RE: Handyman Directory and Pricing Guide Contact: How to be more efficient as a handyman

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for your question. This isn't an easy business but what I found is that the single best way to make your business run more efficiently is to actively pursue referral partners. Clients that come to you through referral channels seem to ask less questions and require less time in quotes. They already trust you and aren't as interested in getting multiple bids. This is much different from the client/price-grinder that might answer your ad in the paper/internet etc.

In other words spend 80 percent of your time in contact with your established referral partners, rather than talking to people you don't know.

See my article here: http://askthehandyman.com/marketing-your-handyman-business/should-i-join-a-professional-referral-group/

Hope this is of some help,

Bob Cheal
http://www.askthehandyman.net


-----Original Message-----
From: Sarah


Message:
Hi there,

did you ever work out the secret to an actual successful handyman business? We have been in business for 3 years now, we have plenty of work on - this has never been an issue, however my husband spends A LOOOOOT of time doing quotes and invoicing. It means burning the candle at both ends and therefore reduced productivity during the day... did you ever find a solution to this? I feel we are never going to be able to really make it big as this barrier is never ending!

Many thanks,
Sarah.

RE: Which invoice to use and when to use it

Hi Alan,

Thanks for your message and for purchasing the book! Regarding the
paperwork, if a new/prospective client wants a written estimate give them
the Work Proposal form. At the end of your work, use the Invoice (you
choose the format that works best for you 8.5x11 vs. 8.5x11 2up) and have
them sign the invoice stating that the work has been completed to their
satisfaction.

Thanks again and best of luck with your new business!

Bob Cheal
Ship-Shape Handyman Services
(707) 569-2640
http://www.sensiblehandyman.com
http://askthehandyman.net


message: Hi Bob, I really enjoyed your book but had some questions on which
invoice to use when. Also I would be interested in knowing your normal
approach when meeting a client for the first time regarding having them
sign. Do you have the client sign an invoice to begin the work then have
them sign another when you're finished? I just started with a company called
Service Magic, a company that gives you leads and I want to know how to
handle the paperwork so I'm not fumbling around and come off as
unprofessional.
name: Alan Goodnoe

How much to charge to pick up and deliver bricks for landscaping

 

I would charge it by the job.   I'd pay home depot to deliver the load to the driveway cutting the amount of labor needed in half.  Next I'd simply move the bricks from the front to the back yard.  You'll have to figure out how much the client is willing to pay to set your price.

 

Bob Cheal

http://Handyman-Quickstart.com

 

From: Michael Dyer

 

Hi Bob

 

Could. I get your opinion on this possible job. How would you charge this job? Hourly? By the entire job?

Labor rate

Travel time

Delivery service

Michael

 

Begin forwarded message:

Hi there, I am working on creating a patio for our backyard and I need someone to: 1. Pick up bricks (about 300 sq ft worth) from our local Home depot (its around 1000+ bricks so it might take a couple trips) 2. Drive to our house (less then 2 miles away) 3. Unload the bricks into our backyard We are located in Hayward and would ideally like to have this done in the next couple of days or so. Do you know how long this might take you./how much you would charge for this? Please let me know. Best, Viral

 

RE: Paint question

Hi Eric,

When I do interior painting, I usually charge by the hour. I will also give
them an estimate of the amount of hours it will take. Hope this is of some
help, and thank you for your compliments.

Bob Cheal
http://Handyman-Quickstart.com

Hi Bob,

I love the book. I have read it a few times and use as a great reference. I
have also referred my friends of mine that are in the handyman business.

I have been asked to bid some interior paint jobs, and I don't know the best
way to bid the job. Can you give me an idea on how to bid interior paint
jobs? Do you charge by the square foot? Hourly? If possible I try to make
between $45 and $50 per hour. Helpers in my area are about $15 an hour ($120
per day).

Thank you,
Eric

Does Handyman need to be on my signage and business cards?

