STARTING A BUSINESS

105 Service Businesses to Start Today

GUEN SUBLETTE

At your service: Convenience-craving consumers are always looking for a way to do

turning to a specialty-services entrepreneur who knows how to get the job done righ

service providers-from adventure-tour leaders to window washers. With 105 ideas to

today with your own service business.

Once you've scrolled through our ideas and gotten a taste of what's out there, read "
started.
Personal Services
Mobile Pet Grooming

Snip, clip and brush your way to success as a mobile pet groomer. Fido and his owne

"doorstep" doggie-grooming service. With the proper training and experience, a van
tree by marketing your business in your neighborhood and others.
Collectibles Search

Collectibles searchers, who carefully canvas swap meets, thrift stores and garage sal

clients. Once you've found your niche--be it antique lunch boxes, dolls or grandfath

publications, at collectibles stores, in specialty forums on the internet, or on eBay. So

Diaper Delivery

Whoever said cloth diapers couldn't be convenient--and user-friendly? Velcro diape

delivery take the dirty work out of diapering. Equipped with a "clean," propane-fuel

can provide an environmentally friendly alternative to disposables. Talk about a chan

Dry-Cleaning Pickup & Delivery

Are you clothes-minded? Then try on the dry-cleaning pickup-and-delivery busines

that's convenient for busy professionals, then follow suit by arranging with a local d
Mobile Locksmith

You hold the keys to success as a mobile locksmith. For best results, be ready for 24-

training and basic equipment, you'll have this business mastered--lock, stock and b
Grati Removal & Abatement

Equipped with some paint and other preventive treatments, you're set to serve resid

grati-removal-and-abatement business. City governments and schools can also b

their districts.
Golf-Club Cleaning

Take your best shot with a golf-club cleaning service. Not only will you be oering g

be oering a way to protect their investment from the rusting, pitting and discolorat
Self-Defense Instructor

You can never feel too safe or secure. People of all ages and backgrounds can benet

your business jump-started by training others in the disciplines you've learned--Aik

Adventure Tours

Got a taste for adventure? Whether it's exploring South American caves or touring En
following . . . so long as you do all the footwork rst. Put your service on the road to
lodging. Your clients only need to worry about one thing: having fun.
Pet Sitting

When it comes to creature comforts, most canines would choose their own backyard

take care of pets while their owners are out of town or busy--Fido can have his kibb

however; gear your services toward all creatures great and small for maximum pro

Mobile Massage

Success is close at hand for mobile massage providers. Advertise your stress-relievin

therapists' oces. Then bring your trained hands--and a portable massage table--t
Personal Chef

Cook up tasty prots as a personal chef. Those with culinary competence can likely

busy working families. Or, market your business to clients for those special occasion
restaurant-quality food and service.
Mobile Mechanic

As a mobile mechanic, a good knowledge of automobile repair techniques and a list o

the fast lane by bringing your service directly to clients' homes or places of business
Seamstress/Tailor

As a seamstress or tailor, sew your way to success altering clothing and/or creating n

service at local boutiques and dry cleaners, plug in your sewing machine, and start s
Court-Paper Serving

You can't beat the legal system . . . as a great resource for business, that is. Private at

themselves, often turn to registered court-paper processors to serve their summons

Porcelain Repair

Rub a dub, dub, a porcelain-repair entrepreneur in the tub: Fixing unsightly chips an

entrepreneurs in business. With a porcelain-repair kit in hand, sinks and tubs are ma
Cover Letter/Resume Service

Not everyone knows how to look good on paper. With your editing and basic layout s

stationery, you're set to start showing clients how to put their best foot forward in th
door of potential employers' businesses for an interview.
Mystery Shopping

Now, you can shop till you drop . . . and get paid for it! Just put on your shopping sho

"mystery" shopper. Rate local retail stores' employees on attitude, friendliness, and
store-owner clients, helping them to ensure their service really is number one.
Tax-Form Preparer

