What should I check in a handyman company’s job quote and invoice history?

Ask for a full set of quotes and invoices across a long stretch, not a hand-picked sample. Match each quote to its invoice and note the gaps. Large gaps in either direction hint at pricing problems or sloppy scoping. Do this with the original paper copies, not scanned summaries.

Look at the win rate. If few quotes turn into work, ask why. The price may be high, the follow-up slow or the owner may be quoting jobs they do not want. If nearly every quote wins, the prices may be too low. Notice any very small invoices, as they can show that the business spends time on work that barely pays.

Check collections. Review unpaid and overdue invoices and how the owner chases them. Ask whether any customers receive credit and whether discounts were given to friends or family. Finally, tie the invoices to the financial statements and bank deposits. Totals should line up. Have your accountant do this comparison. A buyer who finds clean, consistent records has more reason to trust the rest of the file. Look closely at any jobs that were quoted verbally and never written down, since those are the hardest to check later. Ask how disputes were settled.

Key takeaways

• Match each quote to its final invoice and study the gaps.
• Review the win rate, overdue invoices and discounts given.
• Have your accountant tie the invoices to bank deposits and statements.
• Check whether discounts were given to friends or family.