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Zoous

Real Estate and Reefs
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Queens
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Set-up and Maintenance Fee

I'm in the process of presenting a proposal to the owner who wants to set-up a saltwater tank.

How much should I charge for my services? 90 gallon tank.


Thanks.
 
Last edited:

Deanos

Old School Reefer
Location
Bronx, NY 10475
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Zoous said:
I'm in the process of presenting a proposal to the owner who wants to set-up a saltwater tank.

How much should I charge for my services? 90 gallon tank.


Thanks.

Let's start with how much do you feel your time and knowledge are worth. Are you purchasing equipment and livestock? Maintaining the tank once its been set up? Give us some more to go on.
 

LeslieS

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Manhattan
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It's not really the same, but I pay the pet sitter 10 a visit or 30-50 a day depending on if they have to stay over night and how extended the time is. I think it would depend if you were just stopping in to feed the tank for a couple of days or if it was a corporate type account where you are solely responsible for the care of the tank.
 

R32Brightliner

Senior Member
Location
Westchester, NY
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Again, as Deanos said, 'what services?' Are YOU purchasing the equipment? How you just setting up the tank or will you also be involved in maintaining it as well??? Will you be involved in all livestock choices???
 

scarf_ace1981

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Location
San Juan, PR
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way
try breaking it down. for example

buying dry goods- charge him the amount of the goods and a percentage for your trouble of ordering, etc.

buying livestock- charge him the amount of the livestock and a higher percentage than lets say buying dry goods. livestock is much more sensetive and requires more care

cleaning the tank- hourly rate

cleaning hardware- hourly rate

dealing w/ problems - for example mantis, aptasia, removing an aggressive fish, etc charge him by the hour or day

upgrading of equipment- charge him for the ordering of the dry goods and the labor

feedings- charge him for the half hour or so

hope this helps some. jon-
 

scarf_ace1981

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Location
San Juan, PR
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Zoous said:
I believe he drives a mercedes...lol. The dollar amount is for labor only. Equipment purchased at the LFS will be reimbursed at the same purchase price.

if it is you purchasing the equipment, i would charge a percentage, a small one. you do have a life. you are taking time from your schedule to do work for him. it doesn't bother you to go to the LFS for stuff but he doesn't know that.
 

Falco

Senior Member
Location
Westchester, NY
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scarf_ace1981 said:
if it is you purchasing the equipment, i would charge a percentage, a small one. you do have a life. you are taking time from your schedule to do work for him. it doesn't bother you to go to the LFS for stuff but he doesn't know that.

Agreed. I would charge either a set percentage or by the hour for each LFS trip. If you are ordering equipement online then I would just charge a percentage.

As for how much to charge I don't really have much input on that. But I would suggest calling a LFS in your area and find out how much they charge and whats included. Then you can go from there and figure out what you want to charge him.
 

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