been thinking of some side work

[morfiend]

If you charge $20/hour, you are ripping yourself off.  Seasonal service (plug, air filter, deck cleaning, blade sharpening) can net you about $45 and you can knock that out in 1/2 hour if you are efficient.

What about liability insurance?  For example, if a mower blade comes off and hurts someone it is your fault if you were the last to touch the machine.


Good luck.   

  Reread this! Von makes some excellent points.

  I would add in on top of liability insurance you definitely want to look at something to cover sickness and accident. Ya it can be expensive as a start-up cost but it's invaluable if something were to happen to you.

   I know this from my own experience,I was a subcontractor for many years and then 1 day had a life changing accident,without my insurance I cant say where I'd be today.



   

[homersipes]

lmfao now yall got me thinking about this, I had never thought of this before as I have never really thought about really working on peoples stuff till recently.  Guess I got some homework to do
thanks for the input, 

[VonMessa]

You can be fairly lucrative with a box truck, set up as a roving repair shop.

There aren't many repairs that cannot be performed there, especially if you have a electric hookup, like a n RV, to use power tools, bench grinder, etc.

There are no taxes on services in Pennsylvania, other states vary.

Don't let it intimidate you.   Working for yourself can be a wonderful and rewarding thing.

[gyrene81]

way back in the day, before it got more expensive to run the thing than i could make on a job, i used to drag one of these around...

[morfiend]

You can be fairly lucrative with a box truck, set up as a roving repair shop.

There aren't many repairs that cannot be performed there, especially if you have a electric hookup, like a n RV, to use power tools, bench grinder, etc.

There are no taxes on services in Pennsylvania, other states vary.

Don't let it intimidate you.   Working for yourself can be a wonderful and rewarding thing.

  I agree the best way to make money is working for yourself,funny how willing you are to put in the "hours" when the money goes in your own pocket!

  If you go about it smart you will be more than happy you did. I left a high paying factory job and while the first 2 years were a big adjustment from that point on I never looked back. The only person you have to answer to is yourself and to me that made a huge difference.

  One major benefit was to be able to book any day off for any reason,however that does affect the pocketbook.


     

[Dragon]

A real quick search and I found this.  Rates can vary a lot from one location to another, these are quite low.  (I wish I could get my blade done for $10  ) Design your own menu and post it on the bulletin board at the grocery store, library, church, etc.  Laminate one to carry with you, it looks more permanent and that makes customers feel more secure.

Service & Repair Rates
Next Day Services - Completed next day by noon (unless Friday or Saturday drop off)
 
Blade Sharpening     Mower Blade Sharpening    
$10.00 (on unit)
$7.50 (off unit)

Chain Sharpening     Chainsaw Chain Sharpening    $10.00

Tire Repair     Tire Plug, Tire Change, Tube Install    
$15.00 Plus Parts (on unit)
$10.00 Plus Parts (off unit)

Recoil Repair     Replace pull cord or fix recoil spring    $25.00 Plus Parts (must be off unit)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walk Behind Mower Services
 
Tune-Up     Includes: Change Oil, Clean Deck, Grease Wheels, Sharpen Blade, Check Air Filter, Check Spark Plug, Pressure Wash     $50.00 Plus Parts

Carburetor Cleaning/Repair     Most common issue for non-starting engine    $49.00 Plus Parts

Transmission Repair     Self propel mower won't move or locked up    $75.00 Plus Parts

Cable Replacement     Broken Self Propel or Throttle Cable    $37.50 Plus Parts

Wheel Replacement     Worn Wheels or Adjustment Plate Worn    $75.00 Plus Parts
 







Riding Lawn Mower and Zero Turn Mower Services
Winter Special: Free Pick-Up and Delivery (11/1-12/31)
 
Tune-Up     Includes: Change Oil and Filter, Change Fuel Filter, Grease fittings, Clean Deck. Check Spark Plugs, Air Filter, Belts, Battery. (Blade Sharpening Not Included)    $149.95 Plus Parts

Carburetor Clean/Repair     Most common issue for non-starting equipment    $75.00 Plus Parts

Transmission Service     Should be done every 4 years or 300 hrs    $75.00 Plus Parts

Belt Replacement     Replace broken drive belt deck belt or hydrostatic belt    
$150.00 Plus Parts (drive belt)
$75.00 Plus Parts (other belts

Spindle Repair     Replace bearings for reduced deck noise and smoother operation    
$45.00 Plus Parts (off unit)
$60.00 Plus Parts (on unit)

Electrical Diagnostic     For fuel injected lawn tractors this may be an area of concern    $75.00 fee
 





 
Snow Blower and Hand Held Equipment Services
 
 
Tune-Up    Includes: Oil Change, Grease. Check Filters, Belts, and other wear items    $50.00 Plus Parts

Carburetor Cleaning/Repair     Most common problem for non-starting equipment    
$50.00 Plus Parts (2 cycle engines)
$75.00 Plus Parts (4 cycle engines)

Paddle & Scrapper Replacement     Most common issue with single stage snow blowers clogging or not throwing as far    $60.00 Plus Parts

[Bizman]

You can be fairly lucrative with a box truck, set up as a roving repair shop.

There aren't many repairs that cannot be performed there, especially if you have a electric hookup, like a n RV, to use power tools, bench grinder, etc.

Now that's funny, I have been thinking about that all day since yesterday evening after going to bed! Housecalls with a repair shop would definitely be something! In Vermont you'd need good thermal isolation and an extra heater, though... But you can always pick and return if working in the van were too rough.

