SaltySeaWitch
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Gsfish asked me about this today so I want to give him credit for thinking of others. I had already been thinking about posting info about it but he prompted me to do it now. So, everyone say thanks to Gsfish
Here is an idea for making money on the road. Go to small car, boat or RV dealer lots and apply for a detailing position. Ask if you can park your van somewhere on the property. I would advise independently owned smaller places because your large dealerships are going to have insurance liability issues with you parking there (but you can try).
You can pick up detail jobs probably in any town large or small. I am in a real small town and we only pays $7.50 an hour but it's cash money, paid every week. My boss's brother rented an RV from him and lived behind our car lot and worked as the detailer for several years. He was charged but I would say most owners would let you stay free with your own rig, especially if you have solar and won't be using electric from the business. I'm sure my boss would let me stay free in my own rig if I didn't need electric and water but I live just down the road and can live in my own driveway so I don't need too. Point is, car lots usually need help. I think most owners would be fine with parking on site it as long as you have a clean record, driver's license, and look somewhat respectable.
Just pull into car lot and ask if they need a detailer. I would say most will pay $8 to $10 hour. Not much, but if you add a free spot to park then it's not bad. Most will also pay you straight cash. Having someone stay on the lot is also extra security for the car lot. You will need a driver's license, and no record, especially of theft which will make them not want you there due to risk of you stealing tools and stuff. Some may pay by the car but Idk how many do that anymore. If so, that is the deal to take but plan on 4 to 5 hours for average cars and all day for dirty ones and make sure they are paying you enough.
If you freelance, you can make up to a couple hundred per car, but you are going to need a place to detail, a business license, and probably liability insurance in case you ruin someone's car. Better just to get a job somewhere already insured. Besides, you will be moving on and a business like that takes time to build. Should you ever like a place and want to settle down though, detailing is a low start up cost business. Rent an empty gas station lot or space from a car lot. Live and work right there.
My detail guys/gals wash and detail cars, jump dead batteries, move cars, grab keys for me if I get busy, tighten battery cables, put gas in cars, and just things I need done. Some places may just have you detail cars but small lots will usually want you to be a little bit handy as in the stuff above. I would say go for small lots because again, large dealerships will have liability issues letting you live in your vehicle on site.
I don't think being a van dweller will limit these kinds of jobs. Yes, you will be leaving. Just be honest about what type of time commitment you can make and most will be ok with it. If you are uncomfortable asking to live on site during interview, start the job and sleep somewhere else until you get a feel for how they would feel about you parking there. Then just ask. All they can say is no.
Honestly, in the South, like here where I live, people would tell you that you can stay in their yard and make you feel welcome. It's how we are. That's that Southern hospitality you hear about and it's true in most smaller towns in the South imo. I offered the last guy who detailed a place to live because he was just a kid and needed a hand up. That's how I am if a person is honest and needs help. Today, I sold a truck and the couple invited me to their wedding and I am going cause it sounds like fun. They were a super cool couple and who doesn't like cake?? :heart: I sold a car to an elderly couple last week and they called to see if I wanted some breakfast or coffee on their way to town the other day. Be good to people and they will be good to you (in most cases). We don't have much free land to boondock on around here but we do have nice people who live out in the country and will often INSIST you park at their house.
I would love to hire a van dweller (male or female) and in fact, for as long as I am here, if you want to come to East TN and need a job, PM me. I'm sure I will need you sooner or later. I think it is very possible to get jobs at lots if you are honest and present yourself as clean and trustworthy. If you have more questions just ask. I don't mind at all. My only requirement is a drivers license, no theft records, no drug problems, and don't be lazy. And don't make me look bad to my boss for hiring you please. I am picky about a clean car because I have to be able to sell it and contrary to the used car salesperson image, I care very much about my customers and do my best to get them the best car I can. That's why I get invited to weddings and get free food :angel: The job isn't hard except it's hot in summer and cold in winter and I get to watch Netflix or be on CRVL while you work because I don't get paid by the hour like you would be . I do help you a lot even though I don't have to. As for you living on site, I have to clear that with the owner but I am sure it could be done, if not immediately, once he sees you are trustworthy (he will ask me about you). I have someone now but he is working as a temp til he gets back to work on his regular job so I will have an opening in the possible near future. If not, I can probably find you some work nearby. It's all about who you know in small towns here. As an added bonus, act now and you can help me fix my bus while you are here. I mean perks like that just don't come around every day lol.
