Handyman Business Tactics To Make Millions | No Advertising Needed | THE HANDYMAN BUSINESS

Here is some old school handyman for you. • How to install glass f... Check out Paul Peck Drywall • Skim coating walls for...

[@tl9819]

Simply showing up on time already sets yourself apart from 50%+ of you competition

[@PaulPeck]

My motto is: Under Promise and Over Deliver!👍🏻 Kept me in business for 25 years!🤓

[@AaronCo29]

I've done that since 1999 Paul, though I did get a little sidetracked after the 2006 debacle, but it is an always learning process and given the amount of self employed handymen we've had in the last 14 years, it was an ever changing market, till those guys causing the problems weeded themselves out, and they crop up every now and again.

[@GeorgePhillipsIII55]

Under commit, over produce

[@jerrygrayson8421]

Please comment when new how to grow business

[@AaronCo29]

@@jerrygrayson8421 I used every means necessary when I was getting started. I got some business cards and passed out as many of them as I could. I’d listen while standing in line at Walmart and when someone would be talking about a service I could offer, I’d say hello and tell them a little about what I do and hand them a business card. I’d be as polite as I could since I was interrupting them. I also would do work for Sears Lowe’s and Best Buy. That work didn’t pay as well but it got my foot in the door and the bills paid, I would even drive around on days I had nothing to do and pick up old appliances and either fix and sell or scrap it sell everything by itself, copper brass aluminum and metal. Some places pay better for motors and always separate out your cast iron and stainless

[@jerrygrayson8421]

AaronCo29 I am doing similar except the scrap metal part and advertise in a local neighborhood news chatroom . So many people are not serious or indecisive about if they really need the project done or are just looking to know costs. This is my second year in business and Jan, Feb And part of March did very well but after Covid scare many people just slow or not going to make Improvements. I now have a few loyal clients and gradually the number is growing but too slow and I am impatient.

[@PaulPeck]

Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words my friend!🙏 Love that you’re teaching the business side of home improvement and repair!👍🏻😎

[@jordynwhite3986]

Hi! You have taught me everything the sexist/racist ass union in my state refused to teach me! Thank you!

[@hhprogressiveconstruction1140]

Paul’s the man he knows his stuff on Drywall and painting 🧑‍🎨 .

[@lukebrown4184]

Wow. You got a shoutout from The Handyman, you must be doing something right!

[@AaronCo29]

Handyman, I gotta put my 2 pennies in here. I have had customers tell me, way back when, your exact words, "WOW, I didn't realize this was such a labor intensive job", "I feel bad now at what I am paying you" Those customers didn't call me back for about 10 years and when they finally did, they told me I better charge them for what it is worth, that their money is good and they didn't like feeling like that. It was a lesson hard learned for a couple of years. I was also that guy that lived just below the skimcoat the entire house line and I had to learn to do just over the expected mark, or charge accordingly for the job, I also learned I needed to be extra clear on the spec of the job and break it down clearly for them.

[@bobbyz7736]

My problem exactly. I do it to satisfy myself. I'm too darn picky. Not making enough money for what I do.

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Working on my rental properties has been a great way to expand my skill set...it’s way better to practice on your own house than a customers!

[@trevorblack1907]

I’m an arborist and work in the tree industry. It’s crazy most of your advice is not just for what you do but just good business practices. It’s really pretty easy to set yourself apart from your competition with a little effort. Thanks for the videos.

[@johnpatterson1807]

I’ve done two window caulking jobs recently, where both customers told me that they thought my pice was a little high. I did explain to them that it is a very labor intensive job removing all of the old caulk around the windows. Once they saw me working, they were very impressed, and were happy to happy to hand over that money 💰👍

[@jordynwhite3986]

I LOVE YOUR CHAOTIC SHOP! I BET YOU KNOW WHERE EVERYTHING IS TOO!

[@jam1324]

I was in the drywall industry full time when I started out for about 6 years which gave me a leg up in my general construction business that I run now.

[@micahwatson9017]

This guy is spot on! Deliver slightly above their expectation and you will never need an advertising budget. You will keep customers long term and get plenty of referrals. That added value above their expectations may not cost you much and is way cheaper than advertising. I've been in business 20 years and have never spent a dime on advertising....all customer retention and referrals. I have some customers that want the work on the far right of the chart and are willing to pay a high premium for it. You've got high quality content here man, keep it up.

