What Handy Does
Handy is an online marketplace that connects you with local service professionals — cleaners, handypeople, and other home service workers — through a mobile app or website. You request a service, get matched with available professionals in your area, and pay through the platform. Handy handles scheduling, payment processing, and customer support, but the actual work is performed by independent contractors, not Handy employees.
The service operates in select cities across the United States. You can book cleaning, furniture assembly, handyman work, and some other home services depending on what's available in your location. Pricing varies by service type, location, and the specific professional you're matched with.
Key Takeaways
- Handy matches you with independent contractors through an app or website, and you pay Handy directly rather than the worker.
- You can book services like cleaning, handyman work, and furniture assembly, though availability depends on your city and the current demand.
- Pricing is set by Handy based on service type and location, and you see the total cost before confirming your booking.
- Cancellations made 24 hours or more before your appointment typically have no penalty, but cancellations closer to the appointment time may result in a charge.
- Handy provides customer support if something goes wrong, though disputes are handled through the platform rather than directly with the worker.
How to Book a Service on Handy
Start by downloading the Handy app or visiting the website and entering your address. The platform will show you which services are available in your area and what time slots have open appointments. Select the service you need — for example, "two-hour cleaning" or "furniture assembly" — and choose your preferred date and time.
Handy will show you the total price before you confirm. You'll need to provide a payment method (credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment) and confirm your booking. You'll then receive confirmation details, including the name and photo of the professional assigned to your job, usually within a few hours or by the next business day.
Before the appointment, you can message the professional through the app if you have questions or need to give them special instructions about accessing your home. On the day of service, the professional will arrive during your scheduled window, and you can rate and review them after the work is complete.
Pricing and Payment
Handy sets prices based on the type of service, your location, and current demand. A two-hour cleaning session, for example, costs different amounts in different cities. The app shows you the exact price before you book, so there are no surprise charges at the end.
You pay Handy through the app or website using a credit card, debit card, or other payment method you've saved to your account. The professional does not collect payment directly from you. If you're charged a service fee or tip is added, those amounts will be shown in your total before you confirm the booking.
Some locations offer discounts for first-time users or for booking multiple services. Check the app for any promotions available in your area.
What Happens if You Need to Cancel
Cancellations made 24 hours or more before your scheduled appointment time typically have no penalty, and you'll receive a full refund to your original payment method. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the appointment may result in a charge, usually equal to a portion of the service cost.
If the professional cancels on you, Handy will refund your full payment and help you reschedule with another professional if you'd like. If you need to reschedule rather than cancel, you can often change your appointment time through the app, though availability depends on the professional's schedule and current demand in your area.
What to Do if Something Goes Wrong
If you're unhappy with the work or have a problem with your appointment, contact Handy through the app or website. You can report issues like incomplete work, damage to your home, or a professional who didn't show up. Handy's customer support team will review your complaint and may offer a refund, a discount on a future service, or other resolution.
Handy does not may provide that work will be perfect, but the platform does have a process for handling disputes. Keep photos or notes of any problems so you have documentation when you contact support. Response times vary, but Handy typically addresses complaints within a few business days.
Insurance and Liability
Handy professionals are independent contractors, not Handy employees. This means Handy's insurance does not automatically cover damage caused by a professional during your appointment. However, Handy does maintain a service may provide that covers certain issues — for example, if a professional damages your property, you can report it and Handy may cover the cost of repair or replacement up to a certain limit.
Before booking, review Handy's terms of service to understand what is and isn't covered. If you have valuable items in your home or are concerned about liability, you may want to ask about Handy's coverage limits or consider purchasing additional insurance.
Availability and Service Areas
Handy operates in select cities across the United States, and the specific services available vary by location. Some cities have a wide range of services available, while others may only offer cleaning or basic handyman work. You can check whether Handy serves your area by entering your zip code on the website or app.
Availability also depends on demand and the number of professionals in your area. During busy seasons or in less densely populated areas, appointment slots may fill up quickly or be limited to certain times of day. Booking in advance increases your chances of getting your preferred time slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home during the appointment?
This depends on the service and your preference. For cleaning, many people leave their home and give the professional a key or access code. For handyman work or furniture assembly, you may want to be home to answer questions or inspect the work. You can discuss this with the professional through the app before the appointment.
How do I know if the professional is trustworthy?
Handy professionals have ratings and reviews from previous customers visible in the app. You can see their photo, service history, and customer feedback before you book. Handy also conducts background checks on professionals, though the specific screening process varies by location and service type.
What if I'm not satisfied with the work?
Contact Handy through the app and describe the problem. Handy may offer a refund, a discount on a future service, or send another professional to redo the work. Keep photos or notes of any issues to support your claim.
Can I request the same professional for future appointments?
Yes. If you had a good experience with a professional, you can request them for your next appointment through the app. However, they may not be available at your preferred time, so booking in advance increases the likelihood they'll be assigned to you again.
What payment methods does Handy accept?
Handy accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods depending on your location. You save your payment information to your account and can update it anytime. Handy does not accept cash or direct payment to the professional.