How to Manage a Handyman Business
- 1). Keep good records of your expenses. Expenses easily can get away from a busy handyman. Keep records of all tools and materials needed for jobs. If you use a particular tool regularly, you can spread out the cost over several separate jobs, but if the tool is needed only for the job at hand, you must include the cost of the tool in your service charge. Keep receipts for all purchases and track expenses on a user-friendly accounting program like Quickbooks, MYOB Business Essentials or Peachtree. If expenses threaten to overtake your profits, immediately enact cost-cutting measures.
- 2). Record time spent on jobs. Time is money, and the time you spend on every job should be recorded carefully and figured into pricing. If you have additional employees, make sure they have an easy way to accurately record time spent on jobs. Make lists of tools likely to be needed on each job and pack them before the job. Review techniques before visiting the workplace. Locate hardware stores near the area in advance in case additional parts are needed. Provide supplies for easy clean-up, such as garbage bags and spray cleaner.
- 3). Train employees in good customer service. Because work will be done in and around customers' homes, special care should be taken to be courteous and considerate of noise, going into and out of the house, and clean-up after the job is complete.
- 4). Make safety your first priority. Make sure those working with electricity know safe techniques. Keep manual and electric tools in good condition. Ladders should be well-maintained and held in place by an assistant. Safety equipment such as gloves, eye protection, ear protection, back support belts and dust masks should be available and used by all employees on the job. Clean-up of debris or water after the job is done should be routine.
- 5). Make sure your advertising dollars are well-spent. Find local newspapers in which you can advertise cheaply to senior homeowners, in neighborhoods with older homes, and in neighborhoods with working professionals who might need your services. Create an online presence that makes it easy for potential customers to see what services you offer. List all services, such as painting, repairing window screens, plumbing repairs, installing ceiling fans, gutter repairs and window repairs.
- 6). Some jobs will uncover more serious problems than a handyman can fix. Have a list of contractors available so you can refer the work that demands more expertise.
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