Set your after hours rate
What to charge for an after hours call in Alberta
Getting out of bed on a Sunday costs more than fuel. Here's how to set a callout rate that's fair to you and the customer.
The true cost of the call
A callout is not one hour of work. It's the drive there, the drive back, the hour you did not sleep, and the morning after. Add the chance the job turns into a bigger fix, and the cost of being too cheap is real money out of your pocket.
The customer who calls at 9 pm knows they are paying for convenience. Your number should say that you respect your own time. If it does not, you will resent the job before you even start the truck.
What the fee has to cover
- Fuel and truck wear
- Your time at a fair hourly rate
- The value of being on call all day
- The trouble of not being at home
- Lost opportunity on other work
- The risk of a late night that goes sideways
Add the extras if the call is on a holiday, but keep the base honest.
Why a fair price keeps the phone ringing
A customer who calls at night does not compare your rate with the day rate. They compare it with the price of a frozen pipe or a dead furnace. If your number is explainable, they will pay it and thank you.
The danger is charging so much that the customer tells their neighbours. One bad review from a night call spreads fast. A fair price, even a slightly high one, is fine as long as you can look the customer in the eye and justify it.
Remember that an after hours call can turn into a regular maintenance contract. The customer you help on a Sunday will remember who showed up. Set a rate that makes you happy to be there, not one that makes you hope the job falls through.
Three ways to arrive at your number
No survey data, just simple math that starts with your costs
Start with your hourly rate
Figure out what you need to earn per hour to keep the lights on. Take that number, double it for after hours, and add the cost of the drive. That is your callout fee before the first wrench turns.
Add a flat truck roll
Some owners charge a flat fee just for showing up. The fee covers fuel and time no matter what the job turns out to be. If the job is bigger, the flat fee comes off the total, not on top of it.
Charge by the half hour
For jobs that run long, a half hour rate makes sense. It protects you from the ten minute call that becomes two hours. State the minimum clearly on the phone so there are no surprises at the door.
Common after hours pricing questions
Should I charge more on holidays?
Yes, if a holiday really costs you more. Double the callout fee for stat days if you are leaving a family dinner. Say the holiday rate on the phone before you give the price.
Do I charge if the customer turns me away at the door?
Yes. You drove, you spent the time, and you turned down other work. Keep the callout fee in that case, but be polite about it.
What if the customer just wants a quote?
A quote for a callout is still a callout. You are selling your time. Offer to quote over the phone for simple jobs, and charge a fee for a site visit that you credit back if they hire you.
Who answers when you are under a sink?
Sawyer Systems answers your after hours calls and gets the job on your calendar. First month free, $297 a month after, no contract. Set it up in 48 hours.
The live line (825) 305-0902