[@JonnyDIY]

7:31 "fiddle......" had me rolling! 🤣👍🏻 an expression my Father has said me my entire life."Damnit Jonathan, quit fiddle...blank..around!" 😂🤦‍♂️

[@JonnyDIY]

Ohh PS- what was total price for the 2 door installs and drywall "repairs"?

[@justinreilly4111]

I think it would be awesome to hear a mock up conversation with a customer, and how your determining the customer's expectations. Like what types of questions get asked etc... Obviously there are tons of different jobs so a demo of the conversation wouldn't cover everything, but maybe some great bullet points. Thanks again for the content, it really has helped me get off the ground with my own business and i enjoy watching and learning something every time you post.

[@9brian9871]

Paul Peck’s drywall videos are invaluable for anyone wanting to learn from drywall repair to total drywall replacement & anywhere in between. His vids are what helped me confidently take on drywall work. Good to know he is appreciated by you as well.

[@benshell8662]

Perfect illustration of customer expectations vs contractor delivery... been working for myself for 2 years (solo) and I could keep 5 guys working on word of mouth alone if I could find a few I could trust enough to leave alone

[@jdshear01]

What a great video! My video would be an hour long and I wouldn't say half as much. Managing expectations is done here (by Handyman) at a mastery level. It's really as simple as A) Set the Expectation B) Delivery the expectation C) Exceed the expectation by delivering value. There are tools in there you need as well...quality craftsmanship, good communication, time management skills and so on. I even made notes on this video (NERD) because I was going to talk about making a Venn diagram but I think Handyman does an exemplary illustration that is easy to understand. Someone needed to hear this for sure. Cost/Quality/Time...Venn diagram...Google it. At a company I worked for our performance, development and evaluation program (annual review) had different job ratings: Does Not Meet Expectation, Meets Some Expectation, Meets All Expectation, Exceeds Expectation, and Significantly Exceeds Expectation...be honest with yourself and ask where you rank on any of your jobs and explain to yourself why you deserve that ranking. You are your own best critic if you are being honest with yourself.

[@alsworkshop135]

Put simply... under promise and over deliver. One of the hardest things in this business is to be detailed... on the writing of the scope of work. I have had to learn this the hard way like many. I have a stock description of my most common jobs, but then I add a paragraph or two below that that is specific to each project. This helps to save time on the estimate/proposal write ups, but also helps to remind the clients the specifics of what we talked about during our walk through. Another great video, thanks for the reminder and the forum.

[@spencer9372]

I was self-employed in a completely different profession for eleven years. What people may not understand is that much of what you describe about your successful business and the lessons you share are true of just about any small business, especially ones in which you are the only employee. Great channel, lots of actionable information every single time...

[@ItsRobertB]

Hey Handyman, I've been in business for 25 years and its nice to see that all your input is spot on and easy to absorb. I still find a golden nugget from every video I watch or at least I am reminded of one. Thanks. Your brother from another mother

[@irvwayshort9566]

I meeded this right now. Im starting out my handyman business and have found myself stuck all the way to the right. This helped. Thanks.

[@TheHandymanBusiness]

Glad it helped!

[@lilcs3011]

I've been working on only word of mouth for almost 2 years now. And have so much stuff to do I have to schedule weeks out. Love this channel.

[@Lincoln_Hawk]

The Handyman is the best.

[@tylerross5613]

They get a bad feeling if you do too good of work for the time and money involved. Profound really, easy to miss that point. That's quite a golden nugget for me bro, thanks!

[@CPMJunkRemoval]

I have been watching your videos for a while now! I was just the “grass guy” but after your videos inspired me to do more, I picked up 32 condos when the wanted me to replace a ceiling in a bathroom. I did it exceeded their expectations and charged accordingly. Since then I’ve become the flip guy. Unit to unit paint repairs and everything but big plumbing jobs and AC units. I don’t always fix appliances but I don’t charge much to install new appliances. Very profitable and all the owners like my work. I still cut the grass and do the bushes too. Turned into a part time job that I LOVE doing! I’m planning on getting a bit more organized and picking up more real estate clients

[@landmarkcreations1183]

Managing expectations is the key to life. So much hassle is avoided after simply communicating in the right way

[@markstewart3967]

Thanks for your videos, I have mad skills and have remolded and built new for 41 years and feel confident in starting my own Handy Man business, thanks for your pointers and your time it is much appreciated.

