Define your first service
Start with a job you can deliver well using the skills and equipment you already have. Be clear about who it's for, what's included, and what costs extra.
I help type of customer with specific job.
My service includes tasks and deliverables.
It takes about hours and serves area.
Customers provide access, materials, or other requirements.
Extras and exclusions: what is not included.
Example. A two-hour interior car detail for local commuters, including vacuuming, surface cleaning, and inside windows. Pet hair removal is quoted separately.
Work out a starting price
Include time spent travelling, preparing, doing the job, and cleaning up. Add your materials, travel costs, payment fees, a share of overhead, and a buffer for unexpected work.
| Total hours × target hourly pay | $___ |
|---|---|
| Materials and travel | $___ |
| Overhead per job | $___ |
| Buffer | $___ |
| Subtotal | $___ |
| Price before applicable taxes = subtotal ÷ (1 − payment fee rate) | $___ |
| 3 hours × $25 | $75.00 |
|---|---|
| Supplies and travel | $15.00 |
| Overhead | $10.00 |
| Buffer | $10.00 |
| Subtotal | $110.00 |
| $110 ÷ 0.97, with an illustrative 3% fee | $113.41 |
The example rounds up to the next cent so the fee never cuts into your subtotal. A $115 price leaves $111.55 after that percentage fee. Add any fixed processing fees to your subtotal. Use your actual costs and fees, then compare the result with what your customers will pay.
Follow a seven-day launch plan
- Day 1Choose one service and complete the service worksheet.
- Day 2Calculate your price and write down your startup budget.
- Day 3Check the registrations, insurance, permits, and tax requirements that apply to your service and location before accepting paid work.
- Day 4Photograph a sample of your work with permission. Write your service description and customer policies.
- Day 5Set up a way for customers to contact or book you. Test it on your phone.
- Day 6Reach out personally to five people who may need your service or know someone who does.
- Day 7Follow up, record what people asked, and adjust your offer. If you have a booking, confirm the scope and price in writing.
Copy first-customer messages
Hi name, I'm starting a service business in area. I help customer with specific result. My service includes scope and starts at price. Would this be useful to you, or someone you know? Here's my page: link.
Hi name, following up on service. I have real availability available. Happy to answer any questions about what's included. If now isn't a good time, no problem.
Personalize each message. Share in local groups only where promotion is allowed, and respect anyone who declines.
Check your first booking
- The customer knows the scope, price, location, and expected duration.
- You've agreed on payment timing, deposits if applicable, and cancellation terms.
- You have the equipment, permissions, and coverage needed for the job.
- You've sent a confirmation and recorded the booking.
- After the job, record your actual costs and time, and ask for honest feedback.