One thing is certain: There will always be a need for tax preparers. Come tax season,

numerous tax forms and understanding the latest tax regulations. Equipped with som

your career as a tax preparer this scal year-and get ready for some returns on your
Wedding-Guide Publishing

For photographers, bakers, caterers and orists, wedding bells mean big business. H

wedding guide with space for local advertisers. Include some basic wedding-plannin
ones to benet from your premarital publication.
Mobile Car-Wash and Detailing

Take your business on the road, and clean up on prots as a mobile car-wash and de

along with a few rags, brushes, and elbow grease; then drive home sales by marketin
and corporations.
Used-Car Inspection
Sometimes, it takes a little more than a kick of the tires to evaluate a used car. With

know-how, however, used-car inspectors can help steer clients away from "lemons.
you on the road to referrals--and success.
Professional Organizer

Neatniks need apply: If you're got a knack for neatness, why not help the organizatio

commercial oces alike could benet from a more ecient setup. Put some order in
prots.
Tutoring
Thought your prociency in high school algebra was all for naught? Think again: As

studies. Whether it's reading, writing or arithmetic, help your students reach the top
support.
Power Washing

Oily driveways, mud-caked semi trucks, or barnacle-ridden boats . . . You name it, an
washing equipment can probably clean it. For spotless results, target commercial as
Windshield Repair

To nd potential clients for your windshield-repair business, simply canvas local pa

chipped windshields. A basic repair kit enables you to oer clients what is clearly a b
Private Investigation

Blaze your own entrepreneurial trail while following others' footsteps-literally. As a

by keeping a keen "eye" on other people's activities. Clients include attorneys gather
information about a signicant other.

Business Services
Business-Plan Consulting

Not only is a business plan crucial in obtaining bank nancing, but it's an invaluable

inevitable ups and downs. With your writing skills, spreadsheet know-how, and gene
best-laid plans . . . while accomplishing your own.
Packing and Unpacking Service

Packing up to move to a new home or oce--not to mention unpacking on the othe

goodness for packing and unpacking entrepreneurs who, with their hassle- and time
Business-Travel Management

Make the skies even friendlier for business travelers--and less costly for business ow

low-price tickets, keep expense records, manage frequent-ier miles . . . and reap th
Carpet Dyeing

For a fraction of the cost of replacing unsightly or stained carpeting, carpet-dyeing p

nursing homes and other businesses an attractive alternative. So go ahead, lay the op
to-wall prots.
Hospital-Bill Auditing

There's nothing worse than being laid up in the hospital for a few days . . . except ma

remedy: hospital-bill auditors, who--thanks to their billing savvy and attention to d

Specialized Stang

Helping clients meet their workforce needs is a matter of nding a niche and lling i

Work your way up in the industry by developing a roster of specially skilled workers,
Bookkeeping

Though today's software makes keeping your own books easier, it doesn't make it m
owners with little time to spare, a bookkeeping service is not only a time-saver, but
Computer Repair

In today's computer-based society, computer "downtime" can be both costly and ag

some basic diagnostic equipment and technological savvy--you can get clients' com
Referral Service

For referral-service entrepreneurs--who act as a "welcome wagon" to newcomers-

pays o in more ways than one. Local companies pay to get their services introduced
little friendly advice.
Video Brochure

Make record prots taping corporate video brochures. Just get your video recorder ha

and special-eects techniques help you pull together the big picture--and reel in th
Executive Search

Take your business to a "hire" level: As an executive-search specialist, help busy clie

Your job involves placing ads and conducting interviews to screen potential employe
get down to business.
Freight Brokerage

One sack of our for a dozen eggs . . . Gone are the days of such no-frills, local trade

system requiring a thorough knowledge of land, sea, air and rail shipping rates and r
indispensable to this burgeoning scene.
Long-Distance Reselling

