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the new "paper route"

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:30 am
by Bret Callentine
As I once again almost forgot that today was garbage day (last minute scramble to take out trash and move car out of the way in the driveway), It occured to me, if there are any industrious kids out there, I think there is a definite new business opportunity out there if and when the city ever goes to the new curbside trash collection. Given my absentmindedness, I would definitely pay a kid a couple of bucks a week to come by the house and move my bins out to the curb in the morning, and then after school, move them back behind the house. They could do it on their walk too and from school.

If you could get a couple of customers per block, and a couple of different blocks that collect on different days, I think you could make some good money with minimal effort.

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:24 am
by Dee Krupp
That's a good idea...I'll have to mention it to my son.

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:42 am
by Bret Callentine
if you can get just five houses a day at $5.00 a week x five days a week, that's over $6,000 a year.

just a thought.

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:16 am
by Dee Krupp
Would you really pay $5.00 though? Maybe a buck or two for 5 minutes of work, I would think.

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:27 am
by Bret Callentine
that was just as an example. I, personally, would easily pay $2 or $3 bucks a week. (call it $10 a month)

you have to remember, in summer it would be easy, but in the winter, with the snow, it will take a little effort. And it's two different trips - out in the morning and back in the afternoon.

Still at $10 a month x 5 customers on a block and one block a day it still works out to $3,000. which is still some nice cash to have when you're a kid.

Heck, I bet they could even set up some sort of website that used PayPal so that they wouldn't even have to go door to door to collect the money.

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:34 pm
by Stan Austin
Bret--- great idea! Actually, it's reminiscent of paper routes back in the day. If a kid wants this to work, he or she has to solicit the business, be aware of any customer special requests i.e. don't scratch the car replaces put the paper in the milk chute, and arrange for a friend to substitute in case of a sick day or whatever.
This could actually be the replacement for the "neighborhood connectors" which what was in effect what the paperboys were.
Stan

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:21 pm
by Corey Rossen
I'd pay upwards of $50 a month just to see Stan take out my garbage. I may even go to Lakewood Hardware and buy 10 more cans just to see him work even harder. In hindsight, maybe 15 more cans.

Corey

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:42 pm
by Stan Austin
:D Throw in some green wine, and you got a deal, Corey! Stan