How to make money as a repair and handyman service in Bulgaria

Repair and handyman work can be run alongside a job or grown into full-time work, but it takes time, planning and some basic paperwork. This guide explains where paying customers actually come from across Bulgaria, how to set an initial price and talk about money, what the first ten customers typically look like, what to check with authorities when you accept payments as an independent person, common pitfalls early on, and how a Websta profile can fit into that workflow.

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers come from

People who need small repairs or handyman help are everywhere and not limited to one sales channel. Expect demand from a mix of nearby residents, local businesses and institutions, and people who find you online.

Common sources across Bulgaria include neighbourhoods and apartment blocks where someone needs urgent help; workplaces and shops that need quick fixes outside normal supplier contracts; schools, kindergartens and community centres that occasionally outsource small jobs; and private homes found via online search or social networks. Word of mouth is often the strongest source in smaller towns and villages; online search and marketplaces matter more in larger towns and for people who move to a new area.

  • Neighbours and building residents offering repeat, low-complexity work
  • Local shops, cafes and offices needing repairs or installations
  • Schools, kindergartens and small municipal facilities on occasional contracts
  • Online search, social media and local groups
  • Task postings on marketplaces where people request offers

Setting your first price and talking about money

Start with a simple, transparent price approach. Decide whether you will charge by the hour or by fixed-job prices. For recurring small jobs it can be easier for customers if you name a clear price or a short price list for typical tasks. For larger or uncertain jobs give a written estimate before you start.

When discussing money, be clear about what is included: travel time, minimum visit fees, parts and materials, and whether you charge extra for evening or weekend calls. If you are unsure about the cost of parts, tell the customer you will confirm before buying. Delivering a short written confirmation or message with the agreed price reduces misunderstandings.

  • Decide hourly or fixed-job pricing and stick to it consistently
  • State if travel time or a minimum fee applies
  • Provide a written estimate for work that is not routine
  • Confirm if parts and materials are included or billed separately

The first ten customers - what they usually look like

Your first ten customers are rarely big commercial accounts. Expect a mix of neighbours, contacts from friends or family, and a few strangers from online ads or posts. Jobs are usually small and straightforward: fixing a door, mounting shelves, replacing fittings, basic electrical or plumbing help that does not require specialist certification.

These early customers are valuable for feedback and referrals. If you solve their problems reliably and leave a clear invoice or receipt, they are likelier to recommend you. Early repeat business and small steady jobs are a realistic foundation before pursuing larger contracts.

  • Mostly private households and small local businesses
  • Low-complexity repairs and installations
  • Opportunities for repeat visits from the same clients
  • Potential for referrals if you communicate clearly

Sorting out payments and paperwork in Bulgaria

Before you accept money for work as an independent person, check the formal steps with the right authorities. Contact the National Revenue Agency (NRA - НАП) to ask whether you need to register as self-employed or open a trade registration, what records and receipts you must issue, and how to declare the income. Ask the National Social Security Institute (NSSI - НОИ) about social security contributions if you register as self-employed.

Also check with your local municipality about any specific permits or requirements for carrying out trades in public spaces, and with insurers about liability or professional insurance for handyman work. Keep simple records of incomes and expenses and issue a receipt or invoice for every job as required by the authorities.

  • Ask NRA which registration applies to your situation and how to report income
  • Ask NSSI whether and how social contributions apply
  • Check local municipal rules for any permits or waste disposal requirements
  • Consider third-party liability insurance and ask insurers for options

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common early problems are underestimating time and costs, poor communication about what is included, and not keeping proper records. Underquoting time or parts can make small jobs unprofitable, and unclear scope leads to disputes. Another frequent issue is missing follow-up on payments or not issuing receipts promptly.

Manage these risks by writing simple estimates, tracking the actual time and parts used, and asking for a deposit on larger jobs. Keep a basic bookkeeping method from the start, and if demand grows, consider a separate business bank account to keep personal and business money apart.

  • Underestimating job time or parts costs
  • Unclear scope and communication with customers
  • Forgetting to issue receipts or chase overdue payments
  • Mixing personal and business finances

How a Websta profile fits into this work

A Websta profile acts like a simple website you can send to customers. It lists your services, shows photos, includes prices and a contact form, and supports online booking. The profile is a place you can point someone to when they ask about what you do and how much you charge.

Websta also supports card payments that are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe. You set your own prices. Using a profile makes it easier to be found through a marketplace and to present consistent information to all customers. It does not replace the need to register or keep records with the authorities; it complements the practical, customer-facing side of running the work.

  • Use the profile as a single page to share with customers
  • Show services, photos and available booking times
  • Card payments can be routed to your bank account through Stripe
  • Set your own prices and keep platform information consistent with your invoices

Frequently asked questions

Can I do handyman work while keeping my regular job?
Yes. Many people start part-time. Check with the National Revenue Agency about how to report the extra income, and with the National Social Security Institute if contributions may apply. Plan your schedule so work outside your job does not conflict with employment terms.
Do I need a business registration to accept paid jobs?
That depends on the scale and frequency of your work. Ask the National Revenue Agency whether you must register as self-employed or as a trader, what records and receipts you must issue, and how to file taxes on that income.
How should I handle payments and receipts?
Issue a receipt or invoice for each job as required by the authorities and keep records of income and expenses. Consider a separate bank account for business money. If you use a platform like Websta, card payments are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe.
What is the best way to find the first customers?
Start with neighbours, friends and family, local shops and community groups. Post clear offers in local online groups and use a simple profile or listing that shows services, prices and contact details. Reliable work and clear communication build referrals.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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