Rate Book Builder for Handymen

What It Does

A rate book turns "I guess this job is $X" into a standardized system. This tool helps you organize services by category, write consistent descriptions, and build pricing that stays aligned with your baseline hourly rate and business goals.

Who It's For

  • Handymen who want consistent, repeatable pricing
  • Anyone scaling beyond "one-off quoting"
  • Operators working with property managers who need standardization

How It Works

Inputs: Categories, service descriptions, pricing units, baseline hourly rate

Outputs: Structured rate book you can reference on every estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rate book and why do I need one?

A rate book is a structured list of services with standardized descriptions and pricing rules. It prevents random quoting, protects your margins, and makes it easier to train help or scale without pricing chaos.

Should I price by the hour or by the task?

Most pros use a baseline hourly rate to sanity-check pricing, then price tasks based on expected time, complexity, and risk. The goal is predictable profit, not "perfect time tracking."

How does the Hourly Rate Calculator connect to the Rate Book?

Your hourly rate is the minimum you must earn. The rate book is where you apply that baseline to real services so every quote covers overhead, salary, and profit.

How should I handle minimum charges and trip fees?

Minimums and trip fees protect your calendar. Without them, small jobs can destroy your effective hourly rate. Set rules once, apply consistently.

How often should I update my rate book?

Whenever your costs or baseline hourly rate change, and anytime you learn a service consistently takes longer than expected. A rate book is a living system, not a one-time document.

Watch Ray Explain It

  • Rates & Pricing Framework

Try it free — create an account to save your rate book.