Of course use your own judgment, I have done and still do small favors for the right people when I'm in the right mood. I just no longer let them pressure me into it.
@bulletproofhandyman I know construction/renovation guys will have, hopefully, a procedure for change orders. Would you (or do you) have maybe a tiered system for small to moderate add ons before you have to discuss a full change order and scope of work?
Not for me I just say at the end of the add on, “I will get you a price in a couple of minutes.” When they put up any resistance. I say, “If it costs me more, it costs you more.”
@@TheDesertRat31 It's not necessary with my clients. We have a long term relationship where we need each other. They just ask for the extra work and I do it and invoice appropriately.
I agree, the only way to really learn is to run the business and pay attention to everything and make adjustments as you go. If I had watched a bunch of TH-camrs telling me the same thing, I probably still would have needed to make the mistakes myself.
Thanks man, having kids makes it hard to find time for an hour video. Thank you for making it worth the investment of my time. Also thanks for not selling us anything. I appreciate your spirit, keep being you!
Rule #1 if you touch it.. you own it/ are now responsible for it Rule #2 Never say you’re gonna fix it in the moment, say that you can look at it, this will give you a non reacting moment/time for you actually decide if you want to get into it or not. Rule#3 anytime you say yeah I can fix it should be followed immediately by a price range that it will cost to fix it. I found this is always the best point of the conversation to introduce the price/letting them know it will not be free
I’ve been learning these lessons. Learning to hold boundaries. Being friendly and kind has worked wonders for my business, but is also the fastest way to fail, for me. So I’m finding ways to be firm but not rude. Part of the long term plan to achieve this is to shift to PMs as per your suggestions.
Great job explaining these !!. I been busy 25 yrs. I have seen many contractors give up because of these reason!! As for me I run my business strictly business..
And that why as a contractor you need to always be clear with the work and be firm. He is pointing out how we all go through when starting in this line of work.
Good info man, been there. Almost feels like betrayal when you do the extra things then they critique and pressure to go extra steps to do it how they want. Worst is when they hold final payment hostage. Learned quickly how to manage customer expectations ahead of time so that scenario never happens again.
Ive Been nailed by all.the things you mentioned. People pretending to be broke or asking for free extras.drive me nuts. Apparently I need to find a property manager to partner with!
back in the 80's when I owned a lawnmower repair shop this one guy showed up and told me that he's a pastor of a nearby church , then he told me that he brought the church lawnmower that needed to be fix . I said ok , then he told me that since it's the church's lawnmower he suggested that I should fix it for FREE , my respose was " in God we trust all others pay cash " he got upset then left. at that moment another customer arrived and over heard the conversation , well this paying customer just laughed after this pastor left and told me how this pastor and his deacons get together after church and snort cocaine inside the church. Well , this other story happened to another lawnmower repair owner a few years before . he did a FREEBY , somehow the lawnmower blade came loose and ended up hitting the person using the lawnmower and cut him pretty bad and had to get some stitches. So the lawnmower repair guy got sued. At court the judge told the repairman that even though he fixed the mower for FREE he was still responsible for the workmanship of his work. so he had to pay $10,000 for doing a FREEBY JOB.
Huge respect from me for sharing your experiences. I've been lucky and my short list of customers have always been appreciative of my work and even offer extra money for extra services rendered. Thanks for sharing!
Great advice all around! I'm going to branch out and start my own handyman business soon and these lessons came at the right time. In a previous role I was a 9-5er for a professional services company. Every one of their project plans specified what was in scope and what wasn't, so the client knew exactly what they were paying for. They also understood that any additional work would have to be considered as a new project. I don't know how many times I was asked to do XYZ as well when the project quote, plan and budget was for ABC. Got to watch that "scope creep". My own quote sheets will include a statement that any additional works to the original quote must be treated as a separate project and costed accordingly.
I have listened to this video twice now and it reflected so well of what I have done and experienced before. Thanks to you, I focus on rental property owners and managers now. While I am generous in my personal life, I am not independent;y wealthy and do this job to sustain myself.
I'm glad to see that it lined up with your experience as well. As far as the charity thing, that's definitely the hardest lesson to learn. Good people want to help other people. But like you said, there's a difference between being generous in your personal life and the necessity too earn a living before you can do that.
@@bulletproofhandyman not as profitable as you might think. I follow a lot of builders and I can tell you they lose tons of money b/c they have to invest a lot up front and leverage yourself out in order to try to make 20-30K on a home after spending months working on it yourself. I even tried building several myself, but same results. Not enough juice for the squeeze for sure! Small jobs is where it is at!!
Whether you realize it or not, that first well off guy you helped, did help you grow your business. It helped you realize an important lesson that helped you run your business better.
also if an old couple needs or wants help installing a shed or whatever ... if one person cant do it finically or time wise ... maybe a group of neighbors can all chip in and help
If someone is feeling charitible, and asking you if you can do work for somebody in need, I'd ask a simple question. " Are you asking because you would like to hire me to do this work for the person in need?" Its easy to for them to be charitible if somebody else does the favor on their behalf. I have learned to give a response to many dilemmas like this. Two ways. " I love to help people in need, but you're putting me in a bad position." Or: (Laughing )" Oh, I can understand why you're asking me this, but no."
Hey man, I just want to say thank you for sharing everything so openly and your content ia a huge source of inspiration. Your channel is going to break 100k in no time, so happy I found you so early. Cheers and greetings from Finland!
Thanks you so much for this information. Am currently working for a construction company and am planning to begin my handyman business come June 2024. I have learnt much from your videos.
Great video. These lessons can be applied to any other kind of business. I just forwarded it to my girls, they are starting a bakery and literally every one of your lessons is relevant.
For extras they want for free. Just say, I'd be happy to do that if you want to schedule it for a future visit. However, I need to get to another appointment but lets schedule that for next week. It is a service call and a minmum of one hour, I should be able to knock that out for you pretty quick. Charge accordingly.
Bro, that was great information in regards to how to protect yourself and would look for when looking for new clients at the new business owner. I appreciate you!
Just found your channel loving the content. Definitely looking at switching from a really good job to running my own business. I have been running out for about 2 years now. Starting to get lots of work just by word of mouth
That's perfect! Any handyman who's doing a good job is probably going to find himself in the same position with more handyman work available and an hourly job looking less and less appealing.
