Thread Summary: The modern "Underground Economy".....
Message 1 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikko (Original Message)Sent: 7/30/2004 2:37 PM
The modern "Underground Economy".....
Here's the idea..... if you can, please post the money-making idea and as much "details" as you can... be the actual "biz" legit or not.
What I'd like to do with whatever is posted, and with what I know, is to develop a series of pages for this site on the subject.... with perhaps enough detail, each "earning-way" can merit a page or two of their own. Hopefully, with what else we have here - some could use one or more of these ideas (guides?) to develop and run their own little businesses.
A suggestion..... an alternative is to take a "tool" that someone might have that's not commonly owned and turn it into a money-maker.
An short example is my neighbor who bought one of those hydraulic log-splitters for his own home use, and wound up buying extra un-split cords of wood (a lot cheaper this way), splitting the wood, and "bundling" a half-dozen split-logs or so into "bundles" with baling cord and an industrial plastic wrap - then sells these "bundles" to the local convenience stores, campgrounds and individual home-owners. What costs him well under a half-buck directly wholesales for $1.50 and "retails" for $3.00+ per bundle.... or directly to the home-owner/consignment dealers for $2.00 a pop.
What he uses for this "business"....
- cords of logs he gets from local farms and homes with trees to remove (in cooperation with a local tree removal service)
- a chain saw, a log splitter and a few other assorted small tools
- rolls of baling cord and a heavy plastic wrap
- homemade "log sales displays" made from scrap metal and commercially sawn wood
- a small pick-up truck (could use a small van, wagon or even a larger car's trunk
- the usual sales receipt book and assorted flyers that his kids post all over the place.
- an ample backyard where he both works the business and displays "bundled splits" for sale, and for local merchants to "pick-up" new supplies of his merchandise.
Cost to get into this business....
- if the tools are already owned, very little (under $200 certainly) - and if the tools need to be purchased, try for good used ones, or if new, expect something like $1,500 to $2,000 to start. This really is a business that should be started once you have all the "tools" you'll need on hand.
How he sells....
- he approaches the owners and/or managers of places that would sell his product and offers to set-up on either consignment (for less profit share) OR direct sales of a "log sales display" and refills.
The returns...
- although I can't even hazard any sort of accurate income figure for this, I will note that he's pretty darn busy, he goes thru' a LOT of wood, and he managed to buy a new "Hemi-Ram" pickup that he could never afford before. I also have noticed that his spouse is driving a new car, and seems to dress better that she ever did before he started this little "endeavor".
Taxes....??
- who knows, or even cares - his business is mostly "wholesale" anyway.
His kid still cuts my grass however....
Nick
Message 2 of 33 in Discussion
From: bizcoachSent: 7/31/2004 3:25 AM
Okay, I'll add one here.
When I reached middle age--a long time ago--I decided to quit drilling my ice-fishing holes with a hand-auger and pop for a power-auger. For the women of this site (women seldom ice-fish, mainly because there are no potties out there, nor any trees to go behind), I'll explain that a power-auger is like a five-foot-tall drill, 8 or 9 inches in diameter, driven by a small gasoline engine at the top of the whole thing. The handles for holding it--and for keeping it from going right through its own hole into the water--are also at the top.
Where my buddies and I do our ice-fishing is a lagoon of Lake Michigan, near downtown Chicago, right in the shadow of Soldier Field. All summer, it holds hundreds of private boats. But when it ices over, it sprouts an entire "urban slum" of ice-fishing shelters, plus a crowd of people who fish out in the open (as I do). Many of them don't have anything to drill holes with--they just count on finding holes that other guys have abandoned but that haven't frozen over yet. Some have steel rods they use to crack through the thinner ice that covers frozen-over holes. Many have hand-augers. Generally, only a few have power-augers, since ice-fishing isn't a very big sport in Chicago.
So my rationale was that I could drill holes for other ice-fishermen, for a buck or two apiece, and soon recover the $150 cost of the power-auger.
I suppose it violates the spirit of this thread, but I gotta confess I could never bring myself to charge anyone for drilling a couple holes for them. For one thing, I'm too softhearted. But for another, it was a lot of FUN to pull the starter-cord and watch that thing burrow down through two feet of ice in about 15 seconds! Since ice-fishing could be described as "Hours of chatting with your buddy, punctuated by occasional bursts of hauling up a couple Yellow Perch," punching holes for other guys broke the boredom, too.
But it COULD'VE been another business in the Underground Economy! (Underwater Economy?)
From: OldNikko (Original Message)Sent: 7/30/2004 2:37 PM
The modern "Underground Economy".....
Here's the idea..... if you can, please post the money-making idea and as much "details" as you can... be the actual "biz" legit or not.
What I'd like to do with whatever is posted, and with what I know, is to develop a series of pages for this site on the subject.... with perhaps enough detail, each "earning-way" can merit a page or two of their own. Hopefully, with what else we have here - some could use one or more of these ideas (guides?) to develop and run their own little businesses.
A suggestion..... an alternative is to take a "tool" that someone might have that's not commonly owned and turn it into a money-maker.
An short example is my neighbor who bought one of those hydraulic log-splitters for his own home use, and wound up buying extra un-split cords of wood (a lot cheaper this way), splitting the wood, and "bundling" a half-dozen split-logs or so into "bundles" with baling cord and an industrial plastic wrap - then sells these "bundles" to the local convenience stores, campgrounds and individual home-owners. What costs him well under a half-buck directly wholesales for $1.50 and "retails" for $3.00+ per bundle.... or directly to the home-owner/consignment dealers for $2.00 a pop.
What he uses for this "business"....
- cords of logs he gets from local farms and homes with trees to remove (in cooperation with a local tree removal service)
- a chain saw, a log splitter and a few other assorted small tools
- rolls of baling cord and a heavy plastic wrap
- homemade "log sales displays" made from scrap metal and commercially sawn wood
- a small pick-up truck (could use a small van, wagon or even a larger car's trunk
- the usual sales receipt book and assorted flyers that his kids post all over the place.
