My buddy's 'just double it' pricing advice backfired big time

My friend Mike who does graphic design told me to just take my material costs and double them for my first freelance landscaping job. I tried that on a $400 patio cleaning in Phoenix and ended up losing money because I forgot to account for 3 hours of travel and equipment wear. Has anyone else had a friend give them pricing advice that was way too simple for real life?

3 comments

3 Comments

ben_fisher7d ago

My neighbor tried that and actually lost 200 bucks on a fence job.

scott.alex6d ago

Yeah I've seen a few guys get burned that way. The trick is to get everything in writing before you hand over a dime. I always tell people to pay for materials up front if you have to, but hold back at least half the labor until the job is done right. Also check if the contractor has a bond or insurance, that saved my buddy when a guy skipped town with his deposit.

knight.uma6d ago

Hold back at least half the labor" is the golden rule right there.