Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Island homeowners can't easily get mainland contractors—you're the local option
• •Vacation homes need someone to call for unexpected repairs
• •Property managers need reliable handyman for tenant requests
• •Limited competition means less price pressure if you're reliable
• •Word-of-mouth on islands spreads faster than anywhere—reputation is everything

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Identify your strongest skills and start there

   • •You'll work faster and better in areas you already know
   • •Confidence in your skills shows to clients
   • •Expand to new areas as you learn, rather than starting with gaps
2. 2
   Get proper insurance for liability protection

   • •One accident without insurance can bankrupt you
   • •Many clients and property managers require proof of insurance
   • •Insurance shows professionalism and builds trust
3. 3
   Build a well-stocked tool kit and work vehicle

   • •Having the right tool saves trips and makes you look professional
   • •Every trip home for a tool is unpaid time
   • •Organized vehicle means efficient work
4. 4
   Develop clear pricing for common jobs

   • •Clients want to know costs upfront—surprises destroy trust
   • •Consistent pricing helps you quote accurately and quickly
   • •Know your hourly rate and how long tasks actually take

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Buy tools as you need them rather than everything upfront
• •Shop estate sales and pawn shops for quality used tools
• •Keep small inventory of common supplies to avoid store trips
• •Learn basic skills through YouTube rather than expensive training
• •Partner with specialists for work outside your skills rather than turning it away

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Collect payment on completion—avoid extending credit
• •Small jobs provide quick cash; larger projects may require deposits
• •Materials can require upfront cash—get deposits for material-heavy jobs
• •Steady repeat clients provide more consistent income than new client hunt

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Know your limits—refer work you can't do safely or well
• •Get written agreements for jobs over a certain dollar amount
• •Document existing conditions with photos before starting work
• •Never promise completion times you can't guarantee
• •Build relationships with licensed contractors for work requiring permits
• •Stay within handyman scope—avoid work requiring contractor licensing

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Island homeowners can't easily get mainland contractors—you're the local option
• •Vacation homes need someone to call for unexpected repairs
• •Property managers need reliable handyman for tenant requests
• •Limited competition means less price pressure if you're reliable
• •Word-of-mouth on islands spreads faster than anywhere—reputation is everything

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Identify your strongest skills and start there

   • •You'll work faster and better in areas you already know
   • •Confidence in your skills shows to clients
   • •Expand to new areas as you learn, rather than starting with gaps
2. 2
   Get proper insurance for liability protection

   • •One accident without insurance can bankrupt you
   • •Many clients and property managers require proof of insurance
   • •Insurance shows professionalism and builds trust
3. 3
   Build a well-stocked tool kit and work vehicle

   • •Having the right tool saves trips and makes you look professional
   • •Every trip home for a tool is unpaid time
   • •Organized vehicle means efficient work
4. 4
   Develop clear pricing for common jobs

   • •Clients want to know costs upfront—surprises destroy trust
   • •Consistent pricing helps you quote accurately and quickly
   • •Know your hourly rate and how long tasks actually take

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Buy tools as you need them rather than everything upfront
• •Shop estate sales and pawn shops for quality used tools
• •Keep small inventory of common supplies to avoid store trips
• •Learn basic skills through YouTube rather than expensive training
• •Partner with specialists for work outside your skills rather than turning it away

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Collect payment on completion—avoid extending credit
• •Small jobs provide quick cash; larger projects may require deposits
• •Materials can require upfront cash—get deposits for material-heavy jobs
• •Steady repeat clients provide more consistent income than new client hunt

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Know your limits—refer work you can't do safely or well
• •Get written agreements for jobs over a certain dollar amount
• •Document existing conditions with photos before starting work
• •Never promise completion times you can't guarantee
• •Build relationships with licensed contractors for work requiring permits
• •Stay within handyman scope—avoid work requiring contractor licensing