You are spot on for going to meet them for estimate, I speak from expeirience when I say that just charging by the hour over the phone loses lots of sales I actually learned this the hard way this past year and now listening to you say it just dawned on me like a revelation that I need to start giving amounts again rather than losing the job by giving them a by the hour price amount, incredible advice Brother and you again are 100 percent right you are selling them your business by convincing them via professional attire or conduct that they in fact should be choosing your service over someone who has not taken the time and effort to meet them face to face in person which alone speaks volumes on your character! Great advice Brother thank you!
Thank you for your comment and kind words Steve! Yes I have learned these lessons many times, I still make those silly pricing mistakes every now and then. Do you operate a handyman business? If so where are you located?
Hi Lee! yes I do I started in June of 2015 but I never had to go full time because there was high demand for me at my brothers plant washing limos and other handyman stuff painting, working cleaning ditches of water some landscaping for him so I was very blessed with work , but in the same vain it kind of slows me down because IA have to balance his high demand which means I do very little advertising craigs list doubled edged sword but blessed just the same it's good I always have work but I can't really spread my wings to fly to high. Hey man I hope you're busy with work I know winter sucks!
Very cool! I am glad you are staying busy at your brothers plant! This handyman business is so rewarding and such a blessing! I have been super busy! I havent really felt the winter time slow down! I am loving it! Welcome from the East Coast! Im in Sacramento CA
I use to give onsite estimates on everything. Then it got to where I was spending a lot of my time and money running around giving "free" estimates! After a while, you'll get the feel of people when they call. If they call wanting a garbage disposal, I'll say "It's $100 just to swap out the old one with the new one. If any parts are needed, those are extra." Now big ticket items like a deck or fence, I go and give the estimate. Mainly because I won't trust any one else to accurately measure! Keep up the videos, I enjoy them!
Great Video! Apologies for the intrusion, I would love your thoughts. Have you considered - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (google it)? It is a great one off product for how to start a handyman business minus the hard work. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my buddy at last got astronomical success with it.
Your openness and honesty are very much appreciated. Most people keep their prices close to their heart, so when someone is new then pricing is the most difficult part.
I have been doing the handy stuff a while, I'm 63 and 7/8 years old. For the life of me, with all do respect, why does everyone give a hourly rate? Our customers best value (and mine) is to stay "Put" all day doing what ever they need repaired and charge for whole day. Thanks for listening and I have been enjoying your videos.
Hey bossman you are doing good running your own business. But, I am just suggesting this only. Your pricing, ceiling fans with the customer supplying it. Taking down the old one, assembling the new one, then installing the new one, a basic model $170 per fan. Light fixtures Taking down the old one then installing the new one with no assembly, basic $100 per fixture. These are fairly priced services here in North East Florida. Swapping out switches,programming lighting or ceiling fans pricing goes up alittle over half of the main total. Thats with no extra wiring, no drilling holes for lighting, fan's or new junction boxes, etc. I only charge by the job, never by the hour, also customers pay for all materials plus gas. I only provide services in certain geographical areas throughout the city.
i was a master plumber in ny moved to MAINE because of an injury i cant do just plumbing so im starting a handymen company krafty maintenance and repair...the prices are soo different so i appreciate all the help with prices
I use RS Means for all my pricing on jobs and estimates. I don't like using hourly rate or min charges just in my opinion as the big company trades do flat rate or min rate charges for all their work done and there is a reason why. When i break things down in RS means you do make more money because it has u looking at jobs like the big trades do. It does work using this book as I have learned doing commercial work stuck on hourly rate I lost my tail. Because I was stuck on that hourly rate when breaking jobs down you look at ever aspect of the job from start to finish and all the little thing you miss. Also because when you are stuck on that hourly rate those companies hold you to it no slacking or milking the clock thing. I do quite a bit of commercial work now in retail, commercial buildings or large Corp maintenance vendors and learned what they use or how they bid. I have done the handyman game over 35 years and you learn from the school of hard knockes. Now I list on my website that we bid at a flat rate or if someone is stuck on hourly I have it listed as commercial/corp rate 115.00 per hour with 3 hour min or Residential hourly rate at 155.00 per hour with 2 hour min. The reason I do it this way is because like most I pay business insurance, workers comp plus office overhead, website, advertising, vehicle lettering, uniforms, ect I had to change my way of thinking. I still do small jobs but I make more money doing real estate work or higher end clients versus the tire kickers or cheap skates that are always looking for a bargain. I am just saying I have learned over the