Direct answer
Price technician time, product, travel, equipment and an evidence-based revisit allowance; treatment selection and compliance remain outside the model.
| Figure | Source |
|---|---|
| Numbers shown on this page | Fictional worked example; not a market benchmark |
| Formula and definitions | Serman Tools method stated on this page |
| Your quote or operating result | Your verified business inputs |
Start with technician capacity
Use total technician person-hours for inspection, preparation, service documentation and the on-site work included in the quote. Add travel separately when it is not already in the labor estimate.
A short visit far from the route can carry more travel cost than product cost. Route density and scheduling therefore affect true job economics.
Use a revisit allowance, not a promise
A revisit or callback allowance is an expected planning cost based on experience. It does not predict treatment success and must not replace label, licensing, safety or regulatory requirements.
Keep it as a visible dollar allowance or documented reserve so it can be reviewed against actual callbacks.
Fictional worked example
Assume two technician-hours at $35, $30 of product, $20 of travel, $10 of equipment, $15 of revisit allowance and $100 of allocated overhead. Base cost is $245.
A 5% contingency creates true cost of $257.25. At a 30% target margin, the planning price is $367.50. This is an economic example, not a treatment recommendation.
Separate one-time and recurring service
Initial service, recurring prevention and specialty work can have different inspection time, product use, travel and callback patterns. Store the assumptions separately and compare actual results by service type.
For a service plan, model the full cycle of expected visits and costs rather than applying a single-visit price repeatedly without checking the annual economics.
Track profit per technician-hour
Profit per technician-hour helps compare route choices and service types. Use it alongside customer retention, safety and service quality; it is not a substitute for those measures.
Frequently asked questions
Does this calculate chemical dosage?
No. It only models job economics and does not recommend products, dosage or treatment methods.
Where should licensing and insurance go?
Allocate them through overhead unless a permit or fee is specific to one job.
Should callbacks be free to the customer?
That is a service-policy decision. The pricing model should still recognize their expected cost.
Can recurring revenue be treated as profit?
No. Revenue must be reduced by technician, product, travel, overhead and other entered costs.
RUN THE NUMBERS
Use your own costs before you quote.
Start with the free Pest Control Job Pricing Calculator. The Home Service Pricing Workbook keeps the related workflow in a downloadable workbook.
Planning and estimation only. No price, rate, revenue, profit or business outcome is guaranteed.