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Mates rates

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

So as a tradesman I’ve been helping friends all my life with odd jobs, and majority of the time I have charged as it had been an actual job and not just a favour. (Popping round to drill a few holes is easy )

I’ve alway given mates rates. Saved them loads of money from other quotes, but I’ve always made money too.

So today, I’m helping a friend who has said, charge me the going rate, not mates rates.

So what would you do. Insist on charging a lot less or accepts his generosity?

*context, I wasn’t even going to charge even though it’s a whole day as some friends have done loads for me, he is one.

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By *lderflower_AppleWoman
over a year ago

Basingstoke

Does he know what the going rate is? If not, charge him mates rates and tell him its the going rate.

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By *aggy dollsCouple
over a year ago

bradford

Split the difference 50/50 and charge that. Or alternatively since you weren't going to charge anyway you could always insist that they make a one off donation to a charity of your choosing... I can send you my bank details privately

Mr Hayes.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Does he know what the going rate is? If not, charge him mates rates and tell him its the going rate."

Yes. He’s had quotes and has had someone hired on a day rate. He wants to pay me the same. (He want me to do this job as I’ve done the same thing in my garden).

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you weren’t going to charge him just tell him to buy you a box of beers and call it even.

That way he’s made your day better and still sort of paid for your work.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"If you weren’t going to charge him just tell him to buy you a box of beers and call it even.

That way he’s made your day better and still sort of paid for your work."

Actually, we will probably be drinking whilst doing this.

I could admit to breaking some sort of professionalist code of conduct and forfit payment. But that’s sounds ridiculous.

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset


"So as a tradesman I’ve been helping friends all my life with odd jobs, and majority of the time I have charged as it had been an actual job and not just a favour. (Popping round to drill a few holes is easy )

I’ve alway given mates rates. Saved them loads of money from other quotes, but I’ve always made money too.

So today, I’m helping a friend who has said, charge me the going rate, not mates rates.

So what would you do. Insist on charging a lot less or accepts his generosity?

*context, I wasn’t even going to charge even though it’s a whole day as some friends have done loads for me, he is one. "

If you've previously done 'mates rates for him then take it as a compliment.

I've done similar. I've helped friends with business start ups and charged way less than the going rate to help them in the early days. They've then repaid that favour by using me for future work at full price (still way less than most) and recommending me for other jobs.

If they really want to pay full price then don't argue - you've most likely earned it already from previous work.

A

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Split the difference 50/50 and charge that. Or alternatively since you weren't going to charge anyway you could always insist that they make a one off donation to a charity of your choosing... I can send you my bank details privately

Mr Hayes. "

You know, that’s not a bad idea, and really would buy into his good nature too

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Charge him. Never understood the mates rates thing myself. You do a job you get paid your fee. Do they accept mates rates from their employers? Hey Bob you’ve been here 2 years so I’m gonna cut your pay 30% cause you can accept mates rates right?

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

If he's asked you to charge the going rate, do so. He doesn't want to feel obliged to you in any way and he also probably wants to be able to tell you if he feels you haven't done it quite how he wants it. I prefer to employ strangers for both those reasons

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If you weren’t going to charge him just tell him to buy you a box of beers and call it even.

That way he’s made your day better and still sort of paid for your work.

Actually, we will probably be drinking whilst doing this.

I could admit to breaking some sort of professionalist code of conduct and forfit payment. But that’s sounds ridiculous. "

Drinking and trade work. What could go wrong?

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


",……

If you've previously done 'mates rates for him then take it as a compliment.

I've done similar. I've helped friends with business start ups and charged way less than the going rate to help them in the early days. They've then repaid that favour by using me for future work at full price (still way less than most) and recommending me for other jobs.

If they really want to pay full price then don't argue - you've most likely earned it already from previous work.

A"

Yes. Giving people a leg up like you do, really pays off when they do the same for you in the future. I’m a true believer of helping each other, it builds a good ‘hive mentality’ between businesses.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If he's asked you to charge the going rate, do so. He doesn't want to feel obliged to you in any way and he also probably wants to be able to tell you if he feels you haven't done it quite how he wants it. I prefer to employ strangers for both those reasons "

This too

Would he give you a kidney if you needed it? Give him mates rates. Anyone else is taking the piss.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"If you weren’t going to charge him just tell him to buy you a box of beers and call it even.

