How to Start a Business With Your Car

If you start a business with your car, van or pickup, your biggest investment is already behind you. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Business Plan
• Telephone Book
• Telephones
• Business Consultants
• Business Loans
• Car Insurance
• Personal Computers
• Business Plan Software
• Online Career Search

1. Decide what type of business you'd like to start. Do you like dealing with people? Do you want to provide a service? Consider your dreams, goals, finances, strengths and weaknesses. Get feedback from others.
2. Do as much research as you can on the industry you're interested in.
3. Decide if you want to affiliate with an existing company or strike out on your own.
4. Determine how much money you need. Consider loans from the Small Business Administration, friends or family.
5. Write a business plan.
6. Contact your state's department of revenue for tax information and business-license requirements.
7. Apply for copyrights and trademarks, as necessary.
8. Change your car insurance to coverage for a working vehicle.
9. Determine what advertising and marketing tools best suit your needs.
10. Consider contacting a business consultant through the yellow pages or the Internet.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider starting a car repair service. Mechanics who travel to people's homes to change brakes and perform basic repairs are in demand.
• Look into newspaper delivery jobs. Large routes can bring in more money than many part-time jobs.
• Consider becoming a car locksmith. Contact local roadside service companies to apply and get training.
• Other jobs include delivering flowers, firewood and pizza. You can also deliver seasonal products for local community groups.
• If you don't care about the condition of your car or pickup, start a hauling business.
• Consider using your vehicle as a means to another business: carpet laying, carpet cleaning, window repair, furniture refinishing, vinyl repair, car polishing, chimney sweeping or groundskeeping.
• Consider selling advertising space on your car.
• If you choose to affiliate with another company, study investment requirements carefully. Scams are everywhere.