Essential Licenses & Permits for Your Handyman Business

  

• ✅ General Business License: The foundation for legally operating your handyman services.
  

• ✅ Contractor’s License (if applicable): Required for certain trades like plumbing or electrical work.
  

• ✅ Trade-Specific Licenses: For specialized services (e.g., HVAC, roofing).
  

• ✅ Home Improvement License: Needed if your work modifies residential structures.
  

• ✅ Sales Tax Permit: For collecting sales tax on materials or services.
  

Registrations & Additional Paperwork

  

• ✅ DBA ("Doing Business As") Registration: If operating under a name other than your own.
  

• ✅ Employer Identification Number (EIN): For hiring employees or forming an LLC/corporation.
  

• ✅ Local Permits: For signage, parking, or noise ordinances during projects.
  

• ✅ Bonding or Insurance Certificates: Some clients require proof of coverage.
  

Marketing: Getting the Word Out

  

• Local Advertising: Start with community bulletin boards, local newspapers, and radio spots. It’s like planting seeds in your own backyard—clients close to home are your first and best prospects.
  

• Social Media Presence: Create engaging profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor. Share before-and-after photos, DIY tips, and client testimonials. It’s like giving potential clients a front-row seat to your handyman magic.
  

• Google My Business: Set up a profile to appear in local search results. Clients looking for a handyman will find you easily, like a lighthouse guiding them to your services.
  

• Online Reviews and Ratings: Encourage happy clients to leave positive reviews on sites like Yelp and Google. Good reviews are gold—they’re your digital word-of-mouth, building trust with potential clients.
  

• Networking: Attend local business mixers, join the chamber of commerce, and connect with real estate agents and property managers who may need regular handyman services. It’s like creating a web of relationships that can catch and bring in more business.
  

• Promotional Materials: Distribute business cards, flyers, and door hangers in your community. Sometimes the old-school methods still work wonders—like finding a handy flyer stuck in your door when you need it most.

Client Care: Building Lasting Relationships

  

• Professional Communication: Always be clear, polite, and responsive with your clients. Whether it’s a phone call, email, or text, prompt and professional communication builds trust and sets you apart as a reliable service provider.
  

• Quality Workmanship: Deliver high-quality work that meets or exceeds expectations. Think of every job as your chance to showcase your skills—when you fix things right the first time, you build a reputation for excellence.
  

• Follow-Up Services: Check in with clients after a job to ensure they’re satisfied and to address any concerns. It’s like adding a final coat of polish to your work, ensuring everything shines perfectly.
  

• Customer Loyalty Programs: Offer discounts or special offers to repeat clients. It’s like giving them a VIP pass to your handyman services, encouraging them to call you first for all their fix-it needs.
  

• Referral Incentives: Reward clients who refer new customers with discounts or freebies. It’s a win-win—your clients help grow your business, and they get a little something extra for spreading the word.
  

• Personal Touches: Remembering small details, like a client’s preferred brand of materials or their favorite time for appointments, can make a big difference. It’s like customizing your service for each client, making them feel valued and appreciated.