By buying time in bulk from wholesalers, long-distance resellers ring up sales by ser

signicant savings. You make the call: Either purchase the telecommunications equi
the marketing of your service.
Computer Consulting

Tap into a surging market as a computer consultant. Whether you're an expert at Lin

networking, a growing number of computer "newbies" will surely benet from your
Limousine Service

With a limo and some insurance, you could be the driving force behind a new busine

drivers and cars to your eet. Then, once you've established a reliable reputation, sta
Language Translation

Falling foreign-trade barriers and improved communication technology translate int

An ear for multiple languages puts you at the forefront of this global movement.
Oce-Relocation Service

Helping businesses get plugged in to a new neighborhood comes easy for oce-relo

who's who in providing such services as printing, restaurant delivery and equipment
Oce Plant Maintenance

Set your roots in a growing business as an oce-plant-maintenance entrepreneur. R

in a day's work. Though a green thumb is helpful, some clients may also request mai
business is sure to grow.
Professional Oce Consultant

It's one thing to spend a day at the oce, and another altogether to run the oce. A

responsibilities as marketing, insurance and daily operations for professional lawyer

to the "pros."
Miniblind Cleaning

Put an end to dusty miniblinds in oces, homes and other buildings with your minib

gentle, yet eective, cleansing solution . . . and give clients a squeaky-clean new per
Oce-Support Service

Typing, ling, sorting mail, entering data, and answering phones are just a few task

harried business owners. Hand out business cards to every businessperson you know
oce!
Apartment-Prepping

Move in on the housing market with some basic plumbing, painting, caulking and sc

both benet from your handyman skills, while you, in turn, make some handy prot
Debt-Collection Service

Money makes the world go 'round: You get paid when your clients get paid by the pe

doesn't have to be: As a debt collector, it pays in more ways than one to have some p
debtors.
Restaurant Delivery Service

When "Let's do lunch" means eating at the oce, an ordinary sack lunch doesn't ha

professionals can order their meals from local restaurants. By collecting a delivery ch
entrepreneurial success.

Catering

A caterer's place is in the kitchen . . . cooking up hot prots, that is. So long as your k

knack for stirring up some "dough"--you've got the makings for savory success. Ser
gatherings; if you're lucky, clients will have your cake and eat it, too!
Seminar Promotion

If there's one thing consumers can never seem to get enough of, it's information. Giv

informational seminars. You don't need to be an expert yourself; just schedule the sp
get ready to collect the prots at the door.
Window Washing

Business has never been clearer for window washers. Grab your bucket, squeegee, an

windows of local businesses and residences alike. Add repeat customers, and you'll s
Valet Parking

Drive right up to entrepreneurship as the owner of a valet-parking service. Restaura

services of a well-dressed, bonded parking sta. The key is having your own team of
on the move.
Professional Organizer

Neatniks need apply: If you've got a knack for neatness, why not help the organizati

commercial oces alike could benet from a more ecient setup. Put some order in
prots.
Power Washing

Oily driveways, mud-caked semi trucks, or barnacle-ridden boats . . . You name it, an
washing equipment can probably clean it. For spotless results, target commercial as
Marketing and Sales
Sales-Lead Generating

Streamline salespeople's eorts by identifying prospects and generating sales leads.

you on the path to compiling a list of potential customers for your clients.
Public-Relations Agency

A way with words, enthusiasm and persistence are all necessary in this competitive b

reporters and other media--is also crucial to helping your clients go public with pres
Copywriting and Proofreading Service
Wanted: creative writer with a knack for nding typos and misteaks . . . er, mistakes

both catchy and fault-free may not win a Pulitzer, but they will have some prots to
Direct Mail/Coupon
Cash in on consumers' coupon-cutting craze with a direct-mail coupon service. Get

package to local businesses. When you mail coupons to local residents, your clients w
a rst-class business of your own.
Public-Relations Agency