years by my mistakes and in the end are you worth more then just a simple handyman with no trades. we are a trade and a dam good one that does many different jobs and task and do them extreamly well like a pro should. As true handyman professional we have to stick to a certain pricing point and stop low balling each other. We are here to run successful businesses not low ball each other. We are not just some out of work guy looking at making a few bucks or your handy next door neighbor that has a full time job looking at making a few bucks. We are business people making a great living. Just like u call a plumber, electrician or any other trade they all have the same pricing across the board just like us as handyman should have. Yes it kills me when I get a call like this well Joe handyman is 15.00 to 25.00 per why are you so expensive. Okay you explaine. I am a licensed business so i pay personal and corporate tax. Business insurance business vehicle insurance, website and advertising, workers comp and city licenses if needed in certain areas. Plus my trucks/vans are lettered up commercial white vehicles (just my preference) not a passenger van or a truck with no signs or lettering. (Again not knocking anyone's preferences) plus in colorado their is no licenses for handyman but you are still required to be a licensed business with the secretary of state and the federal government. You should have a tax id, hud id if needed, duns# if needed. But Unless you are a dba u still have requirements to meet Joe is starting out or is out of work looking to making a few bucks on the side nothing wrong with that. So make sure he is insured with insurance of some kind. If he falls on your property guess who is paying his hospital bill or getting sued. I have seen it time and time again. Plus like most handyman do i guarantee my work for life and this is a business that will be here today and tomorrow or 10 years from now. Just my thoughts.
My very first job was to help someone move Christmas decorations back into their attic. I thought to myself, this can't be that hard, hour or so. Told the customer 100 bucks. Showed up and there were not kidding 30-40 coffin sized boxes full of decor going up 2 flights of stairs, and then up attic stairs. It took me all day and almost killed me. Never again will I not at least ask for detailed pics, usually if they live far or to see if it's worth the hassle. This customer knew I was off on the estimate and hired me for more stuff, and actually has me come by every few months for a list. Huge house in the best neighborhood in town. So I guess it worked out, but always get as much info as possible, and let them know it could cost more if you have to make extra runs for materials. Traffic a killer in this business.
Thanks for the comment! Wow thats crazy, But a good lesson! I have learned this over and over again, for some reason I tend to forget it sometimes. lol
I like using homewyse because it gives you a low and high price range . It also gives you the option to just get a labor charge or labor and material charge.
Midwest handyman here. I have to see the project before giving price. I also will generate my number and then ask Google and use home wyse to verify if I'm anywhere close. an item in one house can be a totally different price at another house. "favorable site conditions" and weather or not the house is respected be its owner or neglected.
Welcome to the channel Caz! Thank you for the comment! Most definitely, Things can vary widely from house to house! How long have you had your handyman business?
it's consistent. time management is my weakness. in between jobs not on the job. I did not track hours but I probably average about 25-30 hours per week. if i could have nothing but 160-300$ jobs 2-5 hours each.. two a day for the summer it would be great. winter time...very short days and cold mornings. inside work is the best. make ready rentals, even product assembly after Christmas...like putting together computer desk and other furniture. I'm not beating myself up for what I made and if used as a projection the potential is there. I have to recall this wasn't about getting rich but more to take a breather from the rat race.
my company is Zacs Pro Services. I don't think you can find it on the net... Google keeps calling and trying to sale me space but it's not time o place money there.
Never give estimates over the phone !! I've come to notice that way too many "clients" are in fact contractors to be / handymen probing out the local prices ... Not to mention indeed that you're demonstrating that they as a client count, you're taking your time to go and meet them, build first rapport, and finally yeah, you see what's actually to be done and the possible issues you might encounter (which can raise the price)
When quote a small honey doo types jobs that customer wants you to supply material , disposals , fans ,lights , do you pay for supplies and recoupe a job end ? Or ask for material cost upfront ? I'm a recent startup and sometimes money just not there .
I thought I had a simple toilet wax ring replacement one time. Got to it and the nuts were rusted to the bolts and had to be cut off, the flange was attached improperly.... total pain in the a**
$150 for toilet replacement/install plus disposal usually $50 any extras i will inform on site. Visiting just for a toilet quote is going to be $90 and i can grab a flange repair and replace for less.
I am the worst for pricing, I really enjoy your videos would love to have a one on one with you to give me advice on what I am doing wrong. I'm from the bay area Hayward. Hope to hear from you.
Some contractors are at the point of not giving free estimates because they get someone to do it for less. Charge for the estimate and if you get the job yake that off the price.
