I have been giving some consideration to starting a small business on the side of my regular 40-hour week job. My goal is to work for myself someday, but I have to start as a part time deal because I have a young family and need the security and benefits my govt purchasing job provides. I am fairly handy and not afraid of some hard work, as long as it is profitable. I was thinking about some type of service like pressure washing, deck/patio building, boat detailing, etc. I was also thinking of a business where I could meet with potential customers and then hire subcontractors to do the actual work, perhaps pavers, or landscaping. I would like to maximize my return on my investment/time spent. I am located 25 miles southeast of Houston, TX in the Clear Lake area. I am a degreed male 32 years old. Any ideas, thoughts, experieces, tips, etc. would be appreciated.
Small Business
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Fly320s
Member
I think the BATFE now requires an actual store front business to issue a FFL. They cut down on the "kitchen table dealers" a few years ago.
Go invent a better mouse trap that every person will want two of and that needs to be replaced every few years.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I know that was true, but it's my understanding that's recently been changed; that saidâ„¢, I doubt there's a great deal of profit potential in firearms transfers at $10 to $50 each.
What comes after computers as we know them today?
MessedUpMike
Member
I think the BATFE now requires an actual store front business to issue a FFL. They cut down on the "kitchen table dealers" a few years ago.
I don't know about a few years ago, but in the past year both of my purchases (yeah all two) were bought out of a private home. I beleive that you can sell out of your house, but the ATF can make surprise inspections at any time, and at least one guy I knew got out of it because he was sick of the "inspections".
I don't know about a few years ago, but in the past year both of my purchases (yeah all two) were bought out of a private home. I beleive that you can sell out of your house, but the ATF can make surprise inspections at any time, and at least one guy I knew got out of it because he was sick of the "inspections".
BozemanMT
Member
in response to the original question. I think you can do this. But, it's a ton of work, long days (cuz you'll lose the weekends to new work), and some really great times and some godawful times.
But, it gives you a huge advantage if times get tough (you get laid off, work goes to heck, you hate work, whatever), you've been building your business for years. You already have customers and you can go full time if you want/need to.
But, I don't think there's any way to make any money as a middleman. Esp. today, the whole business world is all about taking out the middleman. Why do I need you if i can hire Joe X for less? And you'll have to pay Joe X the going wage, which means for you to make money you'll have to charge more, and there is no difference between me hiring Joe X and you. You'll have to do hte work yourself. But know also that there are things that you can't do, or are worth having done by someone else, because in the end they can do it faster and better and your time is better spent doing something else.
Find your skills, what makes you happy, and what you are good at. And start doing side jobs. Cash is a nice way to start a business with no employees. (shhhhhhhhhh
), Many many smaller places will open wholesale accounts for individuals, and just let you pay tax to them. And start doing the work.
But you're going to learn a couple lessons.
You are going to go through a long learning process on how to bid jobs. And the only lessons that stick with you are the painful ones. (i still remember painting a house for less than a buck an hour after it was done, ugh)
Take your best estimate, double it, and add 20% and you are in teh ballpark.
People hate to buy jobs time and material, so that route is probably out.
You'll have to learn the lesson of your time is worth more than that. not every job is profitable or worth having. If people can do it cheaper than you, than so be it, they know what their time is worth. If EVERYONE can do it cheaper than you, you are in the wrong business.
You need something to set yourself apart. Quallity, low price, service, whatever. But if you are just one of the joe's, it's going to be a long tough road.
Been doing side work for 20 years now off and on. (landscaping, and I"m really good at it). The sad part is that it's more satifying than regular work (software), but it doesn't pay as well. But it helps and it's fun.
oh, no money in guns, look how cheap this whole board is.
Good luck
But, it gives you a huge advantage if times get tough (you get laid off, work goes to heck, you hate work, whatever), you've been building your business for years. You already have customers and you can go full time if you want/need to.
But, I don't think there's any way to make any money as a middleman. Esp. today, the whole business world is all about taking out the middleman. Why do I need you if i can hire Joe X for less? And you'll have to pay Joe X the going wage, which means for you to make money you'll have to charge more, and there is no difference between me hiring Joe X and you. You'll have to do hte work yourself. But know also that there are things that you can't do, or are worth having done by someone else, because in the end they can do it faster and better and your time is better spent doing something else.
Find your skills, what makes you happy, and what you are good at. And start doing side jobs. Cash is a nice way to start a business with no employees. (shhhhhhhhhh
), Many many smaller places will open wholesale accounts for individuals, and just let you pay tax to them. And start doing the work. But you're going to learn a couple lessons.
You are going to go through a long learning process on how to bid jobs. And the only lessons that stick with you are the painful ones. (i still remember painting a house for less than a buck an hour after it was done, ugh)
Take your best estimate, double it, and add 20% and you are in teh ballpark.
People hate to buy jobs time and material, so that route is probably out.
You'll have to learn the lesson of your time is worth more than that. not every job is profitable or worth having. If people can do it cheaper than you, than so be it, they know what their time is worth. If EVERYONE can do it cheaper than you, you are in the wrong business.
You need something to set yourself apart. Quallity, low price, service, whatever. But if you are just one of the joe's, it's going to be a long tough road.
Been doing side work for 20 years now off and on. (landscaping, and I"m really good at it). The sad part is that it's more satifying than regular work (software), but it doesn't pay as well. But it helps and it's fun.
oh, no money in guns, look how cheap this whole board is.
Good luck
Freedspeak
Member
Been in the solo biz for 15 years, gives you a bit of freedom but also can be tight.
Find/know what you are good at, market those skills. Two good markets are property management groups and private home owners.
Plumbing and electrical skills seem to be high on the list, carpentry, painting and drywall do good also. (If you can put in that secret closet/gun/safe room without it being noticed your very appreciated). ( got to keep it on topic you know)
If you can do quality work, comperable to a liscensed contractor for less (in my area $20-25/hr, where they get $35-40),. though also be aware of state laws (in my state if the job is over $1500 total you need to be contractor, though there are legal ways around it).
With propety managers and any others you can also charge a minimum fee, say 1 hr even if the job takes 10 minutes (drive time and all!)
Find/know what you are good at, market those skills. Two good markets are property management groups and private home owners.
Plumbing and electrical skills seem to be high on the list, carpentry, painting and drywall do good also. (If you can put in that secret closet/gun/safe room without it being noticed your very appreciated). ( got to keep it on topic you know)
If you can do quality work, comperable to a liscensed contractor for less (in my area $20-25/hr, where they get $35-40),. though also be aware of state laws (in my state if the job is over $1500 total you need to be contractor, though there are legal ways around it).
With propety managers and any others you can also charge a minimum fee, say 1 hr even if the job takes 10 minutes (drive time and all!
)
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Sorry all. This one started off topic, veered on topic, then veered off again.
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