Good to hear from you. Thanks for sticking it out for us but sadly I think some of these are inevitable because some of them are just plainly emotional and it does take the hard way to get past them. I seriously appreciate and love all the content you give out.
@@bulletproofhandymanalmost done with your vid and it's definitely one of your best ones. Seriously I cannot thank you enough for the experience and wisdom. I still cannot believe I'm no longer in wage slavery. Praise God for that and you as well. It was like entering a new world dealing with so called business men and the other cunts you had to step up to. I'm definitely bulletproof, God gives me the main armor but this gives me ballistic mask and ankle guards. Lol. New year man and I owe you one for sure. Definitely would fly to buy you and your family dinner or something. Stay strong brother.
❤❤ The other way of saying "You're doin' too much 😂😂❤❤ I found myself doing this when I went into pet care and housekeeping privately. I absolutely under valued myself, but formed good a friendship with a couple clients. Leaving the workforce in 2003, I have never been self employed, so your videos are an excellent reminder no matter what field you're in, keep yourself aware of your weaknesses and strengths and make better decisions that are in everyone's best interest. Thank you for your help!
I really love hearing from other home service providers. In the end there are good ways and bad ways to do this across the board. I'll have every home service provider welcome on my website for connecting leads for free.
I just discovered your channel. Your video content is excellent and very informative. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and experience sir.
Great content and it all makes perfect sense. I can easily see myself learning all those same lessons the hard way too. Hopefully some of it sticks in my mind and I can remember it when it's needed. Thank you for putting out great content.
🔥🔥🔥These life experiences and explanations are spot on 💯🔥🔥🔥thanks for your time on these matters. It’s true some people feel entitled to every “beck and call”
I hope you guys are listening to his reoccurring problem clients. They all had one thing in common…wealth. I’ve been in business 24 years and he is spot on! They will be the biggest headaches for your business, so charge accordingly and never trust anyone. My 1000-2000 square-foot home, average living within their means customers are the best I have.
I intend to. I don't do New Year's resolutions but I kind of decided that this year is going to be the year that I really double down on this channel and try to produce sincerely valuable content at a reasonably high quality.
Quoted on a heat pump change out at a “wealthy looking”couples house. He comes home, looks at the quote and says, “Boy that’s a lot of money.” Yeah, I thought to myself as I look around, “So is that $450,000 home, $90,000 RV, $40,000 ATV, $80,000 truck, $65,000 pool, $75,000 tractor, $25,000 vacation, etc. Americans, you are in for a big surprise. This is just the beginning. What did we expect after 417 years of greed, corruption, racism, sexism, no integrity, no accountability or no humanity?
Hi Ray, I was on another handyman page earlier and someone mentioned that there is a Handyman License in Arizona. I was shocked because it was the first I've heard of it. Then I did some research and found that there is such a thing. I've never heard you mention it. That doesn't mean that you haven't.
There are multiple specialty licenses in Arizona, the last time I looked none of them were specifically called a handyman license, but it may be that I just haven't seen that one since they made it. The closest one I found previously was called small residential repair and remodel license. I'll look into it again so I can do a video on it if there is one made just for handyman.
@@bulletproofhandyman no handyman license in Arizona but the guy was saying I can't do any electrical or plumbing or drywall repair, etc. So then I looked up the license types and there are a few one being the one you mentioned. I'm just trying to figure out what I can and can't do without a license. I don't want to end up at GITMO. Just trying to make a living.
In Arizona you can do any job that is under $1,000 and that doesn't require a permit. For example you can swap an outlet but you can't move an outlet to a new location. You can replace a dishwasher but you can't install a dishwasher where there wasn't one previously. That is according to the investigator that I spoke to when I needed clarification.
@@bulletproofhandyman that is what I've been going on so I'll stick with it. I'll ask the insurance man when I talk to him later and see what he says. I found out there's a painting contractor license too if the jobs are over $5000. Under $5000, no license needed. Between those two I can build a business. Thanks, Ray.
Yup, the blame game is a real thing at least in the construction world. I once had a neighboring tenant come over and start giving me crap about losing the power to data equipment while informing me that he's been there for a number of years and knows what's what with the building. After he finished his rant i informed him that i was working on lighting (277v) and his data equipment was 120v. "Not very likely sir thats 2 seperate systems". Then kept working on what i was working on as he stormed off. Haha. My guess was he was trying to get free work or he bit off more than he could chew and wanted to blame someone for his shortcomings. Haha. Thats just one example.
That would be nice but there is a labor difference resulting in a price difference that my clients definitely wouldn't pay. I roll the wall when necessary if a match won't blend well and invoice accordingly but if I rolled every wall in the home that had a blemish or a nail I'd be painting half the interior of not more completely and they would lose their mind. It's the difference between 2 hours of labor to touch up and 12+ hours of labor, meaning $200 vs $1200+. It would make more sense to just have their painter (who only charges $1 per square foot) to do a full interior paint job between every tenant.
@@bulletproofhandyman I was referring to a single patch and paint on a wall. Repaint entire house completely different. I have been running my Handyman business in Australia for the last 13 years. Still looking for advice.I have 6 to 8 or more employees. 6 is my favourite. 3 or 2 makes me more.
I know you know it takes 20 minutes to cut it and roll one wall on average. I am very pleased you share your videos. I learn with every share. Hey from Queensland Australia
Oh I see, we have some different nomenclature. Yes, if I'm doing one drywall patch I will typically paint that wall corner to corner unless there is paint on site that is a 💯 perfect match. Even then it's not too hard to just go ahead and paint corner to corner. If you hear me say "patch and paint" that's a term that's used here in Arizona for move outs to go throughout the home and remove all hardware from all walls, patch all holes left behind, and touch up paint over all of those patches as well as touch up paint over all scuffs, dings, chips, etc... Sorry for the confusion, and thanks for the comment!
@@BillyGray-m8g I don't get paid when I don't work. However there is no such thing as not having any work when you have a small handful of property managers.
