How to price IT and AV work as a freelance technician

Rates vary hugely between countries and cities, so there is no single right number. What matters is a pricing approach clients understand and that covers your real costs. Here is a framework that works anywhere.

Know your real hourly cost

Add up what you need to earn in a year, plus tools, software, vehicle, insurance, training and time spent on quotes and travel. Divide by the hours you can realistically bill. That is your floor, not your rate.

Choose the right price type for the job

• Hourly: good for fault-finding where the time is unknown. Say how you round time and whether travel is included.
• Fixed price: good for well-defined jobs such as mounting a screen or setting up a new laptop. Clients love certainty.
• Call-out minimum: a set charge that covers the first part of a visit, common for urgent and after-hours work.
• Ongoing support: a regular fee for check-ups, updates and priority response.

Put it in a clear offer

On GuruFinder you send an offer from the conversation: what you will do, the price, fixed or hourly, and a suggested date. The client accepts with one tap, so there is a clear record of what was agreed.

Getting paid directly

Payment is arranged between you and your client, and GuruFinder takes no commission. Agree the payment method and timing before you start. For larger jobs or equipment purchases, a deposit is common. Send an invoice that meets your local tax rules.

Next: get more local clients, or list your services.