Sub-contracting - What to ask?

[mylocalplumber]

Hi All,

I've been plumbing for around 7 years but have never done any sub contracting work.

Have a few interviews with some big companies but would just like a heads up with what I should expect or if anyone has advice on what to ask.

Eg. Vehicle - If using my own van - what should they be paying towards it? Fuel, parking, maintenance etc

Also, If using my own phone..should I be asking for an allowance towards using it?

Any advice on what to ask regarding payment?

And generally anything else you might suggest I bring up

Dont want to come across as a fresh fish 🙂

Thanks in advance


I just want to know what the norm is

 

[GQuigley67]

you'll usually find its "this is the rate take it or leave it"

 

[jtsplumbing]

Subby work , what you manage to get paid will include everything, expect a low hourly rate, price work wont be much better, it will be cut to the bone, we have a site in Plymouth where the rates are so bad no one will do price work, have you been employed in the last 7 years ? and just going to give subby work a go, make sure that you get paid each week & dont run up large bills for materials, Lots of people get drawn in to a promice of long term work, then finish up with very large debts, DO-NOT TRUST BUILDERS

 

[mountainman]

Cynical but very true.

 

[mylocalplumber]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for responses. I know totally what you mean about builders as have seen alot of guys get burned and I wouldnt trust SOME of them as far as I could throw. But I'm more talking about the big property maintenance companies going about where you're self employed but basically employed by them.

Am I expected to pay for everything myself and bill them?

I know some companies supply a van but also have guys with their own vans - If keeping my own van should I be asking for some running costs ( parking, fuel, up keep etc) same with the phone?

 

[mountainman]

Definition of Subbie.
The Subbie provides EVERYTHING, tools, materials, transport, fuel, maintenance, parking.
And if you are lucky you may eventually get paid for your work.
And I'm talking about council, HA and government departments.

 

[mylocalplumber]

Thanks mm, so the companies that offer a vehicle and phone aswell as taking on guys with a vehicle and phone must give a lower rate to the ones with the company vehicle and phone?

 

[mountainman]

At best mate you will be the bubblegum on the underside of the main contractors shoe.

 

[jtsplumbing]

You'll more than likely find that those who use company equipment will have money deducted for the use same as BG. Have you never done this sort of job B4 ? if not you need to be very careful, as most are not as good as they seam, You may have to do call outs be on standby over weekends & Eve's and most do not pay for you being on call ! so no drinking or going out when on call, not a lot af rewards for most of these jobs, do you know anyone working for them ? what sort of Co is it for ?

 

[stevetheplumber]

if its the call out type work for the insurance schemes it will be more about how little you can get away with doing rather trhan what you can do
often its all about manipulating the system to get the best jobs

 

[Reltub]

Subbys that work for the company that im on the books with get paid price per job ( and its alot higher than mine ) all materials are supplied they just have to turn up in their vans with all their own tools.

 

[AWheating]

apart from the usuall what work and where you need to ask stuff like:

how and when do you pay invoices? (ie. weekly,monthly)
do they pay via CIS tax scheme? (if yes you need to make sure you have your utrn number ready)
If its price work, what are the prices and what percent more is paid to subbys?
when work has no price what day rate will be paid?
at what point do they cover traveling time and costs?

questions about covering van costs, phone bill etc... will make them think your after too much imo.

some questions will be dependant on the type of job your going for. avoid any jobs that involve you buying any materials and if they miss one payment date break some legs and walk away.

 

[jtsplumbing]

In reply to Reltub's comments, yes the subby will get paid more, but you get paid holiday's / sick pay / overtime rate, you do-not have to pay for your own training, insurance, fuel, etc, if you think the subbys life is better , give it ago, it may change your mind about how you are better off being Employed.

 

[AWheating]

In reply to Reltub's comments, yes the subby will get paid more, but you get paid holiday's / sick pay / overtime rate, you do-not have to pay for your own training, insurance, fuel, etc, if you think the subbys life is better , give it ago, it may change your mind about how you are better off being Employed.

totally agree, if you add up the costs involved its not normally covered by the extra 10-15% most firms pay above direct rates. Insurances, van, petrol, training, gas safe, tools, general bussiness costs like accounts, no holiday pay, the list is long.

 

[Reltub]

Yeah i agree with what your saying. BUt the subbys at our place are alot better off, ive worked it all out

 

[jtsplumbing]

Well youve worked it all out ! what holding you back ? chuck in your employed job and start subbying, but dont forget that work dosent stop at 5 O'clock when you get home!!

 

[mylocalplumber]

Hi mate,

Thanks very much for your reply. Really helpful and just the info I was after.

Cheers

 

[mylocalplumber]

apart from the usuall what work and where you need to ask stuff like:

how and when do you pay invoices? (ie. weekly,monthly)
do they pay via CIS tax scheme? (if yes you need to make sure you have your utrn number ready)
If its price work, what are the prices and what percent more is paid to subbys?
when work has no price what day rate will be paid?
at what point do they cover traveling time and costs?

questions about covering van costs, phone bill etc... will make them think your after too much imo.

some questions will be dependant on the type of job your going for. avoid any jobs that involve you buying any materials and if they miss one payment date break some legs and walk away.

Hi mate,

Thanks very much for your reply. Really helpful and just the info I was after.

Cheers