Hi Ray ... nice job, very informative video! Have you ever considered scaling your business by hiring employees to build a multi-million dollar business? Even though you can make a very nice living as a handyman, there is a ceiling as to what you can make working 7 days a week as the primary handyman. Michael Rasa with Rasa Floors starting his flooring business in 1994 working primarily for property managers installing new flooring in multi-unit apartment buildings. Today his flooring company has several hundred employees operating in at least 5 states, including Phoenix, AZ. Again, his primary customers are property managers for rental apartment complexes which he depends on for repeat business. In his case, a "move out" would mean installing new flooring, including carpet, in an apartment that needs flooring replaced for the next tenant. I think the Rasa Floors business plan could work for the handyman business too, if one has the desire to think big and really grow the business ... just a thought. What are your thoughts about growing your handyman business? Best reagards, Bob Penzien
Howdy Bob! There may come a day when I have the drive to do that. I started growing my business twice in the last couple years and it took too much time away from my family, which I've already spent too much time away from over the last 3 years. I also don't want to be an employer, I'd rather empower others to be independently successful. Finally, I hate admin work and when I grew, I found my job becoming paper pushing without enough hands on. I do have plans to hire an office manager in the future. If and when that happens I would be more open to the idea of serious growth via subcontracting with my role being to do estimates, inspections, interviews, follow ups, and "putting out fires" when jobs go south. While I do wish I would have done all of this when I was single and younger, I'm obsessed with raising my family and I can't bear the thought of becoming a millionaire and then realizing that I missed my kids growing up. They are amazing and none of this matters without them. I have an 8 year old and two identical twins who are 2 years old. All boys, plus a grown son, and my number one priority is to make sure they grow up to be good men. If I can get my kids into adulthood as productive healthy and capable adults then I think I'll consider that a successful life. If I accidentally manage to generate significant wealth along the way I'll be proud, but it is second on the priority list. Thank you for the vote of confidence. Hopefully I'll find a way to make it happen without sacrificing my focus on my family.
I totally understand Ray ... we are both at a different stage of our lives now and we each have different priorities. Like you, I've been there and I have always put my family first. However, my 2 daughters are fully grown women now and they need less of my time than the time your two twins require of you. I appreciate what you do for a living is not that easy. I like that you are honest and ethical in your dealings with others. Unfortunately, a lot of contractors don't feel the same way you do and are out for a quick buck. I think you have what it takes to grow your business to any size you want when the time is right for you. I'm retired now but I miss the challenges of growing a business. I'll keep watching your videos because I learn a lot from your teachings. Best to you and your family, Bob
Thanks Bob! I do believe that once I have an office manager to remove the stress of assigning jobs, following up with subcontractors, invoicing, receiving payments, emails, etc... I'll be able to invest myself into growth. I also really appreciate the week thought out comments. By the way, I'm not religious but if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. One of my favorite quotes.
Most states dont allow you to hire employees as a handyman, also you are limted to 1k material + labor. Not like this kid cares about the law but it is what it is...
I'm not in most states, I'm in Arizona. I would also be highly surprised if you could list one state that doesn't allow handymen to hire employees. I follow the law to the last detail including the $1,000 limit. Also thank you for the additional engagement. The algorithm doesn't differentiate between trolls and positive comments so you are definitely my biggest fan as far as the algorithm is concerned. I love you 🥰
Can you line item each job at the same residence separately and still exceed the $1000? Logic being that each "job" was less than the $1000 each. Is that right?
No, they're pretty clear that you can't just break it up into multiple small jobs. That doesn't mean they can't send you a $600 job and then separately send another $600 job for the same address later on, but the intent can't be to skirt the law. They know all the trucks and if they're doing a sting, they'll use those tricks to get you to incriminate yourself.
just a thought: have you considered bundling all this theorem and experience in a book? I'd friggin buy it! I think if you ever sat down with a professional in writing/publishing we could get ourselves a really kick ass field manual. Some people might view such an undertaking as a cash grab but I think you really have a lot to say in a manner that would be of value on peoples shelves much like your own in the office, right where all the calls and estimates are made. Of course some of the strategy changes over time but there are major lines and values that stay the same and form the backbone of a succesful handyman/construction business. much of this applies to pretty much all tradespeople.
I have considered that. I've even written a forward for it. You'll be happy to know I am building a bulletproof handyman GPT. After training it on about 10% of my videos, it's pretty good. I think after I give it the other 90% you'll be able to ask it questions and it will likely answer just about how I would.
@@bulletproofhandyman wow that is really something! I had no idea it was that available but now that you mention it that makes total sense. Looking forward to it!
I don't know if there's a way to fight that or not, depending on what platform they leave the review on, but that's not something you can really do anything about. Some people will be crappy and that's just the way life is. I think if you focus on running a solid reputable business then those random bad reviews won't have much of an effect.
I noticed that with the volume too. I'm not sure what happened. I used the same setup. I'll be getting that figured out before the next video. Glad you like the video though!
I'm curious guys. Who ever is a handyman out there. I need advice here. Looking to start my own handyman business here in California. I have been researching high and low before I jump in. It is absolutely something I want to do. However, the 500 dollar cap has put a hold on things. I don't have a contractors license and I really can't wait 4 years. I am 53, however I in now way look or feel 53. Been told I look like I'm in my early 40s. The fact that I am 53 and want a career change very badly. Inflation put material cost way up and between labor and the 500 cap. how in the world can you survive if you don't have that license. The fact is I am 53 I really don't have 4 years to wait until I make good money. Or do you forget about the 500 cap and just go with it. Pulletproof. Do you have your contractors license? Or, are you in a city that has a higher cap. 1000.00 would be good. #1 video content btw. Watched a whole lot of them too.
One strategy is to just specialize in all of the small one-off jobs, which is partially what I do, although I also do some larger jobs. My cap here in Arizona is $1,000. I do not recommend ignoring the cap. If you are caught they will Levy a hefty fine and shut you down. California specifically has a habit of doing stings where they have fake clients that try to get you to give them estimates for work that you're not allowed to do. My best suggestion is to get out of California. They are not exactly small business friendly. If you do stay, I suggest just focusing on smaller one-off jobs. You can build a very profitable business out of that.
I have a strict no friends and family policy and I cast that out wide. If I had lunch in the same restaurant as you or visited your church in 1999 you’re a friend. lol. Makes saying no to these scenarios easy. That being said. This policy came about by making the same mistakes as you.
Learn the Meyers-Briggs personality type. Learn what yours is, learn to identify what your customers is…& then adapt & pivot. And you’re absolutely crazy to think that a full day pay should be $600.00
That's about $40 per hour after overhead. I also have $300 days, even less today. A little less than half of what's charged makes it all the way to the bank and running a business means you have as many hours of non-billable work off the job site as you do on it. $100 an hour is about the least you'll find a legit trades business operating at without eventually shutting down.
