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Have hammer will travel

10/10/15       
Joel

So, I am as usual hurting for work. Since I sold my shop I stick to residential remodeling and site built stuff as it comes along. I didn't work for two months as I was in school for machining and now I'm down to my last $100 and am gonna have to get creative. I was thinking of walking nicer neighborhoods and putting a simple flyer and my card on storm doors. Anybody try that? I have put out cards at like 20 real estate agents but only one job so far. CGLST ad several times but nothing substantial this time (Probably because I won't work for $25/hour). So, what would you do? It has to be cheap and quick. Thanks a lot...Joel

10/10/15       #2: Have hammer will travel ...
MarkB Member

Are you overpricing yourslef for your market? No idea the location but around here your never going to get hourly work from anyone for 25. You can easily make double that if your a good salesman, personable, and price by the job. Im in a rural area but if anyone heard the hourly rates needed to stay in business they'd clam up tight (even the ones pulling down 6 figure salaries).

There is a wealthy business owner in my area buying up land by the boat load (hundreds of acre tracts in the half a million and up range). Has a full time crew of farm hands that do anything and everything. A friend who is a certified diesel mechanic works for him on the side and he is pressuring him to come on full time but won't pay even 20 an hour. (Likely why he's wealthy).

I have always had very good relationships with my suppliers and local lumberyards. I've never had to but I'd be sure they'd send me work if I ever asked.

If your down to what you say you are, drawing lines in the sand isnt really an option.

I wouldn't go cold calling if I were that tight. I'd contact any and all of my suppliers and let them in on your predicament and they may either turn you on to some work or put you in touch with a builder who's looking for help or is willing to sub some stuff out go you.

10/10/15       #3: Have hammer will travel ...
Joel

Suppliers. Thanks Mark. Hadn't thought of that. About 20 minutes after I posted the phone rang for a $2000 trim paint job. Sold it this afternoon. Not gonna get rich but at least the pressures off. I still struggle to stay busy with quality work. I can get work of CGSLT most of the time but your in the $25 or less range as I have to pay a helper. I don't like being that P'up guy most of you hate. Maybe once I get insured with my ducks in a row again there will be more profitable work to pursue. Cheers!

10/10/15       #4: Have hammer will travel ...
MarkB Member

Good you got a little gulp of air. Without going in the hole make sure you over deliver and don't hesitate to nudge them to spread the word when your done. Often times you get the ball rolling in a single neighborhood and shortly thatll be the only place you drive.

10/10/15       #5: Have hammer will travel ...
cabinetmaker

Open an account on Houzz under handyman. Take before & after pictures of your great paint job.

If your customers give you a glowing review other customers will follow.

10/11/15       #6: Have hammer will travel ...
james mcgrew

"Do the Good work and the Kings will find you"

11/16/15       #7: Have hammer will travel ...
Jim Conklin

Here are a couple of ideas from our experience.

We did the doormat flyer thing years ago and got a fair response (refinishing and upholstery).

55+ developments are a referral haven. Do well by one and then you'll be going back and back for others. We deliver an upholstery job and they ask if we know someone to fix a sagging cabinet door or put up shelves in the garage or help move their furnishings around. Two of my guys take some of these as side jobs on weekends. The handyman thing in these areas could be full time if nurtured.

Other shops. Small jobs they don't want. Or have too much overhead to land. See if they will refer you. A good referral (you) is a feather in their cap and an easy get-away from a dead "No, we can't handle that."


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