Deciding on how to charge for service , is an ongoing / constant thing .
At least that is what I have done , and as a result from doing this , it seems most other competitive shops do the same .
Like the auto repair bis. they have time-books that show the average time for repairs , there may be special circumstances , but the books cover this , in the beginning of the book they refer to working on new cars in fully equipped shops .
Then adding for conditions of cars in your area , like snow , salt - rust .
Sometimes your skill , special tools etc. can cut the average time , but that can be a baseline .
Take that as an analogy .
Then next as referred to earlier , sometimes making calls to other shops as if you were the costumer and looking for an estimate .
After a few or more of those you can start to get an idea .
Then after many of those you end up with 3 classes ,
lowest = generally not charging enough to keep up with either the lastest equipment or training .
mid = generally trying to be competitive and charging enough to cover the costs of being in bis.
high = I break this down into a few - after being in bis. for some time and having a costumer base and having enough bis. to not focus a lot on being competitive ,
or specializing which can cut the cost of doing bis. by not working on everything and having higher profits .
Then there is gouging , and I think that starts at the top [ corporate ] and creates an environment where as an individual bis. you have to find a way to deal with , because all your costs are established at the top of the pyramid and you have to adjust your bis. to cover your outside costs parts , equipment , real-estate / rent / lease etc.