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Home Based Business Opportunities From Around The World Plus Candid Opinions On More Than 250 Different Opportunities.
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100 Service Businesses to Start Today
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Mobile Pet GroomingSnip, clip and brush your way to success as a mobile pet groomer. Fido and his owner will both appreciate the convenience of a "doorstep" doggie-grooming service. With the proper training and experience, a van and some grooming tools, start barking up the right tree by marketing your business in your neighborhood and others.
Starting a successful pet grooming business does not happen by accident. There is information that will show you to carefully plan to start your pet grooming business like how to manage your business on a day to day basis with information about market analysis and planning, advertising, employee records and training, accounting and bookkeeping, determining your target market, how to analysis the competition, and much more. Start your pet grooming business today, the right way!
Collectibles SearchCollectibles searchers, who carefully canvas swap meets, thrift stores and garage sales, can collect a bundle locating objets d'art for clients. Once you've found your niche--be it antique lunch boxes, dolls or grandfather clocks--advertise your services in hobbyist publications, at collectibles stores, in specialty forums on the internet, or on eBay. Soon you'll be taking up a collection of your own. Here is a review from one lady that does this business. I have been collecting Holly Hobbie things all of my life and originally started looking at flea markets, garage sales, and junk/thrift stores for those items. When I got on the internet, I found out about The Auction Web (a former community on eBay) while chatting to someone. I decided to check it out and see what people were selling. After looking through the auctions for a while, I decided that I would try buying and selling collectibles. I have been doing this now for a couple of months and am clearing approx. $500 a month. I know this is not a lot, but it is enough to help us with the bills.
To find the worth of a piece I look through the auction items and see what people are buying. I also look through collectible and antique books to see what things are worth.
I sell my pieces at the online auction I mentioned above. When the auction is over, the person who purchased something from me sends me their mailing address and I find out what the shipping will be. I then send the total price (including shipping) to the highest bidder and they send me a check/money order. I then send their package.
You really don’t need any kind of background to sell collectibles. You just need to do some research on what people are looking for. There are also some great newsgroups where people post items they are looking for or are selling. You can pull up www.hotbot.com and do a search through the usenet news to find items people are looking for.
Diaper DeliveryWhoever said cloth diapers couldn't be convenient--and user-friendly? Velcro diaper "wraps" replace awkward pins, and pickup and delivery take the dirty work out of diapering. Equipped with a "clean," propane-fueled delivery truck and some washing machines, you can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to disposables. Talk about a change for the better! Here is a business plan for a pituclar company. Diapers 'N More will be a diaper service delivering fresh clean diapers to northeastern Maine. Diapers 'N More plans on offering two sizes of diapers, an infant and a toddler size. The customer will have the added option to buy diaper wraps at an additional cost. Delivery to the various households will occur once a week at which time any used diapers will be picked up and returned to the laundry mat to be cleaned. A premium service will also be offered for those customers who wish to have the same set of diapers they used be returned to them. In essence they will pay extra for the guarantee that no one else has used their diapers. Deliveries will be made Monday through Saturday, official holidays excluded
Dry-Cleaning Pickup & DeliveryAre you clothes-minded? Then try on the dry-cleaning pickup-and-delivery business for size. Provide pickup and drop-off at a place that's convenient for busy professionals, then follow suit by arranging with a local dry cleaner to do the actual cleaning. The pickup and delivery process is incredibly easy because you don’t need to be home at all! Although the process may change slightly depending on what type of building you live in, you can always expect the following things:
Drive Cleaning never charges any delivery fees, membership fees, or monthly minimums! 24 Hour service is available at no additional charge! Drive Cleaning is a non-tipping organization. We’re just doing our jobs! Drive Cleaning does more than just dry cleaning and laundry. We’ll also clean your leather, suede, comforters, and do your alterations! Mobile LocksmithYou hold the keys to success as a mobile locksmith. For best results, be ready for 24-hour action with a cell phone and van. With some training and basic equipment, you'll have this business mastered--lock, stock and barrel. Working for yourself as a mobile locksmith is an excellent way of earning the income you want while having the freedom to decide where you wish to operate. With good technical skills and good marketing sense, you can break into this business quickly, beginning in a small way and upgrading as volumes increase.
There are any number of potential customers for the mobile locksmith. New home owners often like to have their locks changed once contractors are finished. People moving into older homes need upgraded security - perhaps installation of a deadlock. Others may need locks to work on the same key, or installation of a floor safe for added protection of valuables.
The commercial and industrial markets are even more lucrative. Apartment owners need locks changed all the time, as well as master key systems. Additionally there may be hundreds of small business people who need the extra protection you provide.
For highest profit, new locksmiths should focus on the commercial and industrial field as soon as possible since there is more repeat business and a higher profit margin both for service and parts.
When starting your business you will need to pay careful attention to your pricing structure. It is essential to receive proper remuneration for your service to make sure your business is successful. You will need to learn how to put a price on your time, how much you should charge for your service and how to make sure you are charging the right amount to cover your operating costs as well as generate a profit.
You will also need to consider what to consider when choosing business premises and location, what equipment you will need, what to consider when it comes to costs and stock, how to effectively operate your business and the tax and legal issues you should be aware of.
Remember, not only is starting a business a major life-changing decision, it is also a major financial investment. As a result, you will need to make sure you are fully aware of the commitment you are about to make and what is involved.
Here is some extra information to arm yourself with the appropriate information. Information that is accurate, up-to-date and applicable to your individual circumstances.
