Why Handyperson Side Hustles Are Usually Successful
February 24, 2025
Around 50% of people in the UK want to start a side hustle. We can see why; there’s better financial freedom, the chance to be your own boss, and you could one day grow your side hustle into a full time business.
Some day, your side hustle may become the only work you have to do. That guarantees flexibility, and with the work/life balance on everyone’s mind, that’s a dream scenario to end up in.
And with the gig economy on an upward trend, and plenty of those in the job market working more than one role at a time, it’s clear the side hustle grind is here to stay. So, if you’re interested in getting a side hustle of your own, we’ve got one for you to think about: becoming a handyperson within your local community.
After all, handyperson businesses tend to be quite successful, no matter the current state of the economy. If you’ve ever wondered why that is, these reasons are the ones to know about.
Key Takeaways on Handyperson Side Hustles
- Side hustles offer financial freedom: Many people in the UK are exploring side businesses for extra income and flexibility.
- Handyperson services are always in demand: Regardless of economic conditions, people will always need repairs, maintenance, and DIY assistance.
- Convenience is key for customers: Many individuals lack the time or skills for DIY projects, making professional handypeople a valuable resource.
- Startup costs are minimal: Most handypeople already own essential tools, and new equipment can be purchased as needed.
- Low overhead means higher profit margins: Fixed expenses remain low, allowing more income to be retained from each job.
- Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful: Satisfied customers are likely to recommend your services, helping to grow your client base naturally.
- Online presence is essential: A website, social media, and platforms like Checkatrade can help you attract more clients and establish credibility.
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START NOWWhen it Comes to Manual Labor, People Prefer Convenience
In the DIY world, most people don’t like to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in themselves. Yes, they could save money by doing so, but you also have to account for time needed and whether they have the skills required. And for most people, neither of these boxes can be ticked off. Much easier to just pay someone who knows what they’re doing!
And if you’re in the area advertising handyperson services, you’ll be one of the first people they’ll call on. Make sure you have a website that’s targeting local SEO terms, and if you can, get your name physically out on the street too.
Some people do this by applying a business sticker to their vehicle, while others set up a banner outside their house, and you can also drop flyers through letterboxes too.
Tools Tend to Last a While
This eliminates the need to regularly replace the contents of your tool box. Plus, most handypeople already have a tool box that was bought a long time ago, so most of the tools they could require are already in their business inventory.
Then, when the time comes to upgrade the tools at your disposal, you can just purchase the equipment as it is required. If a client asks you to come round and repaint the house, only then will you need to consider the benefits of a paint sprayer. If a client asks if you can unlock their toilet, you’ll only then need to invest in something like a plumber’s snake.
Both of these factors put together means far less overhead costs in the long term. Fixed expenses are low, leaving more money for those variable purchases that can be both big and small. And those won’t often need to be worked into the budget either.
Recommendations are Easy to Gather
Do a good job on putting up shelves? Your name will be passed around to anyone the client knows who also needs some furniture putting together. Do some excellent work on the rose bushes? You’ll start getting calls from various people looking for an experienced gardener at short notice.
Really, a handyperson gets more word of mouth marketing than any other tradesperson. If you’ve got a wide range of skills, you can apply them to various different clients in the first place. If those clients then tell their friends and family about what you can do, you could end up with three times the amount of work.
Word tends to travel fast in small circles, and even when you hit a slow period in the year, you’ll have more than enough retainer clients in your phonebook to keep the momentum going.
Could You Start a Handyperson Side Hustle?
If you’ve got the DIY skills required, and you don’t mind working in other people’s homes and gardens, this is the kind of side hustle for you. Make sure you give some thought to the insurance you may need to operate safely, but otherwise, feel free to start advertising your services.
You can do this via social media, or a platform like Checkatrade, and never forget to set up a website of your own either. People need to see who you are, where you’re based, and the kind of work you’ve done before. Make it easy for them to find you, and once they have, pass on your contact details to other future clients.
