Looking for Advice: From Tech to Shredding

[davegibbs]

After struggling to find mobile development work, I took a leap (to at least get some money coming in) and started a parcel courier job. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being out and about. It was a great change from the monotony of sitting at a computer all day, and it's done wonders for my mental health.

It's got me looking into local ventures I'm interested in, and I'm considering starting a small-scale paper shredding business in North Birmingham. I've done some research on the licensing and costs, but I'm unsure if it's feasible as a solo venture. Has anyone had experience with something similar?

If this isn't the right path, are there any in-demand delivery businesses that could be a good fit for someone starting out a business on their own? I'm aiming for a monthly revenue upwards of £10k.

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

 

[fisicx]

Crickey! There are millions in the UK would love to get even a fraction of that monthly income. £120k per year is a huge income.

Anyway, there is a mobile shredding bloke locally to us. It took him about 6 years to build up enough customers to get a decent return on his investment. He plans to sell up as WFH and paperless offices means less and less work.

It might work for you but the question has to be: what do companies currently do? How are they shredding classified documents right now?

 

[davegibbs]

Crickey! There are millions in the UK would love to get even a fraction of that monthly income. £120k per year is a huge income.

Anyway, there is a mobile shredding bloke locally to us. It took him about 6 years to build up enough customers to get a decent return on his investment. He plans to sell up as WFH and paperless offices means less and less work.

It might work for you but the question has to be: what do companies currently do? How are they shredding classified documents right now?

Thanks for your reply. The £10k figure was revenue from the business operations and not my take-home. I’m not that optimistic

 

[fisicx]

Even that is a large wodge. Local cost is £30/bag. That works out at about 20 bags/day. Or over 300 clients per month if they have one bag per month.

Getting 300 new clients could take years. You might never achieve that number.

 

[davegibbs]

Even that is a large wodge. Local cost is £30/bag. That works out at about 20 bags/day. Or over 300 clients per month if they have one bag per month.

Getting 300 new clients could take years. You might never achieve that number.

Ah, ok. I would've thought an average client would be filling 5-10 bags every 2-3 weeks. Thanks for your insights though. What would you suggest from your experience would be a good local delivery business to start on a small scale, with minimal upfront costs, and room to grow over time?

 

[davegibbs]

I was also thinking getting into the Medical Supply Delivery/Courier business could also be a good option. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

[fisicx]

Ah, ok. I would've thought an average client would be filling 5-10 bags every 2-3 weeks. Thanks for your insights though. What would you suggest from your experience would be a good local delivery business to start on a small scale, with minimal upfront costs, and room to grow over time?

Round here there are loads of lads driving vans doing courier work. And even more on bikes and scooters doing food deliveries. Long hours for often little reward.

The guy cleaning wheelie bins makes a good living working 3 hours a day.

 

[davegibbs]

Round here there are loads of lads driving vans doing courier work. And even more on bikes and scooters doing food deliveries. Long hours for often little reward.

The guy cleaning wheelie bins makes a good living working 3 hours a day.

I've just been looking at wheelie bin cleaning. Maybe that could be a good one to start. Seems big in the U.S., but not seen many around Birmingham.

 

[fisicx]

I've just been looking at wheelie bin cleaning. Maybe that could be a good one to start. Seems big in the U.S., but not seen many around Birmingham.

In which case with the right marketing you could clean up.

Google Business Profile is free and easy to set up. The phone could be ringing tomorrow.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Gas cylinder delivery drivers seem always in demand around her doing home and industry deliveries, try talking to Gasflow and the other big local companies, less rush than couriers and they supply transit ype delivery truck so no outlay

 

[fisicx]

You need an ADR license to carry gas cylinders. Cost is under £1000 so not onerous.

 

[Socio South West]

I've just been looking at wheelie bin cleaning. Maybe that could be a good one to start. Seems big in the U.S., but not seen many around Birmingham.

A few years ago I was asked to help a guy who had not long set up cleaning bins house to house with a single van: He was also doing some patio cleaning and even some chicken shed cleaning.

He wanted to tender for a bin cleaning contract with a local hospital... I helped him get on to the recommended suppliers list, and then worked out the tender with him... which he won.

Through that he was offered other hospital and local authority tenders, and when last in contact with him last year he was running 8 vans, all fully occupied. Outwardly at least doing very well.

It can be done with any small business, but its not easy, especially to begin with: Don't make your initial framework or direction too rigid, and keep your eyes open for possibilities all around.

 

[fisicx]

Craig follows the bin men. Which means the bins are cleaned almost as soon as they are emptied.

He finishes work around 10am. Not a bad way to make a living.

He also cleans patios and gutters but says it’s not regular work so doesn’t rely on the money.

 

[davegibbs]

Craig follows the bin men. Which means the bins are cleaned almost as soon as they are emptied.

He finishes work around 10am. Not a bad way to make a living.

He also cleans patios and gutters but says it’s not regular work so doesn’t rely on the money.

Sounds great! Don't suppose you could send over his details, so I can ask him some questions? Not sure if we can DM on this site. My email is [email protected]

 

[davegibbs]

A few years ago I was asked to help a guy who had not long set up cleaning bins house to house with a single van: He was also doing some patio cleaning and even some chicken shed cleaning.

He wanted to tender for a bin cleaning contract with a local hospital... I helped him get on to the recommended suppliers list, and then worked out the tender with him... which he won.

Through that he was offered other hospital and local authority tenders, and when last in contact with him last year he was running 8 vans, all fully occupied. Outwardly at least doing very well.

It can be done with any small business, but its not easy, especially to begin with: Don't make your initial framework or direction too rigid, and keep your eyes open for possibilities all around.

Thanks very much for the info and advice. Sounds great! Do you have his details, so I could get in touch?

 

[TimP]

Crickey! There are millions in the UK would love to get even a fraction of that monthly income. £120k per year is a huge income.

Anyway, there is a mobile shredding bloke locally to us. It took him about 6 years to build up enough customers to get a decent return on his investment. He plans to sell up as WFH and paperless offices means less and less work.

It might work for you but the question has to be: what do companies currently do? How are they shredding classified documents right now?

Answering on behalf of a small-medium sized company - Small quantities are done inhouse using a shredder, but when we have had larger amounts someone collects it. I was recently quoted £10 per 15 kilos.