How to Set Up Online Payments for Handyman Services

To stay competitive as a handyman, you need to keep up with the latest trends.

You might invest in new tools. You might try out innovative marketing methods. But what about how you accept payments? Is that up to date, too?

If you don’t currently offer online payments for handyman services, now’s the time to make a change.

Setting up online payments is about improving your business. It makes things easier for your customers. It speeds up your payments. And, it makes you look professional.

It’s a smart move for any handyman service. We’re here to make it easy and stress-free.

In our guide, we’ll explain exactly why accepting online payments is a good idea. Then, we’ll walk through the process step by step.

We’ll explore how you can use online payments to take your customer experience to the next level. We’ll also give you an overview of data security concerns and best practices.

Finally, you’ll find a few quick tips you can implement today to start your transition.

Ready to get started? Let’s do this.

Why Offer Online Payments for Your Handyman Services?

Everyone is going digital. Whether you’re shopping, paying bills, or booking a handyman, you can do it all online.

It’s what people expect. So, if you’re not offering online payments, you might be losing out on potential customers.

In contrast, adding online payment options can give you access to the following benefits:

Convenience for You and Your Customers

Online payments are convenient. Your customers can pay from anywhere, anytime, using any internet-connected device. It makes their experience smoother.

For you, this means less time chasing payments.

Say you’ve just completed a job. You can send an invoice via email or a payment link through a text message. Your customers can click the link and pay immediately using their credit card or bank account.

Faster Payment Processing

Online payments are faster. Once a customer pays, the money goes straight to your account in a matter of days. No more looking at your bank account day after day, waiting to see if your checks have cleared.

It speeds up your cash flow. You get paid quicker, so you can focus on doing what you do best.

Increased Credibility and Professionalism

Having online payment options makes you look more professional. It shows you are up to date with technology.

This can set you apart from competitors who still rely on outdated payment methods. It also increases your credibility. Customers trust businesses that offer modern payment methods.

Improved Cash Flow Management

Online payments help you manage your cash flow. You can keep an eye on your payments with just a few clicks.

You know when and how much you get paid. This helps you plan your finances. You can forecast your income and expenses accurately.

Many online payment systems also offer tools to help you track your earnings. For example, you can see who has paid and who still owes you money.

This can help you send friendly reminders to clients who haven’t paid yet.

Setting Up Online Payments for Handyman Services

Monitoring your earnings is not always an easy feat.

You finish a job, hand over an invoice, and then wait. Sometimes, customers forget to pay on time. This can disrupt your cash flow.

Online payments can solve these problems.

The good news? Getting set up isn’t too difficult. You just have to follow the process below.

Step 1: Choose the Right Payment Processor

The first step requires you to do a bit of research. You need to find payment processors that tick all the boxes.

Here are three important things to look out for:

Fees: Generally, payment processors charge three different types of fees. The first is per transaction. This could be either a percentage or a fixed amount. The second is monthly fees. Some processors charge them, and some don’t. Finally, keep an eye out for setup fees.
Contract terms: In most cases, you’ll want a flexible contract. Lock-in contracts can be tricky to get out of if your circumstances change. If you do need to break your contract, you might have to pay a termination fee. Find out what this is. Lastly, check for hidden clauses. It may be a little boring, but it’s worth spending time reading the fine print.
Integrations: Your payment processors should be compatible with the accounting software you use. You might also like to check that it works with your website or invoicing system.

You may want to use more than one payment processor. For example, you might accept PayPal payments alongside credit card payments processed by a provider.

FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS: 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Credit Card Processor

Step 2: Set Up Your Account

After choosing one or more payment processors, it’s time to set up your account:

Visit the website of your chosen processor. Sign up for a business account. Fill in your business details, such as name, address, and bank information.
You may need to upload a photo ID and proof of address. This step secures your account.
Connect your bank account to transfer funds. Verify your bank account by confirming small deposits made by the processor.
Decide how to accept payments. You can use invoices or payment links or integrate payments on your website.

Step 3: Organize Your Payment Request Options

There are lots of different ways to request payments from your clients.

One option is invoicing. Some payment processors allow you to create and send invoices. You might be able to customize them with your business logo and details.

Always include a clear description of services and the total amount due.

