Here's what I did...I too have learned in doing this in a few short months the 'trash runs' bring too much competition. (ETA on regular trash days)
My newest 'thing', I have made postcards and put them on mailboxes (outside, not inside)...this postcard is just like a
business card, 2 sided also. Lists all the stuff I am interested in, phone # and .....NIGHT OF WEEK (not trash night) I will be coming thru the area for pick up. Front of my postcard states "Don't pay the big companies to haul your scrap! We will pick up and recycle FREE!" It's working. Also rec'd a few calls for items needed removed from out back, etc. That is only 1 of many new things I am trying.
Many of those that are crawling the streets at night are not doing what I am. Most are looking for $$ for quick fix, IMO. I am professional, my ads look nice, have cards, postcards, flyers, business license, permit to scrap, office phone, authorization forms to cover my butt when picking up an AC Unit (the cost of all this was minimal, did all the work myself). I have apt runs set up for every day of the week in 3 counties. I don't have to dumpter dive or jump the fence in the middle of the night....I have the gate codes because I work directly with the maintenance men. I have about 10-15 complexes calling for cleanouts, pick ups of appliances, all of this accomplished in just a few months.
I love your 'tude tackle, "never stop trying to improve". There is a lot of ops out there for those who want to do this like a real business. That's just my opinion ;-)
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