Handyperson

Startup Costs: $2,000 - $10,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Franchises Available? Yes
Online Operation? Yes

THE BRIEF

Cash in on the multibillion-dollar home repair industry by starting your own handyperson service, which requires little explanation. The main requirement for starting such a service is, of course, that you are handy with tools, have your own tools and equipment and have a working knowledge of many trades. A jack-of-all-trades will know how to handle painting, carpentry, flooring, plumbing and other requests. Handyperson billing rates vary widely depending on the location, experience and job. Expect to make anywhere from $20 to $30 per hour on the low end to $80 to 100 per hour for complex tasks. The client will also pay for all materials. 

The handyperson industry is one that's seen massive shifts thanks to the gig economy. With the advent of websites like TaskRabbit and Handy, customers who need a task done can simply input the details into the sites and see a list of "taskers" who have the skills to handle it. These companies have their pluses and minuses: On the one hand, they take care of finding new clients, scheduling, booking and receiving payment from your customers. On the other hand, they take a portion of the proceeds, and you'll be competing against hundreds of others for the same job. If you want to avoid this, consider posting on your neighborhood's NextDoor site, hanging up flyers in local businesses and using site and vehicle signage to get the word out about your business. Repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals will become your main source of new business once you are established, so make sure you ask clients to refer you to their friends. 

ASK THE EXPERTS

Focus on building relationships:

"My first meeting/impression is when I try and create laughter, but also gain a better understanding of why you want to do this work. How is this project going to benefit you and/or your family? What are the needs that I can meet for you?

This ties back to our relationship approach to each job. Don’t focus on money, focus on the person and meeting their needs, and the money will follow."

—Josh Downing of Direct Movement Group told Entrepreneur

Outsource your technology:

“[Breezeworks] has saved me a lot of stress with handling appointments alone. It has literally saved me hours, even days, of work a week with my receipts, my invoicing and my books. It keeps me organized and gives a professional front to my brand that I think really sets me apart from the competition.”  

—Ramon “Ray” Gonzales III of Nashville, Tenn.-based Hey Ray Handyman, told Entrepreneur

Consider partnering with other home-related businesses:

"The same person who’s going to hire someone to paint their house will also need someone to clean their home, and to do handyman stuff and fix their garage door."

—Paul Flick of Premium Service Brands told Entrepreneur