Anyway, hope this helps someone.
Here is an idea for making money on the road. Go to small car, boat or RV dealer lots and apply for a detailing position. Ask if you can park your van somewhere on the property. I would advise independently owned smaller places because your large dealerships are going to have insurance liability issues with you parking there (but you can try).
You can pick up detail jobs probably in any town large or small. I am in a real small town and we only pays $7.50 an hour but it's cash money, paid every week. My boss's brother rented an RV from him and lived behind our car lot and worked as the detailer for several years. He was charged but I would say most owners would let you stay free with your own rig, especially if you have solar and won't be using electric from the business. I'm sure my boss would let me stay free in my own rig if I didn't need electric and water but I live just down the road and can live in my own driveway so I don't need too. Point is, car lots usually need help. I think most owners would be fine with parking on site it as long as you have a clean record, driver's license, and look somewhat respectable.
Just pull into car lot and ask if they need a detailer. I would say most will pay $8 to $10 hour. Not much, but if you add a free spot to park then it's not bad. Most will also pay you straight cash. Having someone stay on the lot is also extra security for the car lot. You will need a driver's license, and no record, especially of theft which will make them not want you there due to risk of you stealing tools and stuff. Some may pay by the car but Idk how many do that anymore. If so, that is the deal to take but plan on 4 to 5 hours for average cars and all day for dirty ones and make sure they are paying you enough.
If you freelance, you can make up to a couple hundred per car, but you are going to need a place to detail, a business license, and probably liability insurance in case you ruin someone's car. Better just to get a job somewhere already insured. Besides, you will be moving on and a business like that takes time to build. Should you ever like a place and want to settle down though, detailing is a low start up cost business. Rent an empty gas station lot or space from a car lot. Live and work right there.
My detail guys/gals wash and detail cars, jump dead batteries, move cars, grab keys for me if I get busy, tighten battery cables, put gas in cars, and just things I need done. Some places may just have you detail cars but small lots will usually want you to be a little bit handy as in the stuff above. I would say go for small lots because again, large dealerships will have liability issues letting you live in your vehicle on site.
I don't think being a van dweller will limit these kinds of jobs. Yes, you will be leaving. Just be honest about what type of time commitment you can make and most will be ok with it. If you are uncomfortable asking to live on site during interview, start the job and sleep somewhere else until you get a feel for how they would feel about you parking there. Then just ask. All they can say is no.
Honestly, in the South, like here where I live, people would tell you that you can stay in their yard and make you feel welcome. It's how we are. That's that Southern hospitality you hear about and it's true in most smaller towns in the South imo. I offered the last guy who detailed a place to live because he was just a kid and needed a hand up. That's how I am if a person is honest and needs help. Today, I sold a truck and the couple invited me to their wedding and I am going cause it sounds like fun. They were a super cool couple and who doesn't like cake?? :heart: I sold a car to an elderly couple last week and they called to see if I wanted some breakfast or coffee on their way to town the other day. Be good to people and they will be good to you (in most cases). We don't have much free land to boondock on around here but we do have nice people who live out in the country and will often INSIST you park at their house.
I would love to hire a van dweller (male or female) and in fact, for as long as I am here, if you want to come to East TN and need a job, PM me. I'm sure I will need you sooner or later. I think it is very possible to get jobs at lots if you are honest and present yourself as clean and trustworthy. If you have more questions just ask. I don't mind at all. My only requirement is a drivers license, no theft records, no drug problems, and don't be lazy. And don't make me look bad to my boss for hiring you please. I am picky about a clean car because I have to be able to sell it and contrary to the used car salesperson image, I care very much about my customers and do my best to get them the best car I can. That's why I get invited to weddings and get free food :angel: The job isn't hard except it's hot in summer and cold in winter and I get to watch Netflix or be on CRVL while you work because I don't get paid by the hour like you would be . I do help you a lot even though I don't have to. As for you living on site, I have to clear that with the owner but I am sure it could be done, if not immediately, once he sees you are trustworthy (he will ask me about you). I have someone now but he is working as a temp til he gets back to work on his regular job so I will have an opening in the possible near future. If not, I can probably find you some work nearby. It's all about who you know in small towns here. As an added bonus, act now and you can help me fix my bus while you are here. I mean perks like that just don't come around every day lol.
Anyway, hope this helps someone.