This was the first video when I first looked at the project. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oNWnhbqUzKy8aJs.html

from my experience as a general contractor, some of the richest and best dressed and appearing people are some of the most frugal and cheap customers I have had.

A rich old white guy when I was first starting out last year gave me confidence to charge what I’m worth. I was repairing a custom TV cabinet that lifted the tv. Gave him the cost after I finished. He laughed at me and wrote a check for 4x that... It was in the neighborhood of $275ish an hour. We should all pay attention to those guys. There was a way they made their money.

Once the old man trusts you, no more meetings, just a price and a check. Had a couple of those guys , but you can't lose their trust , then it's over!

This is how I was taught to remember lamp cord polarity: Rough guys get the neutral chicks. Smooth guys get the hot chicks.

I can’t tell you how many times I have won jobs just by shutting my mouth and taking notes! Works every time😎

When they flip the switch, I dare you to scream like you got electrocuted. And then laugh and say, "Just kidding"

I find that its rich old white ladies that love me the most in this neck of the woods. They usually control the pocketbooks too so all the better! Throw in a dimmer and they can turn the lights from as bright as the sun to as dark as a firefly, people like the option.

Great video. I agree on so many of your points. I was taught by a very famous, extremely wealthy business man the importance of always having a quality pen and note pad at all times. My best customers are wealthy old men that refer me to their friends, and it all started due to taking notes with pen and paper! Like the vibe of this channel, let the other woodpeckers show cabinetry. Even though I enjoy building them myself, I enjoy your other trades/skills/commentary and topics like this one. Thanks again

Lamo "all trimmed up and looking expensive" wise words there bro

I’ve followed your method for business and it works awesome. I have a general contractor who has an interior designer. The two work together, and hey also work separately. Between both of the them, they keep me busy literally 100% of the time. In fact, if I have a small job that I land personally, I have to tell them, otherwise I’m booked back to back. I’m like you in that I do most everything. They’ll set me free on a master bath remodel and I knock it all out. I’ll pay for materials up to drywall texture, then they pay for paint forward. Basically all the finishes. It’s such a sweet setup. I can’t believe more people don’t do it.

Impressive excellent work , nice touch with the light presentation and showing what customers should see ! Those little details make a big difference . Killing it best of luck on this project !!!

Now the hard part. Differentiating between the "rich" person who respects your worth and the one who got rich by disrespecting peoples worth.

old middle class white guys are my best customers, always appreciate the work and pay with no bs

My goal is to be an old rich white guy....

Your videos have really helped me price work, both at my real job working as a PM for a GC, as well as my side hustle doing handyman work. Thank you sir.

I live and work in New Orleans. I charge everyone the same hourly rate for my work. A lot of the richest people here are also the cheapest and the poor tend to be generous. I used to bid jobs but it was a tale chasing lifestyle. Now I just show up all competent and alert (with my trusty notebook of course), speculate about the job and then announce my t and m rate. The money works out about the same for renovations and repairs and I’m not guessing about what’s up in them plaster walls.

Thanks for the great tips that can work on other business ventures as well! Like the tip about how you writing on paper looks more professional than using a phone because it can be confused with texting instead.

Love this and the other channel. I’m in junk removal but still applies in business. Looking the part separates you from the lesser quality. Get what you pay for. Nice work on locking up the work. 👊🏼

Great idea with the light switch! I’m doing that, but with a dimmer, like you mentioned. Thanks for the great video.

The GC is very fortunate to have you!

Great advice as always!! I’ve been using my pad and pen since the beginning. Lol I thought I was the only one left👍👍

Great tips on sizing up your customer. I find the older rich folks in my area have to be lowballed at first. It’s all about trust, once you’re in then you can name your price on future jobs. Do you buy your LEDs from the electrical wholesaler or Amazon? A future video request is how you make your “keep or toss” decisions for left over material from one project for use on another? I think we’ve all been stung on this one and it would be good discussion. I use a modified 80/20 rule.

Geez HM, I get all pumped up and want to work more when I listen to you!! LOL Your enthusiasm is contagious!! Great video!!

