With the downturn of the economy and employees facing layoffs and downsizing, it’s easy to fall into sudden despair and frantic worry of an uncertain financial future.  I’m right there with you - I know all too well what it’s like to worry about the bills.  As an entrepreneur with a head for business and a heart for always trying to do the right thing, I have had numerous small business ventures along the way, some quite successful and others just barely paying the bills – but they served their purpose at the time and managed to keep my head above water.  

Since this is a car blog and not a small business site, I’ll get to the point, which is simply that if you have a car and a few extra hours during the day when the kids are in school or perhaps during the evening when you have some free time, there are ways you can use your vehicle to make some extra cash that can really help in these trying financial times.   Many people believe they can’t start their own small business or make extra income because they don’t have the right skills, but if you have a drivers’ license and own your own vehicle, I believe there are many opportunities to explore which can add to the household budget, some which may even prove to be lucrative down the road. 

Starting a small business or taking on additional opportunities which involve your vehicle doesn’t need to be expensive.  The following ideas don’t require any special skills other than a drivers’ license, a dependable vehicle, a few extra hours during the day or evening, a close look at your insurance coverage and the will to add some extra cash to your pocketbook.

Pet Transportation

This is a great business if you own a van or SUV (although almost any vehicle will do - unless you’re transporting more than one critter at the same time) and love animals.  

Transportation to/from:
• Vet Appointments
• Grooming Appointments
• Boarding Facilities
• Other

Best Customers:  Think of all the people you know who own pets and who could really benefit from this kind of business;  working people who can’t get time off  during the day, older people who find it difficult to travel, and pet owners who can’t or don’t drive are all good candidates who could take advantage of this service.

You could also bundle this with other services, such as dog walking, pet sitting etc. and add even more cash to your bank account!

One of my very favorite examples of a great small business idea which now rules the roads of New York City, is the awesomeness that has become Pet Taxi. 

Grocery Delivery/Personal Shopper

This is a great business if you love to shop and help people.

Transportation to/from:
• Grocery Stores
• Department Stores
• Other

Best Customers: Again, think of those you know who could benefit from this kind of service; full time working singles or couples, busy households, the elderly, people who are homebound, etc.  

You could bundle this with your own online shopping site, too. 

One of my favorite small business start-ups of this kind is Peapod.  The business started on a shoestring budget back in 1989 in Evanston, Illinois and now offers their services to customers nationwide.

Kids Shuttle Service

Great for those who love kids, own a van and enjoy being out in their community.

Transportation to/from:
• School
• After School Activities
• Appointments
• Other

Best Customers: Busy parents! 

One of my favorite small business ideas like this is Kids on Wheels.  As my friend Crystal says, if you’re going to spend a lot of time dropping kids off and picking them up, you might as well take a carload and get paid for it! 

Vehicle Advertising

Earn extra cash by placing advertisements on your vehicle. 

Best Customers: Companies looking for exposure for their products and services.

There are a few legitimate companies that do this kind of advertising, one of them being FreeCarMedia.com, a company which wraps your vehicle in lightweight vinyl with printed images.  Drivers who are chosen for each individual branding program are paid to drive their vehicles just as they would normally and on occasion attend local events in their area for promotion and distribution purposes. 

Remember that you’ll have to look into your auto insurance coverage, however much of your vehicle expenses when using your car as part of your small business, is tax deductable.  This can include things like vehicle depreciation, registration fees, repairs, licenses, gas, oil, lease payments, insurance, tires, garage rent, parking fees and tolls.

It’s also a good idea to visit or contact the Small Business Administration for information concerning everything related to owning and operating your own business in the United States.  The Small Business Administration offers free online courses and all the information you need to get your wheels pointed in the right direction.

If you use your vehicle for a home based business or to earn extra cash, leave me a comment or share your ideas!

Tags: Advice, General, Guides //