How to Start an Online Handyman Business?

Wondering how to kick-start an online handyman business?

Well, it's not rocket science; however, it requires an approach and perfect guidance to initiate and further lead. 

The growing trend where most people prefer booking quick repairs and services right from their smartphones can be a reason to convert your dream handyman app into reality. 

From setting up an online handyman platform to running your handyman business successfully, every step matters.

This guide is your complete roadmap to starting an online handyman marketplace, offering insights on the process of starting a handyman business, key features, costs, and smart ways to establish a successful handyman business. 

Let’s dive in!

What is an Online Handyman Business?

As the demand for handyman businesses grows, launching a handyman platform can be a smart move toward building a successful brand.

Instead of searching for a handyman through word-of-mouth or ads, users can simply access the platform, book a service, and get quick help at their doorstep. For business owners, starting a handyman business means building a trusted online marketplace where customers and service providers meet easily. 

It’s like bringing a full team of handymen into everyone's pocket, making home repairs faster, simpler, and more convenient. As the demand for handyman businesses grows, launching a handyman platform can be a smart move toward building a successful brand.

Market Overview: Growth Trends and Key Statistics

The handyman industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for convenient, on-demand services.

Here are five key statistics highlighting this trend:

1. Handyman Software Market Growth

The global handyman software market was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period. (Verified Market Research) 

2. On-Demand Handyman Market Expansion

 In 2024, the on-demand handyman app market size is estimated at USD 1.5 billion and is expected to reach USD 5.2 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 15.2% from 2026 to 2033. (Verified Market Research)

3. Handyman Services Market Forecast

The handyman services market was valued at USD 1.65 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period. (Verified Market Research)

These data highlight the enormous growth and potential of the handyman and home services app market, making it a suitable time to invest in and develop a handyman app.

Why Invest in a Handyman Business?

Starting a handyman business offers tremendous growth potential, both for entrepreneurs and the market itself. With the rise of on-demand services, investing in a handyman business can be a game-changer for anyone looking to tap into this sector.

Here’s why launching a handyman business is a smart move:

1] Increasing Demand for Handyman Businesses

People are constantly looking for reliable solutions for home repairs and maintenance. With busy lifestyles, many prefer booking handyman services online. By starting a handyman business, you can meet this growing demand for convenient services.

2] Low Initial Investment

Compared to other industries, starting a handyman business is affordable. You don’t need to invest in heavy equipment or hire a full-time workforce. A digital platform can be built with a moderate investment, and you can scale it as your business grows.

3] Scalable Business Model

A handyman business is highly scalable. You can offer various services like plumbing, electrical work, and furniture assembly. As the business grows, you can expand to other regions, increasing your profitability.

4] Enhanced Convenience for Customers

With a handyman app or website, you offer customers the convenience of scheduling services at their preferred times. Features like instant booking, real-time tracking, and secure payments improve user experience, which attracts more customers and increases revenue.

5] Revenue-Generating Opportunities

A handyman platform can be monetized in several ways, such as charging commissions on completed jobs, offering subscription plans for discounts, or running in-app ads. This flexibility ensures consistent revenue generation as your customer base grows.

6] Easy Access to Skilled Professionals

Your handyman platform connects customers with qualified, professional tradespeople. As the platform grows, you can create a trusted network of handymen, improving reliability and customer satisfactio. Hire dedicated developers and convert your dream app into a success.

7] Streamlined Business Operations

If you start a handyman business, this will make managing bookings, payments, and service requests easier. Automation handles scheduling, invoicing, and feedback, reducing manual work and allowing you to focus on growth.

Now that you know why the handyman industry is worth investing in, let’s walk you through the complete step-by-step process to launch your handyman business successfully.

How to Start a Handyman Business?

Starting a handyman business can be a rewarding venture, especially with the growing demand for on-demand services. 

By leveraging technology, you can establish a business that connects customers with skilled professionals for home repairs and maintenance. If you're wondering how to start an online handyman business from scratch, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. 

Let’s dive into the key steps to set up and launch your handyman business.

Step 1: Identify Your Niche and Target Audience

Before you start your handyman business, it's essential to understand the niche you're entering and the specific audience you're targeting.

The handyman industry is vast, so pinpointing your niche will help you stand out. 

Some common handyman services include:

• • Plumbing
  • Electrical work
  • Furniture assembly
  • General repairs
  • Cleaning

Decide whether you want to cover a broad range of services or focus on a particular specialization. Understanding the target audience will guide you in designing a user-friendly and efficient handyman platform.

Step 2: Conduct Market Research

Market research is a vital step in the roadmap to launching a handyman business. Analyze competitors and existing handyman apps in your area. This will give you a clear understanding of what works and what doesn’t, enabling you to improve on existing features and offer something unique to your users.

