What's the best way to start off as a handyman?

Question

I'm thinking of putting some flyers out and taking simple jobs to start off with and build my reputation up that way.

Answer 1

Fliers and word of mouth. It's pretty easy. If you show up on time and do what you say you'll do, you will have no problem getting work. Make sure as time goes on, develop a nitch. Don't be all things to everybody.....it doesn't work. I started two years ago and I pick and choose work.

Answer 2

Where I used to work, the company had a regular glass cleaner that would come by every couple of weeks or so. He had a bunch of regular customers. His "overhead" was low. If you scout out the right area where your clients are close together to keep your transportation costs low. You can even get all your daily exercise in as well that way if you walk from a single parking spot. You won't have to join a gym. If you charge $5-$10 per job (depending on it's size) and you do 10 jobs a day, that's $50-$100 per day. And you could easily do more jobs per day than that. Get a map with some pins and mark all your client's locations. Then schedule them by area. You'll do better if you clean windows for businesses. They always want to keep their building fronts looking good and frequently.

Answer 3

Sounds like a good plan to me. How handy are you on the computer? - there is lots of software out there to make your own business cards with. Is there somewhere you can put up a free advertising card? Local library, community centre, supermarket, hardware store? I see them all the time here (NZ). Word-of-mouth is great advertising - a friendly smile and a neat, efficient job will build your reputation quickly.
Good luck, and I hope you're soon busy enough to wonder why you were worried about getting work!

Answer 4

Are you even handy to begin with? Start out with friends, neighbors, family. Word of mouth goes a long way....fliers would help too.

Answer 5

Best way is to be Handy. Fliers are usually ignored, but you do have to start some where.