[@xrayded5037]

Their is so much work out there in general that if you bid to low you will work your self out! You have to mark up your “worth” not what people charge in the area! I tell my customers that I had for many years we get called back because they like me that’s it And we do really good work!

[@Asomesauc]

Definitely the best home improvement channel in they Entire world.

[@themowingmentor]

Perfectly explained mate 👍 Most people still won't utlize the information but you are bang on the money with that graph and sliding scale in which it works everytime 🙌 Have loved your tips for years and I hope all is well 😀 Cheers, Dan

[@shaneaugustine1280]

Who else had a good chuckle over fiddle fing around! Lol love it

[@noahsturgill20]

You forgot to put in that the main way you get all your customers and keep them is by honesty and given them a full value of their full dollars

[@richardhussey8388]

Hey man I became a handyman because I broke my body framing houses. I’m finding that I can make more $ and not break my nuts off doing diverse jobs.🤠

[@craiglist308]

Thank you soooo much for posting this!! having good information from someone who is actually doing it and seeing how they think about it and how they frame the approach of setting expectations, beating expectations, and the pitfalls along the way is SOOO VALUABLE. Thank you!!

[@TheHandymanBusiness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanluby3044]

That little diagram not only applies to so many other businesses (house flippers for example and how that work incentives shotty work) but you could write a best-selling business book outlining the principles you talked about lol always love visuals and breakdowns like that, that's insanely valuable info

[@MemoriesRR]

Dad always said “charge what you’re worth but give them something extra.” That’s what I call a dadism.

[@journeyofanewking2756]

Alot of golden nuggets here. Thank you like always!

[@joseescalante9009]

When you say patch the customer in the mind will think it's not done right, and will see it even when you can match textured, When you say repair in the customer mind it was done correctly and will not see the the repair it's a big mind control system

[@droolbunnyxo9565]

Yes, patch suggests a quick temporary hold-you-over, until a permanent real repair can be done.

[@jdshear01]

I like this comment, great explanation of the psychology involved - in software design a 'patch' is to fix something that was a defect in the original design or to add additional functionality not within the original scope of work. Patching something sounds temporary like patching a tire to get you home - which arguably is a poor example but a patch in drywall if done right should be almost impossible to see and more or less makes you 100% and should last beyond 'the trip home'. Tradename terminology/construction slang can definitely sink you if you are dealing with the uneducated in your trade, you have to keep in mind you are the sales/marketing person AND the skilled technician/tradesman...keep it simple and keep it sweet. Sugar coat it - it's a repair!

[@carloshqr9263]

Extra mile work. Customer satisfaction. Workmanship👍

[@Multi4204life]

Late to the party but the drywall diagram was on point AF!

[@supercharged00gtp]

I'm not even sure how I came across one of your videos for framing out a door. I ended up watching all 3 parts and followed to this side. I detail cars and so much of what you talked about in the graph and the different types of people and skill/quality pretty much mirrors this industry. It was really interesting to me, especially the "I couldn't live with myself" guys and how they do the work for themselves...almost ego driven. Great stuff, have a great Thanksgiving!

[@heyhandyman9292]

I have been in the handyman business for two years after I said 'see ya' to my Corp. Job. I LOVE this job. We have developed a following of loyal customers and do zero advertising, it's all word of mouth. I still do get nervous in the winter but so far the phones have kept steady. 2 questions. 1). How do you I'd people that will spend $$ vs the cheapos or out of touch customers. For example, I just quoted a $1600 trim job where I could tell they were shocked by the price and were expecting more like $5-600. Should I ask if they have a budget or give them a range in the beginning just to be sure we're on the same page?