• • Look at local and global trends.
  • Examine how competitors run their business.
  • Identify pain points that customers face with current apps.
  • Understand the pricing strategies of successful handyman services.

With this data, you’ll be in a better position to establish a successful handyman business.

Step 3: Choose the Right Business Model

There are several ways you can monetize your handyman business. These models include:

• • Commission-based model: Charge a commission from handymen for every job completed through your app.
  • Subscription-based model: Offer subscription plans for customers and handymen, providing them with benefits such as priority service or discounted rates.
  • Freemium model: Offer basic services for free and charge for premium features like instant booking or in-app consultation.

Choosing the right business model will help you launch your handyman business on a strong foundation and ensure a steady revenue stream.

Step 4: Hire or Partner with Skilled Handyman

One of the most important aspects of this business is having a reliable and skilled team of handymen. You must ensure the professionals on your platform are trustworthy, skilled, and insured. Consider the following:

• • Background checks: Ensure all handymen undergo background checks and are properly vetted.
  • Skill assessment: Conduct skills assessments to ensure that the professionals meet industry standards.
  • Customer reviews: Allow customers to rate and review handymen, ensuring you build a reputation for quality work.

By having qualified handymen via a platform, you will be able to build a mobile app and create a trustworthy platform that attracts customers.

Step 5: Create a handyman platform

It's an important step, where you need to select the platform for entering the handyman market. Here, you need to decide whether it will be through the app or via a website. Whatever you select is important to consider thoroughly. 

Whether you plan to create your handyman business by developing your own app or partner with the best mobile app development company, there are a few handyman app features to consider:

• • User-friendly interface: Make sure your app is easy to navigate for both customers and handymen.
  • Booking system: The ability to book services, choose preferred times, and select from different handyman services is crucial.
    Payment integration: Secure and seamless payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, or mobile wallets, are important.
  • Ratings and reviews: Incorporate a review system for customers to rate the services of handymen.
  • GPS tracking: Real-time tracking helps customers locate their handyman and improves the overall customer experience.

Additionally, for a website, you should hire dedicated developers who can help you select the targeted features to add to the site. It's important to focus on creating a seamless and secure user experience. 

Step 6: Launch and Market Your Handyman Business

Now that your handyman business is ready, it’s time to launch your handyman business on the App Store or Play Store and attract your first customers. Here are some marketing strategies to consider:

• • Social media advertising: Promote your app or web on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach your target audience.
  • Influencer partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers or bloggers to spread the word about your new app.
  • SEO and content marketing: Optimize your website and app store listings with the right keywords like "handyman app business" and "Online handyman business from scratch" to rank higher in search results.

You can also offer promotions and discounts to attract initial users and encourage repeat business.

Step 7: Optimize and Expand Your Handyman Business

Once you have launched your business and gained some customers, it’s important to continuously optimize your services. Here’s what you can do:

• • Monitor user feedback: Continuously listen to your customers' reviews and use this feedback to improve the platform experience.
  • Add new features: Implement new features like emergency services or 24/7 availability to attract more customers.
  • Expand to new locations: As your business grows, consider expanding to other regions or countries.

By optimizing your online handyman business and keeping it fresh with new features, you can continue to operate and expand a successful handyman business.

Step 8: Implement Customer Support and Satisfaction Practices

Customer satisfaction is the backbone of any successful handyman business. To ensure long-term success, provide excellent customer support by:

• • Offering multiple contact channels (chat, email, phone).
  • Responding promptly to customer inquiries.
  • Ensuring that the issue is resolved in a timely manner.

Happy customers are more likely to recommend your app or website and become repeat clients, which is essential for establishing a successful handyman business.

Step 9: Monitor and Evaluate Performance

To continuously grow your online handyman platform, you must evaluate the performance of your platform regularly. This includes:

• • Analyzing user data and engagement metrics.
  • Assessing which services are most popular.
  • Identifying areas where the app or site can be improved.

Use this information to start an online handyman business and stay ahead of competitors.

As you move forward with building your platform, it’s important to know the handyman app trends and essential features that can make your app stand out and become a true market leader.

Leading Handyman Businesses, You Can Take Inspiration From

While starting the journey of an online handyman business, it's helpful to learn from the leaders in the industry.

Here are a few successful handyman businesses that have made their mark and can provide you with valuable insights as you set up your handyman business.

1. Handy

Handy is one of the most popular names among handyman businesses. It offers a wide range of services, from plumbing to electrical work.

Handy’s strength lies in its easy-to-use interface, transparent pricing, and convenient booking process. The app allows users to quickly schedule appointments and offers reliable payment processing. 

If you’re curious about the cost to develop an app like Handy, it generally depends on the features you want to include, but it serves as a strong benchmark for building a reliable handyman app for the business.