That way he’s made your day better and still sort of paid for your work.

Actually, we will probably be drinking whilst doing this.

I could admit to breaking some sort of professionalist code of conduct and forfit payment. But that’s sounds ridiculous.

Drinking and trade work. What could go wrong?"

Haha. zero power tools I may add

I could tell you some scary injuries where people are 100 percent sober

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've been in a similar situation myself. Charge mates rates and let future karma deal with it. M

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If you weren’t going to charge him just tell him to buy you a box of beers and call it even.

That way he’s made your day better and still sort of paid for your work.

Actually, we will probably be drinking whilst doing this.

I could admit to breaking some sort of professionalist code of conduct and forfit payment. But that’s sounds ridiculous.

Drinking and trade work. What could go wrong?

Haha. zero power tools I may add

I could tell you some scary injuries where people are 100 percent sober "

I work with power tools and I can tell you some of the best people I’ve worked with haven’t been sober in years

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By *unguy182Man
over a year ago

perth wa

I alway see it as that’s you’re mates livelihood. Help a mate out. Pay him/her properly for the job they do. Plaster their business with good reviews and share the shit out of their advertisements. I’ll pay for what I get. Never expect something for nothing.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"So as a tradesman I’ve been helping friends all my life with odd jobs, and majority of the time I have charged as it had been an actual job and not just a favour. (Popping round to drill a few holes is easy )

I’ve alway given mates rates. Saved them loads of money from other quotes, but I’ve always made money too.

So today, I’m helping a friend who has said, charge me the going rate, not mates rates.

So what would you do. Insist on charging a lot less or accepts his generosity?

*context, I wasn’t even going to charge even though it’s a whole day as some friends have done loads for me, he is one. "

He is one? So he's also a tradesman?

Charge him nothing. He's offered to pay after doing "loads" for you. I am a firm believer in a good old fashioned trade swap. Sounds like he's already done his bit. Time for you to return the favour

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By *rwhowhatwherewhyMan
over a year ago

Aylesbury

Charge him double as an example to those of your friends who refuse mates rates

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I never change mates for labour just materials

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"So as a tradesman I’ve been helping friends all my life with odd jobs, and majority of the time I have charged as it had been an actual job and not just a favour. (Popping round to drill a few holes is easy )

I’ve alway given mates rates. Saved them loads of money from other quotes, but I’ve always made money too.

So today, I’m helping a friend who has said, charge me the going rate, not mates rates.

So what would you do. Insist on charging a lot less or accepts his generosity?

*context, I wasn’t even going to charge even though it’s a whole day as some friends have done loads for me, he is one.

He is one? So he's also a tradesman?

Charge him nothing. He's offered to pay after doing "loads" for you. I am a firm believer in a good old fashioned trade swap. Sounds like he's already done his bit. Time for you to return the favour"

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I'd do mstes rates and not expect anything. Insist it's not more, as you'd wanted to do it at that rate.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They’ve asked to pay proper rates. They may want lots more work doing and feel they won’t be able to ask you to do more work in future. If they pay full price then they can ask you to do more work.

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By *usie pTV/TS
over a year ago

taunton

Pay and be paid.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As a great man once said follow your penis erm i mean heart

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By *ryandseeMan
over a year ago

Yorkshire

The guy I get to do most jobs charges me a reasonable rate, always less than anyone else as he knows I will always go to him first. If he can't do the job, he will find someone who can. I always give him a bit of extra at the end and tell him to treat the kids.

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By *heDesiCandiTV/TS
over a year ago

Hyderabad India

I don’t like asking friends to do jobs for me at Nate’s rates because I find the quality isn’t always there - the jobs are fit around their other jobs and they are tired and make mistakes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I would charge him full rate, he wants to pay and be able to say if it’s not quite right or call you back if needed etc

Plus he may want to ask for more work in the future, if he’s not paid you he won’t be able to ask

He trusts your workman ship and would rather pay you knowing he’s getting a good job than some stranger who he doesn’t know and trust

Remember his generosity for the future!

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By *r TriomanMan
over a year ago

Chippenham Malmesbury area

Threat him like any other customer, give him a quote for the work and tell him you'll understand if he does with a better quote.

