Repair and handyman services profile on Websta in New Zealand

What to include in your Websta profile

Your Websta profile acts as a simple website for your repair or handyman business. Unlike social media, it stays under your control and appears in searches when customers nearby look for repair services. The profile should contain the core information a potential customer needs to decide whether to contact you.

Start with a clear description of what you do. Many repair and handyman providers in New Zealand work on multiple types of jobs - plumbing fixes, carpentry, painting, general maintenance, appliance repairs, or electrical work. Be specific about which of these you handle. If there are jobs you do not do, say so rather than leaving it unclear.

Add photos of completed work. Customers in New Zealand typically want to see examples of repairs or projects you have finished. Include before-and-after shots if possible, and ensure photos are clear and show the actual work, not just tools or your van. A small number of good photos works better than many blurry ones.

List your services with brief descriptions. The profile lets you create a services list with pricing you set yourself. Include the types of jobs you accept - for example, 'interior painting', 'tap and pipe repairs', 'fence repairs', 'deck maintenance'. You do not have to list every possible job, only the ones you regularly do.

Include contact details and your location or service area. Tell customers which parts of New Zealand you cover - whether you work in one region, several regions, or take jobs across the country. The profile shows your town and can be updated to reflect your actual service area.

Booking and quote request options

Websta offers two main ways for customers to reach you: online booking for jobs with set prices, and quote requests for jobs where you need to assess the work first. Most repair and handyman providers use quote requests because repair work often depends on what you find when you arrive.

A quote request is a task posted by a customer with details about what needs fixing or building. You review the request and send an offer with your proposed price and timeline. This protects you from underpricing complex jobs and gives customers a chance to compare offers from different providers.

If you do offer some standard services at fixed prices - for example, a callout fee for diagnostics or a flat rate for minor repairs - you can set up online booking for those. Customers then pay through the platform using card payments, and the funds go to your bank account through Stripe.

Languages for your profile

Publish your profile in English. This covers the majority of customers searching for repair services in New Zealand. If you are fluent in te reo Māori and want to reach Māori customers, you can also add a te reo version of your profile description and services list, but English is essential.

Keep your language clear and direct. Avoid jargon that customers may not understand. Instead of 'thermal bridging remediation', say 'insulation and draughtproofing'. Instead of 'plumbing rectification', say 'pipe and tap repairs'.

How customers in New Zealand find repair services

Customers looking for repair and handyman help in New Zealand use several search methods. They search by postcode or suburb for services near them, or they post a task describing what needs doing and wait for providers to make offers. On Websta, the marketplace at /marketplace/repair shows repair and handyman providers by location and service type.

Local search is common. Someone in Auckland looking for a plumber, or someone in Christchurch looking for fence repairs, will search by their town or neighbourhood. A clear location on your profile and a service area description help customers find you.

Some customers prefer to post a task first. They describe the job, their location, and budget range, and providers make offers. This approach works well if you do varied work and want customers to come to you rather than you chasing leads.

What to sort out as an independent provider

Working as an independent repair or handyman provider in New Zealand means you are legally self-employed unless you are registered as a limited company. Check with the Inland Revenue Department about tax obligations and GST registration thresholds if your income reaches certain levels. You are responsible for tax returns and keeping records of income and expenses.

Insurance is important. Public liability insurance protects you if your work causes injury or damage to someone else's property. Many customers will ask whether you are insured. Check with an insurance broker about the cover you need for your type of work.

You set your own prices on Websta. Consider your costs, local rates, travel time, and the complexity of jobs in your area. Prices vary between regions - a plumbing callout in Auckland costs differently than in smaller towns.

Payment through Websta uses Stripe. You will need a New Zealand bank account and to set up a Stripe account to receive payments. Stripe handles the payment processing and deposits funds to your account.

For regulated work like electrical installation or gas fitting, check whether your work requires a licensed tradesperson. Some repair and maintenance work has no licensing requirement; other work does. Clarify this with the relevant authority in your region.

What to write in your first hour

You do not need everything polished before you launch. Start with the essentials and refine your profile over time.

Write a one-paragraph description of what you do. Say who you are, what types of repair or maintenance work you do, and where you operate. Example: 'Independent handyman based in the Waikato region. I handle interior and exterior repairs - painting, carpentry, plumbing fixes, fence maintenance, and general maintenance for homeowners and rental properties. Happy to travel within 30 km of Hamilton.'

Add at least three photos of recent work. Do not wait for perfect photos - use clear shots of jobs you have finished recently.

List five to ten core services you offer regularly. Add a brief description for each so customers understand what is included.

Write your location and service area. Be honest about where you work and whether you will travel or take only local jobs.

Set up a Stripe account so you can receive payments. This takes about 15-20 minutes online.

Add a contact phone number and email. These appear on your profile so customers can reach you directly if they prefer.