that self employed people don't get paid on the dot every month out of public money.
I'm betting they know exactly what thing's cost. Also stop paying, you're enabling their shitty behaviour.
@@MadDog_Rules Thanks. I learned my lesson. My dad died recently and I don't talk to my mum anymore. Said she didn't trust me or my wife after I'd done their finances and we'd looked after them for years. Last I heard, she had to pay £600 to get her heating fixed as none of the plumbers I know would go back.
@@KT-sr3ko I'm really sorry, there is nothing more soul damaging, than having parents who behave like that and i'm sorry for your lose. I hope you are able to move on emotionally.
@@MadDog_Rules Thanks. My wife and I are enjoying life much more since we cut off contact with my emotionally blackmailing mother. We have many friends across the country who we're now able to visit and are looking to move to the South West to enjoy our twilight years. My only child lives in the USA and I would never expect him to give up his life to look after me. I hope you are enjoying life and thanks for getting in touch.
Merry Christmas mate, and thanks for all the video's.😃👍
Happy Christmas to you and yours buddy!!