How do you do electrical and plumbing without those Licenses. I live in Oregon and have often wondered about that. I have thought about handyman services and always wondered How I would legally replace a toilet without being lic. Plumber. among other things light replacement and so on. Thanks
Great vid. Watched every vid up to this one, 1st comment I’ve wrote to your vids. Wondered if you write separate invoices for each task or all bundled on same invoice which may go over $500 in labor and materials. Don’t expect a definitive answer just curious. Awesome stuff your doing in your channel, helping me tons! Starting my handyman biz next week, getting my paperwork, small biz license and insurance next week. Keep up the great work, look forward to the vids!
I have a handicap client who needs me to work daily moving furniture, cleaning, putting items in storage bins etc. No overhead costs so I'm thinking of charging by the hour. Do you have a suggestion on pricing ?
Just getting started... clueless on what to charge. I have a lot of happy customers and referrals.... more work than I can do but think I might be under-charging. Dunno?
Sacramento being an urban area, how far are you willing to travel and do you go further if people are willing to pay for your gas? Thanks for your videos, they are very informative and I've been thinking of getting back into the same business again - Max S. Big Bear Lake, Ca
Mr. Lee, when you said $500 per day or project with materials included, is that mean replacing a toilet with a new toilet, been the new toilet the material? thanks
Hey Allan, do you charge a "trip charge" just to come out to someone's home? Most trades do that and it would certainly help increase the hourly rate. thanks.
Perhaps calculate your time to drive to and write up the estimate and build that into your total cost? Say you spent 1/2 hour meeting them and another 1/2 hour writing up and sending the proposal, add $75 into the estimate somewhere. And not advertise free estimates to keep the “tire kickers” out of the equation. Just a thought.
I say, "I don't do free estimates on the phone or in person. I charge $20 to come and Assess the situation for you and Estimate it. IF YOU GIVE ME THE WORK, or I can fix the problem on the spot, I will include the $20 in the total price . This immediately gives them comfort to know that you don't need their business, but if they want professional work. then they have to pay, and maybe it will be fixed immediately. This is called pre-qualifying for ability to pay and play. If they won't do the measly $20, then you don't want them. By not pre-qualifying prospects, you will find yourself walking up hill and wasting your time. If I do fix it on the spot, then I do and charge them $39 for the first hour plus any parts I have taken from my service truck inventory. If I have to go shopping, I make them sign an agreement before I go, and pay half down on the the total job estimate. I have completed over 350 projects in the past year using this formula . It works with repeat business out the wazoo.
So Leey you don't have a contractor's license? In Oregon it's not that difficult. And we can charge whatever we want and to commercial if he wanted to. I think you're leaving money on the table when you don't go out and get your contractor's license if that's the case
I'm in France and the only way to survive is to take a portion of your work under the table ... because the taxes are too high, and that's just the way it is here...
Ricardo Romero thank you for your question. I typically work monday - Friday from 8am to 5pm but usually am working at people's home until around 3pm or so, some days till 5 and then there is always computer work to do, estimates , invoices and record keeping. Some days I work for customers in the evening as well, depending on my schedule and thiers, some Saturdays aswell, have to be flexible.
Honest Lee Handyman sorry for the typo haha. My question was how do you bill your customers? I’ve been looking at quicken books I know they have an app to invoice customers and also accept credit cards .
+Wesley Stoodley it's all good, I used to make my own invoices and estimates on google drive but I just found an awesome free invoice and estimate software called waveapps, I will be making a video on especially that soon! Thanks for the question!
Location matters. In rural TN if you ask $150 to swap a toilet they'll laugh you out of their house and get "Uncle Earl" to do it for a six pack of beer and free pizza.
How can you make money pricing jobs if your going to the houses to look at them first, isn't your time worth something? Lets use the $80 price for a garbage disposal that you mentioned as an example. If you figured the time it takes to drive to the clients house look at the job and then go back home to write up an estimate, I can see you easily having a couple hours invested in a job before you even start, that your only going to charge $80 for. If the job takes an hour + the 2 hours giving an estimate, you would have 3 hours invested in an $80 job, thats only about $27/hour, I'd go broke at that rate. I have to charge by the hour on handyman work for small jobs otherwise I won't make any money if I'm wasting my time running to clients houses to give them estimates. I always charge $60/hour with a 2 hour minumum, that way if a job takes 1 hour, i'm still making money off my travel time to and from the jobs. I also charge an additional $60/hour if a 2nd man is needed at the job, for instants moving an appliance or furniture.
Thanks for your comment Jason! If the customer only needs a garbage disposal replaced I gather as much info as I can from them and usually write them up an estimate without seeing it in person, to be honest I do not just replace a garbage disposal, normally The client has a list of 5 or more things for me to estimate, This is another great thing about performing in person estimates is you have a chance to create a relationship and ask if they have anything else you can take a look at.
