As a handyman, you have a DIY mentality and are likely used to mastering new skills as needed - whether it's replicating existing textures when patching holes or selecting the perfect anchor for the surface at hand. When you're starting your own handyman business, you may figure that running a business is just another skill you'll be able to pick up. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Inefficiencies, disorganization, and burnout are all hidden costs that can creep in and hold your business back before it gets off the ground.
The good news? By using software intended to help solo operators and small trades businesses manage their daily workloads, you can avoid these pitfalls and set yourself up for long-term success. Let's break down the hidden costs you might not expect, and how the right software will help you sidestep them from day one.
Hidden Cost #1: Wasting Time on Manual Admin Tasks
When you’re starting out, you might think handling everything manually saves money. But if you’re bogged down with administrative tasks, it’s easy to miss opportunities to grow your business. Tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and keeping track of job details are essential, but they don’t directly generate revenue.
For example, if it takes you 20 minutes to write up an invoice and another 5 to email it to the client, and you do it 10 times a week, that's over 4 hours gone that could have been spent on billable work or finding new clients. The burden of administrative tasks like these add up quickly as your workload grows, leaving you stuck in a cycle of doing the bare minimum to keep your business running.
How handyman business software helps:
- Streamlined scheduling: With software like ServiceM8, you can schedule jobs on a digital calendar that syncs with your phone, with smart booking suggestions and allocation windows to make your life easier.
- Auto generate quotes and invoices with AI: Create and send professional quotes and invoices while you're onsite right from the app - no need to write them from scratch.
- Integrated client management: Store all client details in one place so you’re not scrambling to find their phone number or job history, and have all the info you need to get the job done, no matter where you are.
By using software for the admin heavy lifting, you’ll have more time to focus on building your business and delivering great service.
Hidden Cost #2: Lost Revenue from Disorganization
With the wide range of jobs and locations you may called to as a handyman, it can be more difficult to develop a solid routine. But without a strong system in place to stay organized, important details can be overlooked. Missed appointments, forgotten invoices, or misplaced materials can lead to lost revenue and frustrated clients.
For instance, forgetting to follow up on a quote can cost you a job, while misplacing an invoice might mean you never get paid for completed work.
How handyman business software helps:
- Job reminders: With ServiceM8, no matter where you are, you can view your schedule and job information, and automatic alerts remind you when to leave for your next booking.
- Checklists and tasks: By adding required tasks to the job card, including any needed forms or photos, you can ensure no requirement or material is overlooked.
- Payment Integration: When you can generate and present an invoice while you're still onsite (and then accept payments while you're still there!), it goes a long way towards eliminating unpaid invoices.
With everything organized and easily accessible from your mobile app, you'll avoid costly mistakes and keep your cash flow steady.
Hidden Cost #3: Underpricing Your Services
One of the biggest challenges for new handyman business owners is setting the right prices. If you’re not tracking your time, materials, and expenses accurately, you risk undercharging for your work.
For example, you might quote a job for $300, only to realize later that materials cost $200 and you spent five hours on labor—leaving you with a profit margin that won't sustain a business.
How handyman business software helps:
- Time tracking: Recording the hours you spend on each job will ensure you have billed your hours accurately. ServiceM8 gives you the option of checking in and out of each job, automatically adding your hours at your set rate to the invoice.
- Material logging: When you're onsite, you can add materials to your quote or invoice straight from the app, so you don't need to remember them after the fact.
- Data insights: By reviewing which types of jobs are the most profitable and which are the most costly, you can start to strategically go after the jobs that make the most sense for your business.
Using software to track your services and manage your pricing will ensure your business stays profitable and sustainable.
Hidden Cost #4: Burnout from Doing Everything Yourself
Launching a handyman business comes with a lot of new responsibilities - you're now a contractor and a business owner. But working long hours and trying to manage everything yourself can quickly lead to burnout.
For example, if you're spending your evenings sending quotes and trying to make sense of your schedule so you're ready for the next day, you'll leave yourself little time to rest or spend with family. Over time, the stress and exhaustion will start to affect your focus and energy levels on the job.
How handyman business software helps:
- Automate routine tasks: From sending follow-ups to allowing clients to find free times themselves to book your services online, ServiceM8 handles repetitive tasks so you don't have to.
- Focus on the work you love: By simplifying admin, you can spend more time on the jobs that excite you.
- Reclaim your time: Enjoy a better work-life balance by reducing after-hours admin tasks.
Starting with efficient systems in place helps you avoid burnout and stay passionate about your business.
Hidden Cost #5: Losing Clients Due to Poor Communication
Clients expect professionalism and clear communication, even if you're just starting out. Missed updates, slow responses, or confusion about job details can lead to unhappy customers and negative reviews - which will sink you before you've even gotten going!
How handyman business software helps:
- Automated updates: Clients receive appointment confirmations, reminders, and progress updates automatically. Setting up email and SMS templates for routine messages and enabling Track My Arrival texts will take you no time at all, but they delight your clients.
- Real-time changes: If a job is delayed, you can notify the client instantly through the app.
- Centralized job history: Access past job details and photos quickly to answer client questions and provide consistent service. ServiceM8 helps you make every client feel like a memorable VIP.
These features will help you build trust and loyalty with clients, ensuring repeat business and referrals.
Start Strong with ServiceM8
The best time to invest in handyman business software is right at the start. And if you're a solo operator completing 30 jobs or less per month, ServiceM8 job management software is completely free. This gives you access to essential tools like job scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication without adding to your startup costs.
Don’t let inefficiencies hold you back - instead, take advantage of an easy-to-use tool that can streamline your workflow, save time, and ensure you deliver topnotch service.
Start your handyman business the smart way by signing up with ServiceM8 today and focus on building the business you’ve always dreamed of.