- an ample backyard where he both works the business and displays "bundled splits" for sale, and for local merchants to "pick-up" new supplies of his merchandise.
Cost to get into this business....
- if the tools are already owned, very little (under $200 certainly) - and if the tools need to be purchased, try for good used ones, or if new, expect something like $1,500 to $2,000 to start. This really is a business that should be started once you have all the "tools" you'll need on hand.
How he sells....
- he approaches the owners and/or managers of places that would sell his product and offers to set-up on either consignment (for less profit share) OR direct sales of a "log sales display" and refills.
The returns...
- although I can't even hazard any sort of accurate income figure for this, I will note that he's pretty darn busy, he goes thru' a LOT of wood, and he managed to buy a new "Hemi-Ram" pickup that he could never afford before. I also have noticed that his spouse is driving a new car, and seems to dress better that she ever did before he started this little "endeavor".
Taxes....??
- who knows, or even cares - his business is mostly "wholesale" anyway.
His kid still cuts my grass however....
Nick
Message 2 of 33 in Discussion
From: bizcoachSent: 7/31/2004 3:25 AM
Okay, I'll add one here.
When I reached middle age--a long time ago--I decided to quit drilling my ice-fishing holes with a hand-auger and pop for a power-auger. For the women of this site (women seldom ice-fish, mainly because there are no potties out there, nor any trees to go behind), I'll explain that a power-auger is like a five-foot-tall drill, 8 or 9 inches in diameter, driven by a small gasoline engine at the top of the whole thing. The handles for holding it--and for keeping it from going right through its own hole into the water--are also at the top.
Where my buddies and I do our ice-fishing is a lagoon of Lake Michigan, near downtown Chicago, right in the shadow of Soldier Field. All summer, it holds hundreds of private boats. But when it ices over, it sprouts an entire "urban slum" of ice-fishing shelters, plus a crowd of people who fish out in the open (as I do). Many of them don't have anything to drill holes with--they just count on finding holes that other guys have abandoned but that haven't frozen over yet. Some have steel rods they use to crack through the thinner ice that covers frozen-over holes. Many have hand-augers. Generally, only a few have power-augers, since ice-fishing isn't a very big sport in Chicago.
So my rationale was that I could drill holes for other ice-fishermen, for a buck or two apiece, and soon recover the $150 cost of the power-auger.
I suppose it violates the spirit of this thread, but I gotta confess I could never bring myself to charge anyone for drilling a couple holes for them. For one thing, I'm too softhearted. But for another, it was a lot of FUN to pull the starter-cord and watch that thing burrow down through two feet of ice in about 15 seconds! Since ice-fishing could be described as "Hours of chatting with your buddy, punctuated by occasional bursts of hauling up a couple Yellow Perch," punching holes for other guys broke the boredom, too.
But it COULD'VE been another business in the Underground Economy! (Underwater Economy?)
Message 3 of 33 in Discussion
From: BilSent: 7/31/2004 4:24 PM
Coach,
You have nailed the spirit of the board. Profits are not always in cash. From a Guy perspective, The ability to pop a hole in 2 feet of ice in 15 sec. proves that you don't need fur lined underware - even though you are an old man. Toys (and talents) are no fun if you can't share them and gloat a bit. Even the Pope would say that profit is non-taxible.
Jack
From: BilSent: 7/31/2004 4:24 PM
Coach,
You have nailed the spirit of the board. Profits are not always in cash. From a Guy perspective, The ability to pop a hole in 2 feet of ice in 15 sec. proves that you don't need fur lined underware - even though you are an old man. Toys (and talents) are no fun if you can't share them and gloat a bit. Even the Pope would say that profit is non-taxible.
Jack
Message 4 of 33 in Discussion
From: carolinaSent: 7/31/2004 6:33 PM
I loved BizCoach's example ..... but .... gotta ask this ..... way back when in NH, on Lake Winnipesaukee and a few of the outlying lakes, those ice fishing shantys had a real name ...a moniker, a very colorful and descriptive moniker .....
Quiz .... what are they really called? There is a name, I just know it but can't remember it! Maybe it is just too country ......
(I'm not sure I even spelled Winnipesaukee just right - my references are the books written by my uncle who was the pursar on the Mt. Washington tour boat 'round The Lake for decades -when he wasn't teaching music in the local schools- - its somewhere here in the archives ... of my mind and family )
So, what is the real word for 'ice fishing shanty' .... ???
From: carolinaSent: 7/31/2004 6:33 PM
I loved BizCoach's example ..... but .... gotta ask this ..... way back when in NH, on Lake Winnipesaukee and a few of the outlying lakes, those ice fishing shantys had a real name ...a moniker, a very colorful and descriptive moniker .....
Quiz .... what are they really called? There is a name, I just know it but can't remember it! Maybe it is just too country ......
(I'm not sure I even spelled Winnipesaukee just right - my references are the books written by my uncle who was the pursar on the Mt. Washington tour boat 'round The Lake for decades -when he wasn't teaching music in the local schools- - its somewhere here in the archives ... of my mind and family )
So, what is the real word for 'ice fishing shanty' .... ???
Message 5 of 33 in Discussion
From: bizcoachSent: 7/31/2004 7:08 PM
You spelled the lake exactly right, Carolina! And I think I found the New Hampshire nickname for ice-shanties.
First, though, lemme tell you where I found it. After Googling my way through a bunch of American ice-fishing sites, I stumbled across a report by an AUSTRALIAN journalist of his bitter-cold February visit to Lake Winnipesaukee (when it was summer Down Under)...and there it was! "Bob huts."
Hee hee, has this thread gone spinning out of control, or what???
