Handyman Business Lessons I Learned The Hard Way

🤠Welcome to the Bulletproof Handyman Business Channel. These videos represent everything I’ve learned in my journey building a successful Handyman Business. The links below represent brands that I personally use to run my own handyman business. Utilizing their services through my links helps to offset the time and resources that are required to keep this channel running. Please don’t ever purchase anything from here that isn’t the best product or service for you and your business.
👨‍💼⚖️Northwest Registered Agent - Form Your LLC Like I Did In 5 Minutes For Less Than $40 Plus State Filing Fees. shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=965743...
📽️Watch My Video For Step By Step LLC Formation Instructions Here • Form Your Handyman LLC...
🏆Jobber - The CRM I Run My Entire Business With For The Last 4 Years. Get My Exclusive 20% Discount go.getjobber.com/bulletproofh...
🆓📖Take My FREE "How To Start A Bulletproof Handyman Business" Master Class Here! ray-s-site-1884.thinkific.com...
🚑🆘Next Insurance - My Business Insurance Provider For The Last 4 Years nextinsurance.sjv.io/PyVJGN
💲📋QuickBooks - You’ll Need And Love This For Tax Season www.anrdoezrs.net/click-10102...
📫🤠The Bulletproof Handyman Newsletter. Sign Up Today! bulletproofhandyman.beehiiv.c...
🧰 🪚 Build Your Website Just Like I Did On Wix With No Experience - Fast And Easy - wixstats.com/?a=89872&oc=129&...
🐸Have your website custom built and optimized by Green Frog Web Design. They offer a special deal for Bulletproof Handymen for $1 for the first month and then the balance paid over the remaining 12 months. handyman-webdesign.com/
🏠🤠Check Out bulletproofhandyman.com/ You Can Also Find The Master Class Here
This is my website for the Bulletproof Handyman that I built on Wix. It currently hosts the Master Class but soon will grow to include much more.
📸Join Me On Instagram / bulletproofhandyman
✖️Join me on X (FKA Twitter) / handymanhangout
😎Join me on Facebook / bulletproofhandyman
🎉Join Our Facebook Group / 1146055450158909
📽️Join me on Tik Tok / bulletproofhandyman
🎁Cabinets.com has been kind enough to offer free cabinet installer referral program to my subscribers. They build and sell cabinets but they do not install and they have created a referral program for us so that we can obtain high quality leads at no cost. Click on this link to sign up for the referral program www.cabinets.com/installers-p...
📁Download My Free Business Documents Here clienthub.getjobber.com/clien...

[@ElliebotConstruction]

I'm going to have to listen to this episode like 3 or 4 times...add-ons are my kryptonite.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Of course use your own judgment, I have done and still do small favors for the right people when I'm in the right mood. I just no longer let them pressure me into it.

[@TheDesertRat31]

​@bulletproofhandyman I know construction/renovation guys will have, hopefully, a procedure for change orders. Would you (or do you) have maybe a tiered system for small to moderate add ons before you have to discuss a full change order and scope of work?

[@grizztough4091]

My first electronics instructor told us.. "Always charge what your worth, or people will always think your worth less".

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I agree with him

[@dougschadel8094]

That guy totally screwed you when you talked to him about your pricing. Good for you for surviving and getting more work. Great video.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

It was definitely a blessing in disguise. I'm glad you enjoyed the video sir.

[@reamer521]

This video needs more than one like button.. So much truth.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you

[@taylorbirkey6304]

This was a good one. Running a business can only be learned by running a business, but it sure is nice to learn from others to soften the blows.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I agree, the only way to really learn is to run the business and pay attention to everything and make adjustments as you go. If I had watched a bunch of KZbinrs telling me the same thing, I probably still would have needed to make the mistakes myself.

[@rayt230]

Thanks man, having kids makes it hard to find time for an hour video. Thank you for making it worth the investment of my time. Also thanks for not selling us anything. I appreciate your spirit, keep being you!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks! I'm glad it was a good one!