In regard of pricing, I've noticed that from a €3000 monthly turnover I can only get about €1000 for myself. That's not much, I agree. It's amazing how many forced costs are included into running a business. My unavoidables list consists of €500 for future pension, €150 for book keeping, €500 for VAT (depending on turnover), €150 for income tax... Plus magazines, Internet, electricity, car maintenance and gas etc.

Whether you start your own business or not, read Frank Bettger’s 'How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling'. - Selling? But you were supposed to repair things, not sell them, weren't you? Yupp, you'd indeed be selling your services. Easy reading, easy understanding. True stories instead of lab theories. A must for every businessman.

[VonMessa]

Now that's funny, I have been thinking about that all day since yesterday evening after going to bed! Housecalls with a repair shop would definitely be something! In Vermont you'd need good thermal isolation and an extra heater, though... But you can always pick and return if working in the van were too rough.

In regard of pricing, I've noticed that from a €3000 monthly turnover I can only get about €1000 for myself. That's not much, I agree. It's amazing how many forced costs are included into running a business. My unavoidables list consists of €500 for future pension, €150 for book keeping, €500 for VAT (depending on turnover), €150 for income tax... Plus magazines, Internet, electricity, car maintenance and gas etc.

Whether you start your own business or not, read Frank Bettger’s 'How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling'. - Selling? But you were supposed to repair things, not sell them, weren't you? Yupp, you'd indeed be selling your services. Easy reading, easy understanding. True stories instead of lab theories. A must for every businessman.

There is at least one guy around here that has a mobile repair shop like that.

One of these heats my '92 Starwind pop-up camper in 20 degree weather to a point where I have to sleep on top of my sleeping bag, in a t-shirt.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200307957_200307957?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Heaters%2C%20Stoves%20%2B%20Fireplaces-_-Propane%20Heaters-_-173635&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=173635&gclid=CIPbkJy087kCFUmY4AodOX0AAw

Anyone that owns their own business has to be a salesman, first 

[Flench]

Im trying to do the same now . Working on the shop now . Got it ready for the tin .
 Thanks for the thread . Answered some of my questions too .

[mthrockmor]

On the business side:

1, most states you can start a business for small money, $50 or less. Start out as a 'sole proprietor' which means you will use your social security number. The IRS will track it this way, any accountant can sort it out in 30 seconds or less. Down the road you will want to spend a few hundred dollars and incorporate. This is primarily for liability reasons.

Say you repair something and it goes wrong. If they take you to court, they are litigating the corporation, not you. Protects you and your family.

2, very much related to this, get a minimum or better liability plan. This protects you in case you get hurt on the job and can't work at all. Also, if you get sued it kicks in and protects you. What I am describing are actually two different types of policies. The first one is Workers Comp, and in some circumstances is required at all times. It get's expensive. If you have an office job, they measure very little risk of you getting hurt. You work on engines and could possible ruin a finger, a bigger risk.

The second is a basical business liability. Chances are it will be pretty inexpensive. My wife used to clean businesses where should could break things or use a cleaner that ruined a floor. Her liability insurance would ran a few hundred dollars every 6-months. Some states may require a bond or allow for either. Go with insurance, not the bond. Bonding becomes a bigger liability and is used for bigger companies with large asset pools.

Get these two small steps taken care of, maybe $100 the first month then off you go. There are some great ideas on here but small business is America. Over 80% of Americans work for small business. Best of luck on this!! 

Boo

[Bizman]

Very good advice, Boo! Especially in America where people can sue you for almost anything, asking for millions -according to the tv-series they show here...

And yet another hint: A separate bank account for the business, no matter whether a sole proprietor or something else. It's much easier to figure out the real income after having paid all the business related bills and seeing if there's anything left. It's also healthy to try to save some "business money" on the account instead of taking all extra out for personal use. There'll always be unexpected expenses. Your tools or vehicle may break, Uncle Sam wants extra taxes, whatever. If nothing happens and you seem to gather loads of $$ on your business account without having to struggle with your personal economics, use some for a deserved vacation. And of course you'll only work five days a week, nine to five. At least that should be your public image.

[Dragon]

What Boo said!  Becoming an LLC will offer protection from lawsuits and is under $200 most places.  I incorporated my HVAC business with my late buddy as VP and secretary while I was Pres and treasurer.  Inc has to have those positions filled and if you are doing this alone that will be quite impossible.

Workers Comp was paid based on hours worked multiplied by a set rate.  Ours was really quite low, like $70 a quarter.  Insurance, even a million dollar policy is less than $300 per year.

[homersipes]

dragon, I like that break down alot   Will have to check in on the insurance and business license when I get a chance.  have to have insurance as has been noted, people sue over ANYTHING these days.  Thinking I am going to go talk to the guy I worked for over the summer and see if I can get some of his old customers numbers so I can contact them.  Would that be a good idea??  I was also thinking like has been said here, set up a dedicated checking account for this so I could use that money to order parts, tools etc.  and keep all receipts as records.

[Bizman]

Getting another guys address book might not be a good idea unless he is retiring and publicly handing you the torch.

Another true saying is about no man being a prophet in his own country. Rather than trying to be THE mechanic in your neighbourhood, try to find a well maintained suburb a couple of miles away and drop a letter into their mailboxes. Or/and put a few lines of advertisement in your very local free newspaper which only is being delivered in the area you're willing to work inside. Usually people who take care of their money read the small ads to find services cheaper than the major companies.

[homersipes]

yeah there are more bad than good in trying to get in touch with his customers.  well I know that there are a couple shops about 20 miles from here, and in New Hampshire, there are no shops locally in my area at all other than the guy whom is closing.  I am not sure what the deal is with him closing, because I know he was SWAMPED with work a month ago.  He was charging everything by the hour at 45 PH, but I have found most places that I have found online charge by the job like what was posted before, which makes more sense to me.