From: bizcoachSent: 7/31/2004 7:08 PM
You spelled the lake exactly right, Carolina! And I think I found the New Hampshire nickname for ice-shanties.
First, though, lemme tell you where I found it. After Googling my way through a bunch of American ice-fishing sites, I stumbled across a report by an AUSTRALIAN journalist of his bitter-cold February visit to Lake Winnipesaukee (when it was summer Down Under)...and there it was! "Bob huts."
Hee hee, has this thread gone spinning out of control, or what???
Message 6 of 33 in Discussion
From: carolinaSent: 7/31/2004 8:18 PM
Yeah, BixCoach ..... we are monopolozing this thread to our own agenda .... but hope we'll be excused. The 'bob hut' didn't quite ring true w/me ...(but thanks for your research) ! ... .....
So I called my Dad - a transplanted NH type. His best recollection was 'bob house' - close, but still not what I'd thought. Now, I think my recollection was a real regional nomenclature via my Mom ..... she's gone now, so guess this will forever remain in my ?? list in my pointed little head.
No never, never mind ...... that you thot this up and then didn't capitalize on it makes me smile.
We all want to make something work ...but sometimes making it work doesn't involve dollars.
Sometimes it just makes one smile for the sharing ....
From: carolinaSent: 7/31/2004 8:18 PM
Yeah, BixCoach ..... we are monopolozing this thread to our own agenda .... but hope we'll be excused. The 'bob hut' didn't quite ring true w/me ...(but thanks for your research) ! ... .....
So I called my Dad - a transplanted NH type. His best recollection was 'bob house' - close, but still not what I'd thought. Now, I think my recollection was a real regional nomenclature via my Mom ..... she's gone now, so guess this will forever remain in my ?? list in my pointed little head.
No never, never mind ...... that you thot this up and then didn't capitalize on it makes me smile.
We all want to make something work ...but sometimes making it work doesn't involve dollars.
Sometimes it just makes one smile for the sharing ....
Message 7 of 33 in Discussion
From: carolinaSent: 7/31/2004 8:24 PM
Back to the OP .......... I'm thinking, scratching my head trying to re-invent stuff. Will share, but am very interested in how others are coping with/ re-designing business in this time block. It's getting more than a bit tenuous. jmo.
Message 8 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/1/2004 6:44 PM
Bil/Jack, et al... no offense, but......
This thread's intent is in exactly the same spirit that this board was built on.
What I had hoped to achieve here is to build a small repository of great, workable and low-buck "first-biz" ideas for those that want some sort of business... and so that I might be able to turn them into workable "mini-biz-plans" for our newest members.
And, even though they've listened to - and looked at - all of the "high-end" stuff we're noted for here at The ECN, they still don't have any real idea of just what they'd like to do - and, could use a page or two where they could kick-start their own idea generators into the high-speed running mode. Unless I miss my guess - and from what we've seen here over the years - this is the majority of our new members, and what they really do need to have available. Most have never had a business of their own - and desperately need a good hard push in the right direction. These mini-plans will serve that purpose quite well I think.
With the great many 10's of thousands of different business types possible, it is most often the easiest to find that first tiny start-up, low cost business idea from an assortment of some real-life, workable examples that have already made others some cash. I think they ought to be able to find at least a part of that most basic need fulfilled by us, the only decent public-domain, non-profit biz-info site on the web.
Good first steps for the beginner.... and once some success is achieved operating a mini-biz - the budding entrepreneur may then be ready for the next step - a somewhat more complex (and expensive) start-up venture.
All toward the goal of helping the weakest of our members, the business newcomer get started on a path they can call their very own.
They are after all, the ones that need the most help from us, and that only we can give to them in any sort of credible way - and, I intend giving it to them in this way, with or without anyone else's help. These new "newbie help pages" will exist, here at the Entrepreneur Group and on The ECN.... and that's a simple statement of fact.
Regards to all - agree with, and help me or not.
Nick
PS: All of you new folks... chime in please. Would you, or would you not like to see some real, workable mini-biz-plans pages here at The ECN? Add your opinions and comments to this thread - as well as comments from those members that are somewhat more experienced too. Help and useful advice is always welcome at The ECN!
Thanks.
Administrivia Nota Bene:
Yeah Coach - yet still another bad hair day (what's left of it, of course).... What I had hoped to need only a velvet hammer's tap in execution seems to have turned into a 15 pound sledge's bit of work. Ya know how I really hate to be "pushy" - but, this newbie biz-stuff is something we've needed here for some time, and no-one's seemed to have had the time or inclination to help fill the void. I really don't need a lot of help, but SOME would be most appreciated. Heck, I'd like to think that Entrepreneur and The ECN is NOT - all Nikko, all the time - but rather US helping those that we can best serve together, as a team. As the GM around here, I expect to have to do all of the hard stuff, like putting these ideas into some sort of standard format, and developing the actual web-pages.... I'll even do much of the necessary research as well... That's why I AM the general manager - that's my job, and what I do - making things happen, just like every other section, and almost every page on this site. I just don't wish to be depended upon to generate EVERY idea on my own is all. If that's what happens, so be it - although it will be even longer getting this vital info onto this site.... it will be here anyway - either way.
Of course, I may be also be all wrong in that sort of thinking. Your mileage may vary. I suppose I oughta apologize for being such a hard-case.... Maybe I'll do that - one day down the road.
Onward..... the next post will be the plan format.
From: carolinaSent: 7/31/2004 8:24 PM
Back to the OP .......... I'm thinking, scratching my head trying to re-invent stuff. Will share, but am very interested in how others are coping with/ re-designing business in this time block. It's getting more than a bit tenuous. jmo.
Message 8 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/1/2004 6:44 PM
Bil/Jack, et al... no offense, but......
This thread's intent is in exactly the same spirit that this board was built on.
