Vendor
An outside company or tradesperson you hire for repairs, like a plumber, an electrician or a handyman.
Last updated
Vendors work for many property managers at once, which is why a clear job, a quick reply and steady follow-up decide who gets their time first.
The same word covers a solo handyman with a pickup truck and a plumbing company with twenty trucks. What they share: they set their own schedule, they choose which jobs to take, and they are paid by the job. You need their paperwork before the first job, usually a W-9 and a certificate of insurance.
An example
A manager keeps two plumbers, two HVAC companies, an electrician and a handyman for each area. When the first plumber doesn’t reply within the hour, the job goes to the second. Both have the same paperwork on file and the same trip charge agreed.
What vendors want from you
- A clear job: address, problem, photos and access
- A quick yes or no on quotes
- Payment on the terms you agreed
- One person or number to reach with questions
How Now Ours handles it
Vendors get texts in your company’s name, and can call or text the same number. Ours sends 4 timed nudges, then the case comes to you. Vendors can also use the vendor app. Read why vendors don’t answer and building a vendor bench.
Sources
- IRS, Independent contractor (self-employed) or employee?. Checked October 20, 2026.
- IRS, Forms and associated taxes for independent contractors. Checked October 20, 2026.