Fortunately, there are things a contractors can do to increase their earnings. Most people would agree that being profitable in business is a good thing. Continue reading to find out how contractors can be profitable on a consistent basis.
Contractors is a person or company that provides labor and materials to complete a job under a contract. Unfortunately, many contractors are underpaid for their efforts.
NET PROFIT VS. REVENUE
Many contractors make the error of equating revenue and net profit. A company’s revenue is the total amount of money it earns. Some of this money is reinvested in the company and is used to pay salaries, material costs, or debts.
Net profit is the money earned by a company that is not intended to be reinvested in the company. This money is all about profit.
Net Profit
Net profit is the actual profit made after all other expenses in the business have been paid; it is what is left after everything has been accounted for and is distinct from the owner’s salary. If you want to be profitable as a contractor, you need as much net profit as possible. Unfortunately, many contractors do not make as much money as they should.
Net profit is your money as a contractor. You are free to do whatever you want with it. However, if you’re looking for some useful things to do with it, here are a few suggestions:
- Invest in your business.
- Better worker training
- Better employee benefits, such as healthcare and vacation time
- improved equipment
- Bonuses for both you and your team
MAKING MORE MONEY IS ALLOWED.
Contractors frequently do not realize their full potential or believe that other factors are causing them to be paid less. The most common reasons given are the going rate in their industry or the need to provide low prices to customers. These are not good reasons to reduce prices.
Making a lot of money is a good thing. It doesn’t have to be about greed; it can be about being fairly compensated for your efforts, paying your employees a higher wage, investing in better tools and equipment, and making other investments in your business that make it worth the price you charge. You take a lot of risks as a contractor. The profit you make must be sufficient to compensate for the risks you take.
Owner’s Salary vs. Net Profit
We understand that net profit is what remains after all expenses are deducted. Is it true that if you own a business, your net profit is your salary? No, the owner’s salary is a separate item that is factored into the company’s expenses. The owner earns a fair wage, and the net profit is money on top of that.
HOW TO INCREASE PROFIT
If you are a contractor, you most likely want to maximize your profits. If you do, there are a few things you can do to turn a consistent profit into a reality:
- Decide to make a profit – You must resolve to make more money and to accept nothing less. Decide that you will find good customers, that you will get paid what you deserve, and that you will not blame others. If you do a good job, your customers will appreciate it and be willing to pay the price you quoted.
- Prepare your strategy – Plan your marketing, identify the most profitable jobs, and target the right customers willing to pay for quality work.
- Don’t dwell on the negatives and avoid making excuses. Don’t tell yourself that you have to accept lower pay for any reason.
- Set objectives – Create a vision for both the short and long term. Determine the direction you want your company to take. Set and stick to goals for what you want to accomplish.
These are only suggestions, but they are important first steps to take on your way to becoming consistently profitable.
WHY DOES THE “GOING RATE” NOT MATTER
The “going rate” is the current average cost of a job charged by contractors in a given area. Many contractors include the going rate in their prices, and some even reduce their costs to ensure they get jobs.
Determine your objectives. How much net profit do you want to leave after the job is completed? How much does the job cost? Once you’ve figured out these details, you can figure out how much you should charge for a job. Clients who refuse to pay that amount aren’t worth pursuing.
PARTICIPATE IN MARKETING
Investing in marketing is one of the best things a contractor can do to ensure they get high-paying jobs. Making sure that potential clients understand that you will meet their specific needs goes a long way toward closing the deal.
