Should a handyman charge a trip fee, and when?

Q: Should a handyman charge a trip fee, and when?

Direct answer: Charge a trip fee for diagnostics and to filter tire-kickers; credit it if hired if you want. Practical steps Anchor to overhead: Know your overhead and required take-home pay first. Set clear rules: Use minimums, trip fees, and change orders to protect margin. Explain simply: Tie price to scope, risk, and responsibility—no apology language. Next step: Run the calculator and apply the new rule to your next quote.

Question

Accepted Answer

Direct answer: Charge a trip fee for diagnostics and to filter tire-kickers; credit it if hired if you want.

Practical steps

Anchor to overhead: Know your overhead and required take-home pay first.
Set clear rules: Use minimums, trip fees, and change orders to protect margin.
Explain simply: Tie price to scope, risk, and responsibility—no apology language.

Next step: Run the calculator and apply the new rule to your next quote.