first little job

[DrDeAtH]

Still charge 60. Its your time, gas, wire etc..... If it takes you half a day to knock the job out not rushing, then customer should be happy.

 

[Kent]

Work prices on time per hour plus consumables if they amount to much. How much per hour? that is what you need to decide on, nobody can tell you but if you keep an eye on all sorts of jobs at all levels in the trade they state an hourly rate applicable just remember that is before the boss marks up what he pays you to make a profit and cover his overheads.

 

[Monkey Harris]

I usually charge like a wounded rhino...

 

[ukracer]

Still charge 60. Its your time, gas, wire etc..... If it takes you half a day to knock the job out not rushing, then customer should be happy.

I have just spent 5 hours doing small little jobs and sizing up and moving things around. getting materials out for tomorrow etc.

IF I was doing things for profit all that would have to be factored in and even going and getting the steel etc would need to be added to the cost.

Its actually scary how much things really cost me but as its a hobby (time away from her indoors) (love here to bits but after 15 years caring it does get tiring at times) its not chargeable or quantifiable.

 

[ross1993]

i created a spreadsheet with all the associated costs on , went to the bottom to the total and was suprised how quickly the price jumps up.think my biggest issue is under estimating time to do something.

 

[ukracer]

i created a spreadsheet with all the associated costs on , went to the bottom to the total and was suprised how quickly the price jumps up.think my biggest issue is under estimating time to do something.

I think its also the customers problem as well.. lol

 

[Kent]

You need a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve by charging anything at all. Once you charge you need liability cover anyhow by law, is it going to be a business or what? Think on because no matter what the client asks you to do its on your head if it goes bad.
Few brackets for someone who helped you out? Mmm..........

 

[ross1993]

It's never going to be a business , just odd jobs , try and make a little bit of money whilst practicing

 

[ukracer]

Sadly that is construed by HMRC as a business......

 

[ross1993]

Sadly that is construed by HMRC as a business......

Yeah guess so ...

 

[Kent]

It's never going to be a business , just odd jobs , try and make a little bit of money whilst practicing

you can call it what you want as a sole trader you can make a fair surplus before you have to pay tax if you have no other income BUT if you do something for pay and its legally required to have liability insurance in place. I have seen a few nice fires made by welders, not to mention a few bad accidents and mates tend not to be mates anymore when they can blame you and get paid out

 

[cumbriasteve]

It's never going to be a business , just odd jobs , try and make a little bit of money whilst practicing

There are thousands upon thousands of people earning extra money in their spare time and many have the view that they work 40 hours a week, pay their tax and national insurance and then HMRC want even more tax when your hobby, in your own free time makes you a few quid, it seems very unfair and to a certain extent is.

There is another angle though, if you pay no tax, liability insurance or NI you can undercut a legitimate business that has to price their products with their running expenses considered, they sell their gates at £80, you can afford to sell at £60, so that appears a bit unfair too and that's also how you get reported to HMRC.

HMRC have been known to ignore small time pocket money earners, but every now and again they have a 'catch them' campaign in certain areas and online sites, the intention is not really to grab back tax owed, it's to send a message out that they are there ready to get you.

Liability insurance is another issue many ignore, it is a legal requirement if you employ someone but if you are making the occasional gate or bracket for someone then why bother with the expense? unfortunately the UK has caught up with the USA on the blame culture.

No one is going to go to the expense of public liability insurance for the occasional job for a mate, that's understandable but what about this scenario:

You make a gate for the bloke you know down the road, you fit it, get paid and everyone is happy, a week later and the customers child swings on it, the hinge breaks, the little un's foot is broken and bingo, you have an injury claim that will impact your life and finances big time, the no win no fee bloodsucker will argue you as the maker should expect it as normal for a child to act as such and the gate should meet that demand.

Not trying to scare you or put you off, just highlighting that it's easier to get caught out in today's culture than it was in the past.

Enjoy your welding but have a good think about everything you do for someone else.

 

[ross1993]

There are thousands upon thousands of people earning extra money in their spare time and many have the view that they work 40 hours a week, pay their tax and national insurance and then HMRC want even more tax when your hobby, in your own free time makes you a few quid, it seems very unfair and to a certain extent is.

There is another angle though, if you pay no tax, liability insurance or NI you can undercut a legitimate business that has to price their products with their running expenses considered, they sell their gates at £80, you can afford to sell at £60, so that appears a bit unfair too and that's also how you get reported to HMRC.

HMRC have been known to ignore small time pocket money earners, but every now and again they have a 'catch them' campaign in certain areas and online sites, the intention is not really to grab back tax owed, it's to send a message out that they are there ready to get you.

Liability insurance is another issue many ignore, it is a legal requirement if you employ someone but if you are making the occasional gate or bracket for someone then why bother with the expense? unfortunately the UK has caught up with the USA on the blame culture.

No one is going to go to the expense of public liability insurance for the occasional job for a mate, that's understandable but what about this scenario:

You make a gate for the bloke you know down the road, you fit it, get paid and everyone is happy, a week later and the customers child swings on it, the hinge breaks, the little un's foot is broken and bingo, you have an injury claim that will impact your life and finances big time, the no win no fee bloodsucker will argue you as the maker should expect it as normal for a child to act as such and the gate should meet that demand.

Not trying to scare you or put you off, just highlighting that it's easier to get caught out in today's culture than it was in the past.

Enjoy your welding but have a good think about everything you do for someone else.

think im just going to do odd bits for friends and family , where i know im okay . i wouldnt fancy all the hassle with claims and stuff