A way with words, enthusiasm and persistence are all necessary in this competitive b

reporters and other media--is also crucial to helping your clients go public with pres
Mailing Services

Post record prots fullling clients' envelope-stung and bulk-mail-processing ne

newspaper, and start looking for your check in the mail.
Sales Training
Don't sell yourself short: With some self-promotion and marketing know-how, you
as a sales trainer. By sharing your sales savvy with other busy business owners, you
too.
Welcoming Service

Welcoming-service entrepreneurs--who greet newcomers to town with a package o

community information--not only provide a welcome service to newcomers, but to

Home Services
Packing and Unpacking Service

Packing up to move to a new home or oce--not to mention unpacking on the othe

goodness for packing and unpacking entrepreneurs who, with their hassle- and time
Handyman Services

If it's broke, you can x it. Advertise in local newspapers and bulletin boards, then g
stopped-up toilets to jammed cabinet drawers and broken windows.
Carpet Dyeing

For a fraction of the cost of replacing unsightly or stained carpeting, carpet-dyeing p

nursing homes and other businesses an attractive alternative. So go ahead, lay the op
to-wall prots.
Home-Entertainment Installation

Just watch a novice attempt to connect the wires, cables and other components of th

and you're likely to view consumer impatience at its nest. But with your sound elec
buzzing in no time.
Mortgage/Debt-Reduction Service

By explaining alternative payment structures to clients (which can result in a smalle

mortgage and debt-reduction-service professionals are helping to relieve America's

Pool Services

Make a splash in the pool-services business with little more than some cleaning equ

your car and make the rounds in your neighborhood. Then dive right into business b
associations, apartment complexes and individual residences.
Lawn Care

When push comes to shove, you've probably got what it takes to make some "green."
and fertilizing lawns for oce complexes and residential clients alike.

Home-Inspection Service

A keen eye for structural detail paves the way to success in your home-inspection se

such as structural damage and foundation abnormalities, then refer customers to co

repair.
House Painting

Brush up on your painting skills, and get ready to paint the town red--or white, blue
with brushes, rollers and ladders, and get primed for business!
Local Moving Service

Be a mover and shaker with your own local moving service. This is no business for th
with some upstanding leveraging techniques . . . as well as brawn.
House-Sitting

Is there a sitter in the house? If so, homeowners can rest assured that, while they're

wait for opportunity to come knocking; a reliable set of references get you in the doo
Home Decorating

Home in on the decorating business with your air for design. Work with local furnit

drapery outlets to coordinate clients' interiors. And remember: The key to getting in
home, rst.
Miniblind Cleaning

Put an end to dusty miniblinds in oces, homes and other buildings with your minib

gentle, yet eective, cleansing solution . . . and give clients a squeaky-clean new per
Pet-Food and Supplies Home Delivery

Lugging pounds of pet food and supplies from the store each week or so can be a bur

pet-delivery entrepreneurs. Once you've snied out some leads, start serving up suc
doors.

Custom Closet Systems

Calling all closet-organizing fanatics: It's time to come out and show your stu! Wit

checking any fear of small spaces at the door), you've got the makings of a custom c

New homeowners and long-time closet accumulators alike make up your potential c
Window Washing

Business has never been clearer for window washers. Grab your bucket, squeegee, an

windows of local businesses and residences alike. Add repeat customers, and you'll s
Residential Cleaning

Not only is residential cleaning a good way to keep a body busy, but it's also a way to

ground oor by mopping, sweeping and dusting one house, and work your way up fr
Computers and Technology
Computer Repair

In today's computer-based society, computer "downtime" can be both costly and ag

some basic diagnostic equipment and technological savvy-you can get clients' comp
Computer Consulting

Tap into a surging market as a computer consultant. Whether you're an expert at Wi

networking, a growing number of computer "newbies" will surely benet from your
Internet Research

Practice makes perfect when it comes to surng the internet. With some search-eng
clients' ngertips--and "net" prots at yours.
Web-Site Designer

