A client in Dayton kept asking for 'just one more quick thing' on a flat rate job

I was finishing a furnace install I quoted at $2,800 flat. After the main work was done, he asked me to look at his thermostat in another room, then his bathroom vent fan. I mean, it was small stuff, but it added an extra hour. When I gave him the final bill, he got upset it wasn't lower since the 'extra' tasks were 'simple'. Now I make sure the written scope is super clear before I turn a wrench. Anyone else get nickel-and-dimed on a flat rate?

5 comments

5 Comments

tarar383mo ago

Wait, doesn't a flat rate cover the job, not the clock? I agree with @the_leo that a clear scope is key, but the price is for the finished install, not hourly. Those extra tasks are new work, so they should always mean a change order, even if they seem small.

abby_fisher26d ago

I read somewhere that the best way to handle it is to include a line in the contract that says "any work outside the scope is billed at $X per hour", just to cover your bases. It makes the change order conversation a lot smoother when they try to tack on little things.

the_hayden3mo ago

Absolutely! I've learned the hard way that "quick look" is a trap word. My scope sheets now list what's NOT included, like "thermostat checks in other rooms" or "vent fan inspections outside the installed unit's zone". It sounds picky, but it gives you a clear line to say, "That's a separate service call, I can write up a quote for it." Saves so many headaches.

cora81326d ago

quick look" is a trap... wish i was as smart as @the_hayden before the 4th time i fell for it.

the_leo3mo ago

Ugh, that's the worst. A clear scope is the only way to protect yourself from that. Some clients will always push for free work if you let them.