There are endless reasons that many people want to work at home or closer to home in this current job market. Having a storefront business is now starting to see a preferred switch to small business opportunities that are run from a single residence or apartment. Yet one of the more attractive types of business that never goes away is the junk removal business. Here are some tips on how you can start a junk removal business.
Why is junk removal so important?
Times are changing rapidly and we are starting to see a big switch in public attitudes and how junk becoming more commonplace. There is a whole new generation that is so used to collecting stuff. It used to be that people like this were called hoarders, yet the younger generation will likely consider this to be a new form of collecting. It starts with objects and items that are bought and never thrown out when they become old and used.
This is where technology plays a big part in this problem since the newest and latest mobile phones, electronic gadgets, TVs, clothing, and gaming gear are rapidly changing every single year. These items are often tossed into a closet or drawer and the collection starts to grow over the years. In some homes and apartments, these items take up valuable space and soon beings a different path where they need to be stored at a storage center.
If not stored in a closet or monthly rent center, it can also end up in basements or attic storage stuffed away in boxes and cabinets. It’s become so common that the junk removal trade had their hand full (never mind the bad pun), on what is considered valuable junk. It’s a highly underrated business opportunity that allows a junk collector to earn significant amounts of money through recycling, scrapping, and re-selling items that are collected.
How to get started with junk removal?
One of the easiest ways to start a business for junk collection and removal is to have advertising. The best method is to have local coverage in your immediate neighborhood. This is where flyers can be dropped off in mailboxes all around the neighborhood. Advertise some competitive pricing for services as your main menu. Even if you don’t have a large truck for loading and towing you can use a mid-size truck or van with a small trailer to get things rolling.
Another good idea is putting flyers on cars at the home improvement center’s parking lots. You can also include the mall, at big supermarkets, and places where there is a lot of come-and-go shoppers. Just to be sure to watch out for local security that’s assigned to these parking spaces, they’ll chase you away with a warning, but nothing aside from that. Coffee shops and cafes make a great spot to drop off flyers near the entrance if they allow loose flyers.
Be sure to add your mobile number so you can be reached anytime. This is critical if you’re in the neighborhood and can drop by immediately to assess what needs to be taken away. This also is helpful since pictures and video can be sent to you immediately, so you can rent a truck or van if needed.
Get to know your local buyers
This is another big step that includes going to recyclers and companies that deal with buying used clothes, furniture, or appliances. For outdated electronics, this is a total must since the opportunity to cash in on precious metals stored inside old circuit boards, electronics, and devices is another way to supplement your income. Actively seek out as many local buyers who are buying what you intend to bring to them. Reselling junk you haul off is a great way to increase your revenue when getting a new junk removal business off the ground.
If the junk is meant to bring out to a landfill, you will need to know what is allowed and what is not allowed to bring there. The same applies to medical equipment or items that fall into that biohazard category. Stick with a select kind of junk but keep your menu of junk removal options open so you will cover all of your bases. As your business grows, you can start talking to friends who are looking to make a change in their business plans too.
They can be referred by you under your business as a sub-contractor who then pays you a percentage for getting the job referral. Be sure to have your sub-contractors sign some kind of contract that gives you credit for your services. Obviously, you’ll need to establish a self-employed business so you can give receipts. In the beginning, you can moonlight until your get all of your business paperwork taken care of.
Purchase a franchise
If you have a little start up capital built up you can start getting to work immediately by purchasing a franchise junk removal company. While it will require a large investment up front, you can skip past all the challenges of launching your own business from the ground floor up. This gets you past the difficulties of spending time and money in marketing to allow you to walk into a turn-key setup that is ideal for someone looking to start a new business as their full time employment.