Installation $$ rates

[nmfire10]

I have the opportunity to take some installation work coming up. I've never actually had to sit down and make some real estimates and bill for hours. The work I've done in the past has been very casual or a services for services trade (I'll do your lights, you landscape my mom's house for example). This has to be more realistic.

So what is the general going rate for installations? This will before lights/sirens only. No radios.

Thanks!

[High_order1]

Well, you have to factor in a bunch of things. Your liability insurance, cost of shop bay rental space, do you need to purchase special tools like glow rods or crimping frames?

Then, you have to decide how much of a pain in the ass the install would be, and how valuable the customer is going to be (is this the first of 300 potential installs, or is this bastard going to change what he wants four times, want to watch while you work, wants it yesterday, but wants you to put a handicap placard in it and give him a 75% discount)?

Then you have to factor in your own abilities. Do you have good working knowledge of the products you're going to install, and know how to make a clean, safe install, or do you think electrical tape and scotchloks are your best friend?

Finally, you have to call around to the other shops and see what they charge. Unless you are a miracle worker, or can do special installs, you prolly won't last long charging more than your local big radio shop / emergency equipment upfitter.

....... so I hear....

-Shawn

[commtek]

$66.00 per hour here. Factors in insurance, etc.

[escomm]

It is all about what the market will bear. I have seen local MSS charge up to $140/hr, and that's portal-to-portal to boot. But that's also in Los Angeles, where the cost of doing business is probably significantly higher than your location.

[smokeybehr]

When I was doing installs, I was charging a flat rate of $75 for a single radio or phone kit, and $50 for each additional radio installed, or removal for reinstallation. I never did lights/sirens, but I'd probably do the same rates for each set of lights (lightbar, strobes, or deck lamps) or siren. I didn't have my own shop, but I worked with another company doing mainly mobile installs, and when I had an extended install, I'd do it out of my garage at home.