FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I try to stay away from a standard pricing system, for a couple reasons. Handyman work encompasses a broad spectrum of trades, so the pricing really depends on the kind of work. The bottomline is that my pricing is fair and reliable for a customer. By "reliable", I mean that the price I quote in the initial bid is the price I stick with. I don't nickle and dime people for materials/labor over the course of the project. If I miscalculate material costs, I own the difference. Accordingly, I do my "homework". I find accurate and current prices, obtain multiple materials bids, if necessary, etc. I won't cover cost increases that result from customer-initiated changes or circumstances outside my control, but even then - my goal is to work with the customer to find a cost-effective solution to get back on track.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Working with a new customer, my primary goals are to take on their project-related stress. By this, I mean that it is a contractors responsibility to handle the scope of the project - but I've heard way too many stories of customers having to babysit contractors. My payment structure is really geared towards alleviating that stress for the customer. I charge material costs up front, but I don't get paid for labor until the job is completed to or above the customer's satisfaction. Even on larger jobs, I only expect a small deposit up-front. I assume the risk, so they can have peace of mind. My primary goals with ANY customer are building rapport, and gaining word-of-mouth advertising. I let my work speak for itself, in terms of quality and punctuality.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have several years' experience in property maintenance and carpentry. In fact, most of my adult working life has been in this field, in one way or another. I've subcontracted fence work for several years, I've learned trim work from a trim carpenter who made his living working on high-end custom homes, I've learned plumbing techniques from a master-plumber, etc. The saying "best practice" is something that I model in my work and even in my personal life. Look at the guys who are good at what they do. Who don't need to cut corners or overcharge people to make a living - they're profitable because their work is worth it. THAT'S who I want to learn from. Those are the people that I observe and emulate.