You and I have a lot in common. The only difference is that as of now I wont do a job unless Im overseeing the entire project, as a gc. I just found some obstacles in dealing with other subs on projects that didnt work for me. It slowed my work progress etc. Maybe one day that could change, but as of now that how I do it. With that being said, I do smaller repair work as well, so it doesnt have to be a complete renovation for me to do it. You were exactly right that there arent very many of us in the field that have the skilled experience but also the ability to meet with potential clients and close the deal. Its a dance of not coming across as a salesman but at the same time having a presentation and process that appeals to those you are meeting with. Most people just want someone that listens, addresses their concerns, is reasonable in pricing (doesnt mean cheap...my pricing is pretty high up the “reasonable” list), and finally someone trustworthy. I ALWAYS do what I say that I will do. I ALWAYS work as hard as I can to satisfy a client, even when they are difficult and unreasonable. Doesnt mean that you can always satisfy them, but I will do everything in my power to do so.

Congratulations for getting the job! When you were showing the switch for the demo rig my first thought was "That should be a dimmer switch." People love a dimmer switch.

Me and you have very similar garage setup, same garage door and the walk in door in same spot, I also have cabinets

You should mount that led light on a 4ft pole and mount the switch to it. Than plug it in and you can walk around the room showing people the light postions in the rooms.

Congrats on picking up new work, I always get a little rush of happy juju when I pick up a nice job.

Homeowner here. I went back and re-watched the video you linked in the pinned comment, and it brought something to mind when you talked about having to go type up some invoices. I shouldn't have to say this, but please, PLEASE make it a habit to do business in writing! I hired a painter a little while ago to paint the exterior of my house. Younger guy, learned the contracting business from his uncle who is fairly well-regarded locally. (Which is why I recognized his name.) He showed up when promised, did what he said he'd do, performed quality work, and the price was right. BUT-- even though I'm happy with his work and he provided good value for money, I may not hire him for some interior work I'm going to need done later, and I'm CERTAINLY not going to hire him to act as the general for the collection of projects I want to get done this year. Why? He doesn't do business in writing. Everything was by phone call or text. I had to ask him for a written invoice when none was forthcoming at the end of the job -- and then I had to remind him twice. When he finally sent one, it was a one-line email. And he wants me to trust him with keeping track of 3 bathroom remodels? I don't think so. I wish someone would tell him why it's important to provide customers with records of work done and money paid. It would be rude coming from me.

I used the same type of led at my friends house. The good part about is that there is no tall can to install. Great for 2 story houses with limited access space. Bought at Home Depot in Martinez.

Here's an LED spec. Don't buy cheap Lowes or Home Depot generic brand LED bulbs. Incandescent are longer lasting and don't go yellow or start blinking as the aforementioned do.

This advice is all gold. Got to keep all of these in mind. Thank you for sharing!

LED Nerd - CRI you're looking for, which is basically a measure of the quality of light and accuracy of colors. A CRI of 70 is typical, 80 is pretty good, and 90 is very nice.

Eye contact and getting along with client brings in the money

Yes dealt with that scenario, having a sit down meeting with the CEO of his own company and it's not rocket science, they just want your total attention. Showed up earlier, had to wait because he was late, which is a control thing and the meeting went well. You know the Rich White Guy puts his pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us. They're just nicer pants and their just used to meetings. Got the job and now he calls me for everything. Because I show up on time, I don't smell like an ashtray and beer cans don't fall out of my truck when I open my door. In the area I live in it's amazing that showing up especially on time almost always makes the job happen. Handyman thanks for making all the videos, I know it's a time consuming task, but please keep them coming.

You sold me on the Leatherman Charge about 8months ago. Something I never thought I would carry or utilize. So, I decided I carry a clip on knife, why not trade it out for a 1 month trial. I have never looked back, I too won’t leave the house without it. I use it all of the time, can’t count the number of trips to the truck it has saved me. Love hearing the tips on the sales games. They are the truth.