[@berniezander]

If someone is feeling charitible, and asking you if you can do work for somebody in need, I'd ask a simple question. " Are you asking because you would like to hire me to do this work for the person in need?" Its easy to for them to be charitible if somebody else does the favor on their behalf. I have learned to give a response to many dilemmas like this. Two ways. " I love to help people in need, but you're putting me in a bad position." Or: (Laughing )" Oh, I can understand why you're asking me this, but no."

[@bulletproofhandyman]

💯

[@anthonycampbell1020]

These are some of the best videos I’ve found on handyman centric info. Thank you so much I’m learning a lot.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're very welcome sir. I'm glad they're useful.

[@tristankline6676]

I’ve been learning these lessons. Learning to hold boundaries. Being friendly and kind has worked wonders for my business, but is also the fastest way to fail, for me. So I’m finding ways to be firm but not rude. Part of the long term plan to achieve this is to shift to PMs as per your suggestions.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Business to business does make it a bit easier.

[@Gabriel-xt1oy]

Thank you for the valuable info. This will save me from a lot of headaches. Will listen x3 times at least

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@earthling01]

Good info man, been there. Almost feels like betrayal when you do the extra things then they critique and pressure to go extra steps to do it how they want. Worst is when they hold final payment hostage. Learned quickly how to manage customer expectations ahead of time so that scenario never happens again.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You have to learn quickly after it happens the first time.

[@tristanmartinez2667]

I’m 100% friendly with everyone. You want more than that it’s an up charge 👍

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Yep!

[@davidkupfer9653]

You’re a good soul man.. will be moving on to be a handyman etc within the next year, really liking your videos

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's awesome, good luck!

[@law_of_theza5198]

Straight fire !🤙Been through almost all of these scenarios. Thanks again!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome! Thanks!

[@MarkAlbert]

I have listened to this video twice now and it reflected so well of what I have done and experienced before. Thanks to you, I focus on rental property owners and managers now. While I am generous in my personal life, I am not independent;y wealthy and do this job to sustain myself.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I'm glad to see that it lined up with your experience as well. As far as the charity thing, that's definitely the hardest lesson to learn. Good people want to help other people. But like you said, there's a difference between being generous in your personal life and the necessity too earn a living before you can do that.

[@stevenbrown5210]

Ive Been nailed by all.the things you mentioned. People pretending to be broke or asking for free extras.drive me nuts. Apparently I need to find a property manager to partner with!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

It has been working well for me!

[@mikeschwendeman4403]

Flip houses brother. You only please you! Cool video man🤙😎

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Some day brother.

[@tcardinal95]

@@bulletproofhandyman not as profitable as you might think. I follow a lot of builders and I can tell you they lose tons of money b/c they have to invest a lot up front and leverage yourself out in order to try to make 20-30K on a home after spending months working on it yourself. I even tried building several myself, but same results. Not enough juice for the squeeze for sure! Small jobs is where it is at!!

[@Dean-Sala]

You had my full attention the whole video. This is the kind of content that helps me greatly. Thanks again.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks for saying that. I'm glad it was a good one.

[@deqwanjefferson2969]

Thank you for these videos! Much love brother

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you!

[@thetoymanator7723]

Great advice all around! I'm going to branch out and start my own handyman business soon and these lessons came at the right time. In a previous role I was a 9-5er for a professional services company. Every one of their project plans specified what was in scope and what wasn't, so the client knew exactly what they were paying for. They also understood that any additional work would have to be considered as a new project. I don't know how many times I was asked to do XYZ as well when the project quote, plan and budget was for ABC. Got to watch that "scope creep". My own quote sheets will include a statement that any additional works to the original quote must be treated as a separate project and costed accordingly.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's great. Good luck!

[@BirnyLichte]

❤❤ The other way of saying "You're doin' too much 😂😂❤❤ I found myself doing this when I went into pet care and housekeeping privately. I absolutely under valued myself, but formed good a friendship with a couple clients. Leaving the workforce in 2003, I have never been self employed, so your videos are an excellent reminder no matter what field you're in, keep yourself aware of your weaknesses and strengths and make better decisions that are in everyone's best interest. Thank you for your help!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I really love hearing from other home service providers. In the end there are good ways and bad ways to do this across the board. I'll have every home service provider welcome on my website for connecting leads for free.

