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The Hidden Risks of Handshake Deals with Handymen (and How to Avoid Them)

The Hidden Risks of Handshake Deals with Handymen (and How to Avoid Them)

The Hidden Risks of Handshake Deals with Handymen (and How to Avoid Them)


Hiring a handyman should be simple. You need a repair done, you agree on a price, pay in cash, and move on. But too often, these handshake deals with handymen end up costing more than expected.

Without a clear agreement, you’re left vulnerable to misunderstandings like:

  • “I thought that price included parts.”
  • “Wait, that service costs extra?”
  • “You never said you were paying in cash. Where’s the receipt?”


The problem? Verbal agreements with handymen often have no paper trail. If there’s a dispute, it’s your word against theirs, and without documentation, you have little protection.

Why Cash-Only Handshake Deals with Handymen Are Risky

Most handyman jobs are small, quick fixes—perfect for cash payments. But when there’s no formal agreement, details get lost, and expectations get blurred. If the job isn’t completed as agreed, or if additional costs arise, you could be stuck footing the bill.

Even worse, if something goes wrong after the repair, like a leaky pipe or faulty installation, it’s difficult to hold the handyman accountable without any proof of what was agreed upon.

According to industry experts, disputes over handyman services are often due to a lack of written agreements. Without documentation, homeowners have no way to prove what was agreed upon, leading to unexpected handyman costs and even legal disputes.

How to Protect Yourself from Handshake Deals with Handymen

You don’t need a formal contract to protect yourself, but you do need a clear record of what was agreed upon. That’s where Verbal Shake comes in.

With Verbal Shake, you can document handyman agreements in under a minute:

  • Clear Terms – Specify exactly what the job includes, how much it costs, and who’s paying for parts.
    Example: “Fix leaky faucet for $75. User covers cost of parts.”
  • Instant Confirmation – The handyman confirms with a quick esignature.
  • Digital Record – No more worrying about lost receipts or forgotten agreements. Everything is saved in one place.

This simple process turns handshake agreements into clear commitments—protecting you from unexpected handyman expenses and disputes.

Don’t Let Handshake Deals Cost You

We’ve all heard horror stories about a repair job gone wrong or a price that mysteriously doubled. By documenting your agreements upfront, you eliminate confusion and ensure you’re protected, no matter how small the job.

Verbal Shake was created to bring clarity to handshake deals, making it easy to document handyman services and avoid costly misunderstandings.

Conclusion: Secure Your Handyman Agreements with Verbal Shake

Handshake deals are convenient but risky. With Verbal Shake, you can protect yourself from disputes over handyman work by documenting every detail in seconds. This ensures both parties understand their responsibilities and agree to the terms—no more misunderstandings, no more disputes.

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