The thing about paying mates rates is that if the job isn't quite right, I always feel that it's difficult to say anything because I haven't paid full price and the person that did the job is a mate so I don't want any possibility of friction between us.

Paying the going rate keeps it simple; they're the customer you're the trades person... It's business.

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By *ihmMan
over a year ago

West Wales


"If he's asked you to charge the going rate, do so. He doesn't want to feel obliged to you in any way and he also probably wants to be able to tell you if he feels you haven't done it quite how he wants it. I prefer to employ strangers for both those reasons "

That's why I don't do work for friends, unnecessarily complicates both the friendship and the work. Makes it harder to disappear half way through a job when something more profitable comes up as well......

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By *inger_SnapWoman
over a year ago

Hampshire/Dorset

Let him pay you, you buy the beers and food.

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By *alandNitaCouple
over a year ago

Scunthorpe

I never "charge" my friends for anything that I do for them, but they often feel the need to give me a bit of money as a "thank you".

I don't work for myself though, so it's not as if I'm depriving myself of income.

Cal

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I agree with Wanda woman. Great name by the way.

By not paying mates rates the customer raises expectation. He doesn't want a cheap job done. He want professionalism. Therefore in this context. He is not your mate he is your client and expected to be treated accordingly. Outside of the job he'll still be your mate though.

I'm a handyman and I get this a lot.

Good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If he's asked you to charge the going rate, do so. He doesn't want to feel obliged to you in any way and he also probably wants to be able to tell you if he feels you haven't done it quite how he wants it. I prefer to employ strangers for both those reasons

That's why I don't do work for friends, unnecessarily complicates both the friendship and the work. Makes it harder to disappear half way through a job when something more profitable comes up as well...... "

You wouldn't really do that though?

Or would you?

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

When our kids were small a friend watched our daughter for a couple of hours. I bought her a bar of chocolate to show my appreciation. She refused as she said it set a precedent. Some months later when she wanted to return to full time work she thought that I would reciprocate by looking after her child for nothing while she worked.

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By *asty tatsyMan
over a year ago

london


"So as a tradesman I’ve been helping friends all my life with odd jobs, and majority of the time I have charged as it had been an actual job and not just a favour. (Popping round to drill a few holes is easy )

I’ve alway given mates rates. Saved them loads of money from other quotes, but I’ve always made money too.

So today, I’m helping a friend who has said, charge me the going rate, not mates rates.

So what would you do. Insist on charging a lot less or accepts his generosity?

*context, I wasn’t even going to charge even though it’s a whole day as some friends have done loads for me, he is one. "

I have always done the same really and given mates rates, but if he wants to pay you the same that just means he wants to support you in your trade and appreciates the time you have given to him

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By *ealthy_and_HungMan
over a year ago

Princes Risborough, Luasanne, Alderney

i used to do mates rates when i was younger but then i found my order books filled up in a blink and i ended up working for a spell for not very much at all. it was unsustainable to be fair and i didn't seem to have any time for myself. at the time those i did the work for capitalised on the situation and sold the properties i had worked on making astronomical profits, with absolutely no reciprocating favours being offered. saying that, there a few friends who i don't mind going back on the tools for, who respect me and have been helpful when i have needed help. there's a balance to be struck here and i hope you find a suitable equilibrium.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I did mates rates and club rates when I owned my detailing business. The amount of times people took the piss was unreal. I wouldn't do it again.

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By *irthandgirthMan
over a year ago

Camberley occasionally doncaster

I've had good and bad experiences of mates rates.

Good - I get mates rates from my tattoo artist. But I have known her since she was 12 through training with her dad. I book sessions on traditionally quiet days so she has a steady income. I am also always in credit amd bumped her cash to stay afloat during lockdown.

Bad - had some work done on my kitchen years ago by an ex-friend who was an electrician. I also helped out at his place over loads of Weekends as well as feeding him and his family at BBQs almost every weekend over summers. When I split from my wife he handed me a bill for work on my kitchen.. for months he had refused any payment until I was on my arse financially.

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By *inx.x3Woman
over a year ago

Bath

If he’s done loads for you and the job isn’t costing you anything apart from your time then I wouldn’t charge.

But if you would of been working today and you are missing out on a days pay then I’d charge mates rates.