[@ogutusadam3919]

Thanks you so much for this information. Am currently working for a construction company and am planning to begin my handyman business come June 2024. I have learnt much from your videos.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's awesome! Good luck!

[@nathancarranza9860]

Bro, not even 5 minutes into the video and I'm already feeling your advice hit home and hit deep. Great stuff.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Yeah most of them were definitely hard earned lessons.

[@Oh6Torch]

Huge respect from me for sharing your experiences. I've been lucky and my short list of customers have always been appreciative of my work and even offer extra money for extra services rendered. Thanks for sharing!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I find that the ones who are happy to pay for the extras are the ones who are well off financially, and who did not grow up with money.

[@leokolev]

Really helpful video! I enjoyed it! Thanks 🎉

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@joaoveloso4954]

This talk is extremely important and if you don’t get it your business will fail, and yes I learned the hard way too.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks

[@luke31ish]

Those "dummy" switches are pretty common, I don't know why that guy flipped off like that.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Me too

[@Rafael-vu2xn]

Hey man, I just want to say thank you for sharing everything so openly and your content ia a huge source of inspiration. Your channel is going to break 100k in no time, so happy I found you so early. Cheers and greetings from Finland!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you so much!

[@pauldardeau5532]

Great content and it all makes perfect sense. I can easily see myself learning all those same lessons the hard way too. Hopefully some of it sticks in my mind and I can remember it when it's needed. Thank you for putting out great content.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks, and you're welcome!

[@avm4953]

Great video. These lessons can be applied to any other kind of business. I just forwarded it to my girls, they are starting a bakery and literally every one of your lessons is relevant.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Oh that's awesome!

[@serhiibolshov2418]

Thank you for the video. I find a lot of value in your experience.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@bonezj117]

Bro, that was great information in regards to how to protect yourself and would look for when looking for new clients at the new business owner. I appreciate you!

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I'm glad it was useful! Thanks!

[@johncontreras7629]

Please keep them coming.👏

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I intend to. I don't do New Year's resolutions but I kind of decided that this year is going to be the year that I really double down on this channel and try to produce sincerely valuable content at a reasonably high quality.

[@johncontreras7629]

@@bulletproofhandyman someone has to. I loved your analogy about the armer I can totally relate. Definitely hit but still in the fight.

[@jonathantownsend4699]

I just discovered your channel. Your video content is excellent and very informative. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and experience sir.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're very welcome sir

[@hankhighsmith9050]

Hi Ray, I was on another handyman page earlier and someone mentioned that there is a Handyman License in Arizona. I was shocked because it was the first I've heard of it. Then I did some research and found that there is such a thing. I've never heard you mention it. That doesn't mean that you haven't.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

There are multiple specialty licenses in Arizona, the last time I looked none of them were specifically called a handyman license, but it may be that I just haven't seen that one since they made it. The closest one I found previously was called small residential repair and remodel license. I'll look into it again so I can do a video on it if there is one made just for handyman.

[@hankhighsmith9050]

@@bulletproofhandyman no handyman license in Arizona but the guy was saying I can't do any electrical or plumbing or drywall repair, etc. So then I looked up the license types and there are a few one being the one you mentioned. I'm just trying to figure out what I can and can't do without a license. I don't want to end up at GITMO. Just trying to make a living.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

In Arizona you can do any job that is under $1,000 and that doesn't require a permit. For example you can swap an outlet but you can't move an outlet to a new location. You can replace a dishwasher but you can't install a dishwasher where there wasn't one previously. That is according to the investigator that I spoke to when I needed clarification.

[@hankhighsmith9050]

@@bulletproofhandyman that is what I've been going on so I'll stick with it. I'll ask the insurance man when I talk to him later and see what he says. I found out there's a painting contractor license too if the jobs are over $5000. Under $5000, no license needed. Between those two I can build a business. Thanks, Ray.

