How do I get paid as a subcontractor for labour hire?

Z

Zarozzlicer

New Member
Hey everyone, I've just started my own business—it's a fabrication shop. It's small, mostly something to keep me busy on the side. I've got my ABN and everything set up. I focus mainly on domestic and custom fabrication for utes, plus some repair work.

I was recently approached by a director from a labour hire company about becoming a subcontractor. The thing is, I'm not really sure what to do here. I'm a skilled boilermaker, but I honestly don't know much about how to handle getting paid or what the process involves. Sorry if that sounds a bit naive—I'm only 24 and just trying to figure out how to run a small business.
 
Hey there, I've been urnning my own small fab shop for the past five years.

If I could share just one piece of advice, it's this: do whatever the client needs, exactly when they need it, and always give it your absolute best.

I almost didn't make it at first because I only wanted to take on certain kinds of jobs. Honestly, it turned out I really didn't enjoy that path.

Switching to subcontracting work was what really helped me out it honestly pulled me through a tough spot.
 
Take the contract and switch to casual hours at your full time job. Crunch the numbers: insurance, tax, GST, vehicle, and gear. Cover your costs and add a margin.

Charge per kilometre. Bill for every consumable and every working moment. Work through breaks, start early, and stay late. Do flawless work. Pursue new clients and advertise. Build word of mouth referrals.

Raise your rates as demand grows. Aim for a 50 hour week earning what you would in 80+ hours.
 
They'll,totally try to take advantage of a new guy who's got decent skills but is just starting out.

They'll lowball you, like offering $30 $40 less per hour than you should be getting.
And they'll play on that fear of not knowing what's next, promising guaranteed 40 50 hours a week to hook you.

Tbh, anyone even halfway decent doesn't need a labour hire rep in the blue collar world, imo.

If they actually offer rates close to what you're worth, go for it, man.
But if they pull that lowball stuff, just stand on your own two feet for a bit and fill up your own schedule.
 
I'm also young and running a small business. Does everyone try to take advantage of you because of your age? It seems crucial to know your numbers and not let them push you down too far. Perhaps at the start, it's just about taking it on could it sometimes be good simply to build a name?
 
If I had started a business that early, my advice would be to just go for it, to hold firmly to your terms, and to never hesitate to stand your ground when others overstep.

There is plenty of work available, yet sometimes it’s those unexpected moments working alongside others that teach you the most.
 
Don't just brush it off focus on building a genuine, loyal client base, and they’ll naturally bring you more work through heartfelt recommendations. Stay true and transparent; if you're overwhelmed, say so openly, and never compromise on your integrity.
 
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