Small business ideas/advice

[TurboStock]

This seems light hearted compared to the serious stuff on the forum. But I am looking into starting a small side business to earn some extra money (I am a student). The first thing I want to know about business licenses/insurance and whats required for a small side business. The main two I am looking into is either a mobile oil changing business or a mobile car detailing business. How do one of those sound? Got any other ideas? I thought about cleaning gutters but I seem to live in the one area that doesn’t have gutters lol.

 

[Catholic1954]

These sound like good ideas. Check with your local City Hall for all the necessary paperwork. Good Luck!

 

[holly_potter]

City hall would be your best bet…check their website, if they have one. Sounds like you’re really into car stuff! Just 2c…I’m not sure how many people would have the money for car detailing (if you’re talking about painting on stripes or flames and stuff). Maybe you can let your business be both, so you’re not limiting yourself too much

Other ideas:
How about yard handy-man business? Raking leaves, etc? It depends on how many people in your area are eldery/disabled folks. They may appreciate having somebody do cheapish yard work for them, or helping them with the yard work, and they get the benefit “feel good” for helping a college student get through school. You may be able to “sell” the cheapness of your labor considering your few capital assets. Like, as long as their mower works, you mow the lawn for them, that sort of thing…I’m just brainstorming

Anyway, good luck!

 

[captaingator85]

I’ve been involved with several startup projects in the last 5 years of so, and had several things I “wished” I had known beforehand. Here are 5 things I would suggest you consider before starting a new business:

-More important than than your company name, your biz cards, your licenses, and anything else is this: How will you make money? Who has the money in their pockets, and how do I get it in my pocket. You must have a CLEAR idea of how you will earn the money, and how you will get paid before you begin.

-How will you get customers? And don’t say “I’ll put an ad in the paper” or “I’ll ask around”. Those are both good things to do, but can’t be your sole source of clients, or you won’t have any. Look for people or places that are “centers of influence” related to what you are doing and target those (like, if you detail cars, find a large company with a big parking lot and go inside to the secretary let them know you will give their employees a special rate for a “detail while you work”).

-Be more formal than you need to be when setting up a contract. Make sure you put everything in writing, and clearly define what you are going to do and what they are going to pay you BEFORE you do it, and have them sign it. This may seem like overkill on some jobs where you are friendly with people, but believe me, if you want to STAY friendly with them, put it in writing before you start. Even if it’s just a simple pre-made up form you create and fill in the blanks, it will minimize arguments later.

-Do cost comparisons. Find similar services and find out what they do and for how much. Don’t be afraid to “Secret shop” them . This will let you know how much to charge. Remember, you don’t always HAVE to undercut the competition, but sometimes that is the right way to go.

-Incorporate!!! I can’t tell you how important this is. This will protect you from getting sued personally from a business mishap. And don’t think something won’t happen, if you are in biz long enough, it will. There is no need to pay a lawyer tons of money, just get online and find a place where you can file the papers for a few hundred bucks. This is not an option.

If you work hard, you can get somewhere. Don’t be afraid to take a chance, and don’t be afraid of failure. Good luck, friend, and hope this helps!