Making money with your CUT

[Charlie175]

Locally you have to get a contractors license to offer services (like mowing, bush hogging and such), have you found that it's worth it to offer services to try to earn a little back on your investment?
Or do you go the "under the table" route?

Also trying to figure out how to price the services (again this is for small time work, nothing large)

 

[Slacker]

I go under the table, as do 99% of the folks in this area who offer tractor services. I do have customers sign a waiver (liability) before work is done.
Eventually I'll be setting up a LLC, but not this year. I don't have enough clients yet to warrant the LLC, but I will in another year or so.

I do backhoe, mowing, FEL work, auguring, rototilling, leveling, twitching logs, raking etc.

 

[John47]

Locally you have to get a contractors license to offer services (like mowing, bush hogging and such), have you found that it's worth it to offer services to try to earn a little back on your investment?
Or do you go the "under the table" route?

Also trying to figure out how to price the services (again this is for small time work, nothing large)

Thats what your led to believe, but do your research on licenses, you may be mildly surprised that they can't convert a right into a privaledge.

 

[Charlie175]

They are pretty aggressive in pursuing you for a license if they see or hear you advertising services.

I checked and the license is only $30, but yearly you have to pay a fee based on your earnings. I can't see myself earning that much doing this so the fee would be low, at least I would be legal...
I agree on the waiver to help cover yourself

 

[John47]

They are pretty aggressive in pursuing you for a license if they see or hear you advertising services.

I checked and the license is only $30, but yearly you have to pay a fee based on your earnings. I can't see myself earning that much doing this so the fee would be low, at least I would be legal...
I agree on the waiver to help cover yourself

Don't take "their" word for it, do YOUR research!!

A few years ago, I think it was Arizona, a sign writer was busy painting a sign outside a shop in a large city. An "upstart" city "license cop" asked to see his license, he said I don't have one nor am I required to have one.
The "upstart city license cop" wrote him a ticket and ordered him to cease work. He just told him where to get off, and said "see you in court"
He appeared, represented himself, was in there but a few minutes and walked free, NOT GUILTY of any offense, costs against the city for
his lost time!

Like I say, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. You'll be mildly surprised, BUT don't make the mistake of Incorporating!!! Stay am ordinary working man, thats the KEYWORD, working man.

 

[Bill_C]

Hmmm...I personally think the "you really don't need a license despite what they say" advice falls in the same category as "you really can't be required to pay income taxes"....

For example....the State of Oklahoma passed legislation years ago that explicity says that if you want to practice engineering, you must have an engineering license. The state licensing bureau has the authority to levy fines and enforce disciplinary actions accordingly. It would be difficult for me to believe that other governmental jurisdictions would not have the authority to enforce licensure laws.

There may indeed be levels of income or other qualifications that allow some limited work without a license, but if the licensing agency says you need a license, I believe the courts would likely agree with them. Certainly nobody has beat the income tax rap yet.

However, I certainly agree that one should take a little time to do their homework with respect to state and local licensing laws.

 

[garydc]

Don't know about in other parts of the continent but where I live no need for
a licence. I've even done work different times for the local municipality, but I do carry contractors insurance & have a business # with the fed's. I've even done work different times for the local municipality. Gary

 

[MossRoad]

Locally you have to get a contractors license to offer services (like mowing, bush hogging and such), have you found that it's worth it to offer services to try to earn a little back on your investment?
Or do you go the "under the table" route?

Also trying to figure out how to price the services (again this is for small time work, nothing large)

I'd be most concerned about liability insurance in case you damage property or person. Even your best friend or relative can turn ugly when money is involved. C.Y.A. ... Cover Your Assets.

 

[plowking]

I have my tractor covered under my business insurance. Some businesses,corporations will want to see a certificate of insurance before you are allowed to work for them. I have a neighbor with a bota TLB I can't refer because he stays small and does favors,small jobs with no insurance. Nothing wrong with staying small,just doesn't charge or charge enough to afford insurance. His homeowners might cover it only on his property. plowking

 

[JiminGa]

I pay close to $200 a year in licensing plus another $1500 for insurance to run my business...it makes it really hard for those of us that do it the right way to compete with folks that don't when they come out that much ahead in overhead costs. But on the other hand, I know I am legal and covered if something happens or some policeman/code enforcement officer stops me to check my paperwork. also, when I go to pull a permit for something, I have no issues getting what I need.