As some of you may know, I work as a mechanic on small engines and cleaning equipment. Recently we've acquired a few beat-up machines for cheap to sell for a profit, and I've been tasked with making them uber pretty to fetch a higher price. As with all things, I give it my best shot. Turns out, I'm exceptionally good at restoring these things. So good, the machines I've worked on so far have had their initial cost increased by $1500.

Anyways, one of our biggest clients (a guy known as Siva, someone I've cultivated a relationship with over the last couple of months) was REALLY impressed with the work I was doing. He kept dropping hints on my bosses basically asking them if they'll clean up some of his machines. They weren't really interested, but I definitely was. So as I was helping him load up his machine into his truck, I asked him if he'd be interested in hiring me to clean his machines after work hours or on weekend. He was ecstatic, asking for my name and number. I'm expecting a call from him tonight.

Feels pretty good, as I'd be making 300-900 bucks for 5 hours of work, depending on the number of machines.

That's pretty cool

I also like your avatar

thanks babe me too

Nice but that's not really a business, you're basically just helping a guy you already know for money

that's kind of a simplification of all business, no

i mean, he's not my friend, and my business will not be limited to him once i start to grow

here's what i've come up with:

150 dollar immediate charge for labour (5 hour job at 30/hour, but i keep that to myself), plus convenience charge for pick up and drop off of machine (convenience charge is time x wage + $.40 per kilometer). i have a cube van with a lift gate lined up for this.

50 dollar material charge (chemicals, propane torch, spray paint, etc). i get all materials at cost because i buy them from my place of employment, so even more profit for me

after the total price is calculated, i add 20% on top as my own profit as the owner

i plan on making this a business, eventually

Good fucking shit man. Keep making moves like this

Good fucking shit man. Keep making moves like this

yeah i'm pretty impressed with myself as well

Doing a few freelance jobs outside your main job isn't really starting your own business. If you become independent, then yes it would be.

I am indepenent, though

lots of businesses started this way