Posted by TRG_wy on 9/12/07 10:54am
Msg #210516

O/T - Cost of duing business increases

I just ran across several receipts from 2005 and the cost of paper caught my attention. So, with a little time to kill I decided to pull out other receipts and do a cost comparisson between 2005 and 2007.

The biggies are:
Standard paper (case) increased 51.5%
Legal paper (case) increased 51.75%
New Toner cartridge up 39% (they do wear out)
Toner refill up 26%
Gas went up 85%

The average cost of doing business, just to keep even for necessities went up 50.65%. If my rates have not gone up that means that money is an unrecoverable expense and I am making much LESS now than I was back then. If I went back to say, 2000, I would probably be scared stiff because my rates have hardly changed at all.

My rates should be higher as a result and accepting these crazy lower fees the SS is tossing out are a big joke. I do refuse them BTW.

Reply by LJ on 9/12/07 11:15am
Msg #210521

Just bought a new set of tires $629 ouch!!! and don't

forget all the oil changes we get for all the miles we drive. Adds up.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/12/07 11:28am
Msg #210527

Re: Just bought a new set of tires $629 ouch!!! and don't

My husband just told me on the way to last night's signing that he thinks his truck is about due for new tires....ugh!!....

Reply by pan/nd on 9/12/07 11:16am
Msg #210523

Right on, TRG

And according to some, we're supposed to take low-paying assignments and not boost rates.

Sure, we are.

The mtg slowdown and implosion should force some of the "cheapies" to close.

Hopefully, it may force those who accept what the "cheapies" offer, out of business as well.