What’s Your Minimum Service Fee?

(And Why You Need One to Stay Profitable as a Plumber)

Introduction

You get a call:

💬 “Hey, I just need a quick fix. Can you swing by?”

💬 “It’s just a small job, shouldn’t take you long.”

💬 “How much to tighten this leaking faucet?”

You show up, spend 30 minutes on-site, tighten a fitting, collect your $75 (if they even want to pay that much), and leave.

But what about the time you spent driving there? The gas you burned? The wear and tear on your truck?

If you’re not charging a minimum service fee, you’re working for free more often than you realize.

Let’s break down why every plumber needs a minimum service charge—and exactly how to set yours.

1. The Real Cost of Small Jobs (It’s More Than You Think)

A homeowner may think a leaking pipe or running toilet is a “quick fix.” But here’s what actually goes into a small job:

✔ 15-30 minutes on the phone/texting to schedule

✔ Drive time to the site (15-30 minutes one way)

✔ Unload tools, diagnose the issue, do the repair (20-45 minutes)

✔ Write up an invoice, collect payment (10 minutes)

✔ Drive to the next job (another 15-30 minutes)

🛑 Total time spent? Easily 1-2 hours

Now, let’s say you’re charging $75 for that “quick” job—but after factoring in fuel, time, and expenses, you’re making way less than you think.

💡 Bottom Line: If you don’t charge a minimum service fee, you’re losing money every time you take a small job.

2. What Is a Minimum Service Fee?

A minimum service fee is the lowest price you’ll charge for any job—no matter how small.

Why You Need One:

✅ Covers travel time & expenses so you’re not losing money on small jobs

✅ Filters out cheap customers who want free advice or handyman prices

✅ Makes every job profitable, even if it’s just a quick fix

💡 Think of it this way: Even if a job takes only 10 minutes, you still had to drive there, prep, and invoice—so it must be worth your time.

3. How to Set Your Minimum Service Fee

The right number depends on your location, competition, and costs. Here’s how to calculate it:

🔹 Step 1: Know Your Hourly Rate

First, figure out what you need to make per hour to stay profitable.

Example: If you want to make $100/hour, and a typical small job takes 1.5 hours (including travel and admin time), you should charge at least $150 per service call.

🔹 Step 2: Factor in Expenses

✔ Fuel & truck costs (gas, maintenance, insurance)

✔ Tool wear & replacement

✔ Time spent on calls, scheduling, and paperwork

🔹 Step 3: Look at Market Rates

• Check what other professional plumbers (not handymen) are charging.
• Avoid underpricing yourself just to compete—you’re a skilled professional, not a handyman.

💡 Recommended Minimum Service Fees:

✔ Small-town or low-cost areas: $100-$150 minimum

✔ Suburban areas: $150-$200 minimum

✔ High-cost cities: $200+ minimum

4. How to Explain Your Minimum Fee to Customers

Some homeowners won’t get it at first. Here’s how to respond:

🛑 Customer: “Why do you charge a minimum? It’s just a quick job.”

✅ You: “Our minimum covers the time, travel, and expertise required to ensure every repair is done right. No hidden fees—just professional service with guaranteed results.”

🛑 Customer: “I just need a quote; can you come by for free?”

✅ You: “We charge a small fee for estimates, which is credited toward the final repair if you book with us.”

🛑 Customer: “Can you lower your fee?”

✅ You: “I understand budget concerns, but we price fairly for quality work. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, I may not be the right fit.”

💡 Pro Tip: The right customers won’t argue—they understand that good work isn’t cheap.

5. What If a Job Costs Less Than Your Minimum Fee?

Simple: Charge the minimum fee anyway.

Example:

💧 Customer needs a $75 faucet repair, but your minimum fee is $150?

✅ Charge $150 and offer to inspect other plumbing issues while you’re there.

💡 Turn small jobs into bigger jobs by upselling:

• Check for leaks, test water pressure, inspect the water heater
• Offer maintenance plans to prevent future issues
• Suggest upgrades (new fixtures, better shutoff valves, water filtration systems, etc.)

🛑 Never lower your minimum just because the job is “small.”

6. What to Do If You’re Afraid of Losing Customers

Some plumbers hesitate to set a minimum because they don’t want to lose work.

🚨 Reality check: If a customer balks at $150-$200 for professional plumbing, they’re not your ideal customer.

✅ The good customers? They’re looking for reliability, expertise, and guaranteed work—not the cheapest price.

💡 The fastest way to make more money? Stop catering to price shoppers and focus on customers who value quality work.

Final Thoughts: Your Time Is Worth More Than You Think

If you’re tired of:

❌ Running around for cheap, low-profit jobs

❌ Wasting time on “quick” fixes that don’t pay well

❌ Feeling like you’re constantly working but not making enough...

Then it’s time to set (and stick to) a minimum service fee.

By charging a profitable minimum, you’ll:

✅ Cover your expenses & travel time

✅ Filter out bad customers

✅ Make every job worth your time

💧 Your turn: Do you have a minimum service fee? If not, what’s stopping you? Drop a comment below!

FAQ

1. What is a minimum service fee for plumbers?

A minimum service fee is the lowest price a plumber charges, regardless of the job size, to cover travel time, labor, and expenses.

2. How much should plumbers charge as a minimum service fee?

It depends on location, but most plumbers charge between $100-$200+ as a minimum.

3. How do plumbers explain a minimum fee to customers?

Plumbers can explain it as covering travel, labor, and expertise, ensuring every job is done right without hidden fees.

4. Should plumbers charge a minimum even for small jobs?

Yes—small jobs still require travel, setup, and labor, so they should be priced accordingly.

5. What if a customer refuses to pay a minimum service fee?

If a customer refuses to pay a fair minimum fee, they likely don’t value professional plumbing services and aren’t the right client.