Why Prospective Franchisees Should Consider a Junk Removal Franchise

The itch to leave the office world behind and ditch a cubicle for running one’s own business is a thought - even a dream - that many corporate employees have. But not many have the bravery to actually take the plunge and do it, for a plethora of reasons. Some may not know what kind of company to start and fear that launching an operation on their own is too hard. 

But that’s not the case for many concepts, including junk removal services. Eric Myers, who left a longtime sales career to start a waste hauling company, can attest to that. He began helping out acquaintances with their junk in 2011 with just a pick-up truck and the spirit of wanting to run his own business. Eleven years later, he has grown Junk Junk Baby! into an emerging franchise in the Northeast, and recommends the industry to anyone who is just starting out