What to put in a price book (and how to build one in an hour)

A price book is simply a list of what you charge for the work you do most. It sounds boring, and it is the quickest way to stop guessing prices on the phone.

Start with four things

Your service call fee, your hourly rate, your minimum charge, and your after-hours or emergency surcharge. Those four cover most calls.

Add your top 10 jobs

Look at the last 20 jobs you did. Which repeat? Replacing an outlet, a faucet, a thermostat, a disposal. Give each a flat price that includes typical parts and labor.

Include the unglamorous costs

Disposal, travel time, permits and a margin on parts. Pros who skip these wonder why a busy month still feels thin.

Keep it short

Twenty lines you actually use beat two hundred you never open. Add an item only when you have quoted it three times.

Review it twice a year

Parts and fuel costs move. Set a reminder each spring and fall to check your prices against your real costs.