Using a pricing matrix allows you to create advanced pricing models in Docket based on multiple factors. Instead of pricing rentals using only dumpster size and rental length, a pricing matrix lets you combine factors such as location, material type, client type, and rental details to automatically apply the correct price to each task.
Each row in a pricing matrix represents a single pricing model. When a task is created, Docket compares the task details to the pricing matrix and applies the appropriate price.
Before You Start
- Depending on your permissions, you may not be able to perform all of the functions listed in this article. Please reach out to your Admin if you require additional access.
- Use a pricing matrix for more complex pricing. For more straightforward pricing, use pricing templates.
- A pricing matrix is ideal for businesses that use multiple pricing factors, such as location or distance, client type, materials, and weight allowances. It also supports overage fees, fuel surcharges, and failed delivery fees.
How a Pricing Matrix Works
A pricing matrix allows you to establish intricate pricing models by combining factors like:
- Location: State, city, zip code, county, or distance.
- Client Type: Homeowners, contractors, etc.
- Material Type: Allowed materials and associated costs.
- Additional Fees: Overages, fuel surcharges, or failed task fees.
Each row in the pricing matrix represents a specific price point tied to these factors.
Download the Pricing Matrix Template
To get started, download the pricing matrix spreadsheet from the Dumpster Pricing Matrix section in Dumpster Management settings.
- Click on “Account” in the bottom left corner.
- Click on “Settings” at the top.
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Click on “View” on the Dumpster Management card within Add Ons.
- Click to expand the Dumpster Pricing Matrix section.
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Click the “Manage Pricing Matrix” button.
- Choose how you would like to “Match Prices By” in the drop-down menu.
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Click the “+ Create Pricing Matrix” button.
- Click the “Actions” button.
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Select “Download Matrix Template” at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Please Note: If you have already created a pricing matrix, you will skip Steps 5 and 6 as you will go directly to your Dumpster Pricing Matrix page after clicking the “Manage Pricing Matrix” button.
Pricing Matrix Template
The spreadsheet includes predefined column headers that tell Docket how to read and apply your pricing. Do not change, remove, or reorder the column headers, or the upload will fail.
Only columns with red headers need to be completed. Optional columns can be left blank if they are not part of your pricing model, but they should not be deleted.
Fill in the Pricing Matrix Template Columns
Location (Mandatory)
You can base pricing on one location type:
- State/Province
- County
- City
- Zip Code
- Distance
The State/Province column is always required. If you choose to base pricing on a different location type, complete both the State/Province and your selected location type columns.
If using Distance, enter non-overlapping ranges (e.g. 0-20, 21-30, 31-40, ...). Overlapping values will prevent proper pricing selection.
Additional Mandatory Fields
In addition to your location type and State/Province field, there are a few additional mandatory fields whose columns are highlighted in red.
- Size: This column should be numbers only.
- Category: Use the asset categories you created.
Please Note: Both Size and Category need to match exactly to what you use in your account.
- Client Cost: This is the base rental price.
- Name: Select a name to appear on invoices and tasks. (e.g. 15 Yard - 7 Day - Contractor)
Optional Fields
- Materials: Use the material names you use in your account.
- Rental Length: Must contain numbers only and must match your rental length settings. (e.g. “7” for a 7 day rental)
- Client Type: This needs to match the client types you use in your account.
- Pricing Type: Can be used to label or tag pricing models internally.
- Additional Fees: Add costs for failed tasks, overages, or surcharges in the relevant columns.
- Use Labor Cost, Material Cost, and Equipment Cost columns to calculate internal profit margins.
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Overage: Add a fee for any service that exceeds the agreed-upon terms for a stop, such as an extra pickup or an oversized load.
- Please Note: The "Overage" column is only available for Commercial & Residential billing. If you are not using the Commercial & Residential offering, leave this column blank.
Upload the Pricing Matrix Spreadsheet
After saving your filled out Pricing Matrix template, the next step is to upload it to your Docket account.
- Navigate to Account > Settings > Dumpster Management.
- Click to expand the Dumpster Pricing Matrix section.
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Click the “Manage Pricing Matrix” button.
- Click the “Actions” button.
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Select “Upload New Matrix” in the drop-down menu.
- Select your pricing matrix template file and click “Open.”
Your pricing matrix template will then be uploaded, and you can review and confirm its details on the Dumpster Pricing Matrix page.
Manage a Pricing Matrix
After uploading your pricing matrix, you have additional options to manage your pricing as needed.
Location Drop-down Menu
If you have created pricing for different locations you service, you can use this drop-down to select the location you would like to review, edit, or add to.
Actions Drop-down Menu
The Actions button provides editing options for your pricing matrix.
- Add Price: Add new price (row) to the location you are currently viewing.
- Delete Selected Prices: After selecting prices in your list, click this option to delete them.
- Add New Location: Add new location to your list. This must match the location type of your other pricing matrices.
- Delete Current Location: Delete the location you are currently viewing.
- View Required Fields: See what fields are required or partially required at a global and category basis.
- Delete Pricing Matrix: Delete the pricing matrix you are currently viewing.
- Adjust Cost: Select pricing rows to change in the current pricing matrix, or apply changes across all locations and pricing matrices.
Here you can choose which Field to change, an Adjustment Type by dollars or percentage, and the amount to change it. In most cases you will be adding additional costs to a field, but you can enter a negative amount to decrease the cost of a field or price adjustment done in error.
Toggle on the “Apply Across All States and Prices” to have the change affect the Field across all your prices. Otherwise leave it off and you can change prices by selecting prices listed in the pricing matrix you are viewing.
- Export Pricing Matrix: Download the pricing matrix you are viewing.
- Upload New Matrix: Import a new filled out pricing matrix.
- Download Matrix Template: Download the pricing matrix template.
Edit a Single Price
You can click on a row in your pricing matrix to bring up an editor to make changes to what you have listed.
The different columns are grouped together and you can make changes to the following sections:
- Details
- Variables
- Rental Terms
- Weight Ticket
- Fees
- Profit
After making changes click the “Update Price” button to save your changes to your pricing matrix.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Support team through the chat widget on the bottom of this page or by sending an email to support@yourdocket.com!