Each of us has something great to share with others. Most of our gifts are nicely aligned to provide a service that others would gladly pay for. Let us show you a few great ideas you can consider doing in case you decide to start a small business at your Snowbird park this winter.
BEST 12 Home Based Business for Seniors to Start in Retirement Parks and Communities:
- Shuttle service
- Offer a trade service
- Hauling / Delivery service
- Handyman
- Bicycle Repair
- Caretaker
- Seamstress / Tailor
- Computer Consulting
- Online Business
- Music Teacher
- Transcription / Video service
- Sell your Crafts or Creations
Aging boomers make up a large cohort entering retirement. They have a strong desire to keep busy. One of the best ways to keep busy is to do something you know you can. Retirement communities, like Snowbird parks, are full of retirees that have needs that ideally are met from those within the gates of the community itself.
If you’re thinking you want to contribute to others and make some spending money while doing so you’re going to see that opportunities are available to you. Make a little extra money or a lot. Keep as busy as you want. Set your own hours. We’ve done it many times. You can too. Here’s how…
Starting any business in retirement requires that you take these 6 simple steps:
- identifying the problem that others need solved
- determine the size of the opportunity
- identify what you need to start
- ask yourself if it’s worth doing
- tell others
- launch the business
The 12 best retirement businesses to start in your 55+ community – and how to do it well.
1. AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE
The Problem: The stress of airport travel is significant for many. Parking is costly. Airport, taxi and ride-share to and from is so impersonal and often much more expensive especially for a long trip. Shuttle services often go from airport to town center and only travel a few times of day. Park residents want to be able to call on a local and get a ride to or from the airport.
What is Required to Start: A 4 to 7 passenger vehicle with room for luggage for all. Your vehicle must be clean, reliable, and your driving habits and record superb. Your insurance must provide the necessary coverage.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Drives in the AZ and FL typical snowbird retirement park regions are typically $25-$50 per trip (not per person). If you fly into Phoenix and need to get to/from Tucson the going rate ranges between $50 – $99. Port Orange to Orlando airport often results in a $50-$60 charge.
why this might be for you? You love to drive and have a flexible schedule to meet the needs of travelers. You want free time but don’t mind being at the call of others from time to time and always welcome a good visit.
Tell Others: This service is always in demand early in the Snowbird season (Fall) and at the end of the season (Spring) for those that leave their vehicles at the park during the summer. Christmas is a busy time too. Tell your friends, post on your local facebook, put up a flier on your park bulletin board. Word of mouth spreads quickly.
How to Begin: Have your vehicle, insurance, know the airport routes to/from, and tell others. Maybe offer a free ride or two to other park residents that will give you a good reference in exchange.
TIP – As you drive take the opportunity to update arriving park guests of what’s up or new at the park. They’ll love catching up before they arrive.
2. TRADE AND TECHNICAL SERVICES (ELECTRICIAN, CARPENTER, PLUMBER, MECHANIC)
The Problem: Things go wrong with park homes and vehicles. Busy working tradespersons are typically difficult to find and a real waste of time and money for what is often a small plumbing or electrical job. Owners often need this work done right away.
What is Required to Start: Experience in the trades. Knowledge of codes and standards. Tools of the trade.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: $10-$20 for a small fixture or receptacle replacement, $50-$75 for a toilet or sink tap replacement. These rates vary greatly and if you’re a tradesperson you’ll know an appropriate in park rate.
why this might be for you: You’re good at your trade – even in retirement. You love a challenge and being the hero each time you save the day for someone. You want to put in a little work from time to time and can be flexible with your time if the need arises.
Tell Others: Word of mouth goes a long way. Do a few jobs at a reasonable price and you’ll be well known. But let park facebook groups know and be sure to put up a note on the park bulletin board.
How to Begin: Have your tools ready and know how far you’ll go with the trades work. Many retirees have no desire to do the big jobs and that’s understandable. But a little fix here or there might be all that’s needed.
TIP – Let your client know if it’s too big of a job for you you’ll recommend a local tradesmen or help the client find one. You’ll be sure to get a call back the next time they need a little job done.
