Three Businesses You Can Start RIGHT NOW - Part 1

Contrary to the gloom and doom reports of skyrocketing unemployment and few job possibilities, now is a great time to start a business. The average employee has skills sets, special training and abilities that could realistically land them in the dream job of their choice where they are their own bosses. Business start-ups can be complicated, time consuming and expensive, true. There are certain sectors in the service industry in which any adult can start a business with very little effort and cash. Cleaning services, car detailers and lawn care professionals are three of them.

Cleaning Service

There was a time when maids and butlers only belonged in the homes of the very rich. Being someone's maid was looked down on as being menial. It offered low pay. People involved in such employment usually had little or no education or training in anything else.

All that's changed. Cleaning services are few and far between in many cities. The demand is high, the pay is good, and the opportunities are endless. Clients that use the services of a cleaning business include apartment building managers for move outs/ins, real estate offices for move ins, other offices and industries, the very wealthy and the not-so-wealthy that still want their dwellings professionally cleaned. A cleaning service can be operated as a solo operation or as a team. The advantage of the sole employee cleaning business is there's no one to share profits with. Having a team tends to look more professional. Do a good job and get repeat business and referrals.

Cleaning services located in college towns have an added business advantage. As students move in and out of apartments and other properties, the need for professional cleaning services mounts. There is often more business than one service can handle.

As for the pay, clients pay $50 and upward for two hours of work depending on the tasks. Some cleaning services charge extra for certain jobs, such as oven and freezer cleaning and window washing. As for investment, the owner can start out with cleaning products he or she already has at home. Some cleaning services charge additionally for cleaning products. In some cases, they should, especially if the client requests particular cleaning products or brands.

Car Wash

People who work in offices, operate businesses or work in organizations have personal and work vehicles that need cleaning inside and out. Often, they don't have the time to do it themselves. The car wash business is lucrative, especially during the warmer months. Some car detailers pick up the client's car from the office, wash it, detail the inside and bring it back when they're all done. Others set up on the customer's worksite and conduct the cleaning while their clients work. Still others invest money for rent and overhead to open a car wash and detail shop. Those who want to keep costs down should consider either the first or second option.

Car Detailers can charge $25 and upward per vehicle. They invest in cleaning products, hoses and water. Hint: if they set up on the client's work site, the water may actually be free.

Lawn Care

Lawn care and landscaping is becoming more and more specialized. A youngster could very well push his lawnmower from house to house in the neighborhood and make $100 a day. The more serious and experienced groundskeeper will have a riding mower, and other electric tools that will both define him as a professional and make his job easier. This type of business is great for someone who already has his lawn care tools and loves outdoor work. Lawn care professionals can charge $25 for a small yard, upwards to $200 for a sprawling landscape at a mansion.

Cleaning services, car detailers and lawn professionals are just three services that will always be in demand, even in hard times. The second part of this article will explain how to advertise these and other newly established businesses without spending a lot of money. How about less than $20?