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a job which we know must bring in £100 or more?
What any book, regulation, rule or suggestion may say about such matters counts for nothing, because an operator knowing his job will just simply not carry out the work except, and entirely, if he receives what he considers the right rate. The day that Government departments have any bearing on this will be the day when the professional pulls out, of course.
No doubt much of the rocky state of the industry, coupled with bad paying, stems from those who appear scared to run their own businesses as they know best, and obtain the reward that should be theirs, but allow themselves to be influenced by theorists and politicians.
The Rates Guide mentioned by me can, of course, still be used quite legally, and can produce rates that provide a profit, provided that cost increases are added on as they occur. We do not need to bother much about what is written down, Mr Cropper, but more upon what profit we all obtain after putting in the effort.
Mr Jackson says it is all very well for me because I have found out my good, from my bad, customers. Of course I have — is this not the essence of experience and good business? Everyone has to accept this as part of the job, but, having found them out, see that you do not work for them again. This is so elementary that I would not have thought it necessary to point it out. Those who have perhaps been in the job for perhaps only a matter of a few years should understand that we who have maybe spent our lives so' far in transport, 'probably all had this problem, and moreover that we had to solve it. In the past, this has cost many of us a considerable amount, in worry and cash, and with very little help. Like Mr Truman said once — "If you don't like the heat, stay out of the kitchen."
Furthermore, I thought that would venture a suggestion in regard to obtaining more prompt payment — have not more than six weeks' turnover in the books at any given time. If you have, then look to see who is causing the problem, and stop working for them. Some may think this hard to effect, but should you shoot them, the position could be even harder.
Aim for revenue from each vehicle, and damn the theorists, and politicians. W. A. G. SAYERS Newbury, Berks.