Why You Might Be Paying Yourself $4 an Hour (And How to Fix It)
Hey home service pros — cleaners, landscapers, handypeople, mobile detailers — let’s talk real numbers for a second.
Ever looked at your bank account after a full week of hard work and thought:
“Wait… did I just pay myself $4 an hour?”
Living the dream, right?
This is what happens when you underprice your services. And it’s more common than you think.
Most of us start out low — trying to win jobs, build referrals, or compete with the guy down the street charging pennies. It works at first. Suddenly, you’re booked solid. Your phone won’t stop ringing. You’re skipping dinner with your family and grabbing gas station sandwiches at 9 p.m.
And somehow… you’re still broke.
Here’s the hard truth:
If you’re slammed with work but your bank account doesn’t reflect it, your prices are too low.
You’re not just charging for the labor. You’re charging for:
Drive time
Equipment wear and tear
Setup and cleanup
Client communication
The “quick extras” they ask for on the spot
Your time isn’t free. Your energy isn’t free. And your sanity sure isn’t free.
So if you’re tired, frustrated, and wondering why the math isn’t mathing — it’s time to raise those rates before you raise your blood pressure.
Need help figuring out how to do it without scaring off good clients?
Let’s talk. Book a free consultation call here:
👉 https://calendly.com/.../30-minute-zoom-consultation-call
Let’s get your finances out of chaos and into Doing Business Right.
FAQ: Raising Your Rates as a Home Service Professional
Q: Will I lose clients if I raise my prices?
A: Possibly — but usually only the ones who don’t value your time. The good clients? They’ll understand. And you’ll finally get paid what you’re worth.
Q: How do I calculate what I should charge?
A: Start by tracking all your time (travel, admin, setup, labor) and expenses. Then add the profit you actually want to take home. That’s your real rate.
Q: Is there a way to raise prices without backlash?
A: Yes. Communicate early. Give notice. Explain the value you provide. And stand firm — confident pricing shows you’re professional and reliable.
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