Plus500

Got A Van? Here’s How To Make Some Cash From It!

Sometimes the best approach to making money is to use what you already have. If you have the opportunity to make some cash on the side then grab it with both hands! If you already have a van for your business or for your hobby, there are plenty of ways in which you could make some extra cash.
Image source

Delivery driver opportunities

The delivery industry is flourishing. As more and more people choose to purchase goods online, there is increasing demand for drivers who can deliver the goods to their door. There will not be a shortage of work in this area.
Many courier driver jobs require you to have your own van and the rates of pay are better if you have your own van. You may be allocated collections on the way home so you could earn additional income from that.
You can also start your own ‘woman or man with a van’ style removal service where the work will not be as regular but it will be more lucrative. You are more in control as you can pick your clients.

Reasons you may not like this job

There are drawbacks to the job and they may put you off this type of work. You will need to be able to tolerate driving long distances and this is not for everyone. If you have a back problem or you are someone who likes to be very physically active, this may not suit you. If you are planning on taking on national deliveries, it could mount up to many hundreds of miles a day.
On the other hand, there is a physical aspect to the job. You may have to carry quite heavy packages into people’s houses. Again, if you have a back problem this can cause you issues.
You will not have a fixed salary and that can lead to financial insecurity. There are days when you may earn nothing at all. If you have a family to support and no other wage coming in this will be a big problem.
You will have to deal with the public and that is a double-edged sword. Whilst there will some who are very polite and grateful for the service that you have provided, there will be others who are rude and aggressive. You need to be able to deal with this.

How to get started in the business

Hopefully, you will already have a van and if you have one with a high roof and long wheel base it will be ideal. Now you have to get appropriate insurance. Get in touch with the best van insurance broker and choose from more than 20 different insurers using an online form. This saves you money and ensures that you are getting the best deal and complete peace of mind.
You will need to register as self-employed but you do not need to register for VAT until your takings pass a threshold which changes but is currently over £80,000. It may be some years before reach this!


No comments