3. HAULING / DELIVERY SERVICE
The Problem: Most retirees have a car in the driveway. They don’t have a truck or van to haul a bunch of stuff to the dump or pick up a sofa. Renting one is a painful process, very expensive and time consuming. They are looking for someone to go pick it up or drop it off. Many times they just need something hauled from one part of the park community to another.
What is Required to Start: A truck, van, or trailer. The vehicle will determine what you can haul but there is a role for each. Be sure your insurance coverage is appropriate for what you’re doing. Be sure to decide if loading, unloading, and/or carrying inside the trailer or elsewhere is included. Be sure of what your body is capable of – we’re often reminded that we’re not 19 anymore. We use a small $60 Harbor Freight flat deck rubber tired trailer towed behind my golf cart. We’ve hauled garbage, bicycles, and sofas inside the park. Every time we do we get someone asking if we could do a job for them sometime. You can do the same.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Hauling a sofa or mattress inside the park is an easy $20. No one will balk at that. A pick up at a home store or furniture store can easily make you $40-$50. A load to the dump or recycling $30-$40 plus dump fees.
why this might be for you: You’ve got a suitable vehicle that is readily available, a strong back, and experience hauling safely. You just want to make a few dollars every once in a while.
Tell Others: A note on the local park bulletin board and online. Leave the cart on behind your cart up front your unit. Write FOR HIRE and your phone number or unit number on it for all to see. Put a WILL HAUL FOR YOU sign in the window of your truck with your phone number.
How to Begin: Keep your vehicle in working shape or buy that cart to tow behind your cart.
TIP – Carry a few $5 Harbor Freight moving blankets and tie downs in your vehicle. Clients will appreciate knowing their purchases were hauled with care. For garbage and recycling keep a tarp in your vehicle to minimize any messes.
4. HANDYMAN FIX-IT PERSON
The Problem: Things go wrong with park homes. Few people are comfortable fixing everything. Even the very experienced draw the line somewhere and reach out to a handyman to help do something they don’t want to do or aren’t confident doing. Hanging blinds, painting, repairing flooring, installing a railing on a deck are far beyond some owners ability due to health or knowledge. Also, if an owner is renting their unit a handyman needs to be called on for any minor fixes.
What is Required to Start: An ability to fix things. Love repairs. Experienced making repairs of many types. Very basic knowledge of codes and standards. Standard list of common tools.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Expect to make $20-40 per hour as a competent handyman with often a minimum of around $20.
why this might be for you: You’re good at fixing things. You love the challenge of various problems around the home. You like to set fixed time aside each week to work under your terms so you can use the other time to enjoy retirement. You want to keep as busy as you want but no more.
Tell Others: Let residents know online that you do this work. It could take you to other parks too if you want.
How to Begin: Have your tools ready. Make or buy a little folding workbench to carry to jobs to work on. Be sure to have a good set of cordless power tools.
TIP – Carry a tiny shop vac and a clean up bucket with all that you need to clean up the work area and project area after each job. Always leave the client’s property cleaner than when you arrived. You’ll be surprised how much that factors into your client’s satisfaction and recommendation.
5. BICYCLE REPAIR
The Problem: Retirement parks are made for active living and that means there are so many bicycles. But few know how to care for and repair their bikes. Even the smallest of repairs like a tire tube or cable replacement is so far beyond many people’s abilities. Still others are riding around on unsafe cycles that are not set up correctly and could lead to an accident.But taking a bike out of the park for repairs is a serious challenge.
What is Required to Start: A few tools that you probably already have and a small selection of inexpensive speciality tools that are made for bicycle repair and maintenance. Set aside a small part of your driveway with a bench, cupboard, and inexpensive bicycle stand. Less than $100 and you are ready to go.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Bicycle repairs range in price and as you tinker away you’ll be sure to make at least $10 for small repairs and $20 for seasonal maintenance or bike set up. Chances are you’ll have more than a few clients every couple of days and clear over $100 a week in addition to materials supplied but you could probably keep as busy as you like and make more.
why this might be for you: You know bikes and know how to, or can learn to, repair and maintain them. You like details and are particular about setting up the bike for safety. To be satisfied with your work you don’t need to have frequent interaction with customers. You’re not afraid of taking on a challenge and learning something new each job. You want to work from your home not someone else’s (that’s why they bring their bike to you) and you enjoy working in spurts of time if you wish because in this kind of business there is rarely a rush. You prefer to have set fees for repairs rather than an hourly rate. You want a backlog of work and return work too.