What I had hoped to achieve here is to build a small repository of great, workable and low-buck "first-biz" ideas for those that want some sort of business... and so that I might be able to turn them into workable "mini-biz-plans" for our newest members.
And, even though they've listened to - and looked at - all of the "high-end" stuff we're noted for here at The ECN, they still don't have any real idea of just what they'd like to do - and, could use a page or two where they could kick-start their own idea generators into the high-speed running mode. Unless I miss my guess - and from what we've seen here over the years - this is the majority of our new members, and what they really do need to have available. Most have never had a business of their own - and desperately need a good hard push in the right direction. These mini-plans will serve that purpose quite well I think.
With the great many 10's of thousands of different business types possible, it is most often the easiest to find that first tiny start-up, low cost business idea from an assortment of some real-life, workable examples that have already made others some cash. I think they ought to be able to find at least a part of that most basic need fulfilled by us, the only decent public-domain, non-profit biz-info site on the web.
Good first steps for the beginner.... and once some success is achieved operating a mini-biz - the budding entrepreneur may then be ready for the next step - a somewhat more complex (and expensive) start-up venture.
All toward the goal of helping the weakest of our members, the business newcomer get started on a path they can call their very own.
They are after all, the ones that need the most help from us, and that only we can give to them in any sort of credible way - and, I intend giving it to them in this way, with or without anyone else's help. These new "newbie help pages" will exist, here at the Entrepreneur Group and on The ECN.... and that's a simple statement of fact.
Regards to all - agree with, and help me or not.
Nick
PS: All of you new folks... chime in please. Would you, or would you not like to see some real, workable mini-biz-plans pages here at The ECN? Add your opinions and comments to this thread - as well as comments from those members that are somewhat more experienced too. Help and useful advice is always welcome at The ECN!
Thanks.
Administrivia Nota Bene:
Yeah Coach - yet still another bad hair day (what's left of it, of course).... What I had hoped to need only a velvet hammer's tap in execution seems to have turned into a 15 pound sledge's bit of work. Ya know how I really hate to be "pushy" - but, this newbie biz-stuff is something we've needed here for some time, and no-one's seemed to have had the time or inclination to help fill the void. I really don't need a lot of help, but SOME would be most appreciated. Heck, I'd like to think that Entrepreneur and The ECN is NOT - all Nikko, all the time - but rather US helping those that we can best serve together, as a team. As the GM around here, I expect to have to do all of the hard stuff, like putting these ideas into some sort of standard format, and developing the actual web-pages.... I'll even do much of the necessary research as well... That's why I AM the general manager - that's my job, and what I do - making things happen, just like every other section, and almost every page on this site. I just don't wish to be depended upon to generate EVERY idea on my own is all. If that's what happens, so be it - although it will be even longer getting this vital info onto this site.... it will be here anyway - either way.
Of course, I may be also be all wrong in that sort of thinking. Your mileage may vary. I suppose I oughta apologize for being such a hard-case.... Maybe I'll do that - one day down the road.
Onward..... the next post will be the plan format.
Message 9 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/1/2004 6:45 PM
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/1/2004 6:45 PM
Here's the basic format (chapters?) I intend using for these mini-plans:
Business type/name:
Prologue/introduction:
Description of business:
How it operates:
Revenue generation methods:
Advertising & marketing:
Equipment/tools & facilities:
"Special requirements" and Misc.:
Market demographics:
Start-up & estimated operating costs:
Estimated revenues:
Hints, tips and tricks:
Additional comments:
Notes & etcetera:
And, the usual fine-print publishing disclaimer is to be added here:
NB: These plans will be perfectly suited to use with my Basic Business Manual as a business-specific companion text, soon to be released and available thru' The ECN and OldNikko.com Publishing Co.. Any and all proceeds will go to support the commercial website version of The ECN, with any excess earnings going to the various children's charities that I help support.
Message 10 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/1/2004 11:14 PM
Bumping to the top, past all of the new thread summaries completed.
Nick
Business type/name:
Prologue/introduction:
Description of business:
How it operates:
Revenue generation methods:
Advertising & marketing:
Equipment/tools & facilities:
"Special requirements" and Misc.:
Market demographics:
Start-up & estimated operating costs:
Estimated revenues:
Hints, tips and tricks:
Additional comments:
Notes & etcetera:
And, the usual fine-print publishing disclaimer is to be added here:
NB: These plans will be perfectly suited to use with my Basic Business Manual as a business-specific companion text, soon to be released and available thru' The ECN and OldNikko.com Publishing Co.. Any and all proceeds will go to support the commercial website version of The ECN, with any excess earnings going to the various children's charities that I help support.
Message 10 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/1/2004 11:14 PM
Bumping to the top, past all of the new thread summaries completed.
Nick
Message 11 of 33 in Discussion
From: jfstrawSent: 8/2/2004 10:10 AM
This message has been deleted by the manager or assistant manager.
From: jfstrawSent: 8/2/2004 10:10 AM
This message has been deleted by the manager or assistant manager.
Message 12 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/2/2004 12:07 PM
Please pardon the re-post... it is simply to remove the extended included text, thereby saving some of our precious web-space.
Thanks for the reminder Jim --- I've also added the link for your offer because I believe it to be of benefit to our newest members.
From: jfstraw
Good idea, Nick - but ...
I did it years ago and even offer complete, detailed plans for 17 of those businesses as a Special FREE Report on my website.
Jim
Note from the manager: As you know, we usually do not allow "ads" - but this one is a freebie from one of the most highly recognized small business masters (Please note - I did NOT say guru - I consider that particular accolade as being essentially derisive and should be reserved solely for the scammers)... that should rightly be an exception to the rule - and, it doesn't directly generate any income, so I feel good about this small deviation from our gold standard. And, Jim has more good info for free that shouldn't be missed.
