[Andy Hogarth]

Whilst on my postround today I got talking to a guy who runs a small cleaning firm, I told him I'd be starting carpet cleaning soon and he said he would send any work he has my way. He said after I've trained up etc we'll pop out for a pint and work out a pay structure
I'm a bit unsure what he meant by 'pay structure' and didn't question it at the time, I presume he wants his 'cut' before I get mine.

I was wondering if any of you guys do work for cleaning firms and how it works out, I presume i'd  price a job, then submit it to him, he puts his dosh on top then charges the customer, But that sounds a bit messy and could be pricey for the customer!

I'd like to hear anybodys view on this, wether you have a special rate etc. for people who pass work on.

Cheers
Andy

[Ian Rochester]

Welcome to capitalism!!

Wherever there is the presence of a "middleman" there is always a price to pay for the information

[John Kelly]

Quite a few people do this including ourselves. We have an agreement where we pass work on, mainly long standing estate agent work. The work is carried out at our rates and the split is 50/50.
When you set your rates you need to dictate to him what the price will be and decide on a amicable split otherwise you could be working for nowt.

[Andy Hogarth]

Welcome to capitalism!!

John, when you say the split is 50/50 are you using a higher rate than say a normal domestic job?

[John Kelly]

No we use our normal rates, however this is higher than what the guy charges who carries out the work. So he isn't much out of pocket.

[craigp]

where poss work directly

[BRSL]

I do a lot of sub work for my old company

we have a rate that varries between 5% - 30% depending if it's a one off job or a week on big contract work, but there rate is almost half my usual rate but I dont mind as most work is carried out on pubs at 1000 sqm, so be carefull when you arange work as it's normaly priced by the other party, invoiced by the other party so you need to invoice them so make sure you have a written document for payment terms and dates, we work on a net 60 day.

But thats on a serious sub work basis, try to buy the guy a few pints in the pub every now and then or clean his and mothers carpets for free

James

[Art]

Most of my C/C work i sub out.

It works well for all concerned, everyone makes money 

If it's going to bring in work, why not

[John Rimmer Marshall & Rimmer Ltd]

My only concern re sub con work out would be what happens if something goes wrong ie a damaged 3pc or carpet. Who is held responsible, the person or company that got the work or the the person it has mean passed onto ? After building a good reputation over a number of years i personaly would not want someone ells doing work on my behalf. I know i may be over reacting in my comments but would feel uneasy at the thought of someone doing work in my name without any controle over the situation.

                                                Take Care John

[John Kelly]

The sub contractor is responsible for their own work. It is therefore important to ensure they have the right cover in place before utilising their services.