[@yosif8235]

Good to hear from you. Thanks for sticking it out for us but sadly I think some of these are inevitable because some of them are just plainly emotional and it does take the hard way to get past them. I seriously appreciate and love all the content you give out.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you sir. I appreciate your valid feedback too. You're definitely not wrong.

[@yosif8235]

​@@bulletproofhandymanalmost done with your vid and it's definitely one of your best ones. Seriously I cannot thank you enough for the experience and wisdom. I still cannot believe I'm no longer in wage slavery. Praise God for that and you as well. It was like entering a new world dealing with so called business men and the other cunts you had to step up to. I'm definitely bulletproof, God gives me the main armor but this gives me ballistic mask and ankle guards. Lol. New year man and I owe you one for sure. Definitely would fly to buy you and your family dinner or something. Stay strong brother.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Dude I can't tell you how happy I am hearing that. Anytime willing to work for it deserves a good life. If you're ever in Tucson let me know.

[@Jeremyisyourhandyman]

🔥🔥🔥These life experiences and explanations are spot on 💯🔥🔥🔥thanks for your time on these matters. It’s true some people feel entitled to every “beck and call”

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!

[@jamessmith7459]

Buddy i have went through similar but i will never let anyone think they own thats what i think what most handymen are worried about

[@utubehandyman]

great vid bud.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thank you sir

[@jetheridge3798]

Jeez my head is spinning just thinking of all the stories I got . I just had a blow out with one my main client s .

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I should start a podcast just with handyman stories.

[@user-ke6jn3yj5r]

Matched flat paint on a 20 year old ceiling once by mixing about 50% or more drywall compound with the paint. Lowes nailed the color, but their flat paint was way more shiny than the 20 year old flat,.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That is extremely interesting... I'm going to have to play around with this and see what I find.

[@user-ke6jn3yj5r]

Long story short, I'm not a professional handyman. It was my house I was selling. I pressure washed the second floor and got some water behind the corner trim, and it leaked onto the ceiling on the first floor. I asked at Lowes and Menards and Ace hardware if they had anything to knock down the sheen, and they all said no. I mixed the paint with drywall compound. It may have been up to 70 % drywall compound. It was almost a slurry. I put it on the stain, and the inspector and buyer never saw it. There really was no leak. It never leaked in the 25 years I lived there, but I created the stain by pressure washing and putting water where it would never go under normal conditions. Really enjoy your channel. I learn a lot. Handyman could be a part time gig in a couple of years when I retire. The full time job now has pay and benefits too good to quit.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's awesome! Thanks!

[@balcodesign]

Awesome video, BTW, volume is a bit quieter on the video

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I noticed that with the volume too. I'm not sure what happened. I used the same setup. I'll be getting that figured out before the next video. Glad you like the video though!

[@DevonReynolds-ty8vm]

I'm curious guys. Who ever is a handyman out there. I need advice here. Looking to start my own handyman business here in California. I have been researching high and low before I jump in. It is absolutely something I want to do. However, the 500 dollar cap has put a hold on things. I don't have a contractors license and I really can't wait 4 years. I am 53, however I in now way look or feel 53. Been told I look like I'm in my early 40s. The fact that I am 53 and want a career change very badly. Inflation put material cost way up and between labor and the 500 cap. how in the world can you survive if you don't have that license. The fact is I am 53 I really don't have 4 years to wait until I make good money. Or do you forget about the 500 cap and just go with it. Pulletproof. Do you have your contractors license? Or, are you in a city that has a higher cap. 1000.00 would be good. #1 video content btw. Watched a whole lot of them too.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

One strategy is to just specialize in all of the small one-off jobs, which is partially what I do, although I also do some larger jobs. My cap here in Arizona is $1,000. I do not recommend ignoring the cap. If you are caught they will Levy a hefty fine and shut you down. California specifically has a habit of doing stings where they have fake clients that try to get you to give them estimates for work that you're not allowed to do. My best suggestion is to get out of California. They are not exactly small business friendly. If you do stay, I suggest just focusing on smaller one-off jobs. You can build a very profitable business out of that.