600 a day for someone worth their salt is actually half decent. guys who show up with their own vehicle, tools and inventory get about twice as much stuff done in a day in my experience. given his 100 an hour minimum it's actually on the low end. this is what you get when you specialize in setting them up and knocking them down all day long and then someone wants you for a full day. they can book you but they'll have to cover your standard rate and earnings doing your regular small sized jobs all day. if you show up and fix their stuff to a standard near or above their expectations they'll still be happy with you. maybe they're not happy with the price but there's no need for them to as long as they'll pay. those who wont are excluded by the price point on purpose. they make for extremely dreadful clients anyways cause there is no budget and unending desires and requests.
Up selling is not the most honorable thing but we encourage it to protect ourselves from customers who are probably PhD in deceive and will take a advantage. Since you have your ladder out can you help me reach this tree branch. I will be happy to do so, we charge $200 to trim tree....
@@bulletproofhandyman Can you help us promote Boots & Ladders on your channel? We are like you are and we build a direct marketplace to help handymen productize and sell their service direct to nearby customers. Omar Kharbat - Founder
After years as a maintenance supervisor, I can assure you to never trust a customer. They will take advantage at every instance they can. This is exactly the nickel and dime behavior I witnessed daily.
22:00 man, I hear ya you think that’s what they are asking you to do. And maybe some would ask that but most people aren’t asking that. You most likely wouldn’t even take face with them if they were h that shitty, You underestimate thier ignorance is all. and most of them would never ask that directly as you put it. I think you should Be careful how you tell other people to think.
I went back and watched the video. At the timestamp that you mentioned of 22 minutes, I mentioned that they had asked me to trust them and do work without written approval. That is definitely what they were asking me to do, without a doubt. I think it is good advice for me to tell other handymen not to invest their time and resources into a job that does not have written approval. However, if I've misunderstood your comment, please do clarify. I can only go off of the timestamp that you gave me and that's what I was speaking of at that particular timestamp. Of course they aren't literally asking me to risk my family for their convenience, but that is the correct way to think about it. If I don't get paid, my family suffers and the property managers are asking me to do exactly that when they ask me to do work without an approved estimate. May not know that's what they're asking, but that is exactly what they're asking.
pretty sure you want to submit Bids not Estimates ... and the client pays a non-refundable fee for a bid ... and you do not itemize anything (materials, hours) the bid ... and written right on the Bid it says if anything changes the price will change and charge them for even considering a Change Order. you might need to educate some clients ... that yes someone else might be able to do the work for less ... you have to ask yourself why ... lesser quality materials and / or lesser quality work ... which one or both of these things will lead to decreased user experience (quality of life for client), increased Maintenace, and increased cost for the client. there is nothing wrong with a quality Handy Man making $100 / hour or more in United States in 2024 ... obviously you do not want to work by the hour ... you want to get paid for a certain scope of work, task, or project. hopefully your business is doing well and you fixed all those inadvertent errors sir stay well brother.
My terminology is based on what my clients in my region use. They call them estimates, so I call them estimates. In the end it's a contract with a signature which is the important part for me. Also, I do itemize, for my own efficiency reasons, but I do not allow the client to dictate an itemization. Also, I agree, cheaper handyman or cheaper for a reason. My property managers get to learn this the hard way. I don't spend any time justifying my prices. They are aware and have been aware for a very long time that I'm expensive and you get what you pay for. Thanks for the input!
I'm going to have to listen to this episode like 3 or 4 times...add-ons are my kryptonite.
Of course use your own judgment, I have done and still do small favors for the right people when I'm in the right mood. I just no longer let them pressure me into it.
@bulletproofhandyman I know construction/renovation guys will have, hopefully, a procedure for change orders. Would you (or do you) have maybe a tiered system for small to moderate add ons before you have to discuss a full change order and scope of work?
Not for me I just say at the end of the add on, “I will get you a price in a couple of minutes.”
When they put up any resistance. I say, “If it costs me more, it costs you more.”
@@TheDesertRat31 It's not necessary with my clients. We have a long term relationship where we need each other. They just ask for the extra work and I do it and invoice appropriately.
This was a good one. Running a business can only be learned by running a business, but it sure is nice to learn from others to soften the blows.
I agree, the only way to really learn is to run the business and pay attention to everything and make adjustments as you go. If I had watched a bunch of TH-camrs telling me the same thing, I probably still would have needed to make the mistakes myself.
Thanks man, having kids makes it hard to find time for an hour video. Thank you for making it worth the investment of my time. Also thanks for not selling us anything. I appreciate your spirit, keep being you!
Thanks! I'm glad it was a good one!
Rule #1 if you touch it.. you own it/ are now responsible for it
Rule #2 Never say you’re gonna fix it in the moment, say that you can look at it, this will give you a non reacting moment/time for you actually decide if you want to get into it or not.
Rule#3 anytime you say yeah I can fix it should be followed immediately by a price range that it will cost to fix it. I found this is always the best point of the conversation to introduce the price/letting them know it will not be free
I agree
I’ve been learning these lessons. Learning to hold boundaries. Being friendly and kind has worked wonders for my business, but is also the fastest way to fail, for me. So I’m finding ways to be firm but not rude. Part of the long term plan to achieve this is to shift to PMs as per your suggestions.
Business to business does make it a bit easier.
My first electronics instructor told us.. "Always charge what your worth, or people will always think your worth less".
I agree with him
Great job explaining these !!. I been busy 25 yrs. I have seen many contractors give up because of these reason!! As for me I run my business strictly business..
They can really bring you down and your business if you don't get away from them.
And that why as a contractor you need to always be clear with the work and be firm. He is pointing out how we all go through when starting in this line of work.
These are some of the best videos I’ve found on handyman centric info. Thank you so much I’m learning a lot.
You're very welcome sir. I'm glad they're useful.
This video needs more than one like button.. So much truth.
Thank you
Good info man, been there. Almost feels like betrayal when you do the extra things then they critique and pressure to go extra steps to do it how they want. Worst is when they hold final payment hostage. Learned quickly how to manage customer expectations ahead of time so that scenario never happens again.
You have to learn quickly after it happens the first time.
Ive Been nailed by all.the things you mentioned. People pretending to be broke or asking for free extras.drive me nuts.
