Get on the Call List of Chain Stores and Other Businesses

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Commercialhandyman.org will help you get on the call list of chain stores, chain restaurants and other chain businesses.  The majority of chain businesses no longer do their own maintenance.  They hire a company with a nation wide network of technician's, who hires you.  You sign a contract with each company and they wil be listed on your insurance as a certificate holder or as additionally insured.  You are also required to have a Federal ID number for the 1099 you'll receive for the work you were paid.  You will also be required to carry workman’s compensation certificate if you have employees.  

You need to know the laws in your state for licensing and taxes. In some states you don't pay sales tax on new construction.  While on all repairs you are required to pay sales tax. If you don't charge or file sales and are audited, you'll be the one paying the tax.  In some states in order to get a building permit you need to be a licensed contractor, but repairs under a certain dollar amount may or may not require a permit. Again you need to know the laws in your state for licensing and sales tax. 

We start by signing you up with five companies who each represent numerous chain businesses.  Over time as our relationship evolves we keep adding companies.  Depending upon the territory you cover, servicing six or more locations for one chain is common. We don’t subcontract the work, you work directly with each company.  Being on the list is a great way for a contractor to get their foot in the door for larger projects. 

You’re a "name" on the list. These companies have a job to do and it’s to get someone to the job site usually within 48 hours to take care of the problem. You need to answer your phone. Don’t expect anyone to leave a message.

Be aware your insurance carrier may have a charge for adding companies as a certificate holder or additionally insured service. We suggest you set it up to be able to have over 40 companies listed on your insurance. Be sure your insurance company knows to contact you before doing anything which would result in an additional charge to you. A few companies will have special wording added to your insurance policy which may have a charge. 

Chain handyman companies are the first to be called, before they call a company with only one location. Instead of trying to sell someone a franchise with expected costs over $100k creating a new business. We are reaching out to existing businesses, helping them get commercial work and once we’re confident in your work, offer to you the option to do business under our trademark, putting your business on the top of the call list.  We are happy to work with you even if you don’t use our trademark.  But keep in mind many franchises average $200 - 500K a year in revenue. Someone working part-time could gross $30K while finding it easier to work with a manager who’s not paying the bill, than a home owner looking for a reason not to pay you.  

While other chains charge 8-12% on all income, the first $5k in revenue you’re paid has no charge. After the first $5k our fee is 5% and is capped at $1k per quarter, so as you bid larger jobs or get more involved in this type of work, you can stay competitive.  Whether you use our trademark or not, our fees will never exceed $4K in a year or 5% of income you’re paid. The first $5k you're paid is without a fee so you have a chance to experience the work without a cost to you from us. 

Once we’ve received your first cheque and following cheque's, we'll have more companies for you to get listed with.  Even if you have plenty of work after the first ten companies we encourage you to keep adding companies. Learning to say no to 30 jobs a week means you’re making better choices, but it could also mean it’s time to add another truck.

The majority of work orders come with a "Do Not Exceed" (DNE) limit.  

You can decline work orders or ask for a increase in the DNE limit, but increases must be approved.

Some work orders require a free estimate.

Often you need to check in/out with an app or the store phone.

You must take clear before/after photos.

When the job is complete, get a sign off sheet signed and stamped by the manager.  When checking out from the store phone be sure to have a pen ready to write down the sign out authorization number.  Put it on your invoice to show you signed in and out.  All invoices will also need your work order number.  Submit photos, sign off sheets and invoices back to the company who sent you the work order.

Each company will have their own instructions for check in/out, sign off sheets, before and after photos,  invoicing.  You must follow the instructions closely to get paid, such as putting the work order number on all invoices and the sign out authorization number.  

Do the work you're comfortable doing.

If you're not comfortable doing something, DON'T DO IT.

You're not expected to do every job.  

Replace Light Bulbs or Ballasts/Electrical

Replace Paper or Soap Dispensers 

Flooring Repair or Replacement

Assemble or Remove Displays

Repair a Drawer or Door

Ceiling Tiles Replaced

Minor Plumbing

Weather Stripping

Roofing Siding or Glass

Trash outs/picking up Litter

Replace Hardware or Door Locks

Painting interior or exterior or touch up

Hang Signs, Security Mirrors or Pictures

Miscellaneous Repairs Interior and Exterior

Your rates are at your discretion and depending upon what your minimum charge is, will determine which jobs you get.  

Your rates might be with a trip fee a minimum of $100 for a 1/2 hour or less. $140 for the first hour, to $400-500 for a day, plus materials and sales tax depending upon the job.  Location matters, someone in Boston will have much higher rates than someone in Janesville WI.  

Someone running several trucks with employee's could have a $250 charge for three hours or higher minimum, while someone working alone with very little over head is happy to change a light bulb for $100.   The quantity of work sent to you is determined by your minimum.  

If a work order had a DNE of $200 and the job took an hour, It’s possible you charge $15 trip, $125 labor plus tax and materials, but your total has to be less than $200.  If the DNE is higher than time and materials it's suggested you charge time and materials.  But if your minimum is $250 for three hours and the job only took 1 1/2 hours, you should be paid the $250.  Just be sure everyone is on the same page for pricing before starting the job.   

One account has your check in the mail in 9 days but charges 3% or 45 days is no charge. Most accounts pay in 30-45 days, some could be 60 days.  Be sure you understand the terms before doing the work.  

Virtually all companies will state "Do not discuss pricing with anyone on site or leave any paper work behind”. Subcontracting this work is not allowed. 

You need to dress appropriately. 

Wear a solid color style Polo shirt. (collar) 

Wear long black or beige pants or cargo shorts.  No blue jeans, T shirts or sweat pants.  

No clothes with paint drips unless you're painting after hours.

You must have a professional appearance. 

The samples of work below are the before and after photos from jobs of someone who worked alone and after 30+ years of construction experience wanted easy jobs which usually took less than two hours.  He scheduled work on Tuesdays and Thursday and had a very profitable part time job.