Frequently asked questions
Always happy to help.
Here are the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions, to view the answers click the question of interest.
- Do I have to have any specialist practical skills to provide the service?
- Specialist skills are not necessary, but you will need to be practical and enjoy DIY. 0800 Handyman will put you through a technical training course where you will develop and perfect your practical skills, and give you the required certificates to undertake PAT electrical tests. At the end of the course you will be fully equipped to meet all of the plumbing, electrical, carpentry and assembly tasks that will typically arise.
- Do I have to work full time in the business?
- Yes, you must be fully dedicated to the business, it cannot be operated on a part-time basis.
- How will customer enquiries be generated?
- A key benefit of the 0800 HANDYMAN franchise package is that you will be supported by a comprehensive marketing programme, much of which will be funded from the royalties you pay. Advertisements will be placed on your behalf on Yell.com and similar web directories, intensive door to door leafleting and direct mail will periodically be organised when appropriate and we’ll use our PR experts to get publicity about you and your 0800 HANDYMAN business. But to ensure the call rate builds you will have to play a part, so you will be expected to get involved in local promotional schemes. We’ll design and help organise these but the effectiveness will depend on your level of commitment.
- I’m already a self-employed handyman. Would I qualify for a franchise?
- Possibly. It will depend on the circumstances. We would need to be assured that you will observe the essential disciplines that are key to 0800 HANDYMAN – we’re confident that we could help you build a more successful business but conforming to a prescribed system is a concession that you would be required to make.
- How large are the franchise territories?
- The geographic size of 0800 HANDYMAN territories varies because it is the number of houses and businesses that determines the potential. We have designed the franchise territories to offer equivalent potential, each comprising a minimum of 30,000 privately owned households, excluding council rented. We’ve based this on our experience, but it also acknowledges that productivity is the key to profitability. So, we want to minimize travel time to maximize the number of jobs carried out each day within the territory. Our marketing support will help you achieve the level of market penetration that this requires.
- How much training will I receive?
- The complete training course has a duration of 5 weeks. This ensures we are able to cover all key aspects of how to provide the 0800 Handyman service. The course comprises 4 weeks of technical training – an intense programme that provides expert tuition on all aspects of the handyman service range that will vary in length depending on your existing skills – followed by a week at our Head Office for training on business administration and development. At the end of the course you will have gained the necessary hands-on practical expertise to handle the technical and administrative demands of the business, and to competently manage the business to maximize its earning potential.
- How much does it cost to buy a 0800 Handyman franchise?
- The 0800 Handyman franchise is a low investment business opportunity. The minimum investment is £14,500, which comprises a franchise fee of £11,950, a training fee of £1,550 and £1,000 as down-payment for contract hire of a fully liveried Ford Transit Connect van. Additionally you may have to spend up to £1,950 on tools and equipment – the amount will vary depending on the scope and condition of tools you already have. The prices quoted exclude VAT.Depending on your personal circumstances you may also need working capital to help defray your living expenses during the business’s initial growth period. Typically up to 70% of the total investment can be financed.
- How much can I earn?
- As a business owner the rewards will be directly reflect the effort that is applied. Obviously there are limitations but it really is up to you. Key will be the hours you’re prepared to put in, the contribution you make to marketing your business, your ability to trade up to maximise the revenue from each job and the quality of service you provide. So, it’s not possible to give a reliable answer to this question. However, we will provide illustrations of typical income levels based on the achievement of different volumes of business.
- How do I get more information about the 0800 Handyman franchise?
- If you’re keen to progress further the next step is to arrange an informal meeting, when we can explain in detail how the 0800 Handyman franchise works, and the potential it offers. Usually this meeting is held at our office in South West London. Arrangements can be made by calling 0800 999 5646, or email: franchising@0800handyman.com
