FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have three pricing structures: 1. Hourly rate: For small jobs, charging by the hour makes the most sense. Some examples of hourly-rate jobs include honey-do lists, furniture assembly, and baby proofing. I find that many times homeowners will tack on extra items when I’m working hourly, which is fine by me. I’m here to help! 2. Fixed costs: Many customers prefer that I provide a fixed cost for a job. This way the customer knows exactly what the cost will be when the job is complete. Some examples of fixed cost jobs include installing ceiling fans, replacing garbage disposals, and installing pre-hung doors. 3. Handyman for a day (or half day): This is typically used when a customer has a honey-do list a mile long. This is actually my favorite pricing system. The customer knows exactly what the cost will be at the end of the day, and I get to work on a variety of items. I can get a lot of work done in 8 hours!
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I go over each job with new (and existing) customers before starting work. I want to make sure I completely understand what the customer’s expectations are so I can be sure that I meet them. Even for seemingly simple jobs, I usually learn something. In one case, I learned the customer preferred people to remove their shoes before entering their home. If I would have just gone straight to work without talking to the customer first, I would have spent the better part of the day going in and out of their home without removing my shoes! Once I understand the job and the customer’s expectations, I provide the customer with a summary of the steps I will take to complete the job to their satisfaction, the estimated time it will take me to complete the job, and a price.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
During college (I have a degree in environmental geology), I worked for the University’s maintenance department. We did electrical, plumbing, and any other type of maintenance. If it was broken, we fixed it. Before college, I worked for the maintenance department of the Dallas Zoological Society (yes, the Dallas Zoo).