Overview
Docket provides two pricing models to help businesses configure their billing structures effectively: Pricing Templates and the Pricing Matrix. This guide explains how to set up both models, when to use each, and how to configure key pricing variables.
Pricing Models
Pricing Templates (Basic Pricing)
- Best for simple pricing structures
- Uses two variables: Size and Rental Length
- Includes:
- Base cost calculations
- Overages (days & weight overages)
- Flat-rate delivery fees or fuel surcharges (can be distance-based or percentage-based)
Pricing Matrix (Advanced Pricing)
- Used when a third or more variables influence pricing
- Allows for more robust pricing models, including:
- Different rates for client types (e.g., Residential vs. Contractor pricing)
- Mileage-based delivery fees
- Material type-based pricing (e.g., C&D, MSW, Clean Concrete)
- Advanced distance calculations (ZIP code, city, county, mileage brackets)
- Task-based pricing (drop-offs vs. dump-and-returns)
When to Use Pricing Templates vs. Pricing Matrix
| Feature | Pricing Templates | Pricing Matrix |
| Size & Rental Length Pricing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Overage Fees (Days & Tons) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flat-Rate Delivery Fees | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mileage-Based Delivery Fees | ❌ | ✅ |
| Client-Specific Discounts | ❌ | ✅ |
| Multi-ZIP, City, or County Pricing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Material-Based Pricing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Task-Based Pricing | ❌ | ✅ |
Pricing Matrix Structure
Core Variables (Required for Pricing Matrix)
- Size (Bin sizes: 10, 15, 20 yards)
- Rental Length (3-day, 5-day, 7-day, etc.)
- State/Province (default variable)
- Base Cost (calculated based on above variables)
- Line Item Name (displayed on invoices, maps to QuickBooks)
Additional Variables (Customizable Based on Business Needs)
-
Distance-Based Pricing
- ZIP Code Groups
- City/County-Based Rates
- Mileage Brackets (e.g., 0-20 miles = $0, 21-25 miles = $15, etc.)
-
Client Type Pricing Adjustments
- Residential vs. Contractor
- Custom Discounts (e.g., Contractors get $25 off base rate)
-
Material Type-Based Pricing
- C&D, MSW, Clean Concrete, etc.
- Adjustments for included tonnage or landfill costs
-
Task Type Pricing
- Separate pricing for Drop-offs, Dump & Returns, Live Loads, Exchanges
-
Weight & Overages
- Cost per ton over
- Cost per extra rental day
-
Fuel & Delivery Charges
- Distance-based surcharges
- Bracketed pricing by ZIP or mileage
-
Taxable Line Items
- Set tax rules for each line item
Building a Pricing Matrix
-
Identify Required Variables
- List all factors affecting pricing (e.g., Size, Rental Length, Client Type, etc.)
-
Calculate Line Items
- Multiply variable combinations to determine total pricing scenarios
- Example:
- 3 bin sizes × 3 rental lengths × 2 client types × 4 mileage brackets = 72 pricing line items
-
Format Spreadsheet
- Download default pricing matrix template (Settings > Dumpster Management > Pricing Matrix)
- Populate required fields and variables
- Ensure line item names match QuickBooks products if syncing
-
Upload to Docket
- Match location-based variables (State, ZIP, Distance, etc.)
- Check for formatting errors before saving
Configuring Pricing Settings in Docket
Client & Pricing Types
- Navigate to Settings > Company > Client Settings > Tags
- Define:
- Client Types (Residential, Contractor, Industrial, etc.)
- Pricing Types (Discounted, Bulk, VIP, etc.)
Materials Configuration
- Navigate to Settings > Dumpster Management > Dumpster Settings by Size
- Assign allowed materials per dumpster type
Delivery Fee & Fuel Surcharge
- Navigate to Settings > Dumpster Management > Billing
- Enable Delivery Fee & Fuel Surcharge
- Define calculation method (flat rate, distance-based, ZIP-based)
Required Variables for Pricing Matrix
- Navigate to Dumpster Management > Scheduling Options
- Set Rental Length Options
- Enable required input fields (e.g., Client Type, Waste Material, etc.)
Additional Charges (Extra Fees)
- Navigate to Billing > Additional Charges
- Add templates for common fees (Mattress Fee, Tire Fee, Freon, etc.)
Troubleshooting Pricing Matrix Issues
Common Upload Errors & Fixes
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
| Pricing not applying | Missing required variables | Check task builder settings |
| Price mismatch | Incorrect variables in matrix | Verify all client/material tags |
| State not recognized | Abbreviations used | Use full state name (e.g., Colorado) |
| Fuel surcharge not applied | Incorrect distance calculation | Ensure surcharge toggle is ON |
| Client Type not assigned | Client missing a tag | Assign tags before uploading |
Summary
- Use Pricing Templates for simple two-variable pricing (Size & Rental Length)
- Use Pricing Matrix when multiple variables (e.g., Client Type, Distance, Materials) affect pricing
- Identify key variables that influence cost before building the matrix
- Configure supporting settings (Client Types, Delivery Fees, Tax Rules) to ensure seamless integration
- Use troubleshooting steps to resolve pricing mismatches or upload errors
For assistance, contact Customer Support or access the Docket Learning Hub.