Apparently I need to find a property manager to partner with!
It has been working well for me!
we have all been there! In sales they say "buyers are liars" Sometimes rich customers are the worst, manipulative, ext
They definitely can be. Other times they're great. I think it all depends on how they got rich.
You’re a good soul man.. will be moving on to be a handyman etc within the next year, really liking your videos
That's awesome, good luck!
back in the 80's when I owned a lawnmower repair shop this one guy showed up and told me that he's a pastor of a nearby church , then he told me that he brought the church lawnmower that needed to be fix . I said ok , then he told me that since it's the church's lawnmower he suggested that I should fix it for FREE , my respose was " in God we trust all others pay cash " he got upset then left. at that moment another customer arrived and over heard the conversation , well this paying customer just laughed after this pastor left and told me how this pastor and his deacons get together after church and snort cocaine inside the church. Well , this other story happened to another lawnmower repair owner a few years before . he did a FREEBY , somehow the lawnmower blade came loose and ended up hitting the person using the lawnmower and cut him pretty bad and had to get some stitches. So the lawnmower repair guy got sued. At court the judge told the repairman that even though he fixed the mower for FREE he was still responsible for the workmanship of his work. so he had to pay $10,000 for doing a FREEBY JOB.
That's crazy!
@ 9:15 yeah its called wage slevery.
Huge respect from me for sharing your experiences. I've been lucky and my short list of customers have always been appreciative of my work and even offer extra money for extra services rendered. Thanks for sharing!
I find that the ones who are happy to pay for the extras are the ones who are well off financially, and who did not grow up with money.
I was 711. Thanks for the videos!
You're welcome!
Thank you for these videos! Much love brother
Thank you!
Great advice all around! I'm going to branch out and start my own handyman business soon and these lessons came at the right time. In a previous role I was a 9-5er for a professional services company. Every one of their project plans specified what was in scope and what wasn't, so the client knew exactly what they were paying for. They also understood that any additional work would have to be considered as a new project. I don't know how many times I was asked to do XYZ as well when the project quote, plan and budget was for ABC. Got to watch that "scope creep". My own quote sheets will include a statement that any additional works to the original quote must be treated as a separate project and costed accordingly.
That's great. Good luck!
I have listened to this video twice now and it reflected so well of what I have done and experienced before. Thanks to you, I focus on rental property owners and managers now. While I am generous in my personal life, I am not independent;y wealthy and do this job to sustain myself.
I'm glad to see that it lined up with your experience as well.
As far as the charity thing, that's definitely the hardest lesson to learn. Good people want to help other people. But like you said, there's a difference between being generous in your personal life and the necessity too earn a living before you can do that.
Flip houses brother. You only please you! Cool video man🤙😎
Some day brother.
@@bulletproofhandyman not as profitable as you might think. I follow a lot of builders and I can tell you they lose tons of money b/c they have to invest a lot up front and leverage yourself out in order to try to make 20-30K on a home after spending months working on it yourself. I even tried building several myself, but same results. Not enough juice for the squeeze for sure! Small jobs is where it is at!!
Whether you realize it or not, that first well off guy you helped, did help you grow your business. It helped you realize an important lesson that helped you run your business better.
True...
You had my full attention the whole video. This is the kind of content that helps me greatly. Thanks again.
Thanks for saying that. I'm glad it was a good one.
also if an old couple needs or wants help installing a shed or whatever ... if one person cant do it finically or time wise ... maybe a group of neighbors can all chip in and help
I agree
Thanks for all your time and sharing your knowledge. Very helpful.
You're welcome!
Yep, learned all these lessons the hard way before TH-cam was a thing!
Super valuable lessons for sure. I always learn the hard way, usually more than once.
My Dude...THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO. I went trough the same issues with my handyman business.
You're welcome sir.
If someone is feeling charitible, and asking you if you can do work for somebody in need, I'd ask a simple question. " Are you asking because you would like to hire me to do this work for the person in need?" Its easy to for them to be charitible if somebody else does the favor on their behalf.
I have learned to give a response to many dilemmas like this. Two ways.
" I love to help people in need, but you're putting me in a bad position."
Or: (Laughing )" Oh, I can understand why you're asking me this, but no."
💯
Hey man, I just want to say thank you for sharing everything so openly and your content ia a huge source of inspiration. Your channel is going to break 100k in no time, so happy I found you so early. Cheers and greetings from Finland!
Thank you so much!
I always say "Don't put all your eggs in one basket" i have done this too where i did 80% of my work for 1 general contractor.
Yep!
Bro, not even 5 minutes into the video and I'm already feeling your advice hit home and hit deep. Great stuff.
Yeah most of them were definitely hard earned lessons.
Thanks you so much for this information. Am currently working for a construction company and am planning to begin my handyman business come June 2024. I have learnt much from your videos.
That's awesome! Good luck!
Great video. These lessons can be applied to any other kind of business. I just forwarded it to my girls, they are starting a bakery and literally every one of your lessons is relevant.
Oh that's awesome!
For extras they want for free. Just say, I'd be happy to do that if you want to schedule it for a future visit. However, I need to get to another appointment but lets schedule that for next week. It is a service call and a minmum of one hour, I should be able to knock that out for you pretty quick. Charge accordingly.
I agree 100%
Bro, that was great information in regards to how to protect yourself and would look for when looking for new clients at the new business owner. I appreciate you!
I'm glad it was useful! Thanks!
Just found your channel loving the content. Definitely looking at switching from a really good job to running my own business. I have been running out for about 2 years now. Starting to get lots of work just by word of mouth
That's perfect! Any handyman who's doing a good job is probably going to find himself in the same position with more handyman work available and an hourly job looking less and less appealing.
Good to hear from you. Thanks for sticking it out for us but sadly I think some of these are inevitable because some of them are just plainly emotional and it does take the hard way to get past them. I seriously appreciate and love all the content you give out.
Thank you sir. I appreciate your valid feedback too. You're definitely not wrong.
@@bulletproofhandymanalmost done with your vid and it's definitely one of your best ones. Seriously I cannot thank you enough for the experience and wisdom. I still cannot believe I'm no longer in wage slavery. Praise God for that and you as well. It was like entering a new world dealing with so called business men and the other cunts you had to step up to. I'm definitely bulletproof, God gives me the main armor but this gives me ballistic mask and ankle guards. Lol. New year man and I owe you one for sure. Definitely would fly to buy you and your family dinner or something. Stay strong brother.