Another option is payment links. You can send these via email or text. Customers click the link to pay on a secure page. This is useful for quick, one-time payments.

Finally, you can add a payment button or form to your website. You’ll typically need to add a plugin or code snippet to your site’s back end.

Follow the processor’s instructions or ask your IT team to do it for you.

Using Online Payments to Maximize the Customer Experience

Did you know that more than half of customers will switch to a competitor after just one negative experience?

This is why 90% of businesses across industries have made customer experience their number one priority.

A gold-standard customer experience inspires happy clients to share their experiences online and with the people in their lives. They become loyal brand advocates. They advertise your business for you, which attracts more people to your handyman services.

Customer experience involves a complex web of factors and considerations. Payments are one of them.

Here’s how you can leverage online payments to enhance the customer experience you offer.

Personalize Payment Options to Suit Customer Preferences

Some customers prefer credit cards. Others might use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

Cater to all of these different preferences. That way, every one of your clients feels like your service was personalized just for them.

Streamline the Payment Process

Quick, easy, and simple—these are all adjectives customers might use to describe their ideal payment process.

Complicated steps during payment can frustrate customers. It can also compromise their trust in your business.

In contrast, if they can pay without hassle, they’d be more than happy to use your services again.

Provide Transparent Pricing and Invoicing

Honesty is always the best policy. This truism applies to payments, too.

When customers know exactly what they’re paying for, they feel more comfortable. They can move ahead with your quote without worrying about hidden fees.

Clear, detailed digital invoices help them understand the costs involved. This transparency reduces disputes and increases satisfaction.

Implement Automated Invoicing Systems

Automated invoicing saves time and reduces errors. It ensures bills are sent on time, every time. This consistency improves the customer experience.

Plus, automated reminders help customers remember to pay. They won’t be subject to late fees.

Better yet, there’s no need for those awkward conversations where you ask them for money. You can protect the great relationships you’ve built.

Ensuring Data Security for Online Payments

There are few faster ways to ruin your reputation than with a data breach. That’s why data security is such a vital part of adding online methods to the payment options for your handyman services.

Here are some steps to take.

Get an SSL Certificate

The first thing you’ll want to do is get a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. These encrypt data sent between your website and the customer’s browser.

This encryption keeps sensitive information like credit card numbers safe from hackers. Without SSL, your customers’ data is at risk.

You can usually get an SSL through your web hosting provider.

When your site has an SSL certificate, you will see a padlock icon in the address bar of your browser. Your web address will also begin with “https://”.

Bonus tip: Whether or not your site has an SSL may impact its ranking in Google search results. It’s a search engine optimization (SEO) best practice to secure your site.

Follow PCI DSS Guidelines

Another important step is following the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

These are a set of guidelines for businesses that handle card payments—yours included. Complying is mandatory. PCI DSS includes rules like:

Installing and maintaining a secure network
Protecting cardholder data
Implementing strong access control measures
Regularly monitoring and testing networks

Make sure your payment processor complies with PCI DSS standards.

Educate Customers on Secure Payment Practices

Payment security might not be in the scope of your handyman services, but it can help protect your clients and your business.

A few quick tidbits of advice in your invoice email is all it takes. You might share the following tips with your customers:

Encourage strong, unique passwords for all accounts. 
Avoid making payments over public Wi-Fi networks.
Look for the padlock icon and “https://” in the address bar before entering payment information.

Update Security Measures

Hackers are always finding new ways to steal information. Scheduled updates help protect your business and your customers. Here’s what to do:

Regularly update all software, including your payment processor and website platform. 
Change your passwords often and use strong passwords for different accounts.
Monitor your transactions for any suspicious activity. Report anything that doesn’t look quite right.

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4 Tips to Get Started With Online Payments for Handyman Services Right Away

Ready to modernize your payment options? Here are four ways to get started with online payments for handyman services.

Look at how you currently handle payments. Identify areas for improvement. How can you speed up the process? How can you make it easier for clients?
Do your research. Choose a payment processor that suits your needs. Look at their fees and contract terms.
Visit the website of your chosen processor. Create a business account and follow the setup instructions. Provide all necessary business details.
Create a test invoice. Include your business logo, service description, and total amount. Send the invoice to yourself to see if it works. If so, it’s time to go live with online payments.