Holiday Quick Cash Money Maker

[robby]

I've done this for several years and have made a few thousand dollars each holiday season. It's quite simple and quite profitable in that you can charge whatever you like.

I simply put up Christmas lights. As soon as Thanksgiving ends, I go to a friends house and put up their x-mas lights. It takes a couple of hours at most - much less time depending on the house.

Once I finish, I go around and knock on the neighborhood doors. I say, "Excuse me, I just finished putting up the lights on that house over there and I have some extra time. Would you be interested in having me put up lights for you?

Not everyone will, but there are always a few that don't want to be left behind by the neighbors. Rarely do I leave a block without a few extra sales.

I charge depending on the neighborhood. Usually $50 to $100 if they have their own lights, $100 - $200 if they need lights. I just go to the local warehouse club and but a huge number really cheap.

You'll need a ladder, nails or hooks and hammer. That's about it.

You can also generate more quick cash income after the holidays. After you finish putting them up, just ask if they would also like you to take them down for $25 after the Holiday season.

I don't have to even knock on doors anymore. After 3 years, all I have regulars each year and get referrals all the time. Even better, once you set up the nails, the next year is even easier. If you do a good job and the lights look nice, you will get alot of referrals.

[nate]

wow now thats an awesome idea... how much do enough lights for 1 house cost just out of curiosity?

[robby]

It really depends on the size of the front of the house how many strands of lights you'll need. The cost also depends on the type of lights. The plain color bulbs are cheapest, with the ones that flash being a little more expensive. Over the last couple of years, they have come out with a variety of hanging bulbs (kind of look like icecles) that are quite a bit more expensive.

I usually charge 2x - 3x what the bulbs cost me plus labor. You can get long strands of the bulbs at a Cosco or other warehouse store for about $20 that will cover the front of a smaller home.

I have a supply now, but when I started, I didn't buy the lights until I had the order placed and paid for since I didn't have any extra cash at that time. It only takes a few houses before you can tell pretty much if one string will do or if you'll need to use more.

[Tree0164]

A great money maker idea! Now Roby do you go in January and take them down as well for an extra fee.

[robby]

Originally Posted by Tree0164

A great money maker idea! Now Roby do you go in January and take them down as well for an extra fee.

Yes, I charge $25 to take them down in January. In fact, I also "rent" the lights now. If someone doesn't have lights, I give the same price as buying them, but will come and take doen the light for free. At the end of the season I take them down and store the lights in my garage.

This works out much better for me because I can have all the lights checked and in top condition for the next season. If I use their lights, there are always a few bulbs out that need replacing which forces me to go to the store to buy replacements.

[Tree0164]

I just wanted to bump this up for people.