Dude I can't tell you how happy I am hearing that. Anytime willing to work for it deserves a good life. If you're ever in Tucson let me know.
❤❤ The other way of saying "You're doin' too much 😂😂❤❤ I found myself doing this when I went into pet care and housekeeping privately. I absolutely under valued myself, but formed good a friendship with a couple clients. Leaving the workforce in 2003, I have never been self employed, so your videos are an excellent reminder no matter what field you're in, keep yourself aware of your weaknesses and strengths and make better decisions that are in everyone's best interest.
Thank you for your help!
I really love hearing from other home service providers. In the end there are good ways and bad ways to do this across the board. I'll have every home service provider welcome on my website for connecting leads for free.
This talk is extremely important and if you don’t get it your business will fail, and yes I learned the hard way too.
Thanks
Buddy i have went through similar but i will never let anyone think they own thats what i think what most handymen are worried about
I just discovered your channel. Your video content is excellent and very informative. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and experience sir.
You're very welcome sir
Great content and it all makes perfect sense. I can easily see myself learning all those same lessons the hard way too. Hopefully some of it sticks in my mind and I can remember it when it's needed. Thank you for putting out great content.
Thanks, and you're welcome!
🔥🔥🔥These life experiences and explanations are spot on 💯🔥🔥🔥thanks for your time on these matters.
It’s true some people feel entitled to every “beck and call”
Thanks!
That guy totally screwed you when you talked to him about your pricing. Good for you for surviving and getting more work. Great video.
It was definitely a blessing in disguise. I'm glad you enjoyed the video sir.
Straight fire !🤙Been through almost all of these scenarios. Thanks again!
You're welcome! Thanks!
I hope you guys are listening to his reoccurring problem clients. They all had one thing in common…wealth. I’ve been in business 24 years and he is spot on! They will be the biggest headaches for your business, so charge accordingly and never trust anyone. My 1000-2000 square-foot home, average living within their means customers are the best I have.
Thanks!
Thank you for the video. I find a lot of value in your experience.
You're welcome!
Really helpful video! I enjoyed it! Thanks 🎉
You're welcome!
Please keep them coming.👏
I intend to. I don't do New Year's resolutions but I kind of decided that this year is going to be the year that I really double down on this channel and try to produce sincerely valuable content at a reasonably high quality.
@@bulletproofhandyman someone has to. I loved your analogy about the armer I can totally relate. Definitely hit but still in the fight.
Quoted on a heat pump change out at a “wealthy looking”couples house. He comes home, looks at the quote and says, “Boy that’s a lot of money.” Yeah, I thought to myself as I look around, “So is that $450,000 home, $90,000 RV, $40,000 ATV, $80,000 truck, $65,000 pool, $75,000 tractor, $25,000 vacation, etc. Americans, you are in for a big surprise. This is just the beginning. What did we expect after 417 years of greed, corruption, racism, sexism, no integrity, no accountability or no humanity?
Reset coming
I’m 100% friendly with everyone. You want more than that it’s an up charge 👍
Yep!
Hi Ray, I was on another handyman page earlier and someone mentioned that there is a Handyman License in Arizona. I was shocked because it was the first I've heard of it. Then I did some research and found that there is such a thing. I've never heard you mention it. That doesn't mean that you haven't.
There are multiple specialty licenses in Arizona, the last time I looked none of them were specifically called a handyman license, but it may be that I just haven't seen that one since they made it. The closest one I found previously was called small residential repair and remodel license. I'll look into it again so I can do a video on it if there is one made just for handyman.
@@bulletproofhandyman no handyman license in Arizona but the guy was saying I can't do any electrical or plumbing or drywall repair, etc. So then I looked up the license types and there are a few one being the one you mentioned. I'm just trying to figure out what I can and can't do without a license. I don't want to end up at GITMO. Just trying to make a living.
In Arizona you can do any job that is under $1,000 and that doesn't require a permit. For example you can swap an outlet but you can't move an outlet to a new location. You can replace a dishwasher but you can't install a dishwasher where there wasn't one previously. That is according to the investigator that I spoke to when I needed clarification.
@@bulletproofhandyman that is what I've been going on so I'll stick with it. I'll ask the insurance man when I talk to him later and see what he says. I found out there's a painting contractor license too if the jobs are over $5000. Under $5000, no license needed. Between those two I can build a business. Thanks, Ray.
Yup, the blame game is a real thing at least in the construction world. I once had a neighboring tenant come over and start giving me crap about losing the power to data equipment while informing me that he's been there for a number of years and knows what's what with the building. After he finished his rant i informed him that i was working on lighting (277v) and his data equipment was 120v. "Not very likely sir thats 2 seperate systems". Then kept working on what i was working on as he stormed off. Haha. My guess was he was trying to get free work or he bit off more than he could chew and wanted to blame someone for his shortcomings. Haha. Thats just one example.
Thats right!
Just curious but with the three way switch thing did you also have to break tabs on the switches and plugs too?
3-way switches don't require breaking any tabs. Thats just how you can make an outlet function as two separate outlets.
Patch and paint for my business always includes full wall repaint. Not matching makes my business look bad.
That would be nice but there is a labor difference resulting in a price difference that my clients definitely wouldn't pay. I roll the wall when necessary if a match won't blend well and invoice accordingly but if I rolled every wall in the home that had a blemish or a nail I'd be painting half the interior of not more completely and they would lose their mind. It's the difference between 2 hours of labor to touch up and 12+ hours of labor, meaning $200 vs $1200+. It would make more sense to just have their painter (who only charges $1 per square foot) to do a full interior paint job between every tenant.
@@bulletproofhandyman I was referring to a single patch and paint on a wall. Repaint entire house completely different. I have been running my Handyman business in Australia for the last 13 years. Still looking for advice.I have 6 to 8 or more employees. 6 is my favourite. 3 or 2 makes me more.
I know you know it takes 20 minutes to cut it and roll one wall on average. I am very pleased you share your videos. I learn with every share. Hey from Queensland Australia
Oh I see, we have some different nomenclature. Yes, if I'm doing one drywall patch I will typically paint that wall corner to corner unless there is paint on site that is a 💯 perfect match. Even then it's not too hard to just go ahead and paint corner to corner.
