The first few bookings are the hardest. After that, reviews do most of the work. Here is a simple checklist for getting started.

1. Build a profile customers can trust

• Use a clear, friendly photo of yourself.
• Write two or three plain sentences about what you do and how long you have been doing it.
• Add any qualifications, registrations or insurance you hold.
• Verify your details so customers see you are checked.

2. List the services you actually want to do

Be specific. "Garden tidy-up" and "hedge trimming" are easier for a customer to find and understand than "gardening". List every service you are happy to do. The more precise your listings, the more searches they can match.

3. Price your first jobs sensibly

When you are new, price near the lower end of what local providers charge, and raise your prices as your reviews grow. When you enter a price on Pluggerzz you can see exactly what you will receive after the service fee.

4. Reply quickly

Customers often message several providers. A fast, polite reply with a clear next step wins more jobs than a perfect reply a day later.

5. Turn up, do it well, tidy up

Be on time, tell the customer if you are running late, finish the job and leave the place tidy. Good reviews come from reliability more than anything else.

6. Ask for the review

When the job is done, ask the customer to leave a review. A handful of good reviews makes every later booking easier.

What makes a good profile photo and description

• Photo: face the camera, in good light, in plain clothes or work wear. Avoid sunglasses, group shots and filters.
• Description: say what you do, where you work, and what the customer can expect, in plain language.
• Service names: use the words a customer would type, such as "end of tenancy clean" or "flat-pack assembly".

A simple reply you can use

When a customer messages, you do not need a long reply. Thank them, confirm the job and the day, tell them anything you need to know (access, size, materials), and say what happens next. Two or three short sentences, sent within the hour, beats a long message sent tomorrow.

What to do on the day

1. Message when you set off, so the customer knows you are on your way.
2. Check the job with the customer before you start, so you are both clear on what is included.
3. Take a quick photo when you finish, if the customer is happy for you to.
4. Leave the area tidy. A tidy finish is often what a review mentions first.

Why reviews matter more than price

Customers choosing between providers look at reviews first. Starting with a slightly lower price is a good way to win the first few jobs, but your reviews are what allow you to raise your prices later. See how to work out what to charge, and what to know about tax on your earnings.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to join?

There is no sign-up fee and no monthly fee. A simple service fee is taken from each job payment.

What if I get a job I cannot do?

Say so quickly and politely. It is better to decline a job that is outside your skills than to take it and get a poor review.

When do I get paid?

Payouts are made every Monday, once the job's seven-day customer problem window has passed.

Start your stall and set up your profile.