High net profit before tax - $71,000
Average net profit before tax - $50,000
Average startup investment - $51,000
Minimum startup investment - $31,000
Graffiti Removal & AbatementEquipped with some paint and other preventive treatments, you're set to serve residential as well as commercial clients with your own graffiti-removal-and-abatement business. City governments and schools can also benefit from the removal of unsightly "tagging" in their districts.
One company that I know of has a fleet of Graffiti Removal Vans and specially designed Steam Cleaning Trailers dedicated solely to Graffiti Eradication through out the state. All of there Steam Cleaning Units are Propane Heated and carry their own water. This makes them completely mobile allowing us to work anywhere.
This along with our complete line of G.S.I. Graffiti Removal Products and their Trained and Dedicated Removal Technicians allow us to remove any type of Graffiti from any surface anywhere. Many of their staff have been with them since since started eight years ago and have many years of experience in Graffiti Removal.
Other services provided include; Consulting in all matters related to Graffiti, Steam Cleaning, Gum and Grease Removal, Painting and Parging, Lighting, Security Cameras etc., Preventive Landscaping Alternatives, Exterior Building Cleaning, Protective Coatings , Power Sweeping and Power Scrubbing and Snow Removal and Salting Services.
Golf-Club CleaningTake your best shot with a golf-club cleaning service. Not only will you be offering golfers a clean edge to improve their game, but you'll be offering a way to protect their investment from the rusting, pitting and discoloration of dirty clubs.
Self-Defense InstructorYou can never feel too safe or secure. People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from the self-defense skills you can teach them. Get your business jump-started by training others in the disciplines you've learned--Aikido, Karate, or simply basic safety-awareness skills. Its the The perfect business
As a certified self-defense fitness trainer, you'll be running your own business and making your own hours. You’ll be working when you want — at your own pace. You’re the boss—you call the shots. And even better, you'll have a business you can be proud of—one that profits by providing an extremely valuable service in your community. It’s a business you can take to any level you choose because it is highly in demand. You can work it part-time...or you can turn it into a thriving enterprise with offices and employees.
Your certification makes all this possible because you will have a valuable skill people will be willing to pay great money for. And that's because you'll hold the "key" to making huge impacts on their lives—helping them to protect themselves—helping them protect their loved ones. This is a business anyone can do. You don't need any martial arts or fighting experience. You don't need a degree or any special education. You don't need any expensive equipment. All you need to get started in this lucrative business is our comprehensive certification program and a passion to help people of all ages protect themselves.
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Adventure ToursWhat would 20, 40, 100, 500 or more new bookings or arrivals be worth to you or your destination? $1000, $10,000, $50,000, $150,000, ... Think about it.
To find out how you really can increase your travel sales and arrivals, this much and more - without a lot of time or cost.
Got a taste for adventure? Whether it's exploring South American caves or touring English teahouses, you're sure to find a fanatic following . . . so long as you do all the footwork first. Put your service on the road to success by coordinating transportation, food and lodging. Your clients only need to worry about one thing: having fun.
Web sites are a major part of the tourism marketing success strategy used by international tourism promoters: tourism boards, Associations, lodging, tour operators, etc. If your web site does not have these four primary elements clearly and quickly represented, you are missing opportunities and losing sales.
Creates a desire to use your tourism services, visit your destination or participate in your unique tourism option
Clearly informs prospects of travel and service benefits, options, sites, nature/environment, safety and activities
Answer questions and concerns a typical visitor may have
Motivates prospects to contact you quickly (not your competitor) for more information, travel options and dates, answer questions and address concerns
If your site achieves all these goals, then the prospects that have visited your site will be more excited, motivated, qualified, informed and much closer to visiting your country or giving you a booking.
Pet SittingWhen it comes to creature comforts, most canines would choose their own backyard over a kennel any day. Thanks to pet sitters--who take care of pets while their owners are out of town or busy--Fido can have his kibble at home. This business isn't just for the dogs, however; gear your services toward all creatures great and small for maximum profits.
With the number of pets owned increasing every year, pet business franchises have become increasingly more popular and helps fill a need for pet owners who not only need supplies, but a special place to keep "Fluffy" when taking those much needed vacations. With all the attention placed on the care of animals it’s no wonder domesticated and wild animal franchises have been getting a bigger share of the franchise market. If you love to work with animals, or help improve their living conditions, why not start your own pet franchise?
How can you argue with statistics like this?
There are more than 60 million pet dogs in the U.S. and nearly 70 million pet cats. U.S. consumers spend more than $11 billion a year on cat and dog food. 47% of owners consider their pets full-fledged family members. And that's just dogs and cats. People own and must care for a variety of animals, including fish, rabbits, horses, turtles, hamsters, etc.. the list is long, and so is the profits you can make from owning your own pet franchise business!
Pet care is one of the largest growth industries in America, and offers a stable foundation for any new business owner to grow and profit from. The companies offering these franchise opportunities are well established not only in the pet care industry, but also in the franchise industry and will impart years of knowledge on you in order to help you become as successful as they are.
Mobile MassageSuccess is close at hand for mobile massage providers. Advertise your stress-relieving services at local workout clubs, spas and physical therapists' offices. Then bring your trained hands--and a portable massage table--to clients' homes or places of work. Regular business books aren't much help when you are thinking about starting a massage therapy practice. Massage is different from other businesses in many ways. For instance, a lot more trust is required for a client to disrobe and let you touch them than just visiting a tire store.
Where will that trust come from? It must come from your marketing efforts.
So where should you go for advice? There are books and articles available from massage therapists who have become successful in their own practices. That's good (better than the tire store) because at least these therapists have the knowledge of what got them where they are today. But will that one isolated success story work for you?
