If you’re pricing jobs the same way you did two years ago, it’s probably costing you more than you think.
Too many Aussie trade businesses are busy on the tools but slipping behind on quoting. With rising costs and tighter margins, those who know what each job is worth and charge for it will come out ahead in 2026.
This guide will show you how to price with confidence, track real profit, and quote accurately using the tools you already have — from simPRO to spreadsheets.
Get Clear on Markup Versus Margin
Markup shows what you charge on top of your costs. Margin shows what you actually make once the job’s finished. Mix them up and you’ll almost always end up underquoting.
For example, if you buy materials for $1,000:
- Adding a 25% markup results in a $1,250 quote.
- That only leaves you with a 20% margin.
Why? Because margin is based on the total sale price, not just the markup added to your cost.
If you want a 30% margin, your quote needs to be closer to $1,430, not $1,250. That gap adds up fast across every job.
Plenty of plumbing and electrical businesses miss out on margin. When we look at their quotes, the markup is there, but it doesn’t cover overheads, admin, or downtime.
That’s why knowing your target margin — and exactly how to achieve it — is essential if you want to build real profit in your trade business in 2026.
Quoting is Not a Set-and-Forget Process
You wouldn’t keep using blunt drill bits. Your prices need the same regular sharpening.
Material costs, labour rates, and compliance expenses change; your quoting should too.
What worked in 2023 might not cut it now.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Review supplier prices quarterly (or even monthly if you’re quoting high volumes)
- Compare your quotes with actual job costs
- Update your quoting templates as soon as input costs change
- Research applications that can systemise the process
Reviewing labour rates and factoring in admin time could boost project margins by 5 to 10%. It’s not about charging more for the sake of it, but quoting for how the job actually runs.
Even with sharper pricing, jobs can look profitable but still feel tight.
Let’s explore why…
If Jobs Look Profitable But Feel Tight, Something’s Off
This is one of the biggest traps for trade businesses. The quote looks solid, the job’s done, the invoice is paid — but the cash still feels tight.
Often, it’s because the job ran over time, there was downtime between stages, or extra admin and materials weren’t factored in.
The best operators treat job reviews like toolbox talks. They ask simple questions:
- Did we finish on time?
- Was the margin there?
- What can we improve next time?
You don’t need complex reports to spot issues. Even a quick weekly check-in helps you catch where time or money is slipping before it becomes a pattern.
Strong habits like these are what separate businesses stuck in survival mode from those that hit their goals consistently.
Profitability in 2026 Comes Down to Good Habits
Pricing for profit isn’t about whether you’re the cheapest or the most expensive. It’s about being across all of your numbers.
If you want your trade business to grow without more overtime, start with your numbers, not just your tools. That’s how you build a business that lasts.
At Growth iQ, we help tradies take the guesswork out of quoting. As expert tradie accountants and advisors, we help you improve margins, build longevity, and create opportunities for greater profit while stepping back from the tools.
Ready to sharpen your pricing?
Book a free discovery call with Growth iQ and get practical advice to help you price with confidence and profit more from every job.