As a craftsman, you’ve got a set of highly specialized skills that most people will never obtain. That doesn’t just make you an asset on the job site. Those handy skills also make you a hot commodity when you’re off the clock too. If you know where to look, there are some solid ways to earn some extra cash from that craftsman know-how.
Flip second-hand items.
It’s amazing how many people get rid of perfectly functional items after a little wear and tear. You have the skills needed to breathe life back into gently used products. Whether it’s refurbishing an old wooden table or replacing some parts on a lawn mower, there are plenty of ways to increase the value of second-hand items with minimal effort. You can find excellent candidates for flipping on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other local sites along with garage sales, antique shops, or second-hand stores.
Further Reading: Awesome Things You Can Do With a Wooden Pallet
Maintain rental properties.
Real estate is one of the largest economic sectors which means there’s plenty of opportunity to cash in. All properties – including houses, multi-family buildings, apartments, and condos – require ongoing maintenance to keep tenants happy. Fortunately for craftsmen, most property managers have no interest in doing this work on their own. Your construction and carpentry skills make you a perfect candidate for offering real estate maintenance services. It’s an easy side hustle to scale since investors tend to own multiple properties.
Build custom furniture.
People place a premium on custom-built furniture, so they’re not shy when it comes to spending. Combine that with the fact that most people don’t know the first thing about woodworking, and you have a valuable niche for capable craftsmen. You could make some impressive returns by transforming raw 2x4s and planks of wood into custom cabinets, shelves, tables, chairs, or credenzas. What has become second nature to you will seem like unbelievable talent to others. You’re always tackling DIY projects around the house, so why not do it for other people?
Open a neighborhood auto shop.
You’ve always known your way around a car. Oil changes, tire rotations, brake changes – you can do it all. Guess what? Most people can’t barely unbuckle a seatbelt! That might be a slight overstatement, but you get the point. Offering to perform minor car shop services for people you know is a surefire way to generate some extra cash. See what local auto shops are charging to get an idea of where to set your prices. It’ll be much higher than you think, so don’t sell yourself short! Don’t have the space at home? You can always run a mobile bodyshop!
Tips for starting a side hustle.
Choosing skills.
Craftsmen bring a lot of skills to the job site, but everyone has unique strengths and preferences. Pinpointing a specific skillset can make it easier to determine which side projects are most cost-effective and enjoyable to pursue.
Finding clients.
Before you can start selling your services, you’ll need to get in front of the right people. Posting your services on local service boards such as Craigslist or Facebook is a great place to start. You could also print out some simple ads and place them in mailboxes or in public spaces.
Paying taxes.
Uncle Sam isn’t going to let you off that easy. Even though it’s a side hustle, you’ll still need to file and pay taxes on it. On the bright side, you might be able to write off some common expenses related to the business including tool costs, travel expenses, and more.
Struggling to find a rewarding craftsman gig? You’re in the right place! At Madden Craftsmen, we specialize in pairing qualified and talented craftsmen (just like you!) with leading industrial employers. Check out our job search to see immediate job openings in your area. You’ll see filtered options based on your specific experience, preferences, and goals.