If you hear me say "patch and paint" that's a term that's used here in Arizona for move outs to go throughout the home and remove all hardware from all walls, patch all holes left behind, and touch up paint over all of those patches as well as touch up paint over all scuffs, dings, chips, etc...
Sorry for the confusion, and thanks for the comment!
great vid bud.
Thank you sir
When you say your day rate is $600 is that when you have a gig or what if you don’t have work that day ? Where do you get the $600 from?
@@BillyGray-m8g I don't get paid when I don't work. However there is no such thing as not having any work when you have a small handful of property managers.
Jeez my head is spinning just thinking of all the stories I got . I just had a blow out with one my main client s .
I should start a podcast just with handyman stories.
Did the "Friend" recommend you for other jobs?
I don't recall anymore. I found property management quickly and started telling everyone else that I only work for property managers.
Hi Ray ... nice job, very informative video! Have you ever considered scaling your business by hiring employees to build a multi-million dollar business? Even though you can make a very nice living as a handyman, there is a ceiling as to what you can make working 7 days a week as the primary handyman. Michael Rasa with Rasa Floors starting his flooring business in 1994 working primarily for property managers installing new flooring in multi-unit apartment buildings. Today his flooring company has several hundred employees operating in at least 5 states, including Phoenix, AZ. Again, his primary customers are property managers for rental apartment complexes which he depends on for repeat business. In his case, a "move out" would mean installing new flooring, including carpet, in an apartment that needs flooring replaced for the next tenant. I think the Rasa Floors business plan could work for the handyman business too, if one has the desire to think big and really grow the business ... just a thought. What are your thoughts about growing your handyman business? Best reagards, Bob Penzien
Howdy Bob!
There may come a day when I have the drive to do that. I started growing my business twice in the last couple years and it took too much time away from my family, which I've already spent too much time away from over the last 3 years. I also don't want to be an employer, I'd rather empower others to be independently successful. Finally, I hate admin work and when I grew, I found my job becoming paper pushing without enough hands on.
I do have plans to hire an office manager in the future. If and when that happens I would be more open to the idea of serious growth via subcontracting with my role being to do estimates, inspections, interviews, follow ups, and "putting out fires" when jobs go south.
While I do wish I would have done all of this when I was single and younger, I'm obsessed with raising my family and I can't bear the thought of becoming a millionaire and then realizing that I missed my kids growing up. They are amazing and none of this matters without them. I have an 8 year old and two identical twins who are 2 years old. All boys, plus a grown son, and my number one priority is to make sure they grow up to be good men. If I can get my kids into adulthood as productive healthy and capable adults then I think I'll consider that a successful life. If I accidentally manage to generate significant wealth along the way I'll be proud, but it is second on the priority list.
Thank you for the vote of confidence. Hopefully I'll find a way to make it happen without sacrificing my focus on my family.
I totally understand Ray ... we are both at a different stage of our lives now and we each have different priorities. Like you, I've been there and I have always put my family first. However, my 2 daughters are fully grown women now and they need less of my time than the time your two twins require of you. I appreciate what you do for a living is not that easy. I like that you are honest and ethical in your dealings with others. Unfortunately, a lot of contractors don't feel the same way you do and are out for a quick buck. I think you have what it takes to grow your business to any size you want when the time is right for you. I'm retired now but I miss the challenges of growing a business. I'll keep watching your videos because I learn a lot from your teachings. Best to you and your family, Bob
Thanks Bob!
I do believe that once I have an office manager to remove the stress of assigning jobs, following up with subcontractors, invoicing, receiving payments, emails, etc... I'll be able to invest myself into growth. I also really appreciate the week thought out comments.
By the way, I'm not religious but if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. One of my favorite quotes.
Most states dont allow you to hire employees as a handyman, also you are limted to 1k material + labor. Not like this kid cares about the law but it is what it is...
I'm not in most states, I'm in Arizona. I would also be highly surprised if you could list one state that doesn't allow handymen to hire employees. I follow the law to the last detail including the $1,000 limit.
Also thank you for the additional engagement. The algorithm doesn't differentiate between trolls and positive comments so you are definitely my biggest fan as far as the algorithm is concerned. I love you 🥰
The dumb stuff we do in the beginning is funny 😂
Right!
Can you line item each job at the same residence separately and still exceed the $1000? Logic being that each "job" was less than the $1000 each. Is that right?
No, they're pretty clear that you can't just break it up into multiple small jobs. That doesn't mean they can't send you a $600 job and then separately send another $600 job for the same address later on, but the intent can't be to skirt the law. They know all the trucks and if they're doing a sting, they'll use those tricks to get you to incriminate yourself.
just a thought: have you considered bundling all this theorem and experience in a book? I'd friggin buy it! I think if you ever sat down with a professional in writing/publishing we could get ourselves a really kick ass field manual. Some people might view such an undertaking as a cash grab but I think you really have a lot to say in a manner that would be of value on peoples shelves much like your own in the office, right where all the calls and estimates are made. Of course some of the strategy changes over time but there are major lines and values that stay the same and form the backbone of a succesful handyman/construction business. much of this applies to pretty much all tradespeople.
I have considered that. I've even written a forward for it. You'll be happy to know I am building a bulletproof handyman GPT. After training it on about 10% of my videos, it's pretty good. I think after I give it the other 90% you'll be able to ask it questions and it will likely answer just about how I would.
@@bulletproofhandyman wow that is really something! I had no idea it was that available but now that you mention it that makes total sense. Looking forward to it!
I would buy it MUCHAS GRACIAS for Share this valuable knowledge with the Start ups Hope you can go ways above in you Career Thanks for share this
Those "dummy" switches are pretty common, I don't know why that guy flipped off like that.
Me too
What do you do if potential customers retaliate with bad reviews because you didn’t want to work with them?
I don't know if there's a way to fight that or not, depending on what platform they leave the review on, but that's not something you can really do anything about. Some people will be crappy and that's just the way life is. I think if you focus on running a solid reputable business then those random bad reviews won't have much of an effect.
@@bulletproofhandyman I suppose that is true, you can't control that. Thank you for all the content, I have pages of notes. Very much appreciated.
You're welcome!
Awesome video, BTW, volume is a bit quieter on the video
I noticed that with the volume too. I'm not sure what happened. I used the same setup. I'll be getting that figured out before the next video. Glad you like the video though!
