3. House sitting and pet sitting
Summer is family vacation time, and someone has to watch the pets and take the mail and newspaper in when everybody leaves for a week or two. If you can target your marketing to families, that will be most effective.
What you'll need: Flyers and a couple of classifieds in your local papers, insurance, transportation.
Estimated startup cost: $200-$300
How much you can make: The going rates on pet sitting and house sitting range from $5 to $15 per visit, depending on the number and type of pets, frequency of visit, and expectations (long walks, etc.).
How to grow: Offer additional services such as house cleaning and pet grooming that can be done while you're there.
Things to watch out for: Trust is everything in this business. Be prepared to provide personal references. Network with everyone you know to let them know you're looking for this kind of work. Referrals will be your best lead source.
Best web resource: How to Start a Pet Sitting Service — Detailed advice on marketing, operations, and startup costs.
4. Mobile car detailing
People love convenience, and the idea of having your car cleaned while it's already sitting there at their home or office sure beats the heck out of taking it someplace and having to wait on it. Luxury car owners may be reluctant to use machine washes, and especially owners of high-top vans and pick-up trucks may not even be able to.
What you'll need: Transportation, business cards to leave on windshields, portable vacuum, a bucket, sponges, chamois, cleaning supplies.
Estimated startup cost: Under $100 to offer basic car wash services, up to $1,000 or more to offer specialized services.
How much you can make: $20-$30 per car for basic wash and interior on up to $100 or so for complete detailing (engine cleaning, etc.)
How to grow: Reinvest some of your money in equipment to offer higher-end services like engine cleaning or upholstey steam cleaning, or other related services like dent removal and windshield chip repair.
Things to watch out for: Know the Environmental Protection Agency regulations on the chemicals you use and local water usage rules.
Best web resource: MobileWorks.com — Tons of articles, discussion forums, marketing tips, and more.
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