SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE
How should I price a rush job or emergency job?
Short answer: a rush price should reflect the normal economics of the work plus the real cost and opportunity cost created by changing your schedule.
Calculate the normal job price first
Start with the price you would charge if the work fit your normal schedule. Include direct costs and the contribution your productive time needs to produce.
Identify what the rush request changes
- Overtime or after-hours labor
- Expedited materials or delivery
- Rescheduling another customer
- Extra travel or mobilization
- Administrative time spent rearranging the calendar
- Greater risk from compressed planning time
Charge for disruption when it is real
A rush fee should not be random punishment. It should compensate the business for additional cost, inconvenience and scarce capacity.
Rush price = normal viable price + added direct costs + justified schedule premium
Be clear before starting
Tell the customer what qualifies the work as rush or emergency service and show the agreed price before committing resources whenever circumstances allow.
Track whether rush work is actually worthwhile
Afterward, compare actual hours and costs with the price. If rush jobs repeatedly underperform, adjust the premium or the conditions under which you accept them.
Put the numbers to work
JJL Business Tools helps turn your actual costs, time and goals into practical pricing and job decisions.
Check the quote with Quote Guard