How this tradie is ‘saving marriages’ and making a fortune by taking on a ‘hellish’ task every parent dreads at Christmas
A tradie has come up with an ingenious way to make some extra money over the Christmas period – and save marriages in the process.
Patrick Hughesfrom Sydney, is busy preparing children's Christmas presents, including trampolines, playpens and swings, for parents who feel overwhelmed by the task.
The 28-year-old has been told he 'save marriages' and told FEMAIL he expects to earn around $4,000 this festive season.
In six years, Patrick has built more than 700 trampolines, dollhouses, climbing frames and bicycles through Airtasker.
He said he was called to help after moms and dads spent hours putting together gifts for their children.
Patrick Hughes (pictured) makes a lot of money putting together children's Christmas presents, including trampolines and cubby houses, for parents who feel overwhelmed by the task
“It's not unusual for parents to spend ten hours putting together a trampoline and then call me at the eleventh hour when they've given up,” says Patrick.
“I've been told I'm better than a marriage counselor if I intervene because putting toys together can be quite stressful and cause a lot of arguing.”
Patrick charges between $120 and $300 to assemble a trampoline, which typically takes him only 25 minutes.
His rate is determined by how far he has to travel and what day of the year it is. A higher rate is usually charged on public holidays and Christmas Eve.
He already has jobs lined up as Christmas approaches and said he will pose as “Santa's helper” in case he is caught by children preparing their presents on December 24.
'I always made sure I knew the children's names and had a Santa hat on so that if I ever got arrested I had a cover up. I say I'm Santa's little helper,” Patrick said.
“I say they were very well behaved and that's why they got their gift a day early… I only had to use that once and the parents were very grateful.”
Patrick's talent for building trampolines comes from the 10 years he worked for Springfree trampolines.
“Unlike others on Airtasker, I have extensive knowledge of Springfree trampolines and accessories,” his profile reads.
His services will net frustrated parents $100 for a trampoline assembly in time for Christmas Day, and putting together a booth will cost $320 on Dec. 24 or 25.
Patrick isn't the only one making money at Christmas. Steve Chivos (pictured), from Canberra, has made all kinds of toys and was once paid more than $1,000 to put together a cubby house
'This way I can guarantee a safe installation, not only for you, but especially for your children!'
Patrick recently completed his university studies in veterinary medicine and is using the money he earns to pay for the course.
Patrick isn't the only one making money at Christmas.
Steve Chivos, from Canberra, has made all kinds of toys and was once paid more than $1,000 to put together a booth.
“Christmas is definitely the busiest time of year when it comes to toy assembly,” he said.
Other services on Airtasker include a bike assembly for $300 before Christmas Day, while the rate for putting together a cubby house on December 24 or 25 is $320.