For the record - and everyone's edification, the "freebies" Jim speaks of may be found at this link:
http://www.businesslyceum.com/lectures.html You won't be disappointed.
Enjoy!
Nick
Message 13 of 33 in Discussion
From: Roodey5Sent: 8/2/2004 3:53 PM
Hi Nick,
You may have already had this in mind but imho I think it would be nice to have descriptions for each chapter that provide a framework of what should be listed under each item. For instance “How it operates” could incorporate information from the various other chapter headings so it would be good to have more precise info as to what info should go under each heading.
Roodey
Message 14 of 33 in Discussion
From: dunstergirlSent: 8/4/2004 1:20 AM
OT -- but Coach, there are many other reasons besides the lack of appropriate bathroom facilities why women don't ice fish...like, we simply cannot grasp why an otherwise sane human being would spend hours crouched over a hole in the ice and freezing off his best parts simply for the sake of a few fresh fish (could it be the beer and the decidedly not female companionship??). But we do enjoy the stories about "bob huts" (and trucks, and the odd really dumb guy) disappearing into the lake in the spring when the ice just can't take it anymore. Just natural selection in action...
Cheers,
Lelani
Message 15 of 33 in Discussion
From: Jeremy22772Sent: 8/4/2004 3:15 PM
Nick:
There are quite a few businesses that are easy enough to set up and run. I'll list them off here, and then post the "mini biz plan" when I get some more time.
1. Delivery company - you just need to set up contracts with local restaurants, computer stores and anybody who doesn't want to hire a delivery driver. You need a CB base and a number of radios that have magnetic aerials and some delivery drivers. You pay them 60% plus their tips and you keep 40% for answering phones and calling out the delivery locations.
2. Deck building - build fences and decks for anybody who needs them. You need a drill, skill saw, level and plumb-bob and you're set. Advertise through word of mouth and small yard signs. Most lumber stores will give contractors a 10% discount on supplies and even finance you short term. Two employees working while you charge $20/ man hour makes you some money
3. Deliver and assemble - go to stores like Wal-Mart that sell furniture that isn't assembled. Tell them that you will deliver and assemble for anyone who needs it. People here charge $50 for delivery and $50 for assembly. A lot of older people will pay to have someone else lug 80lbs furniture-in-a-box around and set it up for them.
4. Shopping cart retreival - pick up shopping carts for local grocery and department stores. Carts cost stores over $1500, so they will pay $80 for returned carts (give or take). You need a vehicle (preferably a truck), a flat-deck trailer and two employees that don't mind staying up late. Go around to condos and parks and find the MIA shopping carts, load them up and deliver. First, make sure you have an agreement with the store.
5. Window sealing - re-caulk windows. Caulking on windows (seals out the weather around the window) needs to be replaced every 2 years. Sun will damage the old caulking no matter what quality it is. Go an buy the cauliking in bulk (6 month shelf life), a caulking gun and a ladder. Train your employees on scrap wood and do a good job. Quality here will keep people coming back to you. Again, advertise with yard signs and word of mouth. You could charge $20 per window, and make even more money by offering to paint wooden window trims while you're there. Use latex caulking since you can't paint silicone.
6. Landscaping - a lot of kids do this, so why not you? Hire a couple of kids to mow lawns twice a month. Set up accounts with people, and you can charge from $25 to $50 per mow. Pay the kids $8 per hour and everybody's happy. You will need a lawn mower, gas and transportation. Start with this and grow it into laying sod, building gardens and any other landscaping jobs. Most suppliers of products will deliver, so you won't need a large truck initially.
Well, that's all I have time for right now. I'll go through these and add further information later.
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/2/2004 12:07 PM
Please pardon the re-post... it is simply to remove the extended included text, thereby saving some of our precious web-space.
Thanks for the reminder Jim --- I've also added the link for your offer because I believe it to be of benefit to our newest members.
From: jfstraw
Good idea, Nick - but ...
I did it years ago and even offer complete, detailed plans for 17 of those businesses as a Special FREE Report on my website.
Jim
Note from the manager: As you know, we usually do not allow "ads" - but this one is a freebie from one of the most highly recognized small business masters (Please note - I did NOT say guru - I consider that particular accolade as being essentially derisive and should be reserved solely for the scammers)... that should rightly be an exception to the rule - and, it doesn't directly generate any income, so I feel good about this small deviation from our gold standard. And, Jim has more good info for free that shouldn't be missed.
For the record - and everyone's edification, the "freebies" Jim speaks of may be found at this link:
http://www.businesslyceum.com/lectures.html You won't be disappointed.
Enjoy!
Nick
Message 13 of 33 in Discussion
From: Roodey5Sent: 8/2/2004 3:53 PM
Hi Nick,
You may have already had this in mind but imho I think it would be nice to have descriptions for each chapter that provide a framework of what should be listed under each item. For instance “How it operates” could incorporate information from the various other chapter headings so it would be good to have more precise info as to what info should go under each heading.
Roodey
Message 14 of 33 in Discussion
From: dunstergirlSent: 8/4/2004 1:20 AM
OT -- but Coach, there are many other reasons besides the lack of appropriate bathroom facilities why women don't ice fish...like, we simply cannot grasp why an otherwise sane human being would spend hours crouched over a hole in the ice and freezing off his best parts simply for the sake of a few fresh fish (could it be the beer and the decidedly not female companionship??). But we do enjoy the stories about "bob huts" (and trucks, and the odd really dumb guy) disappearing into the lake in the spring when the ice just can't take it anymore. Just natural selection in action...
Cheers,
Lelani
Message 15 of 33 in Discussion
From: Jeremy22772Sent: 8/4/2004 3:15 PM
Nick:
There are quite a few businesses that are easy enough to set up and run. I'll list them off here, and then post the "mini biz plan" when I get some more time.
