wages / rates for floorlayers

spot on couldn't agree more

 

I think calling a guy 'a man in a van' is very rude. Yes if all they do is subby work and never wants to better themselves, but just because some of us don't run a showroom doesn't mean we're less of a fitter than you.

I know loads of shops who are poor, but that hits their market and they don't care about improving. So why are they thought of in a better light than someone who's spent their wages doing a few courses to better themselves and reputation.

I think a poll in both areas would be a good start, but if it's going in depth I'd personally want it in the trade section.

I agree with Matt also that everyone must have learnt something from the forum. Isn't the reason we are on here to improve and become better?

 

Totally agree with cre8tive,

Just because I know how much effort he puts in to his trainning time and money to be top of his game,
For his job and he is a top fitter, he would deserve more money because he wants the best for his trade and for customer,

Sam

 

How about putting the prices that B&Q charge customers and then pay the fitters up?

Would give customers a good guide

 

Well said mate. I am a man in a van , for now anyway. I have worked for shops in the past where the guys that run it know absolutely nothing about flooring !! They have a bit of money to set up a flooring business and thats about it. They rely on the fitters to educate them but don't bother listening !!!! God.....mention compression strengths on smoothing compounds and they look at you as though your talking rubbish lol

 

I take it you're on about the laminate?

 

I've got a very big independent not far from me that will only use NA for all screeds as never had a problem with it! Really. I got them to use a water based smoothing compound, but they hadn't don't a moisture test and it was over a damp floor. Surprise suprise, they went back to using the holy NA as that solved the problem! Lol

You try to help others out but some just don't want to know.

 

No mate. All flooring. Seen the prices and they are good !!

 

Can't wait for that near me! Lol

 

A man in a van to me is a bloke driving round in a battered old van doing jobs for cash. I get called it buy a Amtico rep the other month which didn't go down well with me and I told him and got a apology.
I have spent a fortune and proper tools and training courses and my van so do have overheads.
I have to pay for a lockup like most of the lads on here without shops. I have stands in my local flooring shop, I make sure every job is done correct. I don't want a shop because it won't benefit me.

I've found having my home address on my cards and estimates customers feel safe going with me. And they know I will be fitting the floor which going with some shops you never know who you will get. I know as worked at one for 11 years. Some great fitters and some average and a few bad ones.

I might get one in the future if I decide to not fit as much though.

 

I presume what you mean willo87 is that cre8tive CAN charge for his service as he sees fit. We all (deserve)more for what we do in this trade compared to other trades.
And yes cre8tive is at the top of his game as he wants to improve... (and i've worked with him for a few years)

 

Don't tell'em pikey P....

 

I agree the turn 'man with a van' is insulting. But from my experience that's what people class it as and that's what it is. I don't think there's a problem with 'man with a van' but I what I was trying to get at is that there's a stigma that comes with it. Mainly I feel due down to tv programmes that highlight shoddy work and how easy it is to get paid and not do the correct work.

I agree most subbys do know more than the shop but I wanted to know if people find the stigma of it causes people to knock you down on price? Like I said I would expect to pay more from a shop than from a guy who has just his van, I'm not saying that's the correct attidude but that's the vibe I get.

 

I see what your saying most customers would want it cheaper if the fitter don't have a shop. But they won't get it cheap off me. Think most customers would want it cheaper cash job. And pay no vat or tax.

There is a difference in a sub contractor who works for shops then does cash jobs at night or weekends and some one with a website a sign written vat who does a invoice with vat on.

Things are changing now as shops are dying all over the place. Years ago everything you brought was from a shop now and you buy most things online. My local shops used to be great now it's all betting shops, charity shops, take aways and pound land shops. So still great lol

Shops in my area are still busy but I think my prices are similar to there's when I've seen both prices.

 

I do agree with you mate. Alot of customers think that if you work from a van your gonna be cheap. Not just a little cheaper but cheap, cheap !

 

That's an interesting point. It might be worth clarifying who the installation prices are aimed at...Shop prices or Self-employed? (Apologies if that's the point that's being made. I haven't read the other posts properly).

Totally agree with Mario's comment "We all deserve more for what we do". We have a shelf life and trade fade comes round quickly when you're on your knees all day. We need to stay flexible with prices but have a broad guideline to work from.

Forget about fair. Get as much money as you can before the arthritis kicks in. Although, keep standards high. I'm not talking bodgit and leg it here. This is a tough game as most of use know very well.

 

One of the hardest trades on the body ! Knees, back. It's my wrists that get me ! Not to forget the king size knuckles and the calluses on the palms lol

 

Calluses on the palms?? You sure that's from the flooring

Yep, tis a tough job indeed mate...

 

Yes from flooring wes. It's the hairy palms im worried about

 

You try telling that to an ice cream van....lol