[Londoner]

A customer has asked me to take in their post and water their garden and pots while they are away for 8 weeks.
I'm happy to do it, I drive past the house every day, and they said they would pay me but I don't know how much to say.

Is there a going rate for these things?

 I might give the job to my son, he's always short of money.

[DaveG]

Is the garden big? how many pots?

if it was an average garden with half a dozen pots...maybe £25 a week?

How long do you think it will take?

Dave

[Ian W]

You could work out how long you think it will take and multiply by your hourly rate?

If they are good customers and it isn't something you want to do on your hourly rate, then a smaller payment and a bottle might be in order?

Are there any house sitting services in your area? Maybe call them to find out what the going rate is?

[Oakley Windows]

My sister house sits, £8.00 an hour.

[Londoner]

My sister house sits, £8.00 an hour.

What does she do for that?

I couldn't charge my hourly rate thats too much.

[Ian W]

If you can't charge your hourly rate, then I think it is going to be difficult to work a fair price out.
If it isn't a real issue, then just ask them to pay you what they feel is fair. I reckon most people would give you more, rather than less.

[Oakley Windows]

My sister house sits, £8.00 an hour.

What does she do for that?

I couldn't charge my hourly rate thats too much.

Feeds the cats, looks after the place when theyre away, hoovers, washes, usual stuff.

Lets face it no-one in their right mind is going to pay someone window-cleaners rates to feed cats.

Havent they got neighbours/friends?

Cant you do as good christian soul?   

[Ian Rochester]

Difficult one, 8 weeks is a long time, each visit will probably be less that 15 minutes.

I would tell them that you haven't got the time but your son will do it for £20-£25/week (£200 for the whole job), or whatever price you think.

It takes the emphasis away from you.

[Londoner]

My son is 16 and currently works part time in a bookshop for less than £3 an hour. He would jump at it for £10 a week. i haven't mentioned it to him yet.