Tell Others: Let residents know on bulletin boards that you do this work and they should drop by during your work hours to speak with you. Getting word online will spread news to other nearby parks too. If you have a few bikes in the driveway at all times (even if they are your own) and your workspace within sight of the street passersby will surely know what you do and come calling some day.
How to Begin: Set up a workspace and have places to lock bikes in progress. Locks on tool cupboards too. Keep your own bike in tip top shape to show people you know your business. Always keep a backlog of work or make it look like it with one or two repair/maintenance bikes in view.
TIP – Offer a Fall special for those returning for their warm winter in the park resort. Bicycles take a beating with the heat of summer and set up in the Fall is critical for safety. Give returning customers a small discount or a free chain cleaning to keep them coming back.
6. CARETAKER
The Problem: Park residents are not always around and they need someone at the park to handle the issues when they arise.
What is Required to Start: Comfortable entering other people’s property and caring for it. Willing to pick up a broom to clean up sand after a summer sandstorm and communicate well and often with the property owner. Because most snowbirds leave each summer and need summertime caretakers, so being a year round park resident is helpful to make this work. Although some caretakers advertise they are only available from November to April.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Expect to make $10-$30 a month per trailer, RV, park model, or manufactured home you care for. Many caretakers care for 50 to 100 units. That makes for 6 months of $500 to $3000 per month. Not bad at all!
why this might be for you: You like caring for things and keep your own property in good repair. You are available year round, or at minimum 6 months, and have time to visit each property every 2 weeks and after each summer storm. You also enjoy calling on contractors and directing them should repairs, maintenance, or pest control be required. You want to keep as busy as you want but will be available to do what needs to be done without delay.
Tell Others: Let residents know online that you do this work. Most parks keep a list too so get on that also.
How to Begin: Make a checklist that you will use for summerizing or, for park models and manufactured homes, look to the summerizing checklist available HERE (link opens in new window) on SnowbirdFAQs.com. Share the list with your clients and determine any additional needs to address. Set up a paypal account to enable payments to you.
TIP – Every two weeks take a short video of the home you are caring for and send it to your client by email. As you walk and video from your phone speak about what you find or see in the home. Show the video of you topping up water buckets or fixing a blind. They will really appreciate this and it will serve as a report without any need for you to write a word.
7. SEAMSTRESS / TAILOR
The Problem: Alterations are often needed and fewer and fewer people have these skills anymore.
What is Required to Start: A sewing machine, maybe a serger, and needle and thread. A worktable (kitchen table perhaps).
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Alterations can easily draw $10+. repairs range in price and as you tinker away you’ll be sure to make at least $10 for small repairs and $20 alterations. Chances are you’ll have more than a few clients every couple of days and clear over $100 a week in addition to materials supplied, but you could probably keep as busy as you like and make more. This cash will either help to pay a few bills or mean a great dinner show almost every week is bought and paid for!
why this might be for you: You know your way around sewing by machine or by hand. Perhaps you’ve been sewing all your life and you’ve rarely been uncomfortable with routine repairs and alterations. Maybe nothing sewing related phases you (that’s our Mom!). But you want to only work now and again. You’ll keep a few regular hours, may take a week or two off here and there, and just look forward to a little extra cash each week or so. You prefer to have set fees for repairs rather than an hourly rate.
Tell Others: Let residents know on bulletin boards that you do this work and they should call you for a quote. On the park facebook site or even online would be easy to do too. Key to posting online is letting customers know when you work and what you do more than anything. They’ll appreciate that. Let them know that you set up on your kitchen table every Monday and Wednesday for the afternoon (or whatever you set) because pulling the sewing machine out every time is just a burden. They will understand and plan accordingly.
How to Begin: Your first order will result in more, so the key to starting is getting that first order. Your friends will surely help you.
TIP – Keep your working days/hours firm BUT offer a rush service on small repairs/alterations for an additional fee of $10 or so to make rush work worthwhile to you.
