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[Tiger Small Engine]

My policy is through Hartford. Since my shop is on my property I have a rider on the homeowner policy to cover building, tools and equipment. The Hartford is a liability policy. I think a lot of people start a business without knowing how to really run a business. The small business administration website is a good place to start. A side hustle is one thing but a real business is something else. A couple of people I know used their retirement savings to start businesses that failed. A sandwich shop and a bike shop.

A person can burn through money quickly starting a small business. My small engine repair shop is on my property also. I have a two million dollar liability policy to protect my assets. We live in a litigious society so it is necessary although I really don’t like or believe in insurance of any kind.

Next year will be my sixth year in business and have made it over the hump. The first couple of years I made very little and now simply make a living. I love what I do most days.

 

[Hammermechanicman]

For about 20 years I ran 2 businesses as a side hustle besides working 40 to 50 hours of overtime each month. I invested all the profits of the businesses and the OT. Debt free at 50 and retired at 61. Took the mower shop pretty much full time so now I fix mowers and buy tools and toys.

 

[Noyaudiop]

When I first got into it, I had to drum up business by putting flyers in coffee shops and community boards. It took a bit of time, but eventually, I started getting calls.
As for the truck, I ended up snagging a used pickup that was reliable and fit my budget. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done hauling equipment around. When you're starting out, keeping costs down is key.
Oh, and speaking of keeping things organized, I recently got into using Inventory management for my tools and supplies. It's been a game-changer, helping me keep track of everything and avoid last-minute scrambles before jobs.

 

[Hammermechanicman]

When I first got into it, I had to drum up business by putting flyers in coffee shops and community boards. It took a bit of time, but eventually, I started getting calls.

Depending on your area a good place to leave business cards is a hardware store and auto parts stores.

 

[PGB1]

Depending on your area a good place to leave business cards is a hardware store and auto parts stores.

House of Worship weekly bulletins are also good locations to place very inexpensive ads. I think most Roman Catholic parishes have bulletins. You get on-line presence from the ad, too.

 

[Hammermechanicman]

Don't put flyers in mailboxes. A guy who used to work on mowers before he got cancer was printing flyers and putting them in mailboxes. Got a visit from post office police and was given a mean letter.

 

[Gord Baker]

A person can burn through money quickly starting a small business. My small engine repair shop is on my property also. I have a two million dollar liability policy to protect my assets. We live in a litigious society so it is necessary although I really don’t like or believe in insurance of any kind.

Next year will be my sixth year in business and have made it over the hump. The first couple of years I made very little and now simply make a living. I love what I do most days.

It is also important to Incorporate. Then it is more difficult for them to take your home and vehicle in case of big dusputes. Use a competent Accountant. Keeping good honest accurate records is very important.
If you build it they will come!

 

[Summaryn]

I decided to offer my services on local social media groups and community boards. You'd be surprised how many people are looking for someone to help with their lawns.

As for the truck, if you can’t afford one right away, maybe consider borrowing a friend's or renting one until you build up some funds. You can also start small with basic tools and grow from there.