The DIY industry is huge, especially now that money is tight. So, how do you tap into the DIY business?
I believe that if you are patient and work at it you can be the person the DIY person calls when they need help. How do you go about becoming the DIY home repair specialist?
You will need to develop a rapport with that person. Give them some tips and ideas that you have found are helpful for you. It could be using a certain tool for a certain job they are doing. It could be just a helpful tip. Give the DIY person some ideas that you have found helpful when doing jobs for your customers. You will need to be subtle, bring it up in passing, so they do not think you are trying to sell them.
For instance, spring and fall is time for a lot of people to do some basic home maintenance. A lot of folks will clean out their gutters or at least check them for problems, change their furnace filters, the obvious things.
You should point out maybe something that most people probably do not think about, like cleaning out their dryer vent. This is something that should be done at least every couple years, however most people do not give their dryer vents a thought, until something goes wrong.
Additionally, many of the DIY out there truly like doing the work, but lack the skills or knowledge to perform the task. Offer a consulting service. By offering your knowledge, for a fee, you can provide the DIY with the necessary information to help them in their quest to help themselves. By assisting them and gaining their trust you will be the one they call for the larger, more profitable jobs!
Be patient, give them good helpful tips, and soon you will be the person they call when they have a job that they cannot handle.