The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Handyman

Kicking off a handyman side hustle in New Zealand is a fantastic way to put your handy skills to work and bring in some extra dollars. Whether you’re tackling jobs in bustling Auckland or small-town Hamilton, these friendly tips will help you attract local clients and balance your side hustle with your full-time gig.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Know Your Local Service Demand

Handyman needs can vary a lot across NZ. In cities, quick fixes and flat-pack assembly are hot, while rural spots often call for more general repairs and maintenance.

Weirdly enough, people really appreciate someone who’s reliable and shows up with the right gear-being prepared sets you apart.

Tailoring your services and timing to local demand gets you more calls and happier customers.

2. Create a Yada Profile

Yada connects Kiwi handymen with local clients without lead or success fees, making it perfect for side hustlers.

The rating system rewards great service, helping you build trust and a solid client base.

The platform's mobile-friendly interface means you can manage jobs and talk to clients wherever you are.

3. Offer a Variety of Services

From fixing dripping taps to painting fences and small renovations, having a broad skill set means you can take on more jobs.

A Christchurch handyman boosted side income by also offering odd jobs like furniture assembly and garden tidying.

Flexibility keeps your calendar full while balancing other commitments.

4. Advertise Where Locals Look

Get yourself on community noticeboards, local Facebook groups like ‘Auckland Buy/Sell/Trade,’ and trusted trade directories such as TradeMe Services.

Clear pricing, photos of your work, and honest service descriptions help earn enquiries.

Being on multiple platforms means you’ll be seen by more potential clients.

5. Collect and Showcase Testimonials

Ask customers to leave reviews and share photos of your work-potential clients love seeing real results.

An Auckland handyman grew his reputation with regular posts of before/after pics and glowing client feedback.

Word-of-mouth is king in New Zealand’s tight-knit communities.

6. Network With Complementary Trades

Team up with painters, gardeners, and real estate agents to exchange referrals and discover new work.

Weirdly enough, local connections often beat online ads for generating steady jobs here in NZ.

Building relationships supports your side hustle long-term.

7. Build a Mobile-Friendly Website

Create an easy-to-navigate website via Wix or Google Sites showcasing your services, testimonials, and contact details.

Keep your site fresh with new project photos and client feedback to engage visitors.

A good website makes you appear professional and trustworthy.

8. Share Useful Handy Tips

Posting simple DIY tips, maintenance advice, and project stories on social media builds trust and shows off your knowledge.

Tips like ‘How to fix a leaking tap’ are popular and help locals see you as a go-to pro.

Helpful content creates ongoing client relationships without hard selling.

9. Manage Scheduling and Communication

Use Yada’s booking and messaging tools or apps like Calendly to keep your appointments organised.

Clear and timely communication reduces no-shows and increases client satisfaction.

Smart scheduling helps you balance side work with your full-time job smoothly.

10. Keep Skills and Certification Updated

Stay up to date on NZ building codes, safety regulations, and new handy techniques by attending courses.

Joining trade groups provides networking and learning opportunities.

Continuous learning means you deliver high-quality service and gain client trust.