Just wanted to pass this on. If you are seeking an income sideline, you might consider small engine repair. I recently took my Stilh chainsaw into the place where I bought it for a problem. After ten days they hadn't even looked at it. I retrieved it and took it to a new small engine repair shop in town. They had it ready for me within 24-hours. Total cost was $34.53. $1.75 for the part (a new fuel line), 3/4rds hour labor at $40 per hour, plus state sales tax. Jd Belanger has indicated to me in the past small engine repair (e.g., lawnmowers, chainsaws, weedeaters, etc.)will likely be an continuing future opportunity in most areas of the country.

With today's delivery system, it is no longer required to maintain a large inventory of parts. Order today and UPS will deliver the part within two days.

In addition, a local gentleman of age 82 going on 83 is the only one within about 30 miles who still repairs older models of Ford tractors. He has probably forgotten more about repairing them than most servicemen know. He has all the business he wants, but, alas, wants to retire at age 85. He has indicated to me he would not be adverse to selling the business to someone else and then coming in part time as an advisor.

If you are handy mechanically, opportunities would seem to be there, particularily for someone with a pension check already as it takes about three years to get a new business off the ground. Buying an existing business is another matter.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), July 24, 2001

Answers

Would love to find a good small engine repair person around here! These talented people are dying off and no one is learning the trade at least in Michigan. If you take anything to the dealer/store you can pretty much bet on a couple weeks and mega $$$. I have thought about taking a small engine repair course at our community college so I would be able to fix my own stuff for just that reason.

We're also in the same spot with our older farm equipment. The fella who comes to fix my stuff is nearly 80 and can fix just about any problem that comes up. He doesn't do heavy repair anymore, had triple bypass a year ago. He says he wants to die with his boots on and a wrench in his hand, and I hope it's a long time coming yet. Not only is he good with machinery but he can tell a great story while he's working. He will be missed by every small farmer around.

Another income opportunity is handyman. Have a fellow here now who is doing repair jobs on the buildings (I'm not good on roofing, etc.) or just cleaning out the eves on buildings, etc. As our population gets older/less inclination/appitude to do repair jobs, this is going to be a very good income opportunity. Unfortunately this needs to be a younger person who can do the lifting, etc. The fellow here now has one goal in life and that is to fish, so being a handyman fits in well as long as your not in a hurry!! (If the fish are biting he may not be to work a day or two) He doesn't charge nearly as much as the "pro's", is very particular about his work, and does not waste time, he a real find!!

-- Betsy K in Mich. (Betsyk@pathwaynet.com), July 25, 2001.

I'm learning now with books I bought at the library sale for a dollar.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), July 25, 2001.

Hey Ken

Been looking into this. For a small investment (about $92) you can get Foley-Belsaw's books on small gas engines, lawn mowers and chainsaws. Their course is ok but I opted to just buy the books.

Competition is big here. There are 4 small engine shops within a 15 mile radius.

BTW post any sources you can think of, it may help some of us here.

Thanks.

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), July 26, 2001.