Personal ChefImagine having a rewarding high-paying job that lets you use your creativity and love of cooking as a caterer or personal chef.
Cook up tasty profits as a personal chef. Those with culinary competence can likely find a hungry clientele among the ranks of America's busy working families. Or, market your business to clients for those special occasions when they prefer to dine in--complete with restaurant-quality food and service.
Caterers and personal chefs both offer food services to a variety of clients. Caterers are hired to provide food, beverages, and service for functions ranging from an intimate dinner party to weddings, conferences, and other events for hundreds or even thousands of people. Personal chefs are hired to prepare a limited number of meals for individual families or to provide in-home catering for small dinner parties.
Both careers give you the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of having your own business.
Even if you have no formal cooking training, you can start your own catering company or personal chef service or do both.
With thousands of catered events taking place throughout North America every day, there is tremendous demand for caterers. Catering is a $5 billion a year industry, and enjoys a growth rate of about 5% per year. As long as couples get married and corporations host annual parties and conferences, caterers will be needed.
Personal chef services are also in great demand. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, the personal chef business is among the fastest-growing in the country and one of the best home-businesses to start this year.
Mobile MechanicAs a mobile mechanic, a good knowledge of automobile repair techniques and a list of referrals help you rev up sales. Put your business in the fast lane by bringing your service directly to clients' homes or places of business. One such company is the Mobile Mechanic. This is a mobile oil change company servicing cars from individuals while at home or at work and even small to large fleets of vehicles of any business. A mobile oil change service helps preserve time, a precious commodity, because we eliminate the trip to the local quick lube. We are also LESS expensive than competing oil change companies. The Mobile Mechanic charges just $20 per oil change.
The following services are included with all oil changes:
Up to five (5) quarts of oil Oil filter Check fluid levels Check condition of all hoses Underhood preventive maintenance inspection Check wiper blades A relationship based on respect, trust and confidence keeps customers coming back. We are focused on providing consistent, outstanding service. We believe that this is what keeps customers calling every time their vehicles need service.
Seamstress/TailorAs a seamstress or tailor, sew your way to success altering clothing and/or creating new apparel from scratch. Spread the word about your service at local boutiques and dry cleaners, plug in your sewing machine, and start stitching. Being a tailor or seamstress is a popular business idea to start if you are handy with a needle and thread, especially since fewer people are doing it these days as a business.
Seamstresses and Tailors are skilled at altering, mending and creating items of clothing. While some work primarily making alterations and mending new and used garments, others are involved in the design and creation of original and unique items of clothing.
Seamstresses and Tailors are expert in a variety of sewing skills, including: taking accurate measurements; selecting and recommending appropriate fabrics; creating, altering and using design patterns; operating a variety of sewing machines and cutting tools; hand-stitching; as well as staying current on the latest fashion trends.
Those in this profession may operate their own small business, work in clothing stores or alteration outlets, in the film and theatre industry, or even the fashion design industry.
Court-Paper ServingYou can't beat the legal system . . . as a great resource for business, that is. Private attorneys, who lack the time to do much footwork themselves, often turn to registered court-paper processors to serve their summonses. Come judgment day, you'll be courting success.
You may not be interested in learning How to start an Errand Business right now but that is likely because you are not familiar with just how easy this business is to start up and operate. Simple things like grocery and gift shopping, waiting around for the cable guy, and even taking back movies are all things that we have to do anyway, so why not get paid for it? With more and more people busy with their careers and complaining about having more time than money, there is a growing market for people looking to learn how to start a errand business and real money to be made.
So long as you have reliable transportation, a cell phone, and some basic office supplies to fill out and create invoices for customers, you have all the essential supplies needed to own an errand business. There are starter kits available to you for less than $50 that can set you up with all the materials you will need to prepare professional looking invoices and keep track of your expenses. Other than that, learning how to start an errand business might involve some “seed money” in the beginning to cover miscellaneous expenses required to complete errands.
Pricing Guidelines:
Pricing guidelines are only limited by what your market can bear for the services you offer. Many professional errand services charge by the hour for their time while some prefer to set up monthly or even annual packages so that they get more money up front. On average and depending upon the service, someone learning how to start an errand business can expect anywhere from $15-35 per hour for their services for most residential customers. But, if you can break into the office support services market, then learning how to start an errand business can really turn into a profitable endeavor.
Recommended experience, skills, training:
Having the ability to prioritize tasks and organize your time are probably the most essential skills to this job. As with any business owner, however, you will need to market yourself and your company to people so any kind of sales or marketing background will be very useful. Some general business and accounting courses will prove handy when dealing with the financial and administrative tasks inherent to any business.
The income potential for those owning an errand service really goes up if you can manage to break into the office support services market. There are people looking for workers with office skills to just come in and help them once a week or even once a month and they are willing to pay top dollar for this limited time. For people just looking to help others with their groceries and errands around the house, it is nothing for someone learning how to start an errand business to make $35-40,000 a year doing the things that they would normally do for free anyway!
Porcelain RepairRub a dub, dub, a porcelain-repair entrepreneur in the tub: Fixing unsightly chips and cracks in tubs and other porcelain accessories puts entrepreneurs in business. With a porcelain-repair kit in hand, sinks and tubs are made like new again.
Repairing your own appliances can easily be turned into a part or fulltime profitable business. You can learn how to fix your own appliances, then those belonging to your friends and surprisingly you may develop a lucrative second income. A new career could be close at hand.
