The handyman industry can have advantages for individuals skilled in repair and maintenance. Therefore, restoring malfunctioning appliances or using heavy machinery in a home, house, or office can bring excellent professional opportunities.
Starting a Handyman Business: An Informative Mini Guide
Learning how to start a handyman business isn’t impossible if you get the proper advice and conduct research. You can become an independent entrepreneur whether you want to supplement your primary income or manage your business full-time.
Step 1 – Create a Business Plan and Skill-Related Services
One common mistake new handyman business owners fail to avoid is creating an efficient business plan. They think building an establishment is quick without planning. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs give up or risk failure because they attempt to start their businesses while disorganized and refuse to learn about the industry.
Another vital factor in building an establishment is deciding what services to provide. You must consider how many tasks you can handle without assistance, especially until you’re ready to hire staff members.
You’ll likely thrive better if you concentrate on one or two niches, mainly at the beginning of your journey. The more experience and knowledge you gain, the less you have to worry about the pressure of handling too many niches at once. Also, consider applying your skill sets and methods to run your handyman business successfully.
Step 2 – Calculate Your Prices
The average price range for independent handymen is $75-$200 per hour, depending on experience, the popularity of their services, and their reputation. Some handymen have the advantage of increasing their rates due to the trustworthiness of their customers.
However, you may need to be sensible when deciding on the cost of your services. Low prices may satisfy customers who want to spend very little, but you will likely earn a small profit.
Step 3 – Create a Unique Business Name and Obtain a License
Establishing a legal name and applying for a license is crucial before you open your handyman business. This step is critical because you intend to legitimize your business instead of doing only side hustles. Therefore, a professional title and licensing are two sensible options vital to the development process.
Registering a Business Name and Type
A business name is a business or company’s official name during operation. It identifies an establishment and is often associated with the branding used in promotion, advertising, and contact with customers and clients.
A DBA (also known as ‘Doing Business As’) is a secondary option because it allows you to operate under an assumed name without legal requirements. The downside to this method is the lack of protection from lawsuits, and your business is unrecognizable in your state or city. If you decide to use a DBA, consider it a temporary measure until you can use a legitimate business name.
Registering your business is simple by contacting state and local government offices. During the process, you select a unique name available for use, ensuring customers are likely to remember and associate it with your brand.
Applying for a License
A business license allows a company or individual the legal right to operate in a specific county, city, or state. The requirements vary depending on the type of business and its location.
Licenses are issued by a government office official, such as a specific district, and may require a business owner to pay fees and other expenses and complete an application. Business licenses are essential because they help businesses operate legally and comply with local regulations and laws.
Step 4 – Hire a Business Lawyer to Protect Your Business
Business lawyers provide legal advice and services to businesses, including representation for various legal matters. They help companies to navigate particular laws landscape and protect their clientele’s interests. In addition, they use their expertise to minimize risks, ensuring that businesses comply with rules and guidelines to prevent issues.
Step 5 – Stock Essential Tools and Equipment
Handymen must have essential tools and equipment ready to use at all times. Since their profession requires them to be on location daily, they must also prepare for minor and significant tasks.
Here are several popular items and equipment you need to purchase:
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Tape Measure
- Utility Knife
- Saw
- Cordless Drill
- Wrenches
However, these items are only the basics every handyman must have available to work efficiently. You may also need personal transportation to get your tools and equipment to your establishment safely. A private space such as a garage is ideal, but you’ll need to invest in a storage rental as your business grows.
Step 6 – Consider Getting Business Insurance
Workers’ compensation is necessary for handymen because they often handle jobs that require them to climb or use heavy machinery. It protects them if they suffer injuries, develop health issues due to hazards, or risk their lives in dangerous situations. They can also qualify for financial support to cover their medical bills and money to survive while unemployed.
Step 7 – Establish a Marketing Plan
A customer marketing plan is necessary to organize and apply promotional methods to convert an audience into customers and drive sales. The process is easy, but you must remain consistent to see results.
Here are several methods to drive traffic to your handyman business:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – SEO is powerful for driving traffic when used correctly. It can boost sales, increase website visits, and help a website appear on the first page of a search engine result.
Word-of-Mouth – Mentioning your business to known industry professionals allows you to make a positive impression. As a result, your target market can grow and convert social media followers or website visitors into customers.
One-Page Website – Websites consisting of only one page are ideal for making all your information easily accessible without additional pages. This method can help boost your brand awareness even while learning how to start a handyman business. You can add priced packages or sell merchandise to earn additional revenue.
Sources
What Is A DBA? Everything You Need to Know-https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/what-is-a-dba/
Workers’ Compensation: What It Is, How It Works, and Who Pays-https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/workers-compensation.asp