Honest Lee Handyman.... I think your right on in that aspect to visit the client to do your estimate . Making that effort may lead to more work. Be it from the client as you mentioned or a neighbor. You just don't know. You have to make the effort. That's part of selling yourself and your services. Great vid.
Sometimes when I look at the job, if the customer has the item, say a ceiling fan, and my schedule allows it, I will give them a price to do the job right then. That price will be less than estimate price perse. At that point two things have happened, I don't have the expense of a return trip, and the customer is happy with a prompt job and the great customer service. I have done that many times and now have several customers that say they won't call anyone else. Having said that, it is a very good policy to have such an estimate plan in place.
Everyone's got a smart phone, tell them to send you four or five pictures of a repair like a garbage disposal, and tell them you'll give them a better price than you actually having to go there. Give them a carrot.
Your way too cheap but i'm in Calif. Still no job should be under a hundred Dollars. I never do estimates for work under a Thousand Dollars. I t5ry never to make two trips for any job. Stock your truck.
Thank you for your comment Jerry. If you are a handyman in California you can only legally charge no more than $500 per project including labor and materials.
"California market" or not, you're ripping people off. $150.00 to replace a toilet?! How much can you charge for a wax ring and two bolts? How long would it possibly take you? You cannot charge the customer for your inexperience.
How is this for an experienced reply. Changing toilets is kind of gross and a lot of people don't want to do it. They are heavy and fragile and can be a bit of a pain. To replace a toilet, you must: turn off the water, disconnect the toilet, drain the USED toilet, unbolt the toilet from the floor, cut or break off rusted bolts, lift the toilet off the flange and remove it from the bathroom without leaking toilet water all over the place, clean the USED wax seal off the flange, replace the seal, reseat the toilet, tighten the bolts, reconnect the water supply, make sure it worls with no leaks, clean up your work area and remove the toilet from the house with leaking water or other stuff all over the carpets. That only encompasses a basic replacement where everything is in working order and you take pride in your work. Is that worth $150? Most people would say yes.
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You are spot on for going to meet them for estimate, I speak from expeirience when I say that just charging by the hour over the phone loses lots of sales I actually learned this the hard way this past year and now listening to you say it just dawned on me like a revelation that I need to start giving amounts again rather than losing the job by giving them a by the hour price amount, incredible advice Brother and you again are 100 percent right you are selling them your business by convincing them via professional attire or conduct that they in fact should be choosing your service over someone who has not taken the time and effort to meet them face to face in person which alone speaks volumes on your character! Great advice Brother thank you!
Thank you for your comment and kind words Steve! Yes I have learned these lessons many times, I still make those silly pricing mistakes every now and then. Do you operate a handyman business? If so where are you located?
Hi Lee! yes I do I started in June of 2015 but I never had to go full time because there was high demand for me at my brothers plant washing limos and other handyman stuff painting, working cleaning ditches of water some landscaping for him so I was very blessed with work , but in the same vain it kind of slows me down because IA have to balance his high demand which means I do very little advertising craigs list doubled edged sword but blessed just the same it's good I always have work but I can't really spread my wings to fly to high. Hey man I hope you're busy with work I know winter sucks!
Oh sorry I'm in New Jersey Rutherford township to be exact.
Very cool! I am glad you are staying busy at your brothers plant! This handyman business is so rewarding and such a blessing! I have been super busy! I havent really felt the winter time slow down! I am loving it! Welcome from the East Coast! Im in Sacramento CA
Is there a topic that you would like to see a video on?
I use to give onsite estimates on everything. Then it got to where I was spending a lot of my time and money running around giving "free" estimates! After a while, you'll get the feel of people when they call. If they call wanting a garbage disposal, I'll say "It's $100 just to swap out the old one with the new one. If any parts are needed, those are extra." Now big ticket items like a deck or fence, I go and give the estimate. Mainly because I won't trust any one else to accurately measure! Keep up the videos, I enjoy them!
Definitely! Thanks for your comment!
Amen brother
Great Video! Apologies for the intrusion, I would love your thoughts. Have you considered - Rozardner Successful Handyman Reality (google it)? It is a great one off product for how to start a handyman business minus the hard work. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my buddy at last got astronomical success with it.
Agreed, big ticket you gotta look, garbage disposal, can't run into that much swapping one out.
Your openness and honesty are very much appreciated. Most people keep their prices close to their heart, so when someone is new then pricing is the most difficult part.
Thanks!
