Tradesmen who charge by the hour are pocket pinchers

My husband and I started a kitchen appliance repair business exactly one year ago.  Before we went 'live' we obviously researched the market, and found that many tradesmen charge customers by the hour or half hour.  Their rates were nothing less than extortion, and we found a real opening in the market for fair, fixed pricing - especially in these financially unsure times.  How are these charges justified and why is there no regulation?  

Kitchen Applaince Repairs

Luton