How to Earn Extra Cash With a Furniture Delivery Service
Nearly every truck owner has been asked to help a friend or family member move, often to help move furniture or other large items. While this can feel like an inconvenience, it is also a great way to make extra money. If you have a truck in good condition, here’s how to earn extra cash by starting a furniture delivery service.
Start Your Own Furniture Delivery Service
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit along with a truck, then starting your own furniture delivery company might be a great option. In comparison to other business, it won’t require a significant financial investment to get going.
Usually, you’ll just need to handle the legalities of operating a business. For example, you’ll need a business license, company name, and business structure, as well as liability insurance, and a payment processing and invoicing system.
Exactly what you have to do to start a business can vary depending on your location. Some states have slightly different rules regarding what you need to have in place. Do a little research to make sure you cover all of the necessary bases.
The Right Equipment
Once the legalities are in order, make sure you have the right equipment. Along with a truck, you may need dollies, bungee cords, ropes, ratchet straps, and moving blankets. You also need basic hand tools (if you are going to offer assembly as well). If your truck bed is open, you might need tarps too. Tarps give you the option for protecting items from the rain.
After you have gathered the equipment, it’s time to drum up business. You will usually have a few options to get started. For example, you can speak with small furniture retailers in the area that might not have their own delivery service. If they could benefit from your services, you could explore partnership arrangements. Otherwise, simply place flyers in their store advertising your delivery company.
Social media is also a powerful advertising resource. You can get an account and post messages free. Setting up a company website is also a smart move, and will usually only require a small financial investment to get started.
Once you begin landing customers, work to provide exceptional service every time. This will help cement your reputation, making it easier to find customers in the future.
Uber for Moving Apps and Services
If the idea of starting your business from scratch is a bit intimidating, then consider becoming part of an Uber for moving company by signing up with an app or service.
For example, individuals with a pickup truck, box truck, or cargo van who can lift over 75 lbs. can sign up with Dolly. Currently, Dolly “Helpers” who can use their vehicle for deliveries can earn $30 per hour or more.
BuddyTruk offers a similar arrangement. Their arrangement includes the ability to set your own schedule and earn as much as $40 per hour. You can also try GetBurro or GoShare.
Which Uber for moving company is right for you may depend on a few factors. For example, not every service is available in all cities, so your location may limit your choices. The size of your truck, as well as the type, age, and condition, may have an impact on who you can join as well.
Independent Contractor
However, many of these businesses allow you to function as an independent contractor, similar to Uber and Lyft drivers. You’ll usually have some control over your schedule and the number of hours you work, suggesting that deliveries are needed when you are available. Additionally, you don’t necessarily need a business license to begin, which can make the process easier.
If you are an independent contractor, you will need a method for tracking your income, expenses, and tax obligations. Unlike traditional employment, your federal taxes aren’t usually withheld automatically. Instead, you’ll have to submit quarterly payments to the IRS and file your taxes as a self-employed individual.
Typically, you’ll also have to monitor potential deductions, such as your mileage and fuel costs. Some apps may provide mechanisms that can make tracking easier, but that isn’t always the case.
Which Option is Right for You?
The option that is right for you will depend on your needs and preferences. If you are hoping to grow your delivery activities into a full-blown company, you may be better served by starting a business. However, if you would rather not deal with those complexities, signing up with an app or service (or even a few) is a fairly easy alternative.
Both options can potentially help you make money with your truck, though there is usually more risk if you start a business. Still, if you’ve always dreamed of running your own company, it is a viable niche, especially if you live in a highly populated area.
Have you ever tried starting your own furniture delivery service? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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