Why have they started their own businesses? Some had been layed off (more than once), some retired and bored, some just tired of paying big repair bills and some sick of being jerked around by Big Brother. They are all sorts of mechanics, bankers, engineers, airline pilots and just plain handy guys looking to improve their lot.
You are surely going through the same thinking process as they did. Is this legitimate? Can I do it? Can I make money? I know all the questions because I talk to people like you every day. Many are amazed that I actually answer the phone. (Perhaps they don't understand that it is my obligation to help out my students with their new careers.) But that's another story, let me try to answer your questions even before you ask them. The most popular question is,
"I'm interested in this business and I've looking in the Yellow Pages. There seems to be a lot of competition in my area, how am I going to get enough business?"
Let me answer your question with second question. Have you recently tried to get an appliance, or anything else fixed for that matter? I'm willing to bet it was an unpleasant, expensive experience. I'll bet the company was hard to communicate with, slow to respond, made you sit around all day and likely stood you up on top of everything else. This is besides being terribly expensive and marginally competent. The big boys are the worst. Don't you think you could provide better customer service than that! People are crying for a decent, honest, reliable local guy they can trust. Because of this shortage, getting enough business is not a problem. Using the cheap versatile advertising techniques in my program, each has quickly developed a comfortable, often unique, niche all to their own. Typically, as you gain confidence, things start off slowly and get going in about 6-8 months.
The second most popular question is, "Will you show me how to get factory authorized work?" The answer is one word," Don't". For lots of reasons, factory warranty service is very low paying undesirable work . You need to learn to avoid problems and make a significantly better income.
Cover Letter/Resume ServiceNot everyone knows how to look good on paper. With your editing and basic layout skills, a laser printer, and some high-quality stationery, you're set to start showing clients how to put their best foot forward in their resumes and cover letters--and how to get in the door of potential employers' businesses for an interview. Here is information from a person in thie business:
Hello, my name is Sharon, and I started my home business "Express Resumes & More" In July of 1999. I first learned how to write Resumes in 1991 while attending College, and began writing them for family and friends. I also love typing, and using computers. Resume writing was just a hobby back then, nothing I did on a consistent basis. I eventually ended up getting my home licensed to be a day care provider from 1992 through 1995, so I could earn some income and stay home with my child. The daycare business was pretty slow though, plus I didn't have the financial resources to continuously advertise like I needed too. In 1995 I landed a job with one of the Big3 Automotive Companies so I stopped doing daycare. Though I began earning a decent salary at my job, I still had the dream of trying my luck at having a home business again. So in 1999 I bought a computer, got an Assumed Business Name, got some business cards, and flyers made up, and started telling everybody about my Resume business. I then typed a Resume for a friend and used it as an experiment to see how fast I could find her a job through the Internet, and it worked, within 2 months she had gotten tons of calls and had landed a job.
I then knew I just had to add the job searches to my Resume Service. So each of my clients receives 20-30 free job searches when I prepare their Resume, and an Electronic Cover Letter. Once I find a job match I submit their Resume directly to the Employers online. Every client is set up with an e-mail account also, which I monitor for up to 2 weeks, for responses to their Resumes. I also sign my customers up with two of the online job databases. They often have their phones ringing off the hook for interviews. I will even fax or mail their Resume and a cover letter if need be. Once I took my client's Resume directly to the hiring Manager in person. Whatever It takes to get their Resume to the Employer. I am constantly making new contacts, and make sure I stay updated on who's hiring and any upcoming job fairs. I also feel that the content of the cover letter is just as important as the Resume.
You have to be creative to get positive results, and persistent. I once had to submit one of my client's Resume 5 times online to this particular company before they contacted him. I have managed to get people jobs with the Big3 Automotive Companies, Utility Companies, and many others! One guy came to me fresh out of the military last year, and thanks to my services he is now making over $40,000 per year working at one of the Big3 Automotive Companies.
I feel really good when I find out yet another client has landed a job through my services. My customers are very impressed with the Resumes that I create, but I must admit most people come to me for the free job searches I offer with the Resume Preparation. I don't guarantee them they will find employment through my services they aren't paying for the job searches, only the Resume, but a lot of them do find jobs. I periodically check on my client's by calling them to see how their job search is going. For all of this I charge less than most Resume companies charge for a Resume alone. But for the time being I'm trying to keep my services affordable for the people who may need my services the most. I would eventually like to be able to offer job placement where the Employers send me their job orders directly. This may require a license, but just like with anything else, if it's important enough to me I'll just have to go through the steps required to get it. I wish I could do this full time, because I truly love what I do. But being that I am a single mom, and my job pays a good salary, and gives me: dental, health, tuition
assistance, disability, 401k etc. I don't think I'm ready to take that type of risk and quit my job. My job also gives me the financial backing for my Resume Business that I didn't have with my Daycare Business, so I can invest more into things like advertising. I have tried radio, flyers, and even have had banners made up. But the best advertisement of all is of course word of mouth, from those satisfied customers.
Mystery ShoppingNow, you can shop till you drop . . . and get paid for it! Just put on your shopping shoes and put service personnel to the test as a "mystery" shopper. Rate local retail stores' employees on attitude, friendliness, and overall quality of service, then report back to your store-owner clients, helping them to ensure their service really is number one.