Mitch,

An important reason for putting the word handyman on your signage and business cards is to be clear to the public that you are not a licensed contractor.   If your sign states the type of work that you do…electrical, plumbing, general repairs, etc. it could be misleading if the word handyman is not included.    

Have you checked with  the Construction Contractors Board in Oregon regarding their requirements?  They discuss Exemptions from Licensure in Section 701.010 http://ccbed.ccb.state.or.us/WEBpdf/ccb/statutes/ORS%20701.pdf  (4) A person working on one structure or project, under one or more contracts, when the aggregate price of all of that person's contracts for labor, materials and all other items is less than $500 and such work is of a casual, minor or inconsequential nature. This subsection does not apply to a person who advertises or puts out any sign or card or other device that might indicate to the public that the person is a contractor.

 

Hope this is of some help,

 

Bob Cheal

Handyman-Quickstart.com

 

Bob,   Thanks a MILLION for getting those to me in the .zip file. I had no idea that the files were attached to the .pdf until I printed it tonight. Sorry about that.   I wanted to know one more thing, if you don't mind. Do we need to put "Handyman" on our business cards or magnetic door signs?    I think out of all, this was one of the more perplexing issues that I had wondered about. I live in Oregon ( If that makes a difference ) and last night  ordered my cards and door signs already,  WITHOUT putting that on there...             Best Regards, Mitch..

 

Pickup Truck vs. Van for Handyman question

Joe,

Thanks for your compliments, I really appreciate them. Regarding your
question on the truck: Each time I've crawled to the back of the truck to
chase down an item I've thought that there must be a better way. Many times
I've thought that a workman's shell on the top of a pickup might be the best
solution. The side access doors they feature would solve the access
problem.

I haven't seriously considered a van because of the challenges involved in
handling extra long items. I suppose a rack on the top would quickly fix
that. If I lived in a cold weather climate a van would move up the list of
options.

Hope this is of some help, best of luck with your handyman business -

Bob Cheal
Handyman-Quickstart.com

-----Original Message-----

contact_comments: Hi Bob. I purchased your book yesterday, ,downloaded it,
and have read it cover to ,cover. I've been thrilled to find so ,many of the
questions I have answered in ,such little time! One question I do ,have,
however, is if you had to start ,all over again, would you buy another
,truck, or do you think an enclosed van ,would be more practical? Hope to
hear ,back soon. Thanks. -Joe
email: novak.joe@gmail.com
first: Joe
last: Novak
regarding: General feedback

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askthehandyman.net - condensation on windows question

Hi Mike,

The problem you are having with your windows is very likely to be the fact
that they are single pane. Remember that condensation occurs because
moisture in the air is finding a cold surface to collect on. Showers,
baths, cooking and cleaning all add moisture to the air. In the winter you
are fighting a losing battle against condensation because the surface of the
single pane window is too cold.

I'd figure out a way to replace the windows. You might even find that there
are tax credits available to help you pay for them. You'll also discover
what a joy new windows can be. They work smoothly, look great, save energy
(both summer and winter) and reduce road noise inside the house.

If you need to find a handyman in your area try my directory at:
http://www.askthehandyman.net

Good luck and hope this is of some help,

Bob

Your message:

contact_comments: not sure if i need windows or am i having to much humidity
in the house i do have an all house humidifier an aprilair 600 will try
changing the dial on the unit was set to normal piu it down to a 4 and saw
more humidity on the windows (it was colder last night??) will set it on 5
and see what happens was thinking i should have a thermal imaging done
or who DO you get to know if in fact you do need new windows ?? any window
place would probably say of course you need windows i need someone to look
at my sitution and get a unbiased opinionthe house is a small ranch 3
bedroom built in 1988 about 1200 sq ft any help will be appreciated
thanks in advance mike w. p.s. my home phone is 1 248 853 7157
email: mgcoogie@yahoo.com
first: mike
last: werner
regarding: condensation on windows
submit: Submit
webaddress:

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1:50:02 PM