1. Delivery company - you just need to set up contracts with local restaurants, computer stores and anybody who doesn't want to hire a delivery driver. You need a CB base and a number of radios that have magnetic aerials and some delivery drivers. You pay them 60% plus their tips and you keep 40% for answering phones and calling out the delivery locations.
2. Deck building - build fences and decks for anybody who needs them. You need a drill, skill saw, level and plumb-bob and you're set. Advertise through word of mouth and small yard signs. Most lumber stores will give contractors a 10% discount on supplies and even finance you short term. Two employees working while you charge $20/ man hour makes you some money
3. Deliver and assemble - go to stores like Wal-Mart that sell furniture that isn't assembled. Tell them that you will deliver and assemble for anyone who needs it. People here charge $50 for delivery and $50 for assembly. A lot of older people will pay to have someone else lug 80lbs furniture-in-a-box around and set it up for them.
4. Shopping cart retreival - pick up shopping carts for local grocery and department stores. Carts cost stores over $1500, so they will pay $80 for returned carts (give or take). You need a vehicle (preferably a truck), a flat-deck trailer and two employees that don't mind staying up late. Go around to condos and parks and find the MIA shopping carts, load them up and deliver. First, make sure you have an agreement with the store.
5. Window sealing - re-caulk windows. Caulking on windows (seals out the weather around the window) needs to be replaced every 2 years. Sun will damage the old caulking no matter what quality it is. Go an buy the cauliking in bulk (6 month shelf life), a caulking gun and a ladder. Train your employees on scrap wood and do a good job. Quality here will keep people coming back to you. Again, advertise with yard signs and word of mouth. You could charge $20 per window, and make even more money by offering to paint wooden window trims while you're there. Use latex caulking since you can't paint silicone.
6. Landscaping - a lot of kids do this, so why not you? Hire a couple of kids to mow lawns twice a month. Set up accounts with people, and you can charge from $25 to $50 per mow. Pay the kids $8 per hour and everybody's happy. You will need a lawn mower, gas and transportation. Start with this and grow it into laying sod, building gardens and any other landscaping jobs. Most suppliers of products will deliver, so you won't need a large truck initially.
Well, that's all I have time for right now. I'll go through these and add further information later.
Message 16 of 33 in Discussion
From: DdsprojectsSent: 8/4/2004 6:11 PM
Ha, Ha, Ha! 'Jackie of All Trades' here knows tons of whacky and creative 'dirt cheap' ways to always be 'busier than a one armed paper hanger' and for 'cash only' or 'barter' through friends and referrals and referrals of referrals.
Here's a list for starters:
*garage sale and storage resale-easily done, for the storage centers, contact local storage centers in your area and find out when they are 'auctioning' the contents of their defaulting storage tenants but of course you must have a generous garage or backyard to store the stuff and a truck to discard the 'real garbage' that can be included in your auction 'winnings.' When you have your resale garage sales, have beverages on hand in the form of free hot coffee and canned soda for .50c per can, you want the place to smell good and 'welcoming'. Create 'mini' fliers that announce your terms during and at the end of the garage sale. If you do the sale after work during the weekdays hold your garage sale as open until about 8PM so that all those getting off work can swing by. Set up your stuff up in clusters of 'related items' along the sides of your garage or driveway with a few of the items in the clusters reasonably priced. When folks start showing up, keep your eye on them and when they approach a 'cluster' with interest let them know the items are available for a flat price of 'x' amount and that everything is negotiable(if they pick something up and put it down engage them with some positive comments about the item and where applicable, ask the what they think about it, if it's positive, ask them if they'd like to 'name their price.' As folks leave, let all of them know that at the end of the garage sale, whatever's left will be available for a flat price as a 'bundle' on a first come first served basis at a specific time with the 'bundle' price to be decided on at the end of the garage sale and that if there is 'no taker' for the 'bundled' sale, all of the marked items will be sold for 1/2 price. The 'leftovers' can be either kept for future sales or donated as a nice tax deduction through your local thrift store!
*doing garage sales for folks who don't seem to have any luck with doing it themselves (make sure the stuff appears to be enough for you to make some sort of a decent 'split', I've been known to walk away with $250 for 3 hours' worth of garage selling to the amazement of the seller.
*cleaning realtor's clients' houses to prep them for listing and sale. there's nothing cheaper than cleaning supplies so this can morph easily to cleaning folks homes for about 3 hours out of your day. 'Light cleaning jobs' are great 'cause you can offer to do stuff such as wash the dishes, sweep the kitchen, vacuum the house and 'make the beds' in about 30 minutes and make about $50 cash or barter.
*desktop publishing of, printout, and distribution of fliers for real estate offices-this can also be good for other business owners who need leads such as Dentists and specialty small stores.
*holding 'open house' on weekends for $50 for real estate agents when you have nothing in your datebook to do-note, make sure if you are not licensed that you observe the local rules governed by your state, in California for example you are not allowed to answer questions re: price etc but you are allowed to hand out fliers and show folks through the home.
*if you have access to a pressure washer you can deep clean people's driveways for about $40 a pop.
*create outgoing answering phone messages for friends or associates who feel your voice is professional sounding.
*prepare friends or associate's tax returns by hardcopy or Internet provided they are not too 'involved' for your ability. Offer to do it for a cash amount in the form of a percentage of the refund they get.
*alterations of clothing to creation of custom vehicle, window, furniture and appliance coverings-must be at least an intermediate to advanced sewing enthusiast with a good 'eye' for detail and skill in measurements.
-----------------------------------------------
Most of the above have in the past helped me to 'tread water' and at least survive month to month during times of low income/no employment and all of them have the 'seeds' for a regular business even though most have been and are done by many in the 'underground economy.'
Message 17 of 33 in Discussion
From: dunstergirlSent: 8/5/2004 1:06 AM
On topic this time...