[@therealtorsteph22]

Can you line item each job at the same residence separately and still exceed the $1000? Logic being that each "job" was less than the $1000 each. Is that right?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

No, they're pretty clear that you can't just break it up into multiple small jobs. That doesn't mean they can't send you a $600 job and then separately send another $600 job for the same address later on, but the intent can't be to skirt the law. They know all the trucks and if they're doing a sting, they'll use those tricks to get you to incriminate yourself.

[@nannesoar]

4:20 "If I can get a man to compromise on his morals once, I can get him to do it again."

[@austinconant8476]

I have a strict no friends and family policy and I cast that out wide. If I had lunch in the same restaurant as you or visited your church in 1999 you’re a friend. lol. Makes saying no to these scenarios easy. That being said. This policy came about by making the same mistakes as you.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks !

[@fliporhold]

Did the "Friend" recommend you for other jobs?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I don't recall anymore. I found property management quickly and started telling everyone else that I only work for property managers.

[@ruben9912]

just a thought: have you considered bundling all this theorem and experience in a book? I'd friggin buy it! I think if you ever sat down with a professional in writing/publishing we could get ourselves a really kick ass field manual. Some people might view such an undertaking as a cash grab but I think you really have a lot to say in a manner that would be of value on peoples shelves much like your own in the office, right where all the calls and estimates are made. Of course some of the strategy changes over time but there are major lines and values that stay the same and form the backbone of a succesful handyman/construction business. much of this applies to pretty much all tradespeople.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I have considered that. I've even written a forward for it. You'll be happy to know I am building a bulletproof handyman GPT. After training it on about 10% of my videos, it's pretty good. I think after I give it the other 90% you'll be able to ask it questions and it will likely answer just about how I would.

[@ruben9912]

@@bulletproofhandyman wow that is really something! I had no idea it was that available but now that you mention it that makes total sense. Looking forward to it!

[@isratabare8499]

I would buy it MUCHAS GRACIAS for Share this valuable knowledge with the Start ups Hope you can go ways above in you Career Thanks for share this

[@MXMO609]

❤

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks!

[@joeyshaw5485]

You were definitely ghosted for a cheaper guy. 9/10 it’s their loss. Ya get what ya pay for.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Yep!

[@BobPenzien]

Hi Ray ... nice job, very informative video! Have you ever considered scaling your business by hiring employees to build a multi-million dollar business? Even though you can make a very nice living as a handyman, there is a ceiling as to what you can make working 7 days a week as the primary handyman. Michael Rasa with Rasa Floors starting his flooring business in 1994 working primarily for property managers installing new flooring in multi-unit apartment buildings. Today his flooring company has several hundred employees operating in at least 5 states, including Phoenix, AZ. Again, his primary customers are property managers for rental apartment complexes which he depends on for repeat business. In his case, a "move out" would mean installing new flooring, including carpet, in an apartment that needs flooring replaced for the next tenant. I think the Rasa Floors business plan could work for the handyman business too, if one has the desire to think big and really grow the business ... just a thought. What are your thoughts about growing your handyman business? Best reagards, Bob Penzien

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Howdy Bob! There may come a day when I have the drive to do that. I started growing my business twice in the last couple years and it took too much time away from my family, which I've already spent too much time away from over the last 3 years. I also don't want to be an employer, I'd rather empower others to be independently successful. Finally, I hate admin work and when I grew, I found my job becoming paper pushing without enough hands on. I do have plans to hire an office manager in the future. If and when that happens I would be more open to the idea of serious growth via subcontracting with my role being to do estimates, inspections, interviews, follow ups, and "putting out fires" when jobs go south. While I do wish I would have done all of this when I was single and younger, I'm obsessed with raising my family and I can't bear the thought of becoming a millionaire and then realizing that I missed my kids growing up. They are amazing and none of this matters without them. I have an 8 year old and two identical twins who are 2 years old. All boys, plus a grown son, and my number one priority is to make sure they grow up to be good men. If I can get my kids into adulthood as productive healthy and capable adults then I think I'll consider that a successful life. If I accidentally manage to generate significant wealth along the way I'll be proud, but it is second on the priority list. Thank you for the vote of confidence. Hopefully I'll find a way to make it happen without sacrificing my focus on my family.

