1. Be On Time
It shows you’re responsible and really want the job. If you know you’ll be late or unable to keep an appointment, call your customer immediately. Apologize. Let them know your new arrival time or ask to reschedule.

2. Arrive Prepared
Find out as much as you can about each job in advance. Think about how you’ll get there, how long the job will take, what you need to wear, what tools or equipment you’ll need, and if you have other commitments to schedule around.

3. Stay on Task
Stay focused on the job. Finish what you start. If you don’t finish, schedule a time to finish. Put away tools and clean up after yourself before you leave a job site.

4. Be Courteous
Smile. Shake hands. Be polite. Respect your customers. Never promise more than you can deliver

5. Do Quality Work
Customers expect quality work. Make every effort to do your best! Your performance becomes your reputation (and ours)!

6. Charge a Fair Price
Estimate how long a job will take and what’s involved. Name a price for the whole job or propose an hourly rate. Don’t be afraid to negotiate!

KEEP IMPROVING!

Be sure to give your customers a feedback card to complete and return to you. This will add shine to your reputation. If you like, send it along to your OJS coordinator and they can help you improve your services. You can download more cards here.

GET MORE JOBS!

Give your OJS business cards to customers so they can hire you again or refer you to friends and neighbors. You can download more cards here. Also, volunteer to distribute OJS directories in your town.

KEEP GOOD RECORDS

Use a notebook to record your income and expenses and information about your customers. Here’s an example

BANK YOUR DOUGH!
Open a savings or checking account just for your odd jobs business. Accounts are free to youth under 18. To open one, you need your social security number, an ID, a parental signature, and some cash.

BE SAFE!
You break a customer’s window. A customer’s unhappy with your work. If you’re at fault, take responsibility and apologize. Work out the problem together with a parent if necessary. If you get hurt or treated poorly by a customer, get a parent involved before doing anything! Also, be sure to give a parent full details about your jobs before you begin, such your customer’s name, phone number, address, and job start and finish times.