Another major mega shift is taking place in the investigative and inspection services profession as massive numbers of businesses in America are finding a huge need to conduct mystery shopping of their various stores and outlets. For the very few that are in this booming business, they are trying to keep the word quite about the explosive growth the mystery shopping service industry has had in the last few years. Mystery shopping, as a type of inspection and investigative service; has been around for decades. However, the mega shift to multi-location businesses from one location operations has fueled an explosive demand for mystery shopping services. It's turned into a 1.5 billion dollar industry. This new start-up manual takes the mystery out of mystery shopping services and shows you the types of clients to market to. The manual also goes into step-by-step detail on how to conduct various types of mystery shops.
May investigators think of mystery shops as covert undercover assignments in which you go into a retail business to check on employee honesty. Those cases are still around and around in explosive numbers. All you have to do is drive down the street or go to the mall. Almost every business these days are multi-unit outlets. The regional managers and home offices of almost all of these businesses use mystery shopping services and these assignments could just as easily be your assignments. Mystery shopping has changed with a lot of focus on customer service. Home offices and regional offices use mystery shopping to find out how well their outlets are seen from a customer stand point. Think of just about any type of business and you will see a need for mystery shopping services. Potential clients are all around you and many of them have never even been approached.
Mystery shopping assignments run from the simple $40.00 to $60.00 shop that only takes five to fifteen minutes to complete, to larger more complex shops that might involve covert video. The more complex cases take two or three hours and bill out at between $200.00 up to $500.00 per case. More than that, a few large accounts can give you dozens of assignments per month. Mystery shopping is an unseen industry that few people really understand but this start-up manual hands you the hard-core scoop so you can add mystery shopping services to your investigative agency or start a service that does nothing but them. It's a wide open uncrowded field.
Tax-Form PreparerOne thing is certain: There will always be a need for tax preparers. Come tax season, businesses and individuals alike need help preparing numerous tax forms and understanding the latest tax regulations. Equipped with some specialized computer software, start scheduling your career as a tax preparer this fiscal year-and get ready for some returns on your time and investment.
Wedding-Guide PublishingFor photographers, bakers, caterers and florists, wedding bells mean big business. Help them get a piece of the action by publishing a wedding guide with space for local advertisers. Include some basic wedding-planning articles, and you'll find June brides aren't the only ones to benefit from your premarital publication. Here is an example of one womans business.
My name is Brenda Parker and I started Desktop Designs Printing & Graphics five years ago this Halloween from my Virginia home. I have taught myself graphic design through my many years of working for other people. Starting as a word processor, I took my lunches teaching myself graphics programs. If you do not have access to these types of programs, check out your local library (I did that too). Anyway, I HATED having employers tell me to get my priorities straight when my daughter was ill. But that is exactly what I had to do - get my priorities straight! I bought everything I would need to start a business while I was still full time employed. Once everything was purchased and in to place - I quit!
I know have over thirty regular businesses that I do work for as well as the referrals I get from them. I am able to take and pick up my nine year old from school, go on field trips and lunches as well as raise my two year old daughter at home. FINALLY - I'VE PRIORITIZED!
I love what I do and with today's technology it is easier than ever. Once I get artwork ready on my computer, I simply e-mail the art to one of my many printers who charge me wholesale. Since these businesses are large, they have all the latest digital output systems and my art actually looks better by e-mailing it than actually printing it out on my desk jet and delivering it everywhere. The only time I have to leave my house is to pick up my jobs and deliver to my customers - oh, AND go to the bank!
I have put an extra mail box in my backyard because many of my printers even deliver my work.
Don't limit yourself! Don't go into this thinking you'll make a living off doing business cards, Look through your phone book. Find companies that will charge you wholesale on stationary, forms, screen printing, banners and other types of signs. When you get a customer - you want them to know they can call YOU for any printing they need.
Although it is sometimes hard (and all sales are) it is quite worth it. Never give up! Raising your children is so beneficial and running your own business is just as rewarding. My kids are proud of me and they have learned what perseverance truly is.
Mobile Car-Wash and DetailingTake your business on the road, and clean up on profits as a mobile car-wash and detailing pro. Let a little soap and water do wonders . . . along with a few rags, brushes, and elbow grease; then drive home sales by marketing your services to car dealers, rental fleet owners, and corporations.
One such company ProntoWash offers customers hand car-washing and waxing, interior detailing and cleaning (vacuum, leather treatment and shampoo among others) and exterior detailing. Its environmentally friendly approach provides a number of advantages over traditional car wash operations, including the use of a biodegradable, highly concentrated, foamless detergent which requires minimal use of water and energy.
ProntoWash USA is an international franchise-based mobile car wash, detailing and paintless dent repair operation. Based on a concept first created in Argentina, the company provides consumer-friendly car wash, wax and detailing services from its retail locations at malls.
The mall location is ideal for customers who don’t like to wait; they can shop in the adjacent mall while their car is washed.
Used-Car InspectionSometimes, it takes a little more than a kick of the tires to evaluate a used car. With some basic diagnostic equipment and mechanical know-how, however, used-car inspectors can help steer clients away from "lemons." Developing a roster of appreciative customers puts you on the road to referrals--and success.
Is there a business opportunity for used car inspection services? Absolutely. You can find companies in the yellow pages that specialize in this type of business.
The Goal? is to help inspection companies bridge that gap by automating the inspection ordering process and delivery.
What does your application do? Allows you as the inspector to electronically deliver inspection reports to your customers. The application also serves as a car history repository. The entire process is completely automated. When you order an inspection, an inspector in the chosen area is automatically assigned to that request. The site administrator has FULL control over all functions and inspection process.
"Whether it's bought from an individual or a car lot, purchasing a used vehicle requires extra steps," explains Donna Wagner, Car Care Council's Director of Operations. "But closer scrutiny helps ensure a better investment. We offer the following guidelines."
