How much should a handyman charge just starting out in business?

Start with what you think you should get paid for an hours worth of work. Add in cost of using equipment and gas to drive there, etc. Don't sell your self short. Also, call around in your area and ask what others charge that do the same kind of work. (You can pretend you're a customer when asking.) Good Luck!!

I just hired a handyman and in my area (Portland, OR). From calling around I found they were charging anywhere from $65-80 per hour. That goes for "one man bands" and professional companies.

Check around with companies in the area, that has the same services. Try to get them to give you an average cost for the service in question. You can then go lower than them, or have some kind of special, like "free estimates". That should get you started.

You charge the market rate but have some promotions so that people know about your excellent services.