How to Use My Pickup Truck to Earn a Living

Using your pickup truck to provide services to others can be easy and can earn you money at the same time. Many possibilities exist including hauling, attic and basement clean-outs, yard debris removal and moving services. Specializing in one or more of these areas may be easier than you think.

Things You'll Need

• Phone book
• Notebook
• Computer with Internet access
• Printer or office supply store printing services
• Mileage log
• Paper
• Clipboard
• Pen
• Shovel
• Rake
• Broom
• Trash bags
• Empty trash cans or bins
• Old blankets
• Ropes
• Gloves
• Rags

Instructions

1. Decide on a plan to launch your services. You must first determine what services you are capable of offering and if you will be working by yourself or with others. You may want to specialize in attic, garage and basement clean-outs, or light yard debris removal if you are working alone. If you are aided by the help of others, moving and heavy hauling is also an option.

2. Investigate the competition. Use your local phone book to call and inquire about services currently offered and average prices so you will know what to offer and what to charge. Most people---if cleaning out an attic, basement or garage---must see the job first to give estimates. Keep your notes in a notebook and remember to check prices often to stay ahead of others.

3. Launch your online advertising campaign. This can be done at first with little to no investment. Advertise your services on free websites like Craigslist and look for neighborhood sites you can advertise on as well.

4. Launch your in-person advertising campaign. Use your computer to make a flier (or you can hand-draw one) that advertises your services and has your contact information. Print one master copy and have the local office supply store run copies. You may do it yourself with your printer but weigh the cost-effectiveness. Hang these fliers all over town wherever they are permitted. Ideas include grocery store announcement boards, local restaurants, hair salon boards, veterinary clinics and community centers. When in doubt, introduce yourself and ask if you may hang a flier.

5. Stock your truck with common supplies. You will need a broom, shovel and rake for general cleaning duties. Purchase commercial strength trash bags for certain materials and debris, and plastic bins or trash cans for any recyclable materials. Old blankets can come in handy when moving or hauling anything that can become scratched or damaged. Ropes are essential as are gloves and rags.

6. Bid jobs and start working. Explain to customers that you can give them an introductory discount as you are trying to build a reputation. Do a good job so word of mouth will help you earn more jobs. Clean-outs may take several trips, so ensure your bid takes into consideration gas and tolls that you may have to pay in addition to any local dump fees.

7. Keep records. Be sure to keep a clipboard and track your mileage, toll receipts, maintenance done to your truck and new supply expenses. At the end of the year when you report your income these may prove to be worthy deductions.

Tips & Warnings

• Attic, basement, and garage clean-out is a great place to start. In many cases you will acquire useful items, supplies or antiques that can be resold. You may also wish to use your pickup to take these items to the weekend flea market or estate sale to sell for added income. Adjust bids accordingly so you can ensure these jobs are yours.

• Avoid taking jobs that require disposal of hazardous materials such as a garage full of old asbestos shingles, harmful chemicals or molded materials as you may be in violation of environmental laws by attempting to dispose of these items yourself. Familiarize yourself with the laws and guidelines of your local dump and never put your health in danger.

References

• Ernie's Moving and Hauling
• Two Men and a Truck
• Brian Vecchio; Vecchio Masonry

Resources

• Job-Employment-Guide.com: Self Employment Deductions