Plumber charge

[Higgeldypiggeldy35]

Hi all, is 50% mark up on a part normal or excessive? Plumber told me it was £118 but charged me £175. Other issues is him charging for more hours than he was there for which I am contesting. He picked the part up during the time we were paying him labour for. I think it's excessive but don't have much experience so would like other opinions. I appreciate they have to make a profit.
Thanks in advance

[NemophilistRebel]

Are you in Hertfordshire / Buckinghamshire and does the plumbing company have 3 initials for a name?

All sounds too familiar

[Higgeldypiggeldy35]

No I'm in the Midlands. He's getting arsey and saying he has to cover his over heads. From what I've read online a 20% mark up is normal. But he actually told me that the pump was 118 so that's what I was expecting to pay.

[Comefromaway]

Is he VAT registered? We mark up by about 20-25% but then have to put VAT on top.

[Killerqueen2244]

I think picking the part up whilst being paid is fair, every trade I know does that. As for the mark up, I think he is backtracking as he may have told you the trade price. Maybe pay it but leave negative feedback on Google, Yell, checkatrade etc

[Higgeldypiggeldy35]

Vat was charged on top of that price. I don't mind paying him labour for him going to pick it up. I was expecting to do that. But often a mark up is to include that. I'm paying a massive mark up and labour

[MarieG10]

Never had to pay a mark up. It has usually been discounted due to him having a trade account

[Higgeldypiggeldy35]

To be honest I've never knowingly paid a mark up either. Probably have but never thought it was extortionate before. I've managed to argue £80 off the bill so a bit better. Certainly won't be using them again.

[NemophilistRebel]

He sounds as bad as the guy I had dealings with

[TheGonnagle]

20% is what my dh (plumber) says. He also says contest the bill if you’re not happy, only pay for the hours worked and that 50% is a massive piss take.

[holly40]

Our last builder charged for picking up supplies. 3 hours. Despite there being a trade shop on our street and a massive b&q less than a 5 min walk away. He must have been wasting time & having a rest or on another job. Contested it but it made no difference we got an arsey reply.

[ExchangedCat]

50% sounds excessive - ours was 20% and I was a little about that. That said, he arranged for all the parts to be delivered to the house while he was doing the pipework so there was no extra time charged for picking stuff up.

[Higgeldypiggeldy35]

I think 50% is excessive too. Thing is if he had said £175 in the first place I'd be none the wiser but he said it was £118!

[ExchangedCat]

I think that's the bit which would annoy me - agreeing to one price then it changing for no good reason.