What is a fair price to charge for tracktor/backhoe work?

[LoneCowboy]

So, basically you are saying you are an unlicensed, uninsured, illegal contractor taking work away from companies/people that do pay taxes, insurance, and all the other ENDLESS stuff that goes along with being in business.

Sorry, not interested in helping.

 

[InspectorGadget]

So, basically you are saying you are an unlicensed, uninsured, illegal contractor taking work away from companies/people that do pay taxes, insurance, and all the other ENDLESS stuff that goes along with being in business.

Sorry, not interested in helping.

This country was built by unlicensed, uninsured contractors until the government stepped in and provided a structure for licensing, and the attorneys stepped in and provided a structure for law suites.
I am sure that many business got their start undercutting the competition and they could only do that by operating in the gray area with little or no insurance or licensing, but once established had to provide these for continued growth.

I really don't think your help is required.

Thanks C-YA RL

 

[LBrown59]

I really don't think your help is required.

Thanks C-YA RL

o u c h: THAT WAS SHARP.

 

[davitk]

LoneCowboy has a good point, I am running my remodeling company by the books, along comes some laid off union worker and works for cash: no insurances, pays no taxes, takes out no permits, probably won't be around to do his warranty work. And he charges 1/2 what a legitimate business has to just to remain in business. sound fair?

 

[rtdiggr]

I should also note that my prices are reflective of running a business.

Shane

 

[skipro3]

I gotta say, that in today's market/economy that the "legit" way is on the way out and the "under-the-table"/barter system is making a comeback. It's just too costly to follow all the government's rules and pay all their fees. Sorry, I think big brother has way over stepped their bounds on regulation with the single owner/operator who is only working for himself and doesn't have employees.

Where I am, they charge at least $85 per hour, PLUS drop fees of $200 just to unload, PLUS minimum of 4 hours, PLUS anything else they can think to tack onto the bill at the end of the job but didn't tell you about at first. That's the whole reason I even bought a tractor; for the cost of 4 hours or a 2 day rental of a small/medium tractor, I could make payments on a brand new tractor.

Man! Now my rant is ON!! I'm so sick of the government taking my money in taxes and NOW taking my retirement (401K, IRS, etc) with their pisspoor management of things that I will do anything I can to avoid paying into this mess. Anywhere I can cut Uncle Sam out of the equation, I will. I'm as American as the next guy but it sure seems I have less than no say in how MY tax dollars are spent these days.
Rant off....

 

[davitk]

Well ranted. Now, if you would kindly address how a lawsuit would work into this over/under table dichotomy, I am all ears

 

[Egon]

Jeff, check a rental outfit and find out what they charge per hour for a tractor similar to yours. That will give you a base figure and then add your labour and expenses into it to get an idea.

 

[Jeff244]

"LoneCowboy
Re: What is a fair price to charge for tracktor/backhoe work?
So, basically you are saying you are an unlicensed, uninsured, illegal contractor taking work away from companies/people that do pay taxes, insurance, and all the other ENDLESS stuff that goes along with being in business."

Sorry, not interested in helping.

Wow. I understand how people can be upset by under the table work, but I am only doing 2 days worth of work and I noted that I am considering getting into business(legitimately). FWIW, I ran an asphalt company for over 20 years and had 16 employees before being forced out of business by a union. So I am well aware of what is involved in running a business and have some strong opinions too. Also, I mentioned that the work I was doing was for a friend, I did not seek the work, I was called and asked to help out.

I worked for the guy today and spent about 6 hours on the machine and 2 hours doing some laboring work. We still haven't discussed price.

Sorry to cause any controversy.

Jeff

 

[Double Orange]

Always remember when doing any work.

Add 10% if they watch
Add 20% for family
Add 30% for in-laws.
Add 200% for mother in laws.

And if you don't get the job! So what!

Frank