[@heyhandyman9292]

2). How do you figure your schedule out to book so far out. The most I've been able to book out is a full week because we're so busy working and because some jobs run over causing me not to be able to firm things up until the date is closer. Do you put filler catch up days in your schedule? Also is there a certain generation or demographic that you like working with (will pay premium prices for good work). Finally, I applaud your pricing. We've increased our pricing 3 times since we started and I'm no longer selling my time and skills short. I'm not out there competing with the $50 guy, nor do I want to be! We recently took handyman out of our business title to deter the "cheap" calls. Thanks for all of the great content!!

[@TheHandymanBusiness]

Great questions. I will be making video responses to a lot of questions tomorrow. I will makes sure to answer you questions.

[@Warren3carpentry]

Thanks again Handy your knowledge is extensive and I'm glad u share with us!

[@theneighborhoodhandyman7564]

Great video. The sophisticated visual is super true. I’ve been on either side of the expectation line ya got there and the results reveal themselves quite quickly. End up short=they don’t call you back, talk shit about your work (deservingly). Skewed to the right too far and you definitely loose your ass. I still aways offer the “skim coat” option with the large price tag associated with it. Even the super wealthy tend to go with the good repair job

[@NongNongHead]

Awsome diagram! Should have referred to comments made to your basement stair repair... fixed a job originally done by a guy on the left side and got comments from the grandma basement guys on the right side....

[@bigdadynickable]

Best video I've seen so far. Thank you.

[@adventuresofahandyman4446]

Good stuff brother! Thanks.

[@robertschram5391]

Absolutely fact, under promise and over delivering is a sure way to never worrying about chasing work. Quality workmanship assures you will get referrals and keep getting called back for multiple projects. Of coarse a good skillset of multiple trades assures you will get the first call for whatever project there looking to have done.

[@johntamulonis4626]

Best use of a two-dimensional line I have ever seen!

[@thegoatfather9720]

You are the truth i appreciate you taking time to help other ppl

[@ThomasSteed]

I live by the mottos, meet and exceed expectations, and cheap fixes aren't cheap when you have to pay again later. I had one slum loard I did piece work for, and I walked out on him because he wanted me to sand and refinish an entire wood floor home (that he'd fucked up for 30 years) with MY PALM SANDER. told him you'll pay me 80+ hours in labor, buy me a brand new sander of my choice when this one dies, and it's still gonna look like shit when I finish, or you rent me the proper machine, and your 30 year old floor will look like new in. About 40 hours give or take 10 hours for all the wood bleaching I needed to do on the cat piss. He went with the first option, and got mad when he got there 60 hours in, and you could still see piss spots, because he wouldn't by WOOD BLEACH, just dollar store bleach even after I explained they are totally different. I told him exactly where he could stuff his slum lord bullshit work, and if he wanted to do things at least half way correct I'd be willing to negotiate. A week later he rented the right sander, and had my best friend (she's his on payroll project manager) do it for 10 bucks an hour. Every time I see him I tell him he can still call me if he actually wants to make money on all the rentals he's selling off. He'll come around. Until then I'll stay focused on my stable full-time maintenance with benifits. Im getting even more experience here. I've learned pool and spa maintenance, and how to make entire new tub bottoms when the fiberglass and vinyl starts to crack along the edges. By the time I and my wife are ready to start our businesses, I'll have more tradesman skills than you can shake a stick at 😂. Just gotta stop telling stubborn old slum loards to F*** themselves when they don't listen to me.

[@oside760a]

I just started watching your informational videos. So much insight. This stuff is gold.

[@bcn365]

Thank you for this video good sir. Been successfully doing my handyman business over a year no advertising. I am on board with your business model

[@brybino]

Great video. Managing expectations and delivering a great experience.

[@danzv4295]

I could not agree more. I never advertise. I only use word of mouth and I have to turn people away. You have to manage expectations

[@glazierEd]

Handyman has been saying this for a while, and I’ve given my customers that extra value, and I’ll be dammed it works. I’m starting after two years to get repeat customers and referrals. I’m doing three days a week on repeats, and two days referrals. I’ve noticed that by concentrating on one and two day jobs only, your ability to grab new customers for your network, explodes. If you are stuck for three weeks on one job, and ignore your small job customers, they assume you’re a flake or a drunk, and when those big jobs are done, you’re left scrambling for work.

