One thing many homeowners take for granted (besides a roof over their heads) is a really good handyman. When you have one, solving problems around the house is a lot less stressful. The trusted resource can provide feedback, direction and even solutions from time-to-time.
At the end of the day, a reliable handyperson can save you a lot of money. Because of this, they’re often rewarded well and even treated like an extension of the family. Since appreciation is normally shown by a fat tip, I wanted to encourage you show your gratitude in other ways.
Investing in the person is a great way to make sure a good handyman sticks around!
1. Acknowledge a Good Handyman.
Sometimes, the little things make a big difference in the lives of others. When you think about it, the home service industry doesn’t get a lot of respect. This has a lot to do with inexperience and greed – but it doesn’t mean all workers are selfish and lazy.
Truth be told, some guys go weeks without even hearing a “thank you.” So if you take notice of their hard work or attention to detail, it can mean a lot. Point out the ways a guy goes above and beyond for you. When tasks take longer than expected, honor him for his time by paying him well.
It doesn’t take much to show you care about a person. You can show interest in their family, lifestyle or hobbies. Ask about difficult business dealings and if there are ways you can help. Don’t just keep a good handyman to yourself. Knowing them well gives you a chance to help them find quality customers.
2. Push Good Handymen to Progress.
Which brings me to my next point; help a good handyman grow. A hard-working man with skill and integrity deserves progress. But many are bogged down with jobs – going out of their to help others. They’re paid a steady rate for a high level of service. It can be pretty discouraging. I’ve been there.
Most people don’t want a good handyman to move on to greener pastures. The desire to do a good job is often taken advantage of in today’s society. So don’t just tip a good handyman to keep him coming back. Tell him about his potential and how you hate seeing him stretched so thin.
Don’t just promote him as a reliable handyperson on your social media. Passing out his number and talking about everything he’s done may only contribute to the stagnancy. Push them to pursue strengths and help him find more challenging jobs with higher pay. A good handyman will never forget it.
3. Invest in a Good Handyman's Health.
Good food is one of the most common ways to show good people that they did a good job. But if you want to keep a good handyman around for a while, you should probably start thinking about their health.
Despite the physical and mental stress of the job, most service workers eat some of the worst diets. Fast food and gas station lunches do not improve performance. So don’t reward a good handyman with a dish of vanilla pudding or bag of fried chicken. It might keep him coming back – but for how long?
Instead, stop the local farmer’s market for some fresh fruit. Offer him some wild caught salmon with asparagus. Find a tasty, vegetable smoothie recipe. Help them wash down their lunch and clean out that gut. Heck, gift them a gym membership or buy the guy a gift card to Wholesale Nutrition!
Investing in someone’s health is literally the best way to keep them functioning at a high level. If changes are made, take notice! Impacting their life this way will always keep a good handyman around.
4. Retool a Good Handyman's Belt.
Most handymen don’t have loads of equipment and an array of tools tucked in storage compartments. They’re not general contractors. It’s kind of a humble beginnings type of gig. So if you value a guy, help him find some gear that can take his services to the next level.
You can ask friends and family if they have any unused stuff laying around. Stop by neighborhood garage sales. Even things like lumber, drop cloth, screws or saw blades can be of great value. You don’t have to buy a good handyman new tools to keep him around. It honestly is the thought that counts.
5. Hydrate a Good Handyman.
Last but not least, make sure a good guy has something to drink. Far too often, I’ve been on a job and the customer doesn’t even ask me if I have water. Yes, it’s my responsibility to stay hydrated on a Midsouth summer day. But it’s still good to be asked.
Last July, I was hired to build a playground down in Hernando, Mississippi. My host had two coolers full of water and ice cold gatorade. I’ll never forget him reminding me to get one after a few hours work. Even though the job was tough to complete, I’ll never forget his consideration.
If you want a good handyman to keep coming back after tough jobs, then the least you can do is keep him from heat stroke.
