Getting Started as a Pro

Welcome to Royal Palm Home Services! Here's your complete guide to getting started as a Pro.

Your First Steps

1. Complete Your Profile

Your profile is your business card - make it shine:

Profile Photo:

• Use a professional, friendly headshot
• Clear face photo, good lighting
• Smile and look approachable
• No sunglasses or group photos
• Update if your appearance changes

Bio & Description:

• Introduce yourself (2-3 sentences)
• Mention years of experience
• Highlight special skills
• Keep it professional but friendly
• Update as you gain experience

Example:
"Hi! I'm Mike, a licensed handyman with 8 years of experience. I specialize in furniture assembly, TV mounting, and home repairs. I take pride in quality work and excellent customer service. Let me help make your home project stress-free!"

2. Set Your Services

Choose which services you'll offer:

Popular Service Categories:

• Furniture Assembly
• TV Mounting
• Help Moving
• Home Repairs
• Cleaning
• Painting
• Yard Work
• Handyman Services

Tips for Selecting Services:

• Start with what you know best
• Add services as you gain confidence
• Specialized services often pay more
• More services = more opportunities

3. Set Your Hourly Rate

Your rate affects bookings and earnings:

Rate Recommendations:

• Beginner (0-10 services): $35-$50/hour
• Intermediate (10-50 services): $50-$70/hour
• Experienced (50+ services): $70-$100/hour
• Expert/Specialized: $100+/hour

Factors to Consider:

• Your experience level
• Service complexity
• Local market rates
• Cost of tools/transportation
• Your availability

Starting Strategy:

• Start slightly lower to get first reviews
• Raise rates every 10-20 services
• Increase $5-10 at a time
• Premium rates need premium service

4. Set Your Availability

Control when you work:

Calendar Management:

• Mark available days/times
• Block personal appointments
• Update weekly
• Same-day availability boosts bookings

Availability Tips:

• Weekends typically busiest
• Evenings popular for clients
• Mornings good for longer services
• Be consistent with your schedule

5. Define Your Service Area

Choose where you'll work:

Primary Service Area:

• Usually 15-20 mile radius
• Where you'll travel without fee
• Update based on traffic patterns

Extended Area:

• 20-30 mile radius
• May charge travel fee
• Accept selectively
• Good for slow days

Understanding the Platform

How Services Work:

1. Client Posts Service:

• Describes what they need
• Provides location
• Selects preferred date/time
• May include photos

2. You Review & Respond:

• Check service details
• Verify it matches your skills
• Confirm you have tools needed
• Review estimated time

3. Send Quote or Accept:

• Accept if hourly rate works
• Adjust time estimate if needed
• Message with questions
• Respond quickly (within 1 hour ideal)

4. Service Confirmed:

• You receive booking notification
• Added to your calendar
• Client contact info provided
• Review service details

5. Complete the Service:

• Arrive on time
• Check in through app
• Complete the work
• Mark complete when done

6. Get Paid:

• Client approves work
• Payment processed
• Deposited to your account
• Leave/receive review

Your First Service

Before You Go:

• ✓Review Service Details:
• What needs to be done
• Estimated time required
• Any special requirements
• Client location and access

• ✓Confirm Appointment:
• Message client 24 hours before
• Confirm time and address
• Ask any last questions
• Share your ETA on service day

• ✓Pack Your Tools:
• Review service requirements
• Bring all necessary tools
• Pack backup supplies
• Organize for efficiency

• ✓Plan Your Route:
• Check address in GPS
• Note parking options
• Plan arrival 5-10 min early
• Consider traffic

During the Service:

• ✓Check In:
• Press "On my way" when leaving
• Press "Start service" when arriving
• Greet client warmly
• Review expectations together

• ✓Communicate:
• Keep client informed of progress
• Ask if any questions
• Point out any issues found
• Get approval for extra work

• ✓Work Professionally:
• Protect client's property
• Clean as you go
• Stay focused and efficient
• Respect their space

• ✓Before Leaving:
• Show completed work
• Clean up thoroughly
• Remove all trash
• Ask if they're satisfied

• ✓Mark Complete:
• Press "Complete service" in app
• Confirm final hours worked
• Add any expenses
• Thank the client

After the Service:

• ✓Get Reviewed:
• Client rates your work
• Reviews help you get more bookings
• Respond to feedback professionally

• ✓Get Paid:
• Payment processes after completion
• Deposited in 1-3 business days
• View earnings in app

Tools & Equipment

Essential Tools (All Pros):