[@jeffreycoon9634]

That's exactly why my business failed the first time. A woman's house in my neighborhood flooded and she begged me not to do any work for anyone else but her. To make a long story short, I did that and 3 months later she didn't appreciate it and neither did the other potential customers that I put off. She just used me to get back into her house as quick as she could and the other customers found someone else.

[@glazierEd]

@@jeffreycoon9634 Never take more than a couple day job for any one customer. Handymen aren’t contractors. Can we do it as well? Of course. Spread it thin, and bang em hard I say.

[@Tehcarp]

During the walk through one simple way to put things is 'I can spend an extra half day on this, let me know if this is a high value area'. If you get the walk through right the customers feel involved in determining the scope of work. It also highlights the few things that they have on their wish list. If you are nervous about retention or (like I am trying to get better at) feel like giving up your time as value to the customer without compensation... you have scoped the extras and you have the customers priorities to set as your priorities. Example I'll take down a shit light fixture in a rental to paint the ceiling. We talked about how crap that light fixture is. I'll offer right then to get a $30 tit light and put it up. I have 4-5 of these on hand most of the time. This puts me over the line on customer service, and staunches the bleeding of me doing every little thing. It took me a while to admit that I would do a lot of my unpayed extras because I had not done my due diligence to understand my customers priorities. I mostly paint, so I have different things I do and fail to get compensated for... but fewer every year.

[@jamesking5690]

Thanks for the video handyman. Great tips. I really appreciate the great content

[@westsidewil]

Happy to see the ghost back. How bad does your wood burning stove smoke? Neighbors complain? Keeps your shop warm?

[@1978madrigal]

I've been watching for a while now. Just want to say that, I like the information your putting out and could not agree more.

[@1978madrigal]

No seriously.. You did a video showing how you hit up like three houses in a day and pull in some good money. So I switched my shit up and brought my prices up. But then again. My own customers were even telling me to do so.. While paying extra money. I used to do big contracts with a crew... Screw that... Now.. no crew and doing handyman jobs. Liven the Dream. Lmao..

[@cdgregOG]

Thanks for the great advice Handyman, appreciate it! Need to use this strategy with my wife for DIY jobs around the house :)

[@Mr3andrew3]

Repair not patch- ohh, that's gold! *A.

[@zdiver1]

Really bugs me looking at that clean steel target.

[@realmattpcd]

Definitely need to put some rounds on that steel

[@feitankung]

repair over patch...great tip!!

[@jamescrinnion8240]

Excellent topic! Great job illustrating the perils of both the under achiever and over achiever.

[@Shapenupeugene]

Very good point well I heard a few good points. Thank you.

[@martyjosephson4937]

Very well done, makes complete sense, always, always give a little more than expected!!

[@MG-kt5xl]

Very similar thoughts were floating in my head. Good to hear it from you as confirmation! Well explained!

[@cliffpalermo]

Looks like your lights agree with you. Always exceed expectations. In time, cost and workmanship. Return business is always more valuable teach a man to fish.......

[@lori5946]

My husband had to start charging for estimates and if they use him he takes it off the bill. He had to do this because so many people just fishing and wasting his time. So it is working out. He just started his business in June.

[@jerrygrayson8421]

Where I live and work the market does not support charging for estimates and they are free. What I hate is not hearing any replies from potential clients. I usually never know why I was not chosen .

[@lori5946]

@@jerrygrayson8421 He uses Angie's list which is worth the money.

[@jerrygrayson65]

@@lori5946 thank you

[@jerrygrayson8421]

@@lori5946 thank you

[@johnhawn7539]

Now if you can do a video on choosing texture cans ! 50/50 at best with those things and how they will spray. Shake those things for 10 minutes and it still drizzles out and other ones you can shoot the wall from 20’ away 😂

[@TheHandymanBusiness]

So true. I got lucky with my last can. I have been putting them in a sink with hot water before using them.

[@juniorscarpentry4982]

Smart handyman . 100% agreed with what you said .

[@jamesgarrison6430]

Uh Electricians depending on the contract will do dirt concrete Frame patch paint and wire. I know everywhere doesn't do that but we can and will

[@YOUandMeRealtyDotCom]

Funny 😆 With All The Issues And Frankenstein Lights This Video Is a Classic, Couldn’t Contain Myself At “I Could Never Live With Myself...” 😝 The Scale Of Life In Drywall Terms... #ThanksForSharing! #GotPurist?

