Homes need repairs year-round. However, it’s an unfortunate fact that handyperson businesses face feast-or-famine-like seasonal workloads. While it’s always better to face a feast than fall to famine, that steadily-ringing phone can stretch a small business owner to their breaking point, as multi-project balancing acts and longer workdays take their toll and management needs fall out of focus.
In this guide, I’ll offer actionable handyperson tips and first-hand insights for businesses navigating busy periods. You’ll learn more about efficiency, productivity, and risk protection, informing strategies to ensure your business can make it through any season.
Challenges of Peak Seasons
- Overwhelming workload: It’s not easy to balance multiple projects as a one-person outfit or small team. When the demand is high, it’s easy to overpromise and overcommit, and that usually just leads to unhappy clients.
- Equipment wear and tear: Here’s a handyperson fact: you can only open a toolbox so many times before the hinges wear out. The same goes for the rest of your tools, equipment, and vehicle. Constant use can lead to breakdowns and cause delays.
- Unexpected risks: Busy periods are full of distractions, potentially leading to accidents, property damage, or customer disputes.
While it’s hard to complain about being busy, too much work brings its own distinct stress and strain. So what’s the solution?
Handyperson Tips for Peak Seasons
These actionable handyperson tips will help keep you on top of your game this busy season.
1. Scheduling and time management. Be realistic about your schedule. Putting jobs on the calendar feels great, but if you’re not able to deliver because you’re overbooked, you’ll never see that money anyway. Give yourself enough time to complete projects, handle unexpected issues, and take care of your tools and equipment. Opt for scheduling software to track projects, a tremendous efficiency boost.
2. Tool maintenance. Monitor the condition of your tools and equipment. It’s best to replace worn-out items before your busy season starts rather than navigating delays during peak times. Investing in maintenance during slow season will pay dividends when the season kicks off.
3. Client relationships. Practice building mutually beneficial relationships. Be honest about timelines and pricing to avoid misunderstandings. Managing customer expectations with good communication will encourage trust and repeat business.
In my experience, not every good lead translates into a good customer, and one good customer can benefit your business more than four pains in the neck.
4. Assess risks. We can’t predict the future, but we know that something risky will threaten our best-laid plans, whether a delay, a tool failure, or an auto accident. Consider those risks, prioritize them, and come up with a contingency plan. In many cases, this plan should include reliable handyman insurance coverage.
The Role of Insurance in Survival
You and your handyperson business deserve protection from the right insurance policy. The standard risks intensify during busy seasons, when you’re most likely to suffer an accident or other issues. Consider these insurance products:
General liability insurance.
Accidents happen, even to the most cautious and organized business owners. Tools can fall and damage property. Someone could trip over an air hose and get hurt. A general liability insurance policy will protect your business against claims of property damage or personal injury. When you’re running on all cylinders, this policy can be a business-saver.
Equipment coverage.
You’re not much good on the job without your tools and equipment. Equipment coverage from an inland marine insurance policy will protect your most valuable gear against theft or damage, permitting you to replace these money-makers without the financial stress.
Business interruption insurance.
Months of scheduled work on the calendar felt like security to me. However, I knew that, at the first significant delay, this house of cards could fall apart. Business interruption insurance can protect against these situations, helping handyperson businesses compensate for loss of income when they’re unable to operate optimally.
Thrive During Your Busiest Seasons
Peak seasons, though a blessing, can feel like a curse. The tips shared here will help you tackle the challenges that come with your unique workflow, from the rush to the slowdowns. With smart planning and the right insurance, you’ll survive and thrive through the busy times, laying down a foundation for future growth and resiliency.