8. COMPUTER CONSULTANT
The Problem: Whether software or hardware few 55+ have a handle on it. There are so many outdated computers and laptops in the hands of residents it’s no wonder. But technology is what we need to communicate. Understanding the computer, handheld phones and ipads, and knowing what software to run and how to run it is a challenge for so many.
What is Required to Start: Experience and comfort with computers. An ability to communicate with great patience and understanding while not complicating the message to the customer. You will be using other peoples equipment probably in their home so you won’t need to spend a dime to get going. You’ll have to be ready to work harder explaining things to others than fixing technical issues. If you’re confident you can do both then you’ll be great at this.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: If you’re doing a virus scan or PC repair costs could range from $10-$80. But with more and more 55+ using ipads and iphones the business could become all about teaching how to use the software.
why this might be for you: You are very confident around computers and technology. You have the patience to deliver basic skills teaching or repair older computers.
Tell Others: This is a natural business to put online and on the bulletin board at the park. If your community has a computer club be sure to join it and volunteer for the club while offering services to individuals on their specific needs.
How to Begin: Once people know that you “know your stuff” and you’re a good communicator you’ll be off and running. But be sure to have a few business cards to hand out to others in the park. The cards should outline your experience and services offered.
TIP – Once or twice a year offer a cheap $10 virus checking service when you come over, stick in a USB stick with virus checking software on it, and scan their system and provide them the results. Better yet, clean the virus’ at the same time.
9. ONLINE BUSINESS
The Problem: More and more work and business opportunities are opening online for seniors. We’ve written an article HERE about online business opportunities for seniors. One of the most interesting and easiest is writing about what you know and sharing it online.
What is Required to Start: Open an account on Fiverr.com or upWork.com. Alternatively, reach out to a website that you think you can contribute knowledge to and offer to do a guest blog.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Expect to make $8 per 1000 words or more as you gain experience. For many writers this is easy money. If you are well experienced in specific niche topics (pottery, outdoor plants of the desert region, etc) you may command a small premium. Many writers are able to make $50-$200 per week very part time and writing whenever and wherever they like.
why this might be for you: You love to put thoughts into words. You enjoy the freedom to work from wherever you are or want. You love to set your own schedule. We love to write too!
Tell Others: This is all online. Get the message out online wherever you can.
How to Begin: Be sure to get on fiverr.com or upwork.com. We much prefer fiverr.com because it’s so easy to use for the customer. Drop us a note at SnowbirdFAQs.com if you like and we would be happy to have you craft a post on our site to highlight your abilities to others and kickstart your online writing small business. (If you’re interested in contributing you can learn more about Why We Started SnowbirdFAQs HERE – link will open in a new window). Find that special place and preferred time of day you love to write. Write with passion.
TIP – To onlookers, online business owners look like they are always playing on the computer. Don’t expect others to understand that you are working. Just tell them what you do and you’ll impress them and encourage yourself to keep moving forward.
10. MUSIC TEACHER
The Problem: Retirement is a wonderful time to learn new things. Learning to play a musical instrument is high on the list for many as it may be something they’ve always wanted to do. But learning alone isn’t easy and the thought of a bunch of music theory is a turn off. What retirees often want is to learn a few songs.
What is Required to Start: A musical ability in one or more instruments. Ability to shortcut the music theory and get to the teaching while making it simple and fun. Teach at your place with your instrument (for example a piano, keyboard or guitar) might be ideal.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Lessons often cost $15-$20 per hour once a week or more. You can have as many students as you may want from your community or surrounding. With only a few students each week you can top $100 or more with no expenses.
why this might be for you: You are an experienced musician and you know how to share your love of music with others and encourage them to reach their goals. You don’t sweat the theory but instead are intent on showing others they can make music. You enjoy one on one time with people.
Tell Others: Let residents know on bulletin boards and in any music club in your park. Also, drop a hint on your park facebook group and online too.
How to Begin: Know where you will work and arrange distractions outside of lesson time.
TIP – Offer a group lesson or two each Fall and in the free lessons build a offering to enable anyone to play one song on their instrument within 30days. Your lesson spaces will fill up immediately.