First, know your budget and your needs. Until these are addressed every vehicle is a candidate. Because it's so easy to "fall in love" with a car, one must be objective.
If there's a trade-in, know approximately what it's worth. Most libraries and banks have a used car appraisal guide, a valuable negotiating tool. If you're not familiar with the business end of an auto-mobile, do your shopping with someone who is.
Assuming you'll be looking at a number of possibilities, begin with a chart with which you can list each vehicle's description, pros and cons, and owner's phone number.
An evaluation could include a number of items, but don't use one that's too cumbersome. Your first look-over should include the following:
Visual Examination - Open all doors including the hood and trunk. Check for rust, weld marks, or a bent frame. Examine the muffler, tail pipe and exhaust pipe.
Under The Hood - Check fluids. Examine hoses and belts for wear.
Electrical System - Start the engine and check all accessories such as gauges, radio, wipers, etc. one at a time. Check the horn and all lights.
Trunk - Is there a spare tire? Is it usable? Does it have a working jack?
Interior - Badly worn upholstery and carpeting indicate neglect and heavy usage.
Engine - Does it idle smoothly? Is its highway performance OK? Are there any unusual noises?
Drive Train - During road test check smoothness of shifting or unusual noises.
Suspension - Push down on the car's corners, front and back. If it continues to bounce more than one and a half times the shocks may be worn. View the car from a distance; an unlevel car may indicate weak suspension.
Steering - On a straight, level stretch be sure the steering wheel pulls neither to the left nor right. When rounding a corner it should return straight ahead smoothly.
Tires - Examine tread and general condition. On the road test, listen for thumping or whining of faulty tires.
Brakes - Driving between 30-40 mph, with no one behind you, apply the brakes. If they pull in either direction, there's a problem. Apply slight pressure on the brake pedal at a speed of about 5 mph; check for an
intermittent surge indicating drums or rotors that may be out of round.
Another factor is odometer mileage, says the Council. Just because a car has high mileage doesn't mean it shouldn't be considered. It may be in better condition than one with fewer miles. Owner's manuals emphasize that low mileage cars which have been victims of "stop and go driving" (several trips in one day of 10 miles or less) may fall into the "severe service" category. Not only is this type of driving tough on a vehicle, it requires special servicing the owner may have overlooked.
Ask for service records. Many private owners proudly display their maintenance history books as a selling point. A new car dealer may provide this information if the vehicle originally was purchased and serviced there. Don't Show 'Em the Money Yet...
When you've narrowed the field and made your final choice, invest in a comprehensive inspection by a qualified technician. If everything is A-OK, you have peace of mind. If there's a problem and you still want the vehicle, you may be able to negotiate repairs and/or a discounted price.
"Finally," says Wagner, "involve your young driver in the entire procedure. Teenagers, especially girls, tend to get left out. They may be included in the looking stage, but when it comes to evaluating the strengths and weaknesses, having the car inspected, studying the warranty, arranging for credit, buying insurance, and signing all the papers, the parents tend to take over
Professional OrganizerNeatniks need apply: If you're got a knack for neatness, why not help the organizationally challenged? Messy closets, home offices and commercial offices alike could benefit from a more efficient setup. Put some order into others' lives, and arrange yourself some pretty profits.
What, though, does a professional organizer do? What are the requirements to becoming a professional organizer? What is involved in actually becoming an organizer? What does being an organizer offer?
-- Duties of an Organizer --
A professional organizer is someone who helps people get organized in one or more aspects of someone's life. They can either be specialized in one area or help in a variety of areas. What areas can an organizer help people or businesses with?
Home - Kitchens - Living/Family Room - Bedrooms - Bathroom Business - Office Layout - Paper Management
- Scheduling Appointments - Filing Systems Life - Routines - Habits - Budgeting - Hobbies
This is by no means a complete list of what an organizer provides for others. It is up to the individual organizer as to how they are going to provide the services. Some organizers enjoy doing hand's on organizing - actually going into homes and offices of people who need help. Others provide services by means of consulting or coaching by in person, by phone, or online. Some organizers offer workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements. This is one of the many beauties of this profession - you can tailor it to what you want to do.
TutoringThought your proficiency in high school algebra was all for naught? Think again: As a tutor, you could help others bone up on their studies. Whether it's reading, writing or arithmetic, help your students reach the top of their class with a little experienced guidance and support.
There is a BIG demand for tutors; parents are willing to get extra help for a struggling child. Just look at all of the big learning centers out there-they're swamped with business. Most of these places charge around $35 per hour, and put three students to one teacher. Many parents just can't afford this, and would be happy to pay you around $20 per hour to work one-to-one with their child. (I've heard in some areas, such as the SF Bay area, tutors can make $50 per hour.)
Don't worry if you're not a teacher or don't have a college degree because those are not required in order to tutor. Instead, a sincere desire to help children succeed and a positive attitude are the most important credentials you'll need to be a great tutor.
A tutoring business costs very little to start, and it's a steady source of income, even in the summertime. I recommend not spending any money on anything except the basics to start until you have an idea with what ages and subjects you'll be working. Then, concentrate on using inexpensive or free items whenever possible to keep your costs down.
To start out, you need to get supplies and information sheets together, set your hours and fees, decide what subjects and ages you feel comfortable working with, advertise, prepare for phone interviews with parents, offer free consultations, schedule students, and plan your sessions. Before long, you'll be in business!
Power WashingOily driveways, mud-caked semi trucks, or barnacle-ridden boats . . . You name it, and entrepreneurs equipped with specialized power-washing equipment can probably clean it. For spotless results, target commercial as well as residential customers.
