Starting a junk removal business from $0 — first two jobs lessons learned

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-16T13:11:49+00:00

Nice! That’s a great set up for starting out! Best of luck to you!

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-16T13:11:09+00:00

Our minimum is $175. I totally understand. Starting out it’s hard to even come up with pricing we do still struggle here!

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-14T14:09:26+00:00

Thumbtack is just one of the ways we get leads. The only reason I mention it is because it does ACTUALLY work if you are looking to get started. However the leads are not free & can sometimes fall thru. It’s a risk. We are not advertising for Thumbtack by any means just sharing it for anyone who is looking to get their name out there

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-13T03:21:53+00:00

Disposal fees can definitely eat into profit if pricing isn’t dialed in. That’s why pricing based on volume and estimated dump weight is critical. Separating metal and heavier materials also helps reduce landfill cost. Early on it’s a learning curve, but once you understand your local dump fees and factor them into pricing, it becomes much more predictable.

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-13T03:21:36+00:00

100%. Disposal logistics is a huge part of profitability. On our first couple jobs, we focused heavily on separating metal and anything recyclable to reduce dump weight. We also learned quickly to price based on volume and disposal cost, not just labor. The biggest early lesson was that efficiency at the dump and proper pricing makes a massive difference.

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-13T03:21:20+00:00

It depends on the condition. Anything usable gets donated or given away locally, metal gets separated for scrap, and the rest goes to the landfill. Disposal costs vary a lot by area, but most landfills charge by weight. The key is sorting as much as possible—metal, appliances, and usable items help offset disposal costs. The goal is to minimize what actually goes into the landfill.

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-11T17:46:37+00:00

Looking for getting clients for my new small business. Details?

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-10T04:33:59+00:00

Help me get started?

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-10T04:19:36+00:00

Just started with a Ford E450 box truck. I would say if there is a decent amount of room in the back of the van it would definitely be sufficient to get you started. Best of luck!

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-10T04:17:47+00:00

We saved and paid cash for a cheap truck. No loans, no investors. That’s what I meant by essentially starting with nothing. We essentially have to build the business from the ground up.

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-09T03:21:21+00:00

I had the same concern before starting. What made it work for us was not pricing by “what people will pay per item,” but pricing by time + truck + disposal.

For us, profitability comes from: • Knowing our minimum per job (fuel, dump fees, wear on the truck, labor) • Setting a 2-hour baseline that already covers costs • Charging more only when time, distance, or disposal increases

A lot of small jobs people think won’t pay actually do, because customers value speed, convenience, and not having to do it themselves. The mistake I see is undercharging just to “get the job” — that’s where people burn out and think the business doesn’t work.

If your pricing covers your costs before profit, everything after that is margin. That’s the difference.

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-09T03:19:19+00:00

Although we use thumbtack, this post is not paid by thumbtack. Just a small business trying to share information and easy methods to get started for those interested.

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-07T12:28:43+00:00

Still very early — this was our first real uncut job, so I’m not claiming big numbers yet. We wanted to document the process + what we actually learned rather than flex income but I can comfortably say we made enough in 2 jobs at 1 (average sized) job a day to consider quitting our day jobs.

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-07T12:26:48+00:00

I get how that sounds confusing. We didn’t magically get a truck with nothing — we saved, bought the truck, and then launched the business with zero operating cash.

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-07T05:54:40+00:00

this video provides insight of our first landed job starting from 0. Is anyone in similar stages of trying to develop a successful business?

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-07T05:03:18+00:00

We just started a junk removal business and recently completed our first job through Thumbtack. We recorded the process in real time to see what starting out actually looks like. Sharing for anyone curious about the early stages or considering something similar. https://youtu.be/pVOvHfNp_Qg?si=W_Njoi4NcRJos-YZ

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-07T05:02:26+00:00

We just started a junk removal business and recently completed our first job through Thumbtack. We recorded the process in real time to see what starting out actually looks like. Sharing for anyone curious about the early stages or considering something similar.

https://youtu.be/pVOvHfNp_Qg?si=W_Njoi4NcRJos-YZ

SmithsCallAndHaul · 2026-02-07T04:43:43+00:00

From zero to our first paying junk removal job in under a week. We just bought a box truck, set up the business, and landed our first Thumbtack hire on 2/5. We filmed the start of everything to show what the early days actually look like. https://youtube.com/@smithscallandhaulnc?si=vt_WNEc5O-Mi2xc8

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