Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

After months of research into what it is I would like to do while in college I have come up with junk/clutter removal being the best. I am going to work three jobs over the summer so I can buy a truck and get started. If there is anyone out there in this business please offer me some advice as to the best way to get started, and how to price certain jobs. I would like to be able to create a business to compete with the big names in this industry while I am in school and then see where that takes me.

Hi Chris,

I`m not in that line of business but it seems as though you are very passionate about going into this line of business. If you are going to work this summer to save money so you can start your business, like beautifulpetunia stated, you should try working at some types of junk removal businesses. That way you can start to see how things are done.

Then you need to write out your business plans for your new business venture. Decide on what types of materials that you will or won`t pick up because some people or companies have hazardous materials to dispose of. Most importantly you need to check with your state, federal and local governments to see what they will allow you to do as far as junk removal is concerned.

In some states, there are huge fines and penalties for not disposing of junk and clutter properly. You need to decide on who you will or won`t pick up junk from. If you obtain employment in one of the junk removal companies you can gain some insight as to what they may charge & how they operate. You can use that as an idea or stepping stone of what to charge for your business.

5. Identify your potential customers for the types of products from junk recycling and removal. You need to find out where to dump your junk also.

6. You can target a small niche (type of market) that has little competition. Become an expert in that small area first then you can branch out into other areas.

7.Always have the proper equipment on hand to handle such materials. You could research additional markets for products and by-products from the junk/ clutter that you gather. 

8.Review insurance and safety regulations for a junk business. You might be able to check with the websites of the EPA and Department of Labor. 

9.You should create a business plan. Create a human resources plan if you plan to hire employees. If you feel that you need to hire employees then you need to check federal guidelines concerning employees and how to handle them. Educate yourself on how to run a company with employees. 

10.Get a business license, get any required permits and insurance. You could incorporate your business to decrease your risk and enjoy some tax advantages. 

11.Identify an appropriate place for junk storage or dumping. Identify vendors for equipment tools and supplies. 

12.Learn about money management so you can track your profits and expenses. Get the needed tools to make cash flow projections. You could get a financial advisor, bookkeeper etc....

13.You could advertise your business to commerical and consumer markets.   

There is a lot that needs to get done to help start and manage your business. You could use some of these steps to get you started. I hope that helps. Good luck!

we have a complete junk removal business startup kit.  visit www.yourjunkbiz.com

dave

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Starting your junk hauling business is not particularly difficult.  You will need a local business license, a truck, a checking account, some back braces, some moving dollies, and a broom and dustpan (customers love it when you clean up the hauling area).

The real challenge is marketing...how will your customers find you?  The busiest marketplace for hauling customers these days is Craigslist.  Post a very attractive, professional looking ad as often as possible in your city's Moving/Labor Services section.

Also, make the most out of every haul by leaving flyers with your customer's neighbors.  The neighbors WILL be curious as soon as you leave:  What did they charge?  Did they show up on time?  Did they do a good job?  Almost everyone has junk in their home that needs hauling, so if you can make an impression on each job, you will get many more.

There are opportunities for regular, repeat business.  Property managers of apartments constantly need junk hauling.  Contractors need drywall and construction materials hauled.  Realtors are asked for junk hauling services from families moving out / moving into homes.  Construction companies need junk hauling services.

And don't rush to the dump or landfill on each dump!!!  A lot of stuff can be recycled and donated.  Some dirty couches, broken appliances, etc. can be given away on Craigslist for free, so if you're resourceful you can minimize your dumping costs.

This is a great idea. Any business that requires minimal start up capital has a stronger chance of making it big. What's there to lose anyway.

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Seo Consultant | Rattan | Microsoft Dynamics Nav | Autism Singapore | Industrial For Rent | Business Park | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore

Starting a junk removal business is a great idea.  With foreclosure cleanups and the growing number of REO trashouts needed there will be money to be made for a long time.  Some of the junk removal giants got started before all of these foreclosure cleanout opportunities were around so junk removal is a great business to start whether the economy is good or even when its bad.

 

market, network, and do great work at reasonable prices and you'll do great!

 

www.TrashoutStartUp.com 

Hey Chris,

This is not a bad idea.  We just launched our startup junk hauling company: We Heart Junk:  http://www.weheartjunkremoval.com/

Its been a long process but it is rewarding work and you get to drive a cool truck around all day while hauling junk!

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Ian McKinney CEO We Heart Junk www.weheartjunk.com