If you read statistics and economic trends, small businesses are the fastest growing and most common businesses today. There are many reasons for that, including lack of job security, low wages, etc. If you are going to work hard and use your intelligence, effort, and sweat to make someone rich, why not let it be you.
The first requirement for business success is the habit of planning. The better, more thoroughly, and more detailed that you plan your activities in advance, the faster and easier it will be for you to carry out your plans and get the results you desire once you start to work.
This is not a get rich quick scheme. You will have to work but the benefits of a small investment to have such a lucrative business is great. If you have a truck or a van, even a car and trailer will do just fine, you can be making money tomorrow. Pressure Cleaning is a great part time or full time business. If you care about the work you do and try to do your best every time, you will have more work then you know what to do with.
Windshield RepairTo find potential clients for your windshield-repair business, simply canvas local parking and used-car lots for cars with cracked, chipped windshields. A basic repair kit enables you to offer clients what is clearly a better alternative to costly glass replacement.
First thing you need to do is get a kit. Now there are lots of manufacturers out there, I personally like the Delta Kit because it is easy to use and easy to understand. They have good service and are very helpful. Also they don't cost you an arm and a leg to get started. Here we go.
1st get a kit with two pedestals. A lot of guys get one, and I personally think that you need more than one. You are going to come across so many times windshields that have more then one chip and unless you want to be there half the day, you will want to work on more than one chip at the same time, or you are going to be working at a fleet account and have multiple vehicles. Fleets usualy want to get their vehicles in the field asap, so they don't want you taking forever. So my two cents is get a kit with multiple pedestals.
2nd you are going to need some things to run your business. You need a fax machine. This is a must, now you can use a computer program like winfax for incoming and creating outgoing faxs that you make up on your computer. I personally have both. I like to fax newsletters to my current customers. You are going to need a computer for insurance billing and bookkeeping. Voicemail so your customers can get a hold of you (Fleet and retail). I also recommend getting a computer program called ACT! 6. Many businesses will tell you but so few people actually do it, but track your customers. It will save you a lot of time and effort. Also if you plan on doing any insurance work which is where the money is at you have 2 choices. You can use Delta Kits ACT system, its a turn key system that costs you 15 dollars per invoice if you don't want to have to bill insurance companies yourself. All you need is a fax to do it, but hey some people still want to use it. The other option is to do it yourself.
You are going to need 4 packets to get you set up. Call Safelite and have them send you a packet to get on their list. Then call lynx and have them send you 3 packets. 1 for state farm, 1 for allstate and 1 more for lynx in general. Lynx will charge you a one time fee of $100 dollars to process it. When you do a insurance job they will fax you an authorization sheet that will have the fax number and price list. Extremely simple, up to you if you want to do it yourself. I do mine myself. Safelite you don't have to fax, you can go onto their website and do everything online. Now to get onto those lists you will have to have liablity insurance valued at $500,000 and you can get that easy. Look at previous postings on this board.
3rd now you have to get a marketing plan. Sounds simple don't it. It ain't, trust me. You are going to have to work. Don't let people convince you that any type of business is easy. Simple yes, easy no, you are going to have to work. Spend time going out and getting fleet accounts, talking to retail customers (my personaly favorite). Fleets are any company with vehicles. Warning stay away from car dealers or used car lots. Trust me, they suck, and don't have any loyalty to you. Get shirts with your company name on them. Nothing is more unprofessional then walking into a business to talk to the fleet manager and you are wearing a shirt that doesn't let them know who you are.
Private InvestigationBlaze your own entrepreneurial trail while following others' footsteps-literally. As a private investigator, make your mark in the industry by keeping a keen "eye" on other people's activities. Clients include attorneys gathering evidence for a case, or individuals seeking information about a significant other.
Do you love adventure? Would you like to be able to locate lawbreakers, find missing persons, catch cheats, protect VIP's engage in surveillance and more? Are you interested in a serious profession that rewards initiative and skill? If so, there are many education courses in private investigation for you! Private investigators enjoy exciting and worthwhile careers.
Some private investigators actually pay to be in the private investigation business. This sounds crazy but there are some PIs, frequently former law enforcement officers who are licensed and are "sort of" in the business. Their income from private investigation work is actually a negative. Someone whose spouse has a good paying job to supplement his or her retirement pay is able to work as a private investigator and earn less than their cost of doing business. They may not know they are losing money if they have not learned the fine points of business management. This situation is good for the users of private investigation services because it keeps the hourly rate professional private investigators can charge artificially low. Obviously, it is not good news for someone wanting to become a private investigator and earn a decent income. If you are looking for a way to make big money, there are probably many ways better than becoming a private investigator. A love of being independent and the unknown are better reasons to become a PI than money.
Private investigation agencies charge from $40 to $100 per hour for their time. The average across the country is about $50 to $55 per hour. Those who charge less than $40 per hour usually live in very non-affluent areas. Most of these at the low end of the hourly fees spectrum are going out of business but don't know it yet or are subsidized by retirement pay and working spouses. Those who charge more than $55 to $65 an hour usually either have a good specialty and/or are located in an affluent part of the country. It seems most of them who successfully charge $100 an hour or more have advanced degrees or a strong link to some specialty market from prior employment. Capital punishment defense and hazardous materials investigations are good examples of high fee private investigation work.