Computer consulting for anyone who knows less about computers than you do. This can involve pretty much anything you can do and your neighbours/clients can't (from windows basics to internet access to viruses and spyware to fixing something that isn't working quite right, you name it). Particularly appropriate in smaller communities, but probably equally effective in bigger centres - there's lots of people out there still feeling pretty intimidated by that machine in their home/office/car...
As the acknowledged computer expert in these parts (not through any promotional efforts, just that I was involved with computers, the net, etc., a long time before most of my neighbours, and somehow everyone figured that out PDQ) I've traded this particular skill for everything from truckloads of manure to getting my driveway plowed to getting my snowblower and/or vehicle fixed. Never felt right about actually charging money to locals for these services but barter feels fine, and has it's own rewards (the lack of a tax man high among them, not to mention long-term goodwill, which is also important in a small community).
Also (culling from neighbour's activities and not my own), home-based vehicle/small engine repair -- lots of demand for that if you can do it well -- I have a farmer neighbour who's expanded into automotive work - picks my vehicle up at the store or at my home, does what I've asked, and brings it back (at a price well below the mechanic in town, particularly when you consider travel time and cost and waiting around or arranging alternate transport while things get fixed)...and even leaves me his truck for use if I have immediate travel requirements. And another neighbour has long been the king of small engine work...why take it to town if he can fix it better and cheaper?
Cheers,
Lelani
P.S. Having a couple dozen laying hens also, in the long run, seems to produce enough income (eggs) to justify their feed as long as you happen to like doing it and don't rate your labour too highly. But certain hobbies (or obsessions, call it what you like) can at least pay for themselves...
Message 18 of 33 in Discussion
From: askmrmarkSent: 8/5/2004 11:19 PM
Greetings,
Please note....
Cities are starting to crack down on garage sales professionals.
People who hold more than the occasional garage sale.
They are hungry for the new tax plus the nosy neighbors like to complain
because their neighbors are making tax free money and they arent.
The storage unit auctions are interesting.
You can not inspect the loot, just bid on what you see and hope for the best.
Attend a couple and you will see it is a "family". Groups of people who do it regularly and have an outlet for what they buy. It is interesting to talk to these people an hear the stories of the treasures they found.
But you must clean out the locker totally and accept whatever you find in them. Good or bad.. A true treasure hunt. Helps to have a person who works the flea market or has an ebay fetish to sell the stuff...
Fast cash if you dont mind getting your hands dirty
Mark Anthony
http://mrmarktours.com
Message 19 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/6/2004 10:53 AM
Boat and other watercraft repair.... A young water-enthusiast in town started doing this for a part-time income... and is now in a full-time business.
Since we leave quite near the largest inland lake in the state, there are a LOT of folks that have, use and enjoy their assorted watercraft. Considering that the lake is a man-made reservoir, there are more than enough "obstacles" to damage the craft of the unwary watercraft operators on the lake. This young fella started by fixing his own craft, then added his friends as the word got around - and eventually, he started to take in other locals and even some tourists craft. He started with basis hull repairs to fibreglas and aluminum hulls, and as he took a few "mechanics" courses at the community college, he added power systems to his repertoire.
During most of the year, he now has more work than he can handle operating out of that old abandoned gas station located on an old section of a major highway that was re-route around our town. His rates are excellent compared to what the "marine dealerships" charge... and his work is very good as well. If I were to guess what his income is from what now has become a full-time endeavor, I would guess low... and that would be in the neighborhood of $400-500/day in labor alone. Add the stuff he's started selling to his customers beyond repairs and it adds up quickly.
The cost to get into this work can vary from very little, to quite high if one needs to have all the fancy diagnostic equipment.... but in reality, can be started for very little if the operator has most or all of the basic hand tools needed. His "advertising" costs are almost non-existent beyond maintaining a sign out front and a few strategically placed small signs on trees near the lake-side parking areas.
His main "problem" now is - he has no-one to repair all the fancy electronics stuff. Know anyone around here that can do that? If so, there is more work than that person could handle too. Send 'em by for a chat..... will ya'?
Nick
From: DdsprojectsSent: 8/4/2004 6:11 PM
Ha, Ha, Ha! 'Jackie of All Trades' here knows tons of whacky and creative 'dirt cheap' ways to always be 'busier than a one armed paper hanger' and for 'cash only' or 'barter' through friends and referrals and referrals of referrals.
Here's a list for starters:
*garage sale and storage resale-easily done, for the storage centers, contact local storage centers in your area and find out when they are 'auctioning' the contents of their defaulting storage tenants but of course you must have a generous garage or backyard to store the stuff and a truck to discard the 'real garbage' that can be included in your auction 'winnings.' When you have your resale garage sales, have beverages on hand in the form of free hot coffee and canned soda for .50c per can, you want the place to smell good and 'welcoming'. Create 'mini' fliers that announce your terms during and at the end of the garage sale. If you do the sale after work during the weekdays hold your garage sale as open until about 8PM so that all those getting off work can swing by. Set up your stuff up in clusters of 'related items' along the sides of your garage or driveway with a few of the items in the clusters reasonably priced. When folks start showing up, keep your eye on them and when they approach a 'cluster' with interest let them know the items are available for a flat price of 'x' amount and that everything is negotiable(if they pick something up and put it down engage them with some positive comments about the item and where applicable, ask the what they think about it, if it's positive, ask them if they'd like to 'name their price.' As folks leave, let all of them know that at the end of the garage sale, whatever's left will be available for a flat price as a 'bundle' on a first come first served basis at a specific time with the 'bundle' price to be decided on at the end of the garage sale and that if there is 'no taker' for the 'bundled' sale, all of the marked items will be sold for 1/2 price. The 'leftovers' can be either kept for future sales or donated as a nice tax deduction through your local thrift store!
*doing garage sales for folks who don't seem to have any luck with doing it themselves (make sure the stuff appears to be enough for you to make some sort of a decent 'split', I've been known to walk away with $250 for 3 hours' worth of garage selling to the amazement of the seller.
