30/08/2026
One of the biggest pricing mistakes we see Adelaide tradies make is quoting a job to cover materials and wages... then hoping there's something left over at the end.
The problem is, your business has plenty of costs that don't appear on a single quote—fuel, insurance, tools, software, vehicle expenses, and the hours spent quoting and chasing invoices all eat into your margins.
A practical starting point is to build in around 10–20% for overheads, then add 15–25% profit on top. It's not a one-size-fits-all formula, but it helps ensure you're paying for the real cost of running your business—not just the job itself.
When you know your numbers, you're pricing for profit instead of simply winning work.
This is part of our FAQ Series, where we answer the real questions Adelaide tradies and foremen ask about running a more profitable business.
If you're not sure whether your pricing is leaving money on the table, comment "READY" and The Financial Foreman will help you work out a pricing strategy that actually pays you what you're worth.