With specialized software, creating websites comes easy, so long as you have some b

business by helping businesses establish a site; existing clients will need help keepin
Children's Services

Children's Party Planning

Do parents a favor and plan their next children's party. From hiring Sesame Street ch

decorations and food, you're sure to be the life of the party by allowing parents to re
religious-ceremony celebrations . . . and let the festivities begin!
Child Care

As a child-care provider, you'll need a state license, plenty of baby-sitting experienc

your place or theirs, you'll nd busy parents aren't your only clients; many oce co
child care, too.
Child-Identication Program

Safety rst: When it comes to keeping tabs on children, there's no excuse for kidding

identication program, including information les, ngerprinting, identication tag

at ease, but provide a safety net for our next generation.
Children's Fitness

If there's one thing that never seems to run out, it's a kid's supply of energy. Tap int

program. Put your knowledge of children's education and physical tness to the test
as tumbling, dance, gymnastics and karate. And hop to it!
Children's Transportation Service

For working and nonworking parents alike, transporting junior to and from school (a

taxi-ing. By providing a reliable children's transportation service, you give busy pare
Baby-Proong
Stairs, cabinets, electrical cords and outlets-they're all potential baby hazards. New

benet from a more kid-friendly house. So grab your tools and be prepared to get do
from a baby's perspective).
Computer Training for Kids
Reading, writing, arithmetic . . . and computers. Though it seems like kids today are

learning somewhere. Teaching them the basics early on is sure to put kids at the hea
business.
Nanny Placement

For busy parents, nding a good nanny isn't child's play. Nanny-placement agents-

personalities, and set schedules-provide clients an invaluable service by saving them

New Mother/Infant Home Care

Make new babies' homecomings from the hospital less tiresome for parents by provi

Preparing meals, diapering the baby, and providing light housekeeping are all a grea
parents.
Tutoring
Thought your prociency in high school algebra was all for naught? Think again: As

studies. Whether it's reading, writing or arithmetic, help your students reach the top
support.
Event Services
Photography

With your eye for photo opportunities-at weddings, parties, special events and more
photographer. Be prepared to work weekends and evenings (when many clients will
you juggle your photo paraphernalia.
Errand Runner/Personal Shopper

Calling all shopaholics: Here's one business where you can truly shop till you drop . .

shoppers-who may also perform other errands, such as picking up prescriptions or b

things to do.
Family-History Video

Money can grow on trees . . . family trees, that is. Family-history videographers are h

weddings, births and other memorable occasions. Should a customer's other family m

looking at future generations of customers.

Mobile Disc Jockey

As a mobile disc jockey, weddings, parties and other events are all music to your ears

CD player, and a speaker system, then pass on the word about your services to wedd
Wedding-Planning Service

Getting married isn't always as simple as saying, "I do." There's a caterer to be cont

ordered. So when it comes to making matrimony a more harmonious event for the n
the cake.
Event Planning

If your life has been, well, uneventful until now, we have a solution: Be an event plan

you're sure to be at the center of all the action when you coordinate everything from
Limousine Service

With a limo and some insurance, you could be the driving force behind a new busine

drivers and cars to your eet. Then, once you've established a reliable reputation, sta
Photo Birth Announcements

For birth-announcement producers, business is booming as fast as the population! S

equipment, and the names of new parents put you in the starting blocks; from there
important details: name, birth date, time and weight.
Videotaping Service

You may not win a producer-of-the-year award, but you'll win the appreciation of y

mitzvahs, birthdays and more on videotape. Keep the lm rolling at special events, t
screenings.
Reunion Organizing

Reunite 'em 'cause it pays so good: Whether it's one big happy family or one big high

lucrative-occasion for reunion organizers. Schedule the accommodations, coordinate

invitations, then sit back and let it all "come together."

Guen Sublette runs her writing-and-editing-services business from her home in Redondo B