I have been doing the handy stuff a while, I'm 63 and 7/8 years old. For the life of me, with all do respect, why does everyone give a hourly rate? Our customers best value (and mine) is to stay "Put" all day doing what ever they need repaired and charge for whole day. Thanks for listening and I have been enjoying your videos.
Wow, a really awesome "pricing video"!
Well done!
Thank you! I am glad this video was helpful for you
Can't tell you enough how great your videos are. So helpful for me right now as I start up.
Thanks for the kind words! I am glad you find these helpful!
Hey bossman you are doing good running your own business. But, I am just suggesting this only. Your pricing, ceiling fans with the customer supplying it. Taking down the old one, assembling the new one, then installing the new one, a basic model $170 per fan. Light fixtures Taking down the old one then installing the new one with no assembly, basic $100 per fixture. These are fairly priced services here in North East Florida. Swapping out switches,programming lighting or ceiling fans pricing goes up alittle over half of the main total. Thats with no extra wiring, no drilling holes for lighting, fan's or new junction boxes, etc. I only charge by the job, never by the hour, also customers pay for all materials plus gas. I only provide services in certain geographical areas throughout the city.
i was a master plumber in ny moved to MAINE because of an injury i cant do just plumbing so im starting a handymen company krafty maintenance and repair...the prices are soo different so i appreciate all the help with prices
That's awesome man! Sorry to hear about your injury but it's pretty cool what you are starting!
This video was a GREAT insight to common estimates thx
Hey thanks Brandon! Glad this was helpful!
Your videos are very helpful, to the point and realistic.
Thanks for sharing yr experiences.Keep up doing good job.BRAVO.
Thank you for your comment! :)
I use RS Means for all my pricing on jobs and estimates. I don't like using hourly rate or min charges just in my opinion as the big company trades do flat rate or min rate charges for all their work done and there is a reason why. When i break things down in RS means you do make more money because it has u looking at jobs like the big trades do. It does work using this book as I have learned doing commercial work stuck on hourly rate I lost my tail. Because I was stuck on that hourly rate when breaking jobs down you look at ever aspect of the job from start to finish and all the little thing you miss. Also because when you are stuck on that hourly rate those companies hold you to it no slacking or milking the clock thing. I do quite a bit of commercial work now in retail, commercial buildings or large Corp maintenance vendors and learned what they use or how they bid. I have done the handyman game over 35 years and you learn from the school of hard knockes. Now I list on my website that we bid at a flat rate or if someone is stuck on hourly I have it listed as commercial/corp rate 115.00 per hour with 3 hour min or Residential hourly rate at 155.00 per hour with 2 hour min. The reason I do it this way is because like most I pay business insurance, workers comp plus office overhead, website, advertising, vehicle lettering, uniforms, ect I had to change my way of thinking. I still do small jobs but I make more money doing real estate work or higher end clients versus the tire kickers or cheap skates that are always looking for a bargain. I am just saying I have learned over the years by my mistakes and in the end are you worth more then just a simple handyman with no trades. we are a trade and a dam good one that does many different jobs and task and do them extreamly well like a pro should. As true handyman professional we have to stick to a certain pricing point and stop low balling each other. We are here to run successful businesses not low ball each other. We are not just some out of work guy looking at making a few bucks or your handy next door neighbor that has a full time job looking at making a few bucks. We are business people making a great living. Just like u call a plumber, electrician or any other trade they all have the same pricing across the board just like us as handyman should have. Yes it kills me when I get a call like this well Joe handyman is 15.00 to 25.00 per why are you so expensive. Okay you explaine. I am a licensed business so i pay personal and corporate tax. Business insurance business vehicle insurance, website and advertising, workers comp and city licenses if needed in certain areas. Plus my trucks/vans are lettered up commercial white vehicles (just my preference) not a passenger van or a truck with no signs or lettering. (Again not knocking anyone's preferences) plus in colorado their is no licenses for handyman but you are still required to be a licensed business with the secretary of state and the federal government. You should have a tax id, hud id if needed, duns# if needed. But Unless you are a dba u still have requirements to meet Joe is starting out or is out of work looking to making a few bucks on the side nothing wrong with that. So make sure he is insured with insurance of some kind. If he falls on your property guess who is paying his hospital bill or getting sued. I have seen it time and time again. Plus like most handyman do i guarantee my work for life and this is a business that will be here today and tomorrow or 10 years from now. Just my thoughts.
