My first "job"

Printable View

08-06-2012, 05:17 PM
PeterBrockman

My first "job"

I recently lost my 9-5 job (I had it coming :o) and decided to offer junk removal services. It has been slow because I'm still learning about properly advertising and I don't have a truck yet (renting u-hauls can be expensive).

I moved an old, heavy fridge up 3 flights of stairs (basement to street level) for this guy cleaning out his late mother's home. The guy gave me $25 and I took the fridge to the scrapyard and got almost $40 for it. Almost $65 for what amounted to less than 10 minutes of actual work (plus 20 minutes or so drivetime).

If I can just figure out how to do this multiple times per day... :cool:
08-06-2012, 05:29 PM
Scrapcrazy

THats the right attitude. I highly recommend you steer clear of renting u-hauls. The cost is going to dig into your profits big time. Use your car, borrow a friends truck, trade your car for a truck, do anything but continue to rent. Unless of course you land a huge job. Imagine you have your own truck, how many refrigerators, other appliances and misc scrap you'll find just out on the curb if you dedicate some good effort in looking.
08-06-2012, 05:33 PM
happyscraper

Or find a cheap trailer, that would be better than renting.
08-06-2012, 06:04 PM
DropYoTop

where did you work at?
08-07-2012, 03:37 AM
PeterBrockman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapcrazy

THats the right attitude. I highly recommend you steer clear of renting u-hauls. The cost is going to dig into your profits big time. Use your car, borrow a friends truck, trade your car for a truck, do anything but continue to rent. Unless of course you land a huge job. Imagine you have your own truck, how many refrigerators, other appliances and misc scrap you'll find just out on the curb if you dedicate some good effort in looking.

No doubt...I was just renting the u-haul because I had no other option at the moment. I am looking into older pickups and got the idea of just buying an old trailer to hitch to the car from this site.
08-07-2012, 03:39 AM
PeterBrockman

Quote:

Originally Posted by DropYoTop

where did you work at?

I worked in the billing office of a clinical lab. Safe, steady work...but I was miserable. The last few years I have felt the urge, more and more, to be my own boss.
08-07-2012, 06:01 AM
BarrenRealms007

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterBrockman

I worked in the billing office of a clinical lab. Safe, steady work...but I was miserable. The last few years I have felt the urge, more and more, to be my own boss.

The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence till you get there. :)
08-07-2012, 06:42 AM
PeterBrockman

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarrenRealms007

The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence till you get there. :)

Valid point. Being one's own boss isn't for everyone. But even though I am still working to get business off the ground, I am so much happier. I'm also convinced that in the long run I will make more money this way.

The grass is greener on whichever side of the fence gets watered.
08-07-2012, 11:32 AM
PeterBrockman

Second job, out of the blue.

I had an appointment scheduled for this morning but the guy called and changed it to Thursday (bad storm here last night). As soon as I got off the phone, an old gentleman called me about moving a heavy old tv out of his house for him. He gave me $40 and I'm getting ready to find posts on getting scrap value from old school tv's. $40 for about 5 minutes' work and less than ten minutes' drive time. Even if I get nothing out of the tv, it was a positive experience.
08-07-2012, 11:50 AM
Filthy

i run an add on craigslist for labor and moving furniture with or without a truck. and then i will contract the job, and hire a buddy to help if needed. i got a few hits from it, and it helps when times are slow. sweat equity is my favorite
08-07-2012, 12:04 PM
taterjuice

If a pickup isn't in the budget a harbor freight 4x8 trailer and tow hitch on a car is the next best thing
08-07-2012, 01:22 PM
taterjuice

Got to start somewhere, keep a positive attitude and willingness to work and nOt a lot can stand in your way
08-07-2012, 01:29 PM
PeterBrockman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filthy

i run an add on craigslist for labor and moving furniture with or without a truck. and then i will contract the job, and hire a buddy to help if needed. i got a few hits from it, and it helps when times are slow. sweat equity is my favorite

The business I've gotten to this point has been from the Craigslist ad that I run.
08-07-2012, 03:09 PM
Mechanic688

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterBrockman

The business I've gotten to this point has been from the Craigslist ad that I run.

Print up some do-it-yourself business cards from Walmart and print up some wall flyers for posting on bulletin boards. Or if you have the extra money you might buy some scrapping cards from our SMF store. http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/smf-s...fessional.html

Network with friends and family and pass out cards and flyers, people know people and will keep you in mind.
08-07-2012, 08:06 PM
PeterBrockman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Print up some do-it-yourself business cards from Walmart and print up some wall flyers for posting on bulletin boards. Or if you have the extra money you might buy some scrapping cards from our SMF store. http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/smf-s...fessional.html

Network with friends and family and pass out cards and flyers, people know people and will keep you in mind.

I got business cards from one of the office stores and I've been telling everyone that will listen that I am now doing junk removal. Things are starting to trickle in more and more. I went out last Saturday to the yard sales and even though I didn't find anything I thought would be profitable, I did give my card to the various homeowners, two of whom are moving by the end of the month and said they might call.