2. Thumbtack

Thumbtack is another successful platform that connects people with local professionals for various home services. 

Users can search for handymen based on their location and specific needs. One standout feature is the ability to review profiles, compare quotes, and read ratings before hiring. 

If you aim to create a similar platform, understanding the cost to develop an app like Thumbtack will help you plan your budget wisely and build trust effectively in your home service-related business.

3. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit focuses on connecting customers with skilled professionals for everyday tasks like furniture assembly, moving, and repairs. 

The app’s simplicity and speed make it a favorite among users looking for quick services. Adding real-time service tracking and instant booking, like TaskRabbit, can set your app apart. 

If you're wondering about the cost to develop an app like TaskRabbit, it typically varies based on advanced features and integrations, but it’s a great model if you want to offer seamless customer experiences.

4. UrbanClap (Now Urban Company)

UrbanClap, now known as Urban Company, is a leading app in India connecting users with trusted professionals across various services, including handyman jobs. 

Their focus on service quality, background-checked professionals, easy payment options, and customer satisfaction has made them a market leader. 

If you're planning a similar platform, factoring in the cost to develop an app like UrbanCompany is crucial for creating a competitive and quality-focused online handyman platform.

5. Bark

Bark is an app that connects users with local professionals in various fields, including handyman services. 

What makes Bark unique is its ability to send personalized service requests to handymen in the area, allowing customers to compare quotes before making a decision.

It’s a great example of how to operate a successful handyman business by allowing customers to control the process while providing transparent service options.

After getting inspired by these top platforms, you might be wondering, what would it cost to start your handyman business? Let’s break it down.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Handyman Business? 

The cost to start an online handyman business can vary from $25,000 to $100,000 or more. 

Well, when it comes to the cost to build a handyman app, here are different factors to consider, such as app complexity, platforms, features, and platforms (iOS/Android).

Simple apps with basic features like service listings, booking, and payment systems fall on the lower end, while more advanced apps with real-time tracking, multiple service categories, and advanced security features will cost more.

However, if you build a site for a handyman business, the cost can vary based on factors such as design complexity, required features, and whether professional development is involved. 

To initiate a handyman business also requires expenses like hiring a development team, testing, maintenance, and marketing.

By understanding the costs upfront, you can better manage your finances and set realistic expectations for your handyman app for the business.

Now that you have a better idea about the mobile app development costs, let’s explore how you can turn your handyman business into a steady source of revenue.

How to Monetize a Handyman Business?

Monetizing your handyman business effectively is crucial to ensure a steady stream of income.

Here are some of the best monetization strategies for your handyman business.

• • Commission on Jobs: Charge a commission on each completed job between the handyman and the customer. This is one of the most common ways to monetize a handyman-related business. A fixed percentage of each job ensures consistent revenue.
  • Subscription Model: Offer service providers (handymen) a subscription for premium features such as increased visibility, additional marketing, or access to exclusive jobs. This works well in creating a recurring revenue stream for your handyman app for the business.
  • In-App Advertising: Display ads within the app. Partnering with businesses in related industries (e.g., tools, equipment, or home improvement products) can provide additional revenue without interrupting the user experience.
  • Service Packages or Upsells: Create bundles or packages for common handyman tasks (e.g., electrical work, plumbing) at discounted rates. This can encourage users to book more services through your handyman business from scratch.
  • Freemium Model: Offer basic services for free and charge for premium features such as enhanced search options, faster bookings, or real-time tracking. This can help attract users and later convert them into paying customers.

By implementing one or more of these business models, you can ensure that your process of starting a handyman business stays profitable and sustainable in the long run.

Start Your Handyman Business with JPLoft

When it comes to starting a handyman business, partnering with an experienced handyman app development company can make all the difference.

JPLoft specializes in custom app development, and our team is well-equipped to turn your handyman business vision into reality. With our expertise in handyman business solutions, we offer end-to-end services, from ideation and design to development and maintenance.

We understand the complexities of building a successful online handyman platform and can help you navigate the process of initiating a handyman business. Whether you're looking to create a user-friendly interface, integrate advanced features, or implement secure payment systems, JPLoft provides tailored solutions that meet your specific needs.

Partnering with us ensures that you have a reliable, efficient, and scalable app that will stand out in the competitive handyman business market. Let's work together to bring your idea to life!

Conclusion

To start a handyman app business can be a rewarding venture with the right planning, strategy, and technology. 

From identifying market opportunities to selecting the best features for your app, every step plays a crucial role in establishing a successful handyman business. By leveraging the power of an online handyman platform, you can offer valuable services to users while generating steady revenue streams. 

Remember, to start an online handyman business involves careful planning, choosing the right development partner, and executing your ideas effectively.