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By *inky_CarpenterMan
over a year ago

Portsmouth

I do a small discount for mates, but what I've found over the years is that I always go over the top for mates, taking extra time and using the best, materials and products etc putting in lots of extra touches, and generaly just giving them far more than they asked for, and well over what I quoted. So the real discount is the extra quality and value that they are getting, by having me do the work.

Try to avoid doing stuff for free for anyone. It's not only bad business practice. But your time and your work is only valued by what it costs them! Lastly it makes it really awkward for them to ever ask for your skills or expertise again as they will feel guilt and obligation towards you.

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By *.L.0460.Woman
over a year ago

Bognor Regis


"So as a tradesman I’ve been helping friends all my life with odd jobs, and majority of the time I have charged as it had been an actual job and not just a favour. (Popping round to drill a few holes is easy )

I’ve alway given mates rates. Saved them loads of money from other quotes, but I’ve always made money too.

So today, I’m helping a friend who has said, charge me the going rate, not mates rates.

So what would you do. Insist on charging a lot less or accepts his generosity?

*context, I wasn’t even going to charge even though it’s a whole day as some friends have done loads for me, he is one. "

It's not generosity to pay the going rate! A friend would understand the value of your work & be happy to pay that- simply knowing that they can trust your workmanship is probably enough & they may not ask you in the future if they think they're taking advantage.

However, if you don't feel right about charging the going rate, maybe negotiate a smaller margin of profit? Or maybe they have other skills that might be useful to you one day?

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By *eedshandymanMan
over a year ago

leeds

Depends on how good a mate it is.charge going rate mate

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I agree with Wanda woman. Great name by the way.

By not paying mates rates the customer raises expectation. He doesn't want a cheap job done. He want professionalism. Therefore in this context. He is not your mate he is your client and expected to be treated accordingly. Outside of the job he'll still be your mate though.

I'm a handyman and I get this a lot.

Good luck "
this is a really good point and how I took it.

We’ve agreed. Half is going to a charity of his choice. The other half?…. Goes in the pot for a lads night out on a few week. We are all happy…and sunburned.

Thanks for the input and and replies. !!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I agree with Wanda woman. Great name by the way.

By not paying mates rates the customer raises expectation. He doesn't want a cheap job done. He want professionalism. Therefore in this context. He is not your mate he is your client and expected to be treated accordingly. Outside of the job he'll still be your mate though.

I'm a handyman and I get this a lot.

Good luck this is a really good point and how I took it.

We’ve agreed. Half is going to a charity of his choice. The other half?…. Goes in the pot for a lads night out on a few week. We are all happy…and sunburned.

Thanks for the input and and replies. !!! "

Sounds like a win-win

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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

I’d rather pay my mates the going rate, finding good tradesman you can trust is a challenge anyway and once you have one it pays to look after them. When I’ve paid mates rates I’m often waiting as most traders I know are fully booked up for months with lucrative contract work so more than happy to pay the going rate for domestic

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I’d rather pay my mates the going rate, finding good tradesman you can trust is a challenge anyway and once you have one it pays to look after them. When I’ve paid mates rates I’m often waiting as most traders I know are fully booked up for months with lucrative contract work so more than happy to pay the going rate for domestic"

We did talk about it today. He sees it as, if paying mates rates, you’ll just try and fit me in when you have some spare time, and it will get stretched out over a few evenings. But by offering to pay full, it actually a verbal contracts and you will take it more serious. (Some have said ad much up above too).

I’ve never though to much about it, when asking for favours from mates in a working sense, until this one time.

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By *ihmMan
over a year ago

West Wales


"If he's asked you to charge the going rate, do so. He doesn't want to feel obliged to you in any way and he also probably wants to be able to tell you if he feels you haven't done it quite how he wants it. I prefer to employ strangers for both those reasons

That's why I don't do work for friends, unnecessarily complicates both the friendship and the work. Makes it harder to disappear half way through a job when something more profitable comes up as well......

You wouldn't really do that though?

Or would you? "

Of course I would, I'm a builder, I have a reputation to uphold. I'd fuck off for a lot less! One too few or one too many sugars in my tea, forget the biscuits or miss a bacon sandwich, ask me about maybe cleaning up after myself, being a bit too far from a cafe/screwfix/massage parlour...... All valid reasons to leave a job half done!

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