Starting a Handyman Service

Find out about starting a handyman service from those who have successfully done it. Top tips for DIY enthusiasts wanting to start their own handyman business. Helpful advice to get you started on the road to success.

• Insurance and Licenses Get the necessary licenses and insurance before you start. Not only are you covering yourself for any liability but you will be far more marketable as a handyman if customers know that you are licensed and insured. It shows potential customers that you are serious and professional about your work. Find out about a Handyman License and Handyman Insurance.
• Get a business card Develop promotional material for your handyman business. A business card is an essential marketing tool. You can create and print your own business cards inexpensively. Find out how at Make Your own Business Cards. Once you get your cards be generous with them. Hand out your business card to all likely contacts. Pin them up on bulletin boards and community notice boards.
• Set up a business email You need a business email address to send quotes and invoices to customers who prefer to communicate through the internet. You can get a gmail.com or yahoo.com address for free. Make your email adress sound professional by using your full name or your business name.
• Proactive marketing Starting a handyman service means getting customers. There are many ways to advertise your handyman business that do not require much money. Examples include advertising on Craigslist, lawn signs that can be placed where you are doing a job, registering with online local handyman directories and online handyman databases, leaving your promotional material with relevant businesses such as home improvement stores and using direct marketing tools. Establishing working relationships with realtors and property management companies results in regular work. Eventually word of mouth becomes your best advert but you need to start somewhere in order to quickly grow your reputation as a reliable handyman who produces good quality work. Find out more about how to find Handyman Work.
• Set competitive rates Your rates should be competitive in the area in which you are based. Many handymen make the mistake of underpricing their services when starting out. This not only reduces your profits but sets the bar too low for any future rate increases. When starting a handyman service it is better to advertise limited time special offers to attract your first customers. Build your reputation by completing every job without cutting corners and at a fair price. Find out how to price your handyman services at Handyman Rates
• Stand out from the competition Offering a better and more convenient service will help you establish your handyman business quickly. Respond quickly to calls, be available after hours and weekends and get to customers when you say you will. If you do this, and provide quality workmanship, you are already way ahead of most handymen. Provide added value by offering ideas to customers on how to save money and prevent future problems. Draw up some "How to..." information sheets such as "How to Maintain Wooden Cabinets". Draw up seasonal checklists for household owners - What Should be Checked before Winter. Leave these with customers. Make sure they include all your details or attach a business card to them. They will be great reminders of your excellent service and could also provide you with a whole lot of handyman jobs!
  Don't only act professionally but look professional. Just wearing a collared or polo shirt or coveralls with your business name on sets you apart from the competition. Customers will have more confidence in a handyman that shows up in some sort of uniform with a business name stitched on than someone who arrives in jeans and a t-shirt.
• Keep learning Continue to increase your knowledge of home repair and maintenance. There are a number of resources to help you with this including the Handyman Club of America (www.handymanclub.com) which is an online community of DIY enthusiasts and handymen. Naturalhandyman.com provides many resources for improving your skills and knowledge. Many shows and networks on TV are all about home projects. They provide great opportunities for learning more about home repair and improvement. Find how-to books in your local library. A number of home improvement stores offer free how-to workshops. Find out more from your local store.

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Starting a handyman service can be a very profitable small business opportunity. Put your skills to work and enjoy all the benfits of your own business.

Make money with a handyman business

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