A fixed-price contract where the subcontractor delivers a completed scope of work for one agreed total. All cost overruns come out of your margin, not the client's pocket. Scope creep and unforeseen site conditions are your financial risk to manage.
Lump-Sum Turnkey
Related Terms
Wholesale Cost
Cash FlowThe base price a subcontractor pays to source materials, equipment, or supplies before adding markup. Understanding wholesale cost helps field service companies price jobs accurately and protect margins. It is the starting point for calculating billable rates to clients.
Breakeven Price
Cash FlowThe minimum rate a subcontractor must charge to cover all direct and indirect costs without losing money. It includes labour, equipment, fuel, overhead, and mobilisation expenses. Pricing below breakeven erodes working capital and threatens project viability.
Geopolitical Risk Premium
Cash FlowAn added cost built into project contracts to account for instability in regions where work is performed. For subcontractors, it affects bid pricing, insurance rates, and mobilisation costs. Clients in high-risk areas may pay elevated day rates to secure reliable field crews.
Base Load
Cash FlowThe guaranteed minimum volume of work a client commits to a subcontractor over a contract period. It provides predictable revenue and helps justify keeping crews and equipment on standby. Subcontractors use base load commitments to stabilise cash flow between project spikes.
Beneficial Use
Cash FlowThe point when a client formally accepts and begins using delivered equipment or a completed scope of work. For subcontractors, this date often triggers final billing milestones or warranty periods. Confirm it in writing to protect your payment rights.
Estimating Backlog
Cash FlowThe queue of pending bids and quotes a subcontractor has not yet completed or submitted to clients. A large estimating backlog can delay securing new work and strain small estimating teams. Tracking it helps prioritise high-value opportunities and allocate quoting resources effectively.
Latest Cash Flow News
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