That old sound of the cash register ringing in sale after
sale was every brick-and-mortar business owner's dream. Sales coming in the
front door meant there was money in the cash drawer. You don't necessarily get
that same thrilling sound when you have an Internet business. The thrill is
there, but that little ka-ching i
Set up on public property. You can set up your stand on a
sidewalk, public park, or other area that is not owned by a private person.
Doing this can help you avoid accusations of trespassing. Be aware, though,
that some larger metropolitan parks might require you to get a permit to sell
there.
Advertise your price. Get a large piece of paper, cardboard
or poster paper, and write what you're selling and how much one serving costs.
For instance, you might write "LEMONADE, 25 CENTS". Set a fair price
point, and make it something you'd be willing to pay yourself; if you're not
sure what's fair, ask your parents or another trustworthy adult.
Do odd jobs around your neighborhood. Mowing lawns,
babysitting, raking leaves, snow shoveling, washing cars, and bathing pets are
all examples of services that many people are willing to pay someone else to
do. If you can do some of these things and you have some spare time, knock on
the doors of family members or neighbors you know well, and offer your
services.
Be trustworthy. People like to know that whoever's working
around their home or with their children can be trusted, and they might even be
willing to pay extra for that peace of mind. Be fair and honest in all your
dealings, and never steal; these qualities will pay off later.
Be willing to negotiate. You might have two neighbors who
want their sidewalks shoveled, but one might be willing to pay $5 per week
while another will pay only $3. If the neighbor who's paying you less is
elderly, living on a fixed income, disabled or otherwise strapped for cash,
consider accepting the lower price in order to build your clientele. Remember,
that person who pays you less might later recommend your services to someone
else willing to pay more.
Work on eliminating any debt you may have. When you have a
high debt load, you're making someone else money; what you pay in interest is
their paycheck. The sooner you repay your loans and debts, the sooner you stop
giving your money away.
