Fuel Sur Chage vs rate incrcease

**Bill Wieczorek** · 05-19-2008, 02:32 PM

I've noticed on some of my bills there is a fuel sur charge. Is anyone adding this to their ispection rate or are you quoting an increased rate. I also wonder if the sur charge is taxed the same way.

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**Brian Hannigan** · 05-19-2008, 02:57 PM

This site might give you some information.

EIA - Petroleum Data, Reports, Analysis, Surveys

**Matt Fellman** · 05-19-2008, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Bill Wieczorek

I've noticed on some of my bills there is a fuel sur charge. Is anyone adding this to their ispection rate or are you quoting an increased rate. I also wonder if the sur charge is taxed the same way.

I don't call it a surcharge just because of gas but yes, it's figured in. The way I see it, by not raising my prices right now I'm essentially lowering them a bit which is necessary because of the overall slowdown (closed sales down 40%+ in my area this spring over last year, which was no great year either).

I do charge an additional fee to travel out of the area and I don't mind telling people that. People who buy houses in the boonies better get used to paying more for people to come to them. I don't think it's going to get any cheaper for them anytime soon.

As for the tax implications, I think it's the same. You get to deduct what you drive for work either via actual expenses or the standard milege deduction. I don't think anything changes based on what you call it.

Say you got a better deduction for the milege. All of the sudden you'd charge $1 for the inspection and $299 to show up.

Steven Meyer · 06-01-2008, 05:46 PM

I would just raise my prices, like everything else, it is just a cost of doing business. Are your prices the same today as when you first startesd out?
I think not, prices have to increase, just to keep up with inflation
As costs go up (gas, taxes, insurance, etc.) net profit falls, the only option is to increase prices.

Seeing a "gas surcharge" added onto an invoice just gripes me, just tell me the full price and I will decide if I am willing to pay it.

If the inspection is out of my area, I quote a price, taking that into consideration, (additional time and gas expense)
I don't "advertise" nor post price, quote each inspection at the time.

Increasing price or adding a gas surcharge makes no difference on your tax consequences. Gross sales, less expenses equals net taxable income, makes no difference what you call it.

**wayne soper** · 06-01-2008, 06:08 PM

If gas is up 100 percent of last years price then Toilet apaper in Arabia should also be up 100 %. It should cost 20 dollars to wipe your but in Arabia as far as i am concerned. This is a little off subject but why is this not the case. Why, because Bush and his whole family have been wiping Arabian ass for years and geeting paid well for it. Now we have a choice. Be Lemmings and add a fuel surcharge or just raise our prices. As a whole we have power and if we all raise our prices to conform then we are doing just what everyone else does. BUT NOOOOOOOO we can't collude on pricing. Of course not. But we can discuss fair pricing.
My prices have gone up 20% due to the 30% fall off in the market. I need that percentage to stay in busines and provide my clients the inspection I feel they deserve. The other 10% I write off my taxes as Toilet paper expense.

**Nick Ostrowski** · 06-01-2008, 06:17 PM

Don't hold back Wayne. Tell us what you really think.

James Duffin · 06-01-2008, 06:38 PM

If an inspection is 100 miles round trip my fuel cost has gone up about $4 dollars. This is based on gas was $3 and now it's $4. No big deal yet.

**wayne soper** · 06-01-2008, 07:50 PM

I was , I was holding back, honest!! And there is absolutley nothing wrong with this house. Just ask that broker over there.

Ron Bibler · 06-01-2008, 11:15 PM

Just a year ago the first question ask was how soon can you come out.

Now how much do you charge for an inspection?

Now if i add $ 10.00 more to each inspection. That would be good if i get every inspection that calls in. But if i drop 1 inspection due to the
$ 10.00 im out $ 300.00 Ouch. For now i will hold and make an adjustment at another time this year or look into next year.

I did add another service to my inspections and that is working out better then any surcharge or price adjustment.

Best

Ron