Great advice, your observations in this business will make serious money... thank you

Like your info. I learned years ago when dealing with potential customers, its all about good presentation of yourself. One thing I always keep in mind is a piece of advise I was given years ago. "Appeal to their greed." It makes no difference if they are rich, everyone loves a good deal. If they get the impression you are motivated, competent, knowledgeable, and trustworthy, 9 out 10 times you will get the job. Dealing with older people is an art in itself. Sounds like you have fine tuned your salesmanship. Cant wait to see the vids of actual work. Keep the videos going. Enjoy watching.

I am in an unrelated business, but the pricing and self employment is similar. Most of my customers are wealthy. I get the work because I can comfortably interact with the people which allows them to be comfortable with me. Sincerity always works.

I was thinking about your filming style and was thinking this is how you do it, this is our 'ride along' where we get to learn and see behind the scenes of what goes on through contracts and negotiations. That's what I love about KZfaq...no one is acting, you're real people giving testament to your real life experience. Having said all that I hope people can take note and learn and grow from your information. That rich old white guy will be no fool, he was smart enough to earn his money. He also has a fair idea of how much he wants to spend - if you're someone they can trust and you carry yourself as a professional then you got it made. The idea of giving a 'demo' to a software industry guy cracks me up...but I'm sure he loved it.

Thankyou for sharing your knowledge of sales tactics. You are 100 percent right about presentation and how you are judged by how you look and what you do during an interaction. This definitely seperates you from the herd. I see alot of younger guys trying to get work and just the fact they are younger will discourage most people from feeling comfortable with there experience. Again thankyou for the time you spend producing these videos.

I'll remember to dress down the next time I'm looking for an estimate. I have 2 of the 3 attributes of the 'check writer'...….old, white......but not rich!

Yep! Paying attention with a pen and notepad goes a long way I've found. I dont know why, but people just think it looks right. People pay attention to your posture and eyes, so look where your suppose to and look focused. Use proper English and quit saying, "uh...um". That drives those specific people crazy! You've got to stay sharp out there guys!

Great business idea Handyman. I am going to make me a light, dimmer switch and get a step stool and go to work. Thanks for sharing you ideas with us.

My best customers were gay couples. Think about it two guys who each make six figures and no kids. Hell they wouldn't even ask for as estimate. They'd say just do it and we'll pay cash. That was Saugatuck Michigan back in the day.

U crack me up, I’d over pay you just to laugh 😂

Not that you need more tasks to steal your time..... but a handyman business podcast would pair really well with this channel. You always have a lot to say and it's easy to listen to for everyone interested in this channel. You could record like 10-15 minute rants even just on your phone, publish, and promote it through this channel. Just an idea, I always love watching but due to time restraints it's easier for me to listen to podcasts while I work... so I'm just being selfish Anyone else?

I admire you a lot. Thanks for always for being informative.

Nice job on videos and thanks for all the great advice. The light sample👍, if you really want to look expensive next time take notes on a tablet! Techy, sophisticated customers will def be impressed!

Great advice, there is great value in reading your customer demographic and playing to those cues...

I'm liking this channel for the business side of it. Good to hear anther handyman's opinion on how they prefer to do things. I still check out the other channel too :) Toronto, Canada

Nice advice Handyman. The two points made; Be able to present the product in working order (the light thing you did), and use pen and paper especially with older people shows you aren't texting but rather listing the jobs and materials that they are concerned with. Sound advice from you on that one. Thx

"Looking expensive" love that line

I love this channel. I use things from it every day in my business.

Your title choice is interesting 😂 if I saw it without the thumbnail I would think something else

I'm a poor old white guy and I really like your style.

Retirement is a great topic, The Handyman. Good on ya.

Another great video, my man! Very insightful👍

Sounds like excellent advice! Thanks again

On those Cover Alls i have bought them before they are okay but i found better deals at the military surpluss stores. look for maintenance crew coveralls or Navy crew coveralls the material is much more durable, and i got them at bulk price 10 pairs mediume Regular $25.00. hope this helps

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Selling trust and knowledge and a prop love it. Plus they see and buy the lights you want to install great idea

Yes it's all in your impression and approach.

