One-Time Job Pricing Calculator
Calculate profitable flat-rate quotes for green-to-cleans, equipment repairs, pool startups, and other one-time services with line-item breakdowns.
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Pricing One-Time Pool Jobs Profitably
One-time jobs like green pool recoveries, equipment repairs, and seasonal startups can be highly profitable—or money losers if priced incorrectly. Unlike recurring service where mistakes average out over time, each one-time job stands alone. This calculator helps you build quotes that protect your margins.
Why One-Time Jobs Need Different Pricing
Your monthly service customers subsidize each other. A problem pool one week is offset by an easy pool the next. One-time jobs don't have this luxury—each job must stand on its own merits. Additionally:
- No ongoing revenue: You can't recoup losses on future visits
- Higher risk: Unknown conditions, hidden problems, customer expectations
- Setup costs: Quoting, traveling, loading equipment—all for a single job
- No customer loyalty: They're not invested in a long-term relationship
The Complexity Multiplier
Job complexity dramatically affects real costs. A "4-hour job" can easily become 6-8 hours when complications arise. The complexity multiplier accounts for this:
- Easy (0.85×): Simple, straightforward work with minimal risk
- Normal (1.0×): Standard work with typical conditions
- Moderate (1.25×): Some complications expected, older equipment
- Difficult (1.5×): Significant challenges, tight access, problematic conditions
- Extreme (2.0×): Major unknowns, severe conditions, high liability
Always Include a Risk Buffer
The 10% risk buffer isn't profit—it's insurance against things going wrong. Hidden corrosion, stripped bolts, incorrect parts, unexpected complications—these all eat into your time and materials. A 10-15% buffer prevents these surprises from turning profitable jobs into losses.
Common One-Time Jobs and Typical Pricing
- Green-to-Clean: $300-800 depending on severity, pool size, and equipment condition
- Filter Clean/DE Recharge: $75-150 depending on filter type and size
- Pump Motor Replacement: $300-600 plus parts, depending on accessibility
- Pool Startup (seasonal): $200-400 including initial chemicals and system check
- Acid Wash: $400-800 depending on pool size and surface condition
- Equipment Inspection: $75-150 for thorough evaluation with written report
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I quote flat rate or hourly for one-time jobs?
Flat rate is almost always better for one-time jobs. Customers prefer knowing the total cost upfront, and flat rates protect you when jobs run long. If a 4-hour job takes 6 hours, you still get paid. Use the complexity multiplier to build in this protection. Hourly billing creates customer anxiety ("is the meter running?") and can lead to disputes.
How do I estimate hours for jobs I haven't done before?
Start with industry benchmarks, then adjust based on what you see. A green pool recovery typically takes 3-6 hours of actual labor (spread over multiple visits). A pump replacement takes 1-2 hours if accessible, 3-4 hours if not. When uncertain, estimate high and use the "Moderate" or "Difficult" complexity setting. It's better to come in under quote than over.
Should I include return visits in my quote?
Yes, especially for green pool recoveries and chemical treatments that require follow-up. A green-to-clean typically requires 2-4 visits over a week. Your quote should include all visits needed to complete the job. Make this clear to the customer: "This quote includes up to 4 visits over 7 days to fully recover your pool."
What if the job turns out to be worse than expected?
This is why you include a risk buffer. For truly unexpected complications, communicate immediately with the customer: "We discovered the main drain is clogged, which wasn't visible during the estimate. This adds approximately $X to the job. Do you want us to proceed?" Never surprise customers with a higher bill after the fact.
How do I handle customers who want to negotiate on price?
Stand firm on your pricing—it's calculated based on real costs. You can offer to reduce scope ("I can do basic recovery without the filter clean for $X less") but don't simply discount. Customers who negotiate hard on one-time jobs rarely become good long-term customers anyway. If they can't afford your price, they're not your customer.
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