Operations Resource Center

Run the business, not just the jobs.

Contracts, insurance, your first hire, marketing that actually works, and how to turn one-time customers into a repeat revenue base.

Get Paid Resource Center Pricing Hub

Contracts & Legal

Simple, enforceable paperwork for service work.

Service Agreement vs Contract: What Small Businesses Need

For most small service jobs, a signed estimate with clear scope, price, and payment terms is a binding contract. Use a longer service agreement for recurring work, high-dollar jobs, or anything involving subcontractors.

Read guide

Insurance & Risk

The coverage every service business actually needs.

Small Business Insurance: What Service Trades Actually Need

Solo trades need general liability and commercial auto at minimum. Add workers' comp the day you hire anyone (even part-time in most states), inland marine for tools, and a professional liability policy if you give expert advice.

Read guide

Hiring & Crew

When and how to bring your first person on.

How to Hire Your First Employee (Service Business)

Register for an EIN and state employer accounts, buy workers' comp, pick a payroll service ($40–$80/mo), collect I-9 and W-4 on day one, and set a probation period so you can course-correct fast.

Read guide

Marketing & Growth

Getting the next job without wasting money on ads.

How to Get More Service Business Customers (Without Ads)

For most small service businesses, a well-optimized Google Business Profile plus a systematic referral ask brings in more work than any paid ad. Add Nextdoor, targeted direct mail, and a rebook cadence for existing customers.

Read guide

Customer Retention

Turning one-time customers into repeat revenue.

How to Turn One-Time Customers into Repeat Business

The average service business loses 60–70% of new customers within 12 months because they never contact them again. A four-touch year — thank-you text, 30-day check-in, seasonal offer, and annual reminder — recovers most of them.

Read guide

Licensing & Compliance

Staying legal without getting lost in paperwork.

Business Licensing Checklist for Service Trades

Every service business needs an EIN, a state or city business license, and (in most states) a sales tax permit if you sell parts. Regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, contractor) add a state trade license on top.

Read guide

The operating system for service work.

Signed estimates, tracked invoices, automated follow-ups, and customer records — in one free app built for 1-10 person crews.

Start Free