Tiling: Surcharge for tiles differing from 30x60cm?

You find that okay so far? Wow... if you say so? Is that your only offer?

So far, it is the only offer, yes. Well, I can only say about the installation price what another tiler said. Most of the ones I talked to said that either they don’t have time or the offer is not bad enough for them to bother making an alternative offer.

We are building in the Cologne area; there is a shortage of craftsmen there. Sometimes you can't find any at all, and the good ones are booked for months. The others can charge almost any price. It’s crazy what’s going on here.

I wouldn't necessarily tell the potential competitor the price of the very first offer now, that would only weaken your negotiating position in case of doubt ;-)

That is clear. They only receive redacted overviews or a simplified [LV].

The guy suddenly wanted an extra charge for 60x30 himself. Even though that is the standard size.

On the other hand, I have now talked to someone who says that he installs 40x80 at the standard price himself.

Just because the "evil word surcharge" is included doesn't mean it's unfair.

Large tiles are heavier than small ones. From a certain size, you need 2 people to carry and align them. The work is supposed to be well done, right?

Furthermore, rooms with many corners, edges, and projections are more complex to work in relation to the area—especially when it comes to large tiles. Of course, you have to charge more there, since more time is invested.

Do you prefer an opaque flat-rate offer or a spontaneous statement on the phone over an honest identification of additional effort compared to standard effort?

I think all eyes have to shine. Those of the builder (before and after the work is done) and those of the craftsman. That’s how quality comes about.

Do you prefer an opaque flat-rate offer or a statement on the phone, rather than an honest indication of additional effort compared to the standard effort?

No flat-rate offer.

But I have now spoken to several tilers who say 60x30 is a standard size, which they cover at the normal laying price of €45 (plus/minus). One provider even offers to lay 40x80 tiles without extra charge, and this is not a shady craftsman but an established tiler specializing in design bathrooms.

Your patronizing, all due respect! But it is not okay if a craftsman explicitly states a laying price up to 60x30 in his offer, then later offers an additional €19 for the same format. To then tell me that this is just the effort involved is a bit too easy. You can’t write beforehand that up to 60x30 it costs €45. That is unprofessional!