4:20 "If I can get a man to compromise on his morals once, I can get him to do it again."
I'm curious guys. Who ever is a handyman out there. I need advice here. Looking to start my own handyman business here in California. I have been researching high and low before I jump in. It is absolutely something I want to do. However, the 500 dollar cap has put a hold on things. I don't have a contractors license and I really can't wait 4 years. I am 53, however I in now way look or feel 53. Been told I look like I'm in my early 40s. The fact that I am 53 and want a career change very badly. Inflation put material cost way up and between labor and the 500 cap. how in the world can you survive if you don't have that license. The fact is I am 53 I really don't have 4 years to wait until I make good money. Or do you forget about the 500 cap and just go with it.
Pulletproof. Do you have your contractors license? Or, are you in a city that has a higher cap. 1000.00 would be good.
#1 video content btw. Watched a whole lot of them too.
One strategy is to just specialize in all of the small one-off jobs, which is partially what I do, although I also do some larger jobs. My cap here in Arizona is $1,000. I do not recommend ignoring the cap. If you are caught they will Levy a hefty fine and shut you down. California specifically has a habit of doing stings where they have fake clients that try to get you to give them estimates for work that you're not allowed to do.
My best suggestion is to get out of California. They are not exactly small business friendly. If you do stay, I suggest just focusing on smaller one-off jobs. You can build a very profitable business out of that.
I have a strict no friends and family policy and I cast that out wide. If I had lunch in the same restaurant as you or visited your church in 1999 you’re a friend.
lol. Makes saying no to these scenarios easy.
That being said. This policy came about by making the same mistakes as you.
Thanks !
Yes, once in a while, you gotta pay the stupid tax. Best you can do is learn and move on
Yep!
Learn the Meyers-Briggs personality type.
Learn what yours is, learn to identify what your customers is…& then adapt & pivot.
And you’re absolutely crazy to think that a full day pay should be $600.00
That's about $40 per hour after overhead. I also have $300 days, even less today. A little less than half of what's charged makes it all the way to the bank and running a business means you have as many hours of non-billable work off the job site as you do on it. $100 an hour is about the least you'll find a legit trades business operating at without eventually shutting down.
😂 how much do you think we "deserve"?
600 a day for someone worth their salt is actually half decent.
guys who show up with their own vehicle, tools and inventory get about twice as much stuff done in a day in my experience.
given his 100 an hour minimum it's actually on the low end. this is what you get when you specialize in setting them up and knocking them down all day long and then someone wants you for a full day. they can book you but they'll have to cover your standard rate and earnings doing your regular small sized jobs all day. if you show up and fix their stuff to a standard near or above their expectations they'll still be happy with you. maybe they're not happy with the price but there's no need for them to as long as they'll pay. those who wont are excluded by the price point on purpose. they make for extremely dreadful clients anyways cause there is no budget and unending desires and requests.
I like the way you lay that out
@Casmige where do you live? I would imagine 600 a day is about average where you want to be for most cities minus California type places.
Up selling is not the most honorable thing but we encourage it to protect ourselves from customers who are probably PhD in deceive and will take a advantage. Since you have your ladder out can you help me reach this tree branch. I will be happy to do so, we charge $200 to trim tree....
Yep!
@@bulletproofhandyman Can you help us promote Boots & Ladders on your channel? We are like you are and we build a direct marketplace to help handymen productize and sell their service direct to nearby customers. Omar Kharbat - Founder
How does your company monetize? Email me at bulletproofhandymanbusiness@gmail.com
@@bulletproofhandyman an email was sent on Apr 20, 2024
After years as a maintenance supervisor, I can assure you to never trust a customer. They will take advantage at every instance they can. This is exactly the nickel and dime behavior I witnessed daily.
Yep!
22:00 man, I hear ya you think that’s what they are asking you to do. And maybe some would ask that but most people aren’t asking that. You most likely wouldn’t even take face with them if they were h that shitty, You underestimate thier ignorance is all. and most of them would never ask that directly as you put it. I think you should Be careful how you tell other people to think.
I went back and watched the video. At the timestamp that you mentioned of 22 minutes, I mentioned that they had asked me to trust them and do work without written approval. That is definitely what they were asking me to do, without a doubt. I think it is good advice for me to tell other handymen not to invest their time and resources into a job that does not have written approval.
However, if I've misunderstood your comment, please do clarify. I can only go off of the timestamp that you gave me and that's what I was speaking of at that particular timestamp.
Of course they aren't literally asking me to risk my family for their convenience, but that is the correct way to think about it. If I don't get paid, my family suffers and the property managers are asking me to do exactly that when they ask me to do work without an approved estimate. May not know that's what they're asking, but that is exactly what they're asking.
You were definitely ghosted for a cheaper guy.
9/10 it’s their loss. Ya get what ya pay for.
Yep!
pretty sure you want to submit Bids not Estimates ... and the client pays a non-refundable fee for a bid ... and you do not itemize anything (materials, hours) the bid ... and written right on the Bid it says if anything changes the price will change and charge them for even considering a Change Order.
you might need to educate some clients ... that yes someone else might be able to do the work for less ... you have to ask yourself why ... lesser quality materials and / or lesser quality work ... which one or both of these things will lead to decreased user experience (quality of life for client), increased Maintenace, and increased cost for the client.
there is nothing wrong with a quality Handy Man making $100 / hour or more in United States in 2024 ... obviously you do not want to work by the hour ... you want to get paid for a certain scope of work, task, or project.
hopefully your business is doing well and you fixed all those inadvertent errors sir
stay well brother.
My terminology is based on what my clients in my region use. They call them estimates, so I call them estimates. In the end it's a contract with a signature which is the important part for me.
Also, I do itemize, for my own efficiency reasons, but I do not allow the client to dictate an itemization.
Also, I agree, cheaper handyman or cheaper for a reason. My property managers get to learn this the hard way. I don't spend any time justifying my prices. They are aware and have been aware for a very long time that I'm expensive and you get what you pay for.
Thanks for the input!
❤
Thanks!
Brother, this is some of the realest advice I ever fuckin heard. Gotta learn to say, no!
Yep!
The comment I hate the most is "it's just...".
Yep, everything is just...
+1 for the algorithm
You're the man
talk talkk the same ying over and over stick to yje point
Well you met a narcissist lol
Typical