My very first job was to help someone move Christmas decorations back into their attic. I thought to myself, this can't be that hard, hour or so. Told the customer 100 bucks. Showed up and there were not kidding 30-40 coffin sized boxes full of decor going up 2 flights of stairs, and then up attic stairs. It took me all day and almost killed me. Never again will I not at least ask for detailed pics, usually if they live far or to see if it's worth the hassle. This customer knew I was off on the estimate and hired me for more stuff, and actually has me come by every few months for a list. Huge house in the best neighborhood in town. So I guess it worked out, but always get as much info as possible, and let them know it could cost more if you have to make extra runs for materials. Traffic a killer in this business.
Thanks for the comment! Wow thats crazy, But a good lesson! I have learned this over and over again, for some reason I tend to forget it sometimes. lol
Yes, traffic is truly a killer! This is why I try to take jobs only within the city of Livonia.
I like using homewyse because it gives you a low and high price range . It also gives you the option to just get a labor charge or labor and material charge.
definitely a useful tool!
Excellent advice! I'm going through the same pricing struggles myself right now.
always good to do research!!
You’re awesome my friend. Keep it up!
Hey thanks Dean! I appreciate your comment!
Midwest handyman here. I have to see the project before giving price. I also will generate my number and then ask Google and use home wyse to verify if I'm anywhere close. an item in one house can be a totally different price at another house. "favorable site conditions" and weather or not the house is respected be its owner or neglected.
Welcome to the channel Caz! Thank you for the comment! Most definitely, Things can vary widely from house to house! How long have you had your handyman business?
one year and four months on my own. license and insurance. started construction in 1990. Springfield /Branson MO. area.
Very cool Caz! My wifes grandfather is from Branson MO! how has it been going for you? Are you busy?
it's consistent. time management is my weakness. in between jobs not on the job. I did not track hours but I probably average about 25-30 hours per week. if i could have nothing but 160-300$ jobs 2-5 hours each.. two a day for the summer it would be great. winter time...very short days and cold mornings. inside work is the best. make ready rentals, even product assembly after Christmas...like putting together computer desk and other furniture. I'm not beating myself up for what I made and if used as a projection the potential is there. I have to recall this wasn't about getting rich but more to take a breather from the rat race.
my company is Zacs Pro Services. I don't think you can find it on the net... Google keeps calling and trying to sale me space but it's not time o place money there.
Never give estimates over the phone !!
I've come to notice that way too many "clients" are in fact contractors to be / handymen probing out the local prices ...
Not to mention indeed that you're demonstrating that they as a client count, you're taking your time to go and meet them, build first rapport, and finally yeah, you see what's actually to be done and the possible issues you might encounter (which can raise the price)
When quote a small honey doo types jobs that customer wants you to supply material , disposals , fans ,lights , do you pay for supplies and recoupe a job end ? Or ask for material cost upfront ?
I'm a recent startup and sometimes money just not there .
love the wlog bro thanks and God bless you and your family
Good info partner. A Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Carlos Araiza thanks man! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
great video question have you or are you going to do a video on your material mark up? Let me know thanks
Hey Ernie! Yes, I have a mark up video coming out next Monday! It is a good one! Where are you located and do you have a handyman business?
Thank you for the video, i wish you were in Massachusetts
Thanks for your comment Ray!
I thought I had a simple toilet wax ring replacement one time. Got to it and the nuts were rusted to the bolts and had to be cut off, the flange was attached improperly....
total pain in the a**
$150 for toilet replacement/install plus disposal usually $50 any extras i will inform on site. Visiting just for a toilet quote is going to be $90 and i can grab a flange repair and replace for less.
💪💪
Thanks for the scoop
I am the worst for pricing, I really enjoy your videos would love to have a one on one with you to give me advice on what I am doing wrong. I'm from the bay area Hayward. Hope to hear from you.
Some contractors are at the point of not giving free estimates because they get someone to do it for less.
Charge for the estimate and if you get the job yake that off the price.
How do you do electrical and plumbing without those Licenses.
I live in Oregon and have often wondered about that. I have thought about handyman services and always wondered
How I would legally replace a toilet without being lic. Plumber. among other things light replacement and so on. Thanks
Great vid. Watched every vid up to this one, 1st comment I’ve wrote to your vids. Wondered if you write separate invoices for each task or all bundled on same invoice which may go over $500 in labor and materials. Don’t expect a definitive answer just curious. Awesome stuff your doing in your channel, helping me tons! Starting my handyman biz next week, getting my paperwork, small biz license and insurance next week. Keep up the great work, look forward to the vids!
Thanks for your question! I hope I answered this on your comment in another vid! Be looking for my video on this topic on Friday!
Sad thing is that everything you said today for prices except the gutters we can't do in NM unless you have a contractors license.
Thats crazy!
Is there a more current video like this?
