Labour Rates, Machines & Catalog
Labour Rates
Labour rates define what you charge per hour for different types of work. Set up rates that reflect the skill level or trade involved so your estimates are accurate and consistent.
- Click Catalog & pricing in the sidebar.
- Open the Labour rates tab.
- Click Add labour rate.
- Enter a name (e.g., "General labour", "Skilled trade", "Supervisor") and the hourly rate.
- Click Save.
Using labour rates in estimates: When you add a labour line item to an estimate, select the rate and enter the number of hours. The total is calculated automatically.
Updating rates: Changing a labour rate updates it for future estimates only. Existing estimates keep the rate that was set when they were created.
Machines & Equipment
Track your equipment costs so they are properly accounted for in estimates. Each machine entry represents a piece of equipment with an associated hourly or daily cost.
- Go to Catalog & pricing and open the Machines tab.
- Click Add machine.
- Enter the machine name (e.g., "Mini excavator", "Skid steer") and the cost per hour.
- Click Save.
Cost tracking: Machine costs can include fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. Use a rate that reflects your true operating cost so your margins stay accurate.
In estimates: Add a machine line item, select the equipment, and enter the hours it will be used. This cost is added to the estimate total alongside labour and materials.
Catalog Items (Service Bundles)
Catalog items are reusable bundles that combine materials, labour, and equipment into a single line item. Create them for services you offer repeatedly to speed up estimate creation.
- Go to Catalog & pricing and open the Catalog items tab.
- Click Add catalog item.
- Give it a name and description (e.g., "Sod installation per 1,000 sq ft").
- Add the materials, labour hours, and equipment that make up this service.
- Click Save. The catalog item is now available from the line item picker when building estimates.
Tip: Catalog items save time on repetitive estimates. Build them for your most common services, then just adjust the quantities when adding them to an estimate.
Keeping Your Pricing Current
Supplier prices change. Review your material costs and labour rates periodically to make sure your estimates reflect current market prices.
Material costs: Update unit costs on the Materials tab whenever you receive new pricing from suppliers. Only future estimates are affected.
Labour rates: Adjust hourly rates when wages change. Existing estimates are not retroactively updated.
Machine rates: Recalculate equipment costs annually to account for maintenance, fuel, and depreciation changes.
Tip: Set a quarterly reminder to review your catalog pricing. Even small cost increases add up across dozens of estimates.