A trainee starting out in an investigation agency might be paid little more than minimum wage but could learn enough in a short time to increase his or her value substantially. A professional agency with a good client base would probably pay salaried investigators at least $25,000 and as much as $75,000 or more a year. Many agencies pay field
investigators based on the amount of billable hours they produce for the agency. An average percentage for such an arrangement is 40%. If the agency charges $60 per hour and pays the investigator 40%, that would be $24 per hour for billed time. If the investigator has no personal life and can log 10 hours a day, over $5000 a month could be earned. On the other hand, if the agency does not have many clients, there might be only enough work to bill 10 or 15 hours a week which would earn barely enough to get by on.
Business Services
Business-Plan ConsultingNot only is a business plan crucial in obtaining bank financing, but it's an invaluable tool for anticipating--and tackling--a business's inevitable ups and downs. With your writing skills, spreadsheet know-how, and general business savvy, show clients how to present their best-laid plans . . . while accomplishing your own.
Growth rate citation - Entrepreneur Magazine says that the consulting industry in general will continue to grow at an annual rate of 9.1% Growth rate citation - Census data for each identified segment in the Lane County area roughly parallel this growth rate. Growth rate citation - Eugene Chamber of Commerce published data supports the Federal Census data, predicting continued and rapid growth particularly in the small office/home office market segment. Packing & Unpacking ServicePacking up to move to a new home or office--not to mention unpacking on the other end--is enough to leave one feeling upended. Thank goodness for packing and unpacking entrepreneurs who, with their hassle- and time-saving services, make moving seem like magic.
Business-Travel ManagementMake the skies even friendlier for business travelers--and less costly for business owners--as a business--travel manager. Help book low-price tickets, keep expense records, manage frequent-flier miles . . . and reap the high-flying rewards.
See how our 98.6% client approval rating and total focus on customer service can have a BIG impact on your company’s business travel bottom line. Your job managing corporate travel is more complex than ever: policy compliance, cost-savings analysis, training and tracking travelers and more.
Carpet DyeingFor a fraction of the cost of replacing unsightly or stained carpeting, carpet-dyeing professionals provide hotels, community centers, nursing homes and other businesses an attractive alternative. So go ahead, lay the options at your clients' feet . . . and start making wall-to-wall profits.
Carpet dyeing has existed for thousands of years at the "manufacturing" level. Long before there were automated carpet mills, carpets were dyed by craftsmen proficient in the art. Today, only huge carpet mills dye carpets for distribution to carpet retail outlets. All carpet is dyed.
On-site dyeing is truly carpet "re-dyeing" or color restoration. On-site carpet dyeing and color restoration as a business is less than 15 years old with rare exception. It is one of the few services that has been created by consumer demand, not by industry or technical creation. Carpet retailers and the carpet industry certainly benefit more short term if consumers continue to buy new carpet.
The average carpet is guaranteed against wear for 10, 15 or 20 years! But carpets are replaced 70% of the time for reasons other than wear! Those same carpets will be in great "physical" shape when discarded, but the appearance (color, discoloration, stains, fading, traffic areas, etc.) is unacceptable and not covered by any guarantee or warranty (as anyone who has ever tried to file a claim or pursue any recourse against the carpet retailer or manufacturer or stain protectant company!
Hospital-Bill AuditingThere's nothing worse than being laid up in the hospital for a few days . . . except maybe the pile of often confusing bills that follow. The remedy: hospital-bill auditors, who--thanks to their billing savvy and attention to detail--make way for their clients' smooth recovery.
If there is one matter about which all hospital patients tend to agree, it is that the prices that hospitals charge for the services that they provide are outrageous. Hospital prices give rise to a lot of outrage, but whether a particular price goes beyond all standards of what is right or decent can be difficult to determine and even more difficult to demonstrate.
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Hospital prices are essentially unregulated by government at any level. Medicare does state that "each facility should have an established charge structure which is applied uniformly to each patient as services are furnished to the patient and which is reasonably and consistently related to the cost of providing the services." In other words, every service that a hospital provides is supposed to be listed, along with its price, in the hospital's chargemaster (price list). Every patient furnished a particular service is supposed to be charged the price listed in the chargemaster for that service.
If every patient furnished a particular service is supposed to be charged the same price for it, a hospital cannot charge a patient a different price for that service. Theoretically, if a patient can demonstrate that a price is outrageous, two things should happen. First, the hospital should offer to discount the patient's bill by an amount equivalent to the difference between what the price is and what it should be. Second, the hospital should lower the price in its chargemaster so that future patients are not charged the old, outrageous price.
"Usual and customary." The price that a hospital charges for a particular item is considered to be "usual and customary" if it falls within the range of prices charged for the same item by other hospitals in the same geographical area. To determine whether the price that a hospital charges for a particular item is "usual and customary," you have to know what other hospitals in the area charge for the same item.
There are companies that collect hospital pricing data, compile huge hospital pricing databases and sell the information to the public. The comparative pricing information for a single hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars, because every hospital provides thousands of different items to its patients, and there may be dozens of other hospitals located in the same area. Hospitals, in fact, are the primary buyers of such data, because there is really no other way for a hospital to find out how its prices compare to those charged by the hospitals with which it competes for patients.
Hospital bill auditing firms that audit bills from hospitals located all over the country.
Specialized StaffingHelping clients meet their workforce needs is a matter of finding a niche and filling it--and keeping up with human resources trends. Work your way up in the industry by developing a roster of specially skilled workers, then use your "people skills" to build your business.
BookkeepingThough today's software makes keeping your own books easier, it doesn't make it much less time-consuming. That's why, for business owners with little time to spare, a bookkeeping service is not only a time-saver, but an asset.