11. TRANSCRIPTION / VIDEO SERVICE
The Problem: Seniors have memories of their lives or their experiences that they would like to share with family, friends, and the public before they are forgotten. But it sure isn’t easy for anyone to just sit down and type them out. A much easier approach is to audio or video record but most don’t know how to set this up and how to save and share them. They may not even have the tools to record. The biggest challenge is they often need to share the story with someone else in the room… talk to or with someone. That can be you.
What is Required to Start: Your smart phone, an inexpensive tripod, an inexpensive lapel microphone ideally for two, and an online cloud storage service like iCloud on the iphone/ipad to store the audio or video on. You will also certainly need to have patience, interest in others and what they have to say, and an ability to draw out the best details of the stories from the customer. This should be done in the client’s home or wherever they are most comfortable. Be absolutely sure that all distractions are avoided.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: You should be able to charge $20-$50 for a recorded, unedited story in audio or video that is shareable by the customer. Edited costs can go up by 2-3X. Many have a story or message they’d like to share. Expect at least one or two a week and for it to grow as people age and hear about the service you have to offer..
why this might be for you: You love stories! You genuinely appreciate what people have to share and you are willing to hold these stories in confidence. To you a great conversation is when the other person does most of the talking and you inquire.
Tell Others: If you have a book club, genealogy club, computer club, or history club in your community let them know you’re doing this. Post online and you’ll get requests from many parks.
How to Begin: Set up a youtube video site and record from your phone directly to video then upload it to youtube. Be sure to run a test video each time to picture and sound check before starting the real story. Get a bag ready with your equipment and charger. Begin with a story from a friend that is willing for you to use it to highlight what the result looks like to prospective customers. Show people the example.
TIP – Record audio on a digital audio recorder and video with audio on your iphone at the same time. They will each serve as a backup if one doesn’t turn out. And take a picture of the customer to put in the video if the video portion doesn’t turn out but the audio does. You’re now safe in all cases.
12. SELL YOUR CRAFTS OR CREATIONS IN PERSON AND ONLINE
The Problem: You’re proud of your crafts and creations but you don’t know how to sell them. Others too. Getting seen is key. Displaying your items at the local park craft sale, garage sale and neighbouring flea market can be sure to generate orders. Think about learning online marketing too. Both physical sales and online sales are often needed.
What is Required to Start: In addition to an inventory of your products to sell, find a folding table, grocery bags, and get a Square for your smartphone to take credit card sales at different shows. For online sales, a laptop or computer or perhaps even an ipad would work to set up your online presence. Whatever you are comfortable typing on. Gather pictures and descriptions of what you want to sell and open a store on Etsy.com.
How Much Can I Expect to Make: Expect to make 20-40% margin on most of what you sell online (results widely vary) but keep in mind the various costs you will incur too.
why this might be for you: You want to share what you’ve created with others. You don’t mind checking your business each day and fulfilling orders via mail or courier.
Tell Others: This is all online. Get the message out online wherever you can. Focus on free – don’t pay for Facebook or Google ads or you are likely to get well over your head with costs.
How to Begin: Set up an Etsy store. Get your inventory ready. Make sure your Square credit card system is tested. Find shows you can show your crafts at and get signed up around the region. While there, hand out a card with your etsy store name on it. Also display your Etsy store name on your table.
TIP – Collect emails with your physical sales (Square credit card system will do this automatically for you if you set it up) and contact the buyer after the sale with a follow up on their purchase. Be sure your Etsy store is highlighted in the follow up email and they are likely to buy again no matter where in the world they are from.
STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RULES
Be sure to understand your retirement community park rules and live within them. Parks need the services you offer but will not want “store fronts” on your home front.
CONCLUSION
Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of work. Instead, it can be the beginning of work on your terms. Work as much or little as you like. When you want. Doing what you love.
And living in a Snowbird retirement community is well within your reach. If you’re interested learn more about How you Can Make Snowbird life a reality without much Money (click HERE – article will open in a new tab).
NOTE: if you’re in a 55+ retirement community and want to share your business with others online we would be happy to highlight your business on SnowbirdFAQs.com. Click “Learn More About” on the menu above and follow the steps to share your business online. We built it for you to freely use. Good luck on your retirement park business.