I was a guest at a pro landscaper's meeting last night where the concensus was to add a fuel surcharge to every billing. Most were considering 3% before sales tax. Even the paper delivery person here has added 25 cents a week. I think clients understand that they are going to feel the pinch at more than just the pumps and it makes sense to let them know that you value their business and that fuel is an increased cost of doing business.

I am going to tack on a fuel surcharge for deliveries this winter. I had been holding back, but I'd much rather have it very visible on the invoice than a hidden charge. I want my clientele to realise that I am not magically exempt from the same fees they pay. I think this will help to cut down the customers who drive by my g'houses everyday in their vans and trucks and SUVs, then expect me to haul five plants to their site twenty miles away for gratis.