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How to Scale a Junk Removal Business

How to Scale a Junk Removal Business

What is a Junk Removal Business?

A junk removal business is exactly what it sounds like. People pay you to remove their junk for them. However, the term ‘junk’ can encompass a wide range of items. Both individual and commercial clients hire out these services to remove old vehicles, appliances, electrical fittings, HVAC units, furniture, electronics, yard waste, and even complete structures. While some items are destined for the landfill, you can earn a profit by selling recyclable materials to local facilities. But, you can earn even bigger profits if you scale a junk removal business.

In recent years, the industry has become more competitive as it continues to grow. Yet, there is plenty of room for competition if you are willing to put in the hard work and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty. However, there is more to it than picking up people’s junk, loading it into a truck, and hauling it away.

How Do You Make Money with a Junk Removal Business?

The key to any successful endeavor is to identify a need and then determine how you can fill it. So, if you want to create a business offering junk removal services, you must assess the needs of the local market and potential clients in your area.

The good news is that there is a huge demand for these services. People are spending more time at home and using it as an opportunity to clean out unwanted junk. If you already have a truck, van, or trailer, you have everything you need to get started. Of course, you’ll want to ensure you have all the proper permits and licenses to operate your business. But, you can start small by taking a few jobs for friends and family. Or, you can quickly expand by advertising and gain more traction by offering free pickup or discounted rates when there are more valuable items.

Scrap Metal

The seasoned pros will tell you to focus on items that contain valuable materials. For example, selling scrap metal can be extremely lucrative. So, if you are removing items with copper, brass, or aluminum, you can earn a nice lump sum for a day’s work. Copper typically sells between $1 and $3 per pound. Brass goes for $0.75 to $1 per pound. Although aluminum sells for around $0.30 per pound, it is the most common and easiest to collect.

Specialized Services

Another way to earn profits is to specialize in specific types of items. If you notice many customers ditching outdated appliances or electronics, you could carve out a niche with targeted advertising. For those who have a talent for repairing and repurposing furniture, junk removal could serve as a free source for your materials. The possibilities to reclaim, recycle, and repurpose items are endless.

Expanded Services

If you already offer similar services such as landscaping or lawn maintenance, you could expand into junk removal. Offering additional clean-up services is a great way to attract new customers.

How Do You Scale a Junk Removal Business?

Before you get started, you will need to register your business, acquire the necessary permits and equipment, and create a solid business plan. Fortunately, junk removal companies have low overhead costs and operating fees. Most companies consist of private contractors with a single vehicle. While it is possible to make a good living working for yourself, there is more longevity when look to scale your junk removal business.

These types of businesses are also among the simplest to scale. In order to build your fleet, you just add more trucks and employees as you expand. However, you will need to ensure that you continue to draw in new customers and maintain your profit margins.

Targeted Advertising

There is a lot of junk out there. So, it’s a good idea to decide what you want to specialize in. Many private customers and families clearing out homes or abandoned properties need junk removal services. There are also many commercial clients such as real estate companies and storage facilities that will hire these services.

Once you have identified your customer base, you need to create a targeted market strategy to draw them in. Social media is a great way to advertise your services and reach a wider audience. Although, you could also place ads in local newspapers and circulars, hang bulletins in communal areas, and distribute flyers. No matter how you do it, you must get your name out there. Once you establish a good reputation, it will attract even more customers through referrals and positive online reviews.

Make Sure It’s Worth Your While

It won’t take long to find customers, but you also need to make sure it’s worth your while to take the job. When quoting prices, ensure that you aren’t undervaluing your services. Prices are typically charged by cubic feet, but there are additional fees to remove heavy items, hazardous materials, and to complete rush jobs.

You also want to avoid wasting time on items that are labor-intensive to break down. If you spend hours sorting for only minimal returns, your time could be better spent on more profitable jobs.

And, don’t forget to keep an eye on market prices. Since they fluctuate frequently, this will greatly affect your earning potential. Take advantage of price spikes, and haul in as much as possible when prices are up.

Is the Junk Removal Business Right for You?

There is great earning potential for a junk removal business. As the business grows and the pieces fall into place, it also requires less oversight. With the right business model and personnel, a junk removal business can run independently. Not only does it create a source of passive income, but you are building an asset that can be passed to the next generation.

However, before you get ahead of yourself, there are a few things you need to carefully consider. Is it the right time to take a risk? Will it help you achieve your long-term financial goes? Will you enjoy the work or possibly have regrets and come to hate it?

If you are serious about starting a junk removal business, perhaps it’s better to test the waters before you fully commit. You can take a job with a local company to learn the industry and see the day-to-day operations. Or, you could find jobs on Craigslist or other local marketplaces to see if it is something you would enjoy. You will never know if it’s right for you unless you give it a go. So, why not see if this is your answer to financial security and early retirement?

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