reeferdude
Member
I am starting my own aqua maintenance company and would like to know how much the going rates are for maintenance.
The going rates
- Thread starter reeferdude
- Start date
yellowtail
Active Member
my lfs is $20 an hour for a house call
harrysreef
Member
$35 to $50 an hour here in IL
spinner
Member
FWIW -
The most common mistake a person can make in starting a small business is not understanding the cost of doing business, and whether the proposed income can support the costs.
While it's important to know what other maintanence companies charge in other parts of the country, it is much more important to know what your competitors charge and what they provide in services.
I'd suggest a basic business plan that defines your objectives and lists the costs you will regularly encounter such as transportation, supplies (Test kits, RO DI water, salt, etc.), marketing, taxes and the like. Once you have determined your costs, does the income you plan to make cover the costs and leave you enough left for a wage.
I realize that you probabaly know this info already, but I've seen more than my share of individuals believe that since they can maintain tanks that they should start their own maintanence company. Unfortunately, few succeed because of their inability to run a business.
If you have a passion and are willing to mind the details, you'll be successful.
I may not have answered your question, but I hope this helps.
Spinner
The most common mistake a person can make in starting a small business is not understanding the cost of doing business, and whether the proposed income can support the costs.
While it's important to know what other maintanence companies charge in other parts of the country, it is much more important to know what your competitors charge and what they provide in services.
I'd suggest a basic business plan that defines your objectives and lists the costs you will regularly encounter such as transportation, supplies (Test kits, RO DI water, salt, etc.), marketing, taxes and the like. Once you have determined your costs, does the income you plan to make cover the costs and leave you enough left for a wage.
I realize that you probabaly know this info already, but I've seen more than my share of individuals believe that since they can maintain tanks that they should start their own maintanence company. Unfortunately, few succeed because of their inability to run a business.
If you have a passion and are willing to mind the details, you'll be successful.
I may not have answered your question, but I hope this helps.
Spinner
reeferdude
Member
My dads owns an A/C company that he started out of our garage and now does 5-10 million a year in biz, so I have a pretty good mentor.
nm reef
Active Member
I currently maintain a 220 reef...100 bowfront fish only...and a 120 algae consumed mess(but its getting better)...I charge $25 per hr and additional fees for water testing/suppliments/equipment installations/water....my primary interest is in providing a service and not generating income. This is still a hobby for me and something I enjoy.I currently make about $300-$350 a month which is returned to my system. Sort of feeds my habit and allows me to spend time doing something I enjoy.