CRI is the other spec of importance. Color rendering index. It has to do with the way the light makes objects/ colors appear. A good CRI number is over 90, it becomes important when installing lights for art work in galleries or fancy houses

OMG..Wish I kept ALL of my old clothes..lol

lmao “looking expensive!”

Your switch should be a dimmer switch so they know the tones of the lighting

Another great video.Thanks

Thanks for the Tips! I'm in Florida, i think im going to get some of the button down fishing type shirts embroidered with my logo to be more formal than company logo T-shirts

Wow, interesting video. Keep up the good work.

Congratulations! Hope it ends better than you ever expected.

Loved the business video. Got me thinking if I should actually go back to the US. Looking forward to see the retirement video.

What about taking notes on your phone if you have a samsung note or lg stylo and you are writing them with a stylus? Thats almost like a pen and paper and you can then share it digitally afterwards if you like or need to.

Thanks for the content.

Terrible business idea, but I'd love to see you attempt to sell a job as Handy Andy.

Hey brother thank you for the videos. Great insight.

With 8 LED lights in the bedroom you are sure to see the giblets in 4k HD lighting

I’m curious what that “other spec” was, that the “real LED nerds” look for... lol

Can't wait till WE get this job lol so what's my cut ?

nice i also use the pad and a pen it shows you are paying attention and care about what they are saying

Home Depot also sells them with a switch that allows you to switch between 3 different light settings. The switch is on the transformer box. And they don't blink on low with a dimmer switch either.

Make a good case for the notepad vs the note typing. For sure with that demo setup, the dimmer is key

If it’s too bright for them maybe instead of 3000k you could get the warmer 2700K model

Great point about the pen and paper!

Pen, Paper, and clipboard, comes time to sign hold top set pen on clipboard tilt bottom of clipboard towards customer, pen rolls to hand, and B A M papers get signed.

Hey, you are a winner. Winners win man. Yep, this week I took a big job at a nice rent house owned by two attorney brothers. It's a property 17 miles away. I try to avoid long distance jobs. But, c'est la vie. Man, what a couple of cheapskates. Was I fooled by their big talk. They really don't have any money. All hat and no cattle. I could tell right away, when I made some critical recommendations. They said, they wanted to wait until they had a new tenant signed up. In other words, when they got a tenant, they would take that lease agreement to the bank. And then, "float a loan," against the expected rent income. It's called, "factoring." So, Heck with 'em. I did the bare minimum to meet my contractual duties, and blew off the extra mile. I don't go the extra mile for cheapskates. Result was, I wrapped up a day early today, and I'm moving on to a job for my favorite rich widow. -

Always appreciate the content

Lol.. you’re totally correct when saying, you can’t look like a scrub, and must speak properly when trying to sell yourself, or your company etc... I find it funny when kids I work with always ask me how I sell so much.. #DONTBEGHETTO

All the lights in the bedroom are so they can film “home movies”

Thanks for the videos !!

@handyman - What is that coil of wire thingie on your workbench? :-) Thx.

Eight of those in a bedroom? Wholly Sunshine Batman !!

My liesure suits would bring alot of cash

Matthew 16:26 | View whole chapter | See verse in context For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Hey man I RUN on the idea that if you show the customer that you're willing to work hard enough to take your notes on paper compared to your cell phone ....... they're more inept to hire you rather than a handyman that cant put the phone down!

I would bring an old school can light to show them the difference.

I like my daylight type light bulbs the more blinding the better, I also carry the titanium Charge with clip attached as a formal carry, for brutish work I take my Surge, doubles as a hammer or something to throw at a vicious dog while running away in a not so gracious manner, so no sloppy heathens allowed at sales meet,

Great rec the work...lets see...

Anytime someone sees a person on their phone they inevitably think that whatever their doing on it isn't important enough to be doing it right at that moment. Especially if your standing right in front of them. It doesn't matter if your writing down something "important " that pertains to that particular topic. Do it w a pen n paper n it'll look much more professional. Trust me on this.

Im gonna add some to my home.