for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials.

The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. The publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services, and you should consult a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. For general information on our other products and services please contact our Customer Care Department within the United States at (800) 762-2974, outside the United States at (317) 572-3993 or fax (317) 572-4002. Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books. For more information about Wiley products, visit our web site at www.Wiley.com. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Sandler, Corey, 1950 101 small business ideas for under $5000 / Corey Sandler, Janice Keefe. p. cm. Includes index. ISBN 0-471-69287-5 (pbk.) 1. New business enterprises. 2. Home-based businesses. 3. Small business. I. Title: Small business ideas for under $5000. II. Title: One hundred one small business ideas for under $5000. III. Title: One hundred and one small business ideas for under $5000. IV. Keefe, Janice. V. Title. HD62.5.S272 2005 658.1'141dc22 2004059648 Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

To William Sandler, about to embark on the first of what may be 101 jobs in his career. Heres hoping every one of them is a success.

Contents
Preface ix Acknowledgments xi How to Use This Book xiii Chapter 1 Business Insurance and Risk Management 1 Chapter 2 Legalities and Taxes 11 Chapter 3 Setting Your Price 17 Chapter 4 Financing a Small Business 25 Chapter 5 Home Services (Exterior) 29 1 Lawn Mowing Service 2 Snow Removal 3 Garden Tilling 4 Window Cleaning 5 Deck Cleaning 6 Landscape Designer 7 Deck Construction 8 Storage Sheds, Playhouses, Doghouses 9 Childrens Outdoor Playset Installer 10 Low-Voltage Outdoor Electrical Wiring 11 Stonemason and Decorative Brick Worker Chapter 6 Home Services (Interior) 59 12 Housecleaning 13 Rug Cleaner 14 Interior Decorator 15 Upholstery and Slipcover Maker

16 Wallpaper Hanger 17 Specialty Indoor Painting 18 Furniture Stripping 19 Furniture Repair 20 Closet Organizer 21 Bookcase and Shelf Builder 22 Indoor Plant Care 23 Custom Silk and Dried Flower Arrangements Chapter 7 Home Services (Specialty) 89 24 Handyperson 25 Errand Runner 26 Vacation Home Caretaker 27 Vacation House Watcher 28 House Painting 29 Chimney Cleaning 30 Pool Service 31 Firewood Delivery 32 On-demand Trash Removal 33 Christmas Tree Service 34 Small Engine Repair Chapter 8 Parties, Entertainment, and Special Events 119 35 Party Planner 36 Childrens Event Organizer 37 Party and Special-Event Rentals 38 Catering 39 Visiting Chef 40 Specialty Cake Baker 41 Prepared Custom-Meal Service 42 Freelance Bartender 43 Entertainer 44 Holiday Decoration Service Chapter 9 Personal Services 149 45 Personal Shopper 46 Personalized Gift Basket Maker 47 Travel Planner 48 Historical Tours 49 Personal Fitness Trainer 50 Sports Trainer Chapter 10 Children, Family, and Pet Services