Return to NH's Business Tips Index
Thinking About Starting A Handyman Business?
By Patrick Cash
I started my handyman business part time, on the side, while I had a full time job. Within a year I had my homebuilder's license and more work than I could handle.
Establishing a solid handyman business uses the same principles as the largest corporations.
All businesses, large and small, must adhere to the same basic principles. That's right... your small business has much in common with huge corporations.
What was my secret?
I didn't really do anything out of the ordinary (at least I didn't think so), but I did three main things:
- RELIABILITY - I simply returned phone calls and showed up when I said I would.
- QUALITY - I did quality work and was very careful to keep the customer's house or area I was working in neat and clean. No sloppy jobs.
- VALUE - I stood behind the work I did. Even if I wasn't my fault and it was within reason, I stood behind it.
By doing those three things I made myself stand out from the competition. I can't tell you the number of times I've had people tell me I was the only person who called them back or I was the only person who would even show up to give them an estimate.
What this also means is you can charge a little more...
Now don't get me wrong. I would never gouge someone, but I do high quality work, so I see no reason not to get top dollar for my work. You can do the same.
Start out small...
Start out small, do quality work, return phone calls, show up for appointments, do quality work. Before you know it, you won't have to do any marketing. The phone will ring simply from referrals.
Starting a handyman business turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done. If you like doing all types of work around the house, maybe it's the business for you too. Give it a try!