How to Make Money With a Box Van

A box van is a truck with a cube-shaped cargo area, usually ranging in size from 14 feet to 24 feet in length. Besides delivering and transporting products, they have many uses if appropriately equipped. If you own a box van or plan on investing in one, you can make extra money, depending on your skills and the service you can provide to your community.

Things You'll Need

• Driver's license
• Car registration and insurance
• Box van

Instructions

Making Money With a Box Van

1. Decide what you want to do with your box van. Research the types of services in demand in your community. You can use your box van for different things, from renting it out for a specified length of time to offering a specialized service. Assess your own skills and talents. Depending on your experience and interest, you can make money by offering such services as transporting goods, selling products, carpet or house cleaning, mobile pet grooming, auto detailing or landscaping.

2. Decide how much to charge for your service. Compare the current prices of several businesses that offer the same service you plan to provide. For example, you can charge as much as $30 per hour for carpet cleaning or as much as $500 a day refurnishing furniture. Take into consideration the cost of van maintenance, gasoline, auto insurance and other auto related expenses.

3. If you do not own a box van yet, research various models and decide which one best fits your needs and budget. Decide if you want to purchase a brand new one or a secondhand one. Ask neighbors and friends for good deals. Look online and in newspaper classifieds and compare prices.

   Equip your box van as needed and obtain the necessary tools to perform the service you plan to provide. For example, if you are offering landscaping services, you may need such tools as lawnmowers, clippers, fertilizers and rakes. If you are offering pet grooming services, your van may need a climate control system and other mechanisms to accommodate pets, as well as a built in tub or sink for bathing pets.

4. Advertise the service you plan to provide using your box van. Create an online presence with a website or Internet ads. Pass out brochures and post flyers on public bulletin boards in such places as libraries, churches, cafes, supermarkets or post offices. Ask for permission to put ads on windows of local businesses. Advertise on your box van as well, using magnetic signs or stickers.

References

• Access 2000: Small Business Startup Guides
• WagnTails: Pet Pro Van Standard Features