*cleaning realtor's clients' houses to prep them for listing and sale. there's nothing cheaper than cleaning supplies so this can morph easily to cleaning folks homes for about 3 hours out of your day. 'Light cleaning jobs' are great 'cause you can offer to do stuff such as wash the dishes, sweep the kitchen, vacuum the house and 'make the beds' in about 30 minutes and make about $50 cash or barter.
*desktop publishing of, printout, and distribution of fliers for real estate offices-this can also be good for other business owners who need leads such as Dentists and specialty small stores.
*holding 'open house' on weekends for $50 for real estate agents when you have nothing in your datebook to do-note, make sure if you are not licensed that you observe the local rules governed by your state, in California for example you are not allowed to answer questions re: price etc but you are allowed to hand out fliers and show folks through the home.
*if you have access to a pressure washer you can deep clean people's driveways for about $40 a pop.
*create outgoing answering phone messages for friends or associates who feel your voice is professional sounding.
*prepare friends or associate's tax returns by hardcopy or Internet provided they are not too 'involved' for your ability. Offer to do it for a cash amount in the form of a percentage of the refund they get.
*alterations of clothing to creation of custom vehicle, window, furniture and appliance coverings-must be at least an intermediate to advanced sewing enthusiast with a good 'eye' for detail and skill in measurements.
-----------------------------------------------
Most of the above have in the past helped me to 'tread water' and at least survive month to month during times of low income/no employment and all of them have the 'seeds' for a regular business even though most have been and are done by many in the 'underground economy.'
Message 17 of 33 in Discussion
From: dunstergirlSent: 8/5/2004 1:06 AM
On topic this time...
Computer consulting for anyone who knows less about computers than you do. This can involve pretty much anything you can do and your neighbours/clients can't (from windows basics to internet access to viruses and spyware to fixing something that isn't working quite right, you name it). Particularly appropriate in smaller communities, but probably equally effective in bigger centres - there's lots of people out there still feeling pretty intimidated by that machine in their home/office/car...
As the acknowledged computer expert in these parts (not through any promotional efforts, just that I was involved with computers, the net, etc., a long time before most of my neighbours, and somehow everyone figured that out PDQ) I've traded this particular skill for everything from truckloads of manure to getting my driveway plowed to getting my snowblower and/or vehicle fixed. Never felt right about actually charging money to locals for these services but barter feels fine, and has it's own rewards (the lack of a tax man high among them, not to mention long-term goodwill, which is also important in a small community).
Also (culling from neighbour's activities and not my own), home-based vehicle/small engine repair -- lots of demand for that if you can do it well -- I have a farmer neighbour who's expanded into automotive work - picks my vehicle up at the store or at my home, does what I've asked, and brings it back (at a price well below the mechanic in town, particularly when you consider travel time and cost and waiting around or arranging alternate transport while things get fixed)...and even leaves me his truck for use if I have immediate travel requirements. And another neighbour has long been the king of small engine work...why take it to town if he can fix it better and cheaper?
Cheers,
Lelani
P.S. Having a couple dozen laying hens also, in the long run, seems to produce enough income (eggs) to justify their feed as long as you happen to like doing it and don't rate your labour too highly. But certain hobbies (or obsessions, call it what you like) can at least pay for themselves...
Message 18 of 33 in Discussion
From: askmrmarkSent: 8/5/2004 11:19 PM
Greetings,
Please note....
Cities are starting to crack down on garage sales professionals.
People who hold more than the occasional garage sale.
They are hungry for the new tax plus the nosy neighbors like to complain
because their neighbors are making tax free money and they arent.
The storage unit auctions are interesting.
You can not inspect the loot, just bid on what you see and hope for the best.
Attend a couple and you will see it is a "family". Groups of people who do it regularly and have an outlet for what they buy. It is interesting to talk to these people an hear the stories of the treasures they found.
But you must clean out the locker totally and accept whatever you find in them. Good or bad.. A true treasure hunt. Helps to have a person who works the flea market or has an ebay fetish to sell the stuff...
Fast cash if you dont mind getting your hands dirty
Mark Anthony
http://mrmarktours.com
Message 19 of 33 in Discussion
From: OldNikkoSent: 8/6/2004 10:53 AM
Boat and other watercraft repair.... A young water-enthusiast in town started doing this for a part-time income... and is now in a full-time business.
Since we leave quite near the largest inland lake in the state, there are a LOT of folks that have, use and enjoy their assorted watercraft. Considering that the lake is a man-made reservoir, there are more than enough "obstacles" to damage the craft of the unwary watercraft operators on the lake. This young fella started by fixing his own craft, then added his friends as the word got around - and eventually, he started to take in other locals and even some tourists craft. He started with basis hull repairs to fibreglas and aluminum hulls, and as he took a few "mechanics" courses at the community college, he added power systems to his repertoire.
During most of the year, he now has more work than he can handle operating out of that old abandoned gas station located on an old section of a major highway that was re-route around our town. His rates are excellent compared to what the "marine dealerships" charge... and his work is very good as well. If I were to guess what his income is from what now has become a full-time endeavor, I would guess low... and that would be in the neighborhood of $400-500/day in labor alone. Add the stuff he's started selling to his customers beyond repairs and it adds up quickly.
The cost to get into this work can vary from very little, to quite high if one needs to have all the fancy diagnostic equipment.... but in reality, can be started for very little if the operator has most or all of the basic hand tools needed. His "advertising" costs are almost non-existent beyond maintaining a sign out front and a few strategically placed small signs on trees near the lake-side parking areas.
His main "problem" now is - he has no-one to repair all the fancy electronics stuff. Know anyone around here that can do that? If so, there is more work than that person could handle too. Send 'em by for a chat..... will ya'?
Nick
Continued....-->
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