Going From Little Time To Big Time
#1
Posted 19 March 2018 - 05:51 AM
I am a 47 year old female with a full time job and this business. I don't have a husband, so hence, the full time job with benefits and all that I can't really give up. I have been doing this awhile, and we have made good extra income for our family. However, I am thinking about jumping in and growing some, hiring actual people, lol. We have a good reputation and all. But just wanted opinions from others.
- If and when you "go big time" can you ever take a weekend off maybe for family time? If you have a trustworthy person helping you, is this possible? the way it is with me right now, I don't always have all my units out every weekend, and I usually do my rentals by the day, not every four hours. I know I lose money so to speak, but honestly, it's just what I prefer so that I can get other things done. of course, if I had people working for me, that would make a difference I am sure. Most business in my area rent by the day I think, so it might be hard to do aa four or eight hour window.
-for those that took the jump, and especially those of us that aren't in the position to give up the full time job with benefits, are you glad you did? Any advice will be appreciated
- Joryiktisp, Marcusliz, CharlesGaf and 1 other like this
#2
Posted 20 March 2018 - 10:28 AM
Do you clean/maintain equipment during the week?
Weren't you planning on having your son help you?
We did six hour rental windows. I told my customers that we could deliver it earlier, we could pick it up later, but they were guaranteed the six hour window that they stated. This six hour (and not eight hour) window allowed us to start at a reasonable time and pickup at a reasonable time. (depending on how busy we were.) This also accommodated earlier in the day parties or late night parties, and didn't insist on customers making sure their party was was during the time that you (the rental company) dropped off the unit and picked it up. Make sense? Otherwise you'll always have customers that "want" to be delivered the earliest, AND picked up the latest.
BTW: I'm 48 years old, married had three older teenagers helping me. But we all got older. I have one son that wants to keep the business, but a newly dislocated shoulder put the nix on that. I've been married for 29 years and although the hubby helped us get the business started, (and an occasional backup driver) he does not want to do it. He missed his weekends and hobbies to much. So it sound like we are in similar business situations.
Anyways, to keep delivery time down my adult son(s) would clean the units at home. I only had to do minimal physical labor on the weekend; but had all the office work (contracts, majority of phone work and ugh, all the driving.)
I would probably hire someone that could assist you with delivering. (if isn't your son). and eventually do the delivering for you; when you aren't capable. Personally, unless you can go big. Paying even a part-time employee (don't forget your "suppose" to get workman's comp if it's not family working for you) usually isn't financially beneficial.
Stuff to think about.
#3
Posted 22 March 2018 - 07:38 AM
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