[@e.vasquez.jr83]

Smart man we think alike and survive on my repeat customers now. Thank you sir your a genius like me.

[@judymahanna4227]

FROM JUDY & JIMM , THANK U

[@franciscoestrada7429]

Bro!! You rock!! I agree with you in so many levels!!!

[@TheHandymanBusiness]

Great minds think alike

[@straifus3742]

The door thing had me rolling 🤣

[@christopherkouri2317]

Soooo uhmmm....how do you get your customers? And where do you get your leads? Kidding of course. Awesome vid as always!

[@kmonnier]

You are a gold mine!

[@crcurley]

I have found that never saying, “I feel very comfortable that I can get this done” is not the best thing to say, because things happen.

[@dustyandsneezing]

Yeah buddy. That’s it. The confidence of saying “oh no problem” and the customer says “okay here’s some more” and then you’re broke. Lol

[@drweng]

I'm 46 years old, and in the steel industry as an estimator and contract change manager for 16 yrs, but I've always done my own home improvement work where I could figure it out, which is most of the time. I'm thinking about starting my own handyman biz bc I'm tired of working for a corporation, and I want more independence for my family. I've got the character and business acumen, but how much skill set is needed to start out a handyman business?

[@jasoncanon7311]

Very informative, this is why I subscribed.

[@conradhomestead4518]

Good info ! Great graphic to explain your strategy 👍

[@donkitterman1940]

I have watched many of Paul's videos.

[@waltofalltrades6817]

Just thought I'd put this out there: The term "patch" implies doing something "half *ssed" that's only temporary. Think of patching a broken window in your car with duct tape and plastic; Repair implies putting in full effort to fix the issue so its like new, or as close to it as possible. Which one do you think your customer wants to hear?

[@scottjohnson8686]

Well formated. Easley understood

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Just interested in where to start, I have a varied amount of experience but not a whole lot of experience. I’d like to start but I am afraid of getting into a job that I can’t handle, where is the best place to start to get all the experience needed in all those different areas of the handyman trade. Please help, and thank you for all your awesome videos and experience.

[@dxodus1]

Hey bud no cost for the project looking forward to that breakdown

[@PaulFenderBeats]

You're a good man. Appreciate the info 👍

[@saulgoodman2018]

You used to work for a snowflake company? I would have quit too.

[@joshuajenson671]

Great video!

[@benthehandyman9667]

Thanks Handyman great outlook

[@notvanillamedia]

Awesome vid! Makes a lot of sense.

[@dogartoppenheimer]

Awesome man.

[@dixiehandyman]

I can't remember your email address you drop occasionally. Siu I'm asking the question here, maybe others could drop some sounds advice on me too. My home improvement business is really beginning to pick up and I'm tied off dragging heavy told in and out of the truck to keep em dry. I'm thinking about a utility style truck? 1) Is that a good wait to go? 2) what is a good number as monthly income or is there another measuring stick to use for knowing when to pick up a new truck?

[@falliegr]

In one of your videos you mentioned some of the business apps you use to invoice and keep records, I am just getting started and looking for some tools to stay organized and can’t find the video you mentioned them in. what do you use?

[@justinreilly4111]

whoooo hooo! another video.

[@El_Chapo1972]

Great video, keep up the great work.

[@TheHandymanBusiness]

Thanks, will do!

[@jepurdum]

What have you guys done when you under perform and you know it? I've had a few jobs that I've taken on (2years on my own) and had to admit my mistakes and figure out a way to fix it and make it right.

[@hiking7521]

Boom i hit the thumbs up and it was 500. Hit the thumbs up people this is good stuff!

[@Ikantspell4]

It's a balancing act. You do want to explain scope of work but a lot of work comes from people who are paying for convince. Reading the customer is important. If someone just wants it taken care of giving them lots of decisions and information will cost you a customer. Why do people hire decorators? It's not because they're to stupid to order couches and drapes: it's because they don't want to deal with it. Sometimes your job as a service provider is to direct the customer to what's best.