It's funny you mention the Internet in that way because it's literally why I got a smartphone in the first place. I started with HVAC and wanted the ability to look up stuff I wasn't sure about, but hated being on call all the time and not having a schedule so I stopped doing it. As far as the attitude goes, I noticed that in my short time doing HVAC as well. I ended up being the preferred tech people would request because of how I treat people, so that could transfer pretty well.

In regards to "being greedy" how do you determine your pricing? I've never known how to value my time in that way. I feel like I'd be too nice and severely undercharge for everything lol

[–] Iconoclast@feddit.uk 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I charge 60€/hr for plumbing and 50€/hr for all the rest. Vat included. I looked what others on similar field are charging but really, I just pulled that out of my ass. I can always adjust my prices later. I just went with what felt right.

When it comes to greed, I wasn't so much refering to the hourly rate but rather everything else people like to add in the invoice. If you say you charge 50€/hr but then there are added expenses for travel/starting price/profit for supplies and such it tends to leave a bad taste even if it's not that much in monetary terms. Makes people feel tricked.

Sure, many of these are such things that I could charge for but I don't want to. My hourly rate is set such that I don't need to try and sneak in additional expenses. I genuinely try to be fair and offer the kind of service I'd want to use myself but in the end I'm honeslty just winging it. Self-employment doesn't run in the family so I have no-one to model after but my own vibes.

[–] Asafum@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

Thanks for the info! I appreciate the insight