As a tradie, your time is money—and every job, whether big or small, comes with expenses beyond just tools and labour. That’s why more tradies are charging a call-out fee to cover not just their travel, but also the hidden costs that customers rarely see.
Whether you're a plumber driving between five jobs a day, or an electrician attending an urgent call at 9pm, knowing when and how to apply a call-out fee for tradies can protect your income, improve your workflow, and set the right expectations with clients.
Here’s what you need to know.
A call-out fee is a fixed charge added when you attend a client’s property—whether it’s for a quick job, a service diagnosis, or to generate a quote. It’s separate from the cost of repairs or hourly labour, and is often applied when:
Common trades that apply a call-out fee include electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, refrigeration techs, and mechanics—but it’s relevant to any tradie whose time, fuel, and admin costs add up between jobs.
You might only spend 30 minutes fixing a leaking tap, but the round-trip travel, loading tools, finding parking, and handling paperwork can easily turn that into a two-hour job. Without a call-out fee, you’re losing valuable hours that could be spent earning elsewhere.
Running a trade business isn’t just about swinging a hammer or wiring a fusebox. There’s insurance, registration, tool maintenance, accounting, admin, quote follow-ups, and chasing payments. A call-out fee for tradies helps offset these behind-the-scenes costs.
Being on-call after hours or responding to weekend emergencies means sacrificing your own time—and that should be reflected in your rates. Many tradies are now charging double time or minimum four-hour rates for emergency call-outs, in line with industry expectations.
Offering your time for free can lead to tire-kickers and no-shows. A call-out fee helps ensure you're dealing with serious clients who respect your time and experience. It also gives you the flexibility to waive or deduct the fee if the client goes ahead with the job.
Charging a call-out fee isn’t about squeezing clients—it’s about running your business sustainably. That said, it only works if you communicate it clearly.
Always let clients know about the fee before you arrive. Whether you’re listing your services on ServiceSeeking.com.au, quoting over the phone, or replying to a message, make it part of your initial offer.
Break down what the fee covers. For example:
“Call-out fee includes travel, site inspection, and up to 30 mins on site. Any additional labour or parts will be quoted separately.”
This shows clients that it’s not just a random charge—it’s a necessary part of delivering professional service.
Some tradies offer free quotes for larger jobs, but charge for inspections, fault diagnosis, or travel to remote areas. You could also:
If a client pushes back, explain the time and costs involved in showing up — even if it’s just for 20 minutes. You’re not just selling labour, you’re selling experience, tools, reliability, and time.
There’s no one-size-fits-all number—your call-out fee should reflect your time, travel, and business expenses.
You might charge differently depending on:
Some tradies bundle their call-out fee into the total cost if the client proceeds. Others charge it separately to ensure they’re compensated for short jobs or no-shows.
If you have staff, consider their wages, travel time, and any on-call allowances. After-hours work may also involve fatigue management rules and penalty rates—your pricing should reflect the real cost of doing business.
Being clear about your pricing helps attract the right kind of clients. When listing your services on ServiceSeeking.com.au, you can:
The platform makes it easy to connect with homeowners who are actively looking for tradies—and ready to pay for quality work. Listing your services with clear terms saves time and builds trust from the start.
Charging a call-out fee isn’t about nickel-and-diming clients. It’s about valuing your time, covering your costs, and staying profitable. Done right, it helps manage expectations, filters out non-serious enquiries, and keeps your day running smoothly.
Just be clear, upfront, and confident in the value you bring to the table.
And if you haven’t already, list your services on ServiceSeeking.com.au—it’s where customers are already looking for tradies like you.