Got say I've watched 3 videos so far and i like your content so i just subbed thanks and keep up the good work
I have a handicap client who needs me to work daily moving furniture, cleaning, putting items in storage bins etc. No overhead costs so I'm thinking of charging by the hour. Do you have a suggestion on pricing ?
Just getting started... clueless on what to charge. I have a lot of happy customers and referrals.... more work than I can do but think I might be under-charging. Dunno?
Sacramento being an urban area, how far are you willing to travel and do you go further if people are willing to pay for your gas? Thanks for your videos, they are very informative and I've been thinking of getting back into the same business again - Max S. Big Bear Lake, Ca
Mr. Lee, when you said $500 per day or project with materials included, is that mean replacing a toilet with a new toilet, been the new toilet the material? thanks
Yes that is correct
Remember, in California we are limited to $500.00 per customer/address per year. Unless of course you are a licensed contractor.
Not per year or per address. It is $500 per project
Do you give customers a estimate on site when you meet with them?
Hey Allan, do you charge a "trip charge" just to come out to someone's home? Most trades do that and it would certainly help increase the hourly rate. thanks.
I currently offer free estimates unless it is super far away, but I have thought of charging
Perhaps calculate your time to drive to and write up the estimate and build that into your total cost? Say you spent 1/2 hour meeting them and another 1/2 hour writing up and sending the proposal, add $75 into the estimate somewhere. And not advertise free estimates to keep the “tire kickers” out of the equation. Just a thought.
After expenses what left on the bone usually just to know where to start pricing maybe 1/3 1/4??
Great video bro!
I say, "I don't do free estimates on the phone or in person. I charge $20 to come and Assess the situation for you and Estimate it. IF YOU GIVE ME THE WORK, or I can fix the problem on the spot, I will include the $20 in the total price . This immediately gives them comfort to know that you don't need their business, but if they want professional work. then they have to pay, and maybe it will be fixed immediately. This is called pre-qualifying for ability to pay and play. If they won't do the measly $20, then you don't want them. By not pre-qualifying prospects, you will find yourself walking up hill and wasting your time. If I do fix it on the spot, then I do and charge them $39 for the first hour plus any parts I have taken from my service truck inventory. If I have to go shopping, I make them sign an agreement before I go, and pay half down on the the total job estimate. I have completed over 350 projects in the past year using this formula . It works with repeat business out the wazoo.
Thanks for the advice I am carpenter still perfecting my craft and need to begin learning how to bid and make money!
Good video!
So Leey you don't have a contractor's license? In Oregon it's not that difficult. And we can charge whatever we want and to commercial if he wanted to. I think you're leaving money on the table when you don't go out and get your contractor's license if that's the case
Hello is there a statue of Limitations on how long a a Handyman can File a Lawsuit on the clients that Have not payed their bill
Thank you for your comment, I am not sure about that sorry
Liked the video
Thanks
what is your percentage of undeclared cash jobs ...
do you give a discount for cash jobs?
No discounts, I do not have any undeclared jobs, I am "Honest Lee" in all I do!
I'm in France and the only way to survive is to take a portion of your work under the table ... because the taxes are too high, and that's just the way it is here...
@@ifoundthistoday oh that's unfortunate that the taxes are so high. .
Do you have a template for writing your estimates for the customer to see
Yes, I use joist.com
What’s the web site called homewise
Homewyse.com it gives you rough estimates of jobs. Only available in America I hear
You must qualify the customer first
Do you add taxes?
Hey I've one question for you, you work
mon-fri from 7:00-7:00 or earlier or late?
Ricardo Romero thank you for your question. I typically work monday - Friday from 8am to 5pm but usually am working at people's home until around 3pm or so, some days till 5 and then there is always computer work to do, estimates , invoices and record keeping. Some days I work for customers in the evening as well, depending on my schedule and thiers, some Saturdays aswell, have to be flexible.
Right on ⚓
Another awesome video! How do your customers??
+Wesley Stoodley thanks for the comment Wesley! I don't quite understand your question, can you re send it?
Honest Lee Handyman sorry for the typo haha. My question was how do you bill your customers? I’ve been looking at quicken books I know they have an app to invoice customers and also accept credit cards .
+Wesley Stoodley it's all good, I used to make my own invoices and estimates on google drive but I just found an awesome free invoice and estimate software called waveapps, I will be making a video on especially that soon! Thanks for the question!
Honest Lee Handyman awesome looking forward to it!
+Wesley Stoodley :) Merry Christmas
$275 min to swap a toilet, toilet not included. I've even charged $500, toilet included.
Awesome! Thanks for your comment!
