Ok, got the goods, it's FREE, but what to do with it!?
 

This is a good one, guys!

I know I have another thread going on my other biz, but this one is too good to pass up right now! ~lol~

I live in an area where soldiers are ALWAYS being deployed & a lot of activity as far as move-ins/move-outs. To get right to the point, the stuff I can pick up there set out on the curb is abundant, FREE & you'd be surprised how wonderfully good this stuff still is! Nothing wrong with it, just they can't take it with them. I got a motorcycle trailer given to me when I stopped to ask (I always do if the person is out in the yard...I know, it IS on the curb, but...I like to be polite.) He said Sure, & if you want it, take that, too. (The trailer).

There are beds, furniture of all types, appliances (which I don't feel like taking a chance on bothering with, b/c I can't get rid of them if they don't work.) toys, clothes, you NAME it - - it's all there.

Ok, I love getting it, but I think I am limited on how many garage sales we can have here, the flea market (well, I have a small hatchback, too...you should see it sometimes, though! ~lol!!~) is kinda a ways away PLUS, the deal about the car being kinda small to haul a big enough load to sell enough to make anything.

Any ideas out there? As far as I know (I'm going to double check this, though) there's not even a tradio here. (Should be, though...hmmm...lol!)

I'd like some ideas on how to get this stuff & then make money from it - preferrably without having to pack it & unpack it every Sat at the flea mrkt (which for above reasons isn't good anyway.)

Ok, so Gordon *smile* another way I could "fly low & collect the dough".

Thanks for the ideas & help, everyone! :)

~Bea

Re: Ok, got the goods, it's FREE, but what to do with it!?
 

Hi Bea,

Joint Venture on the Pickup & Delivery and...

Think about Renting the stuff to all sorts of Niche markets and groups of people who Require a Cheap Rental service...

Furniture rentals can be Expensive with Contracts etc. making Consumers Frustrated!

Introducing... Bea short-term No Frill Rentals... :)

A few Quick pick examples...

http://www.springwise.com/homes_hous...ture_for_hire/
http://www.springwise.com/homes_hous...ekly_couch_re/
http://www.istudentcity.com/housing/..._furniture.asp
http://www.furnishcheap.com/cheap-di...furniture.html

Here's another one for some Food for thought... ;)

Stolen Milk Crates Feed Black Market
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...LA TE=DEFAULT

Phil

Let me make sure I UNDERSTAND this situation...
 

OK.

Bea, read what you said with my highlighting. At least 3 times.

Is this "temporary" housing near a base? Apts? Houses?


When I hear, "A lot of activity"...well, then there must be some wants and needs buried in all that activity, right?

Why don't they try to sell stuff before they move? Too much hassle? Not enough time? IF soldiers are always being deployed, does that mean there are more moving IN to replace them?

I know, a lot of questions, but you've come to expect that from me.

What about a HOTSHEET in both directions (with advertising on them)...

"Before You Deploy, Turn Your Stuff Into CASH" Here's HOW:

When I say both directions, I mean one part of the HOTSHEET that caters to those being deployed...and the other part or side to those that are NEW in the area.

You may have the perfect vehicle for both projects.

Who would want to reach the soldiers before they leave? (thinking advertisers here)...

What "business" do they need to have in order before they ship out? Insurance? Bank accounts? Cars?

What businesses would want to reach the NEW soldiers coming into the area?

As for the stuff itself. Check with your local storage spaces...some may offer a FREE truck to use when moving. If not, what could you do to "hire" someone...perhaps a retiree, or a High School football player (they're big and strong)...to move the heavy stuff into a "storage unit" or perhaps a garage nearby.

You could offer FREE appliances to those new people coming in, charge whatever the delivery person charges...and of course, you have a WELCOME to the neighborhood advertising vehicle sent along...better yet a magnet attached to the appliance.

Who cleans the houses/ apts when the soldiers leave? What about their cars or motorcycles? Who would want to know this information?

I suggest you do this. Spend the next week going around these neighborhoods on "trash" day, or deployment week, and take pics of all the stuff that is FREE (being thrown away)...

Jump into your yellow pages and KNOW where the storage units are..where the pawn shops are...where the consignment shops, thrift stores...Goodwills, Salvation Army etc.

IF there is always a steady stream of "traffic", people coming and people going, then you have the basis of your WELCOME and GOOD LUCK & GODSPEED Hotsheet.

THINK creatively. There are lots of trucks in your area NOT being used. Start LOOKING for them. Is there a used appliance or repair shop...would this person pay for the heavy appliances? Would they exchange or barter labor or other stuff?

I'd get as many facts as I could find, how many? How often? What is the story? AND then start putting people together. Those with something to sell...be that the local pizza shop, oil change shop...with those that are looking to buy.

Think how you might be able to combine both your ideas into one steady advertising vehicle that produces weekly profits, OK?

gja

Re: Ok, got the goods, it's FREE, but what to do with it!?
 

Thank you both Phil & Gordon!
Phil, wonderful idea on the rentals and Gordon - Great! I just while I was reading this realized that one of the local storages has a trailer I may be able to use w/some planning. Also the consignment stores are a great idea! My husband will be around & can even take off weekends to help some here. (I think it would perhaps be worth it.)

Ok, HOW to hook up, though (I think I'm missing what you're saying in this part) the buyers & sellers? I mean, for instance the people who buy heavy appliances and the pizza joint? hmmm...

Those are great ideas!

Thank you & if you think of any more, pass those along, too.

Bea :)