[@BobPenzien]

I totally understand Ray ... we are both at a different stage of our lives now and we each have different priorities. Like you, I've been there and I have always put my family first. However, my 2 daughters are fully grown women now and they need less of my time than the time your two twins require of you. I appreciate what you do for a living is not that easy. I like that you are honest and ethical in your dealings with others. Unfortunately, a lot of contractors don't feel the same way you do and are out for a quick buck. I think you have what it takes to grow your business to any size you want when the time is right for you. I'm retired now but I miss the challenges of growing a business. I'll keep watching your videos because I learn a lot from your teachings. Best to you and your family, Bob

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Thanks Bob! I do believe that once I have an office manager to remove the stress of assigning jobs, following up with subcontractors, invoicing, receiving payments, emails, etc... I'll be able to invest myself into growth. I also really appreciate the week thought out comments. By the way, I'm not religious but if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. One of my favorite quotes.

[@coreyfranco7060]

Most states dont allow you to hire employees as a handyman, also you are limted to 1k material + labor. Not like this kid cares about the law but it is what it is...

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I'm not in most states, I'm in Arizona. I would also be highly surprised if you could list one state that doesn't allow handymen to hire employees. I follow the law to the last detail including the $1,000 limit. Also thank you for the additional engagement. The algorithm doesn't differentiate between trolls and positive comments so you are definitely my biggest fan as far as the algorithm is concerned. I love you 🥰

[@Forrext]

What do you do if potential customers retaliate with bad reviews because you didn’t want to work with them?

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I don't know if there's a way to fight that or not, depending on what platform they leave the review on, but that's not something you can really do anything about. Some people will be crappy and that's just the way life is. I think if you focus on running a solid reputable business then those random bad reviews won't have much of an effect.

[@Forrext]

@@bulletproofhandyman I suppose that is true, you can't control that. Thank you for all the content, I have pages of notes. Very much appreciated.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're welcome!

[@thomasjefferson5727]

+1 for the algorithm

[@bulletproofhandyman]

You're the man

[@user-ke6jn3yj5r]

What is your overhead? For instance, what percentage of your goal of $100 per hour goes to vehicle, insurance, CPA, Jobber subscription, etc

[@bulletproofhandyman]

The short answer to that is that $40-$50 of that $100 actually makes it out the other side. I did a pretty in depth video on it not too many months ago. One of the biggest expenses being self employed is health insurance. Although there are cheaper plans, insurance is a big priority for me so I am currently paying $1600 per month on the open market just for that. CPA is also very expensive (but worth it). Of course there's lots more, but another often unconsidered expense is how much time is spent off the job just making the business run. Every sick day, every admin day, every vehicle maintenance day, every tool and inventory day, every family day... They all cost a significant amount of money in lost revenue and overhead that doesn't clock out when I do. However, I think of someone was not aiming for the stars, and simply wanted to be a full-time handyman just to replace a standard paycheck from a standard job, that could be done with approximately 60% or more staying in their pocket.

[@bootsandladders]

Up selling is not the most honorable thing but we encourage it to protect ourselves from customers who are probably PhD in deceive and will take a advantage. Since you have your ladder out can you help me reach this tree branch. I will be happy to do so, we charge $200 to trim tree....

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Yep!

[@bootsandladders]

@@bulletproofhandyman Can you help us promote Boots & Ladders on your channel? We are like you are and we build a direct marketplace to help handymen productize and sell their service direct to nearby customers. Omar Kharbat - Founder

[@bulletproofhandyman]

How does your company monetize? Email me at [e-mail]

[@bootsandladders]

​@@bulletproofhandyman an email was sent on Apr 20, 2024

[@Casmige]

Learn the Meyers-Briggs personality type. Learn what yours is, learn to identify what your customers is…& then adapt & pivot. And you’re absolutely crazy to think that a full day pay should be $600.00

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That's about $40 per hour after overhead. I also have $300 days, even less today. A little less than half of what's charged makes it all the way to the bank and running a business means you have as many hours of non-billable work off the job site as you do on it. $100 an hour is about the least you'll find a legit trades business operating at without eventually shutting down.