Location matters. In rural TN if you ask $150 to swap a toilet they'll laugh you out of their house and get "Uncle Earl" to do it for a six pack of beer and free pizza.
Wondering if you are a licensed contractor in the Sacramento area
Hey Anthony, Thanks for your comment, I am not, I operate as a handyman currently
do you still use Homewise.com ? I cant find it in Canada
I dod, I hear it is not available in canada for some reason
It’s spelled HOMEWYSE. And who cares what’s available or not in a given area? Use a VPN.
How can you make money pricing jobs if your going to the houses to look at them first, isn't your time worth something? Lets use the $80 price for a garbage disposal that you mentioned as an example. If you figured the time it takes to drive to the clients house look at the job and then go back home to write up an estimate, I can see you easily having a couple hours invested in a job before you even start, that your only going to charge $80 for. If the job takes an hour + the 2 hours giving an estimate, you would have 3 hours invested in an $80 job, thats only about $27/hour, I'd go broke at that rate. I have to charge by the hour on handyman work for small jobs otherwise I won't make any money if I'm wasting my time running to clients houses to give them estimates. I always charge $60/hour with a 2 hour minumum, that way if a job takes 1 hour, i'm still making money off my travel time to and from the jobs. I also charge an additional $60/hour if a 2nd man is needed at the job, for instants moving an appliance or furniture.
Thanks for your comment Jason! If the customer only needs a garbage disposal replaced I gather as much info as I can from them and usually write them up an estimate without seeing it in person, to be honest I do not just replace a garbage disposal, normally The client has a list of 5 or more things for me to estimate, This is another great thing about performing in person estimates is you have a chance to create a relationship and ask if they have anything else you can take a look at.
Honest Lee Handyman.... I think your right on in that aspect to visit the client to do your estimate . Making that effort may lead to more work. Be it from the client as you mentioned or a neighbor. You just don't know. You have to make the effort. That's part of selling yourself and your services. Great vid.
Seeing the price differences after 6+ years is wild. Inflation is real lol
For sure!
With the beard you remind me of bob vila from back in the day.
Don't people expect you to fix it when you show up that first time?
Hi Danielle, I inform them when they contact me it is only an inspection and I will be writing up an estimate to give to them.
Sometimes when I look at the job, if the customer has the item, say a ceiling fan, and my schedule allows it, I will give them a price to do the job right then. That price will be less than estimate price perse. At that point two things have happened, I don't have the expense of a return trip, and the customer is happy with a prompt job and the great customer service. I have done that many times and now have several customers that say they won't call anyone else. Having said that, it is a very good policy to have such an estimate plan in place.
Everyone's got a smart phone, tell them to send you four or five pictures of a repair like a garbage disposal, and tell them you'll give them a better price than you actually having to go there. Give them a carrot.
Definitely! Great idea ED!
Honest Lee Handyman
Or even a short video, " my disposal makes a crunching sound when I turn it on, ever since. I put a whole turnip down it, see?"
haha! That would be helpful and save time in going out there!
Your way too cheap but i'm in Calif. Still no job should be under a hundred Dollars. I never do estimates for work under a Thousand Dollars. I t5ry never to make two trips for any job. Stock your truck.
Thanks for your insight Mike! Where in Cali are you located?
So you can charge more then the $500 project max
Thank you for your comment Jerry. If you are a handyman in California you can only legally charge no more than $500 per project including labor and materials.
@@handymanjourney so lee in California you guys don't even need a license as long as you're charging under $500?
"California market" or not, you're ripping people off. $150.00 to replace a toilet?! How much can you charge for a wax ring and two bolts? How long would it possibly take you? You cannot charge the customer for your inexperience.
Thanks for your comment Paul
You are way too polite in the comments. Great videos though.
How is this for an experienced reply. Changing toilets is kind of gross and a lot of people don't want to do it. They are heavy and fragile and can be a bit of a pain. To replace a toilet, you must: turn off the water, disconnect the toilet, drain the USED toilet, unbolt the toilet from the floor, cut or break off rusted bolts, lift the toilet off the flange and remove it from the bathroom without leaking toilet water all over the place, clean the USED wax seal off the flange, replace the seal, reseat the toilet, tighten the bolts, reconnect the water supply, make sure it worls with no leaks, clean up your work area and remove the toilet from the house with leaking water or other stuff all over the carpets. That only encompasses a basic replacement where everything is in working order and you take pride in your work. Is that worth $150? Most people would say yes.
Very well said George!!!
Thanks George! Its hard to not be rude to some people but my I want my reputation to be as stand up as possible! Thanks for the comment! :)