Avenger
Veteran Member
I did a search for this, as I remember seeing a thread similar about it in the past, but couldn't find it. Besides, it really didn't seem to apply to me at the time, so I really didn't pay attention.
However, times have changed.
How much money should I charge people for my time, fuel, wear and tear, etc?
Since word has gotten around that I have a tractor with several different implements, people in my neighborhood, people I have yet to meet, are asking to hire me and my tractor for various tasks. New neighbors who just bought 10 acres down the road, want to hire me to mow their lot before building on it. Old lady down the road would like me to remove an old stump in her yard with my backhoe. Another neighbor, a friend, needs me to move a pile of brush and grade out the potholes in his driveway. Yet another person, who I don't know, texted me last night (got my number from another neighbor) and asked if I could come over and till his yard so he could replant it, but dont need me till the fall. And the list keeps growing.
So far, they have all offered to pay me, but that is as far as the conversation has gone with talk of compensation. I have yet to do any work for any of them (though most want me over sometime this week or next) except for the ones I did work for last year. One neighbor, who I mowed a field for, paid me $400 for two days of work. We didn't negotiate a price, he just paid me that. Another neighbor who I did some mowing and grading for didnt pay me anything (but we help each other with other things).
I am not looking to make this a full time business (although that would be great, but probably not feasible since I do not have a good way to transport my tractor over long distances (on a trailer)). I also have a full time job, so many of these tasks will need to be done in the evenings or weekends. Which means, that takes time away from my family, hobbies, and projects.
I dont mind helping those who need or want my help, especially if they are talking about compensation. But should I set an hourly limit? A project minimum (X amount to even have me show up regardless of work)? Or do I bid the job in advance? Or all three? How much should I charge for my time, fuel, and wear? Should I charge differently for type of work preformed (ex: mowing vs backhoe)? Should I write it up in a contract? What should that look like if so? Or should I just do the work and see what they offer to pay?
What are your thoughts? Do you charge people for your time and efforts?
However, times have changed.
How much money should I charge people for my time, fuel, wear and tear, etc?
Since word has gotten around that I have a tractor with several different implements, people in my neighborhood, people I have yet to meet, are asking to hire me and my tractor for various tasks. New neighbors who just bought 10 acres down the road, want to hire me to mow their lot before building on it. Old lady down the road would like me to remove an old stump in her yard with my backhoe. Another neighbor, a friend, needs me to move a pile of brush and grade out the potholes in his driveway. Yet another person, who I don't know, texted me last night (got my number from another neighbor) and asked if I could come over and till his yard so he could replant it, but dont need me till the fall. And the list keeps growing.
So far, they have all offered to pay me, but that is as far as the conversation has gone with talk of compensation. I have yet to do any work for any of them (though most want me over sometime this week or next) except for the ones I did work for last year. One neighbor, who I mowed a field for, paid me $400 for two days of work. We didn't negotiate a price, he just paid me that. Another neighbor who I did some mowing and grading for didnt pay me anything (but we help each other with other things).
I am not looking to make this a full time business (although that would be great, but probably not feasible since I do not have a good way to transport my tractor over long distances (on a trailer)). I also have a full time job, so many of these tasks will need to be done in the evenings or weekends. Which means, that takes time away from my family, hobbies, and projects.
I dont mind helping those who need or want my help, especially if they are talking about compensation. But should I set an hourly limit? A project minimum (X amount to even have me show up regardless of work)? Or do I bid the job in advance? Or all three? How much should I charge for my time, fuel, and wear? Should I charge differently for type of work preformed (ex: mowing vs backhoe)? Should I write it up in a contract? What should that look like if so? Or should I just do the work and see what they offer to pay?
What are your thoughts? Do you charge people for your time and efforts?