[@user27278]

😂 how much do you think we "deserve"?

[@ruben9912]

600 a day for someone worth their salt is actually half decent. guys who show up with their own vehicle, tools and inventory get about twice as much stuff done in a day in my experience. given his 100 an hour minimum it's actually on the low end. this is what you get when you specialize in setting them up and knocking them down all day long and then someone wants you for a full day. they can book you but they'll have to cover your standard rate and earnings doing your regular small sized jobs all day. if you show up and fix their stuff to a standard near or above their expectations they'll still be happy with you. maybe they're not happy with the price but there's no need for them to as long as they'll pay. those who wont are excluded by the price point on purpose. they make for extremely dreadful clients anyways cause there is no budget and unending desires and requests.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I like the way you lay that out

[@taylorbirkey6304]

@Casmige where do you live? I would imagine 600 a day is about average where you want to be for most cities minus California type places.

[@Quarry4x4]

Patch and paint for my business always includes full wall repaint. Not matching makes my business look bad.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

That would be nice but there is a labor difference resulting in a price difference that my clients definitely wouldn't pay. I roll the wall when necessary if a match won't blend well and invoice accordingly but if I rolled every wall in the home that had a blemish or a nail I'd be painting half the interior of not more completely and they would lose their mind. It's the difference between 2 hours of labor to touch up and 12+ hours of labor, meaning $200 vs $1200+. It would make more sense to just have their painter (who only charges $1 per square foot) to do a full interior paint job between every tenant.

[@Quarry4x4]

@@bulletproofhandyman I was referring to a single patch and paint on a wall. Repaint entire house completely different. I have been running my Handyman business in Australia for the last 13 years. Still looking for advice.I have 6 to 8 or more employees. 6 is my favourite. 3 or 2 makes me more.

[@Quarry4x4]

I know you know it takes 20 minutes to cut it and roll one wall on average. I am very pleased you share your videos. I learn with every share. Hey from Queensland Australia

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Oh I see, we have some different nomenclature. Yes, if I'm doing one drywall patch I will typically paint that wall corner to corner unless there is paint on site that is a 💯 perfect match. Even then it's not too hard to just go ahead and paint corner to corner. If you hear me say "patch and paint" that's a term that's used here in Arizona for move outs to go throughout the home and remove all hardware from all walls, patch all holes left behind, and touch up paint over all of those patches as well as touch up paint over all scuffs, dings, chips, etc... Sorry for the confusion, and thanks for the comment!

[@RicansForTrump]

After years as a maintenance supervisor, I can assure you to never trust a customer. They will take advantage at every instance they can. This is exactly the nickel and dime behavior I witnessed daily.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Yep!

[@fostachild1717]

22:00 man, I hear ya you think that’s what they are asking you to do. And maybe some would ask that but most people aren’t asking that. You most likely wouldn’t even take face with them if they were h that shitty, You underestimate thier ignorance is all. and most of them would never ask that directly as you put it. I think you should Be careful how you tell other people to think.

[@bulletproofhandyman]

I went back and watched the video. At the timestamp that you mentioned of 22 minutes, I mentioned that they had asked me to trust them and do work without written approval. That is definitely what they were asking me to do, without a doubt. I think it is good advice for me to tell other handymen not to invest their time and resources into a job that does not have written approval. However, if I've misunderstood your comment, please do clarify. I can only go off of the timestamp that you gave me and that's what I was speaking of at that particular timestamp. Of course they aren't literally asking me to risk my family for their convenience, but that is the correct way to think about it. If I don't get paid, my family suffers and the property managers are asking me to do exactly that when they ask me to do work without an approved estimate. May not know that's what they're asking, but that is exactly what they're asking.

[@dbeaulieu9730]

The comment I hate the most is "it's just...".

[@bulletproofhandyman]

Yep, everything is just...

[@wandaleatherbury8050]

talk talkk the same ying over and over stick to yje point

[@tldrinfographics5769]

Well you met a narcissist lol Typical