• Basic tool set
• Power drill/driver
• Screwdriver set (Phillips & flathead)
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Level
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Utility knife
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• First aid kit

Service-Specific Tools:

Furniture Assembly:

• Allen wrench set
• Rubber mallet
• Socket wrench set
• Furniture dolly (helpful)

Mounting:

• Stud finder
• Drill bits (various sizes)
• Masonry bits
• Level (long and short)
• Wall anchors (assorted)
• Toggle bolts

Moving:

• Furniture dolly
• Hand truck
• Moving blankets
• Straps/bungee cords
• Tool for disassembly

Home Repairs:

• Comprehensive tool set
• Electrical tester
• Plumbing tools
• Patch/repair materials
• Paint supplies

Professional Items:

• Shoe covers
• Drop cloths
• Cleaning supplies
• Business cards (optional)
• Phone charger

App Features

Dashboard:

• View upcoming services
• Check pending requests
• Track earnings
• Read messages
• Update availability

Messaging:

• Communicate with clients
• All communication stays in app
• Send photos if needed
• Quick responses boost bookings

Calendar:

• Manage your schedule
• Block off unavailable times
• View service details
• Set recurring availability

Earnings:

• Track completed services
• View pending payments
• See payment history
• Export for taxes

Profile:

• Update your info
• Adjust your rates
• Add/remove services
• Upload new photo

Building Your Reputation

Getting 5-Star Reviews:

• ✓Arrive on time (or early)
• ✓Communicate clearly
• ✓Do quality work
• ✓Clean up thoroughly
• ✓Be professional and friendly
• ✓Go the extra mile

First 10 Services Critical:

• Establish your reputation
• Build confidence
• Learn the platform
• Develop your process
• Accept most services offered

Review Responses:

• Thank clients for good reviews
• Address concerns professionally
• Don't argue with clients
• Show future clients you care

Pro Tips for Success

Get More Bookings:

1. Quick Response Time:
- Reply within 30 minutes
- Even if just to say "reviewing"
- Shows you're reliable

2. Keep Calendar Current:
- Update availability weekly
- Open same-day slots
- Be flexible when possible

3. Competitive Pricing:
- Research local rates
- Start competitive
- Raise gradually

4. Professional Photos:
- Take before/after photos
- Shows your quality work
- Add to your profile

5. Great Communication:
- Professional messages
- Proper grammar/spelling
- Friendly tone
- Prompt replies

Efficiency Tips:

• Batch Services: Schedule multiple services in same area
• Prep Tools: Pack night before
• Time Management: Build buffer between services
• Route Planning: Use GPS, consider traffic
• Learn Shortcuts: Develop efficient methods

Customer Service:

• Listen Carefully: Understand exactly what they want
• Set Expectations: Be clear about what you'll do
• Stay Positive: Smile, be friendly
• Problem Solve: Help find solutions
• Follow Up: Make sure they're satisfied

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ✗Underestimating time - Better to overestimate
• ✗Poor communication - Keep clients informed
• ✗Arriving late - Plan extra time for traffic
• ✗Incomplete cleanup - Always leave space clean
• ✗Forgetting tools - Double-check before leaving
• ✗Accepting services you can't do - Be honest about limits
• ✗Not reading service details - Review thoroughly
• ✗Rushing the work - Quality over speed
• ✗Being unprofessional - Act like a business owner
• ✗Ignoring safety - Your safety comes first

Getting Help

Pro Support:

• Email: pros@royalpalmservices.com
• Phone: (561) 555-0100
• Help Center (Pro section)
• Live chat in Pro app

Common Questions:

• Check Pro FAQ section
• Search Help Center
• Contact support anytime
• Join Pro community (coming soon)

Technical Issues:

• App not working? Force close and reopen
• Can't check in? Check internet connection
• Payment issues? Contact Pro support
• Account locked? Call immediately

Ready to Start!

Your Action Plan:

1. ✓ Complete your profile 100%
2. ✓ Set competitive rates
3. ✓ Mark your availability
4. ✓ Gather your tools
5. ✓ Accept your first service
6. ✓ Deliver excellent work
7. ✓ Earn great reviews
8. ✓ Build your business!

Remember:

• Everyone starts somewhere
• Learn from each service
• Build your reputation
• Stay professional
• Success takes time

Welcome to the Royal Palm Pro community. We're excited to have you on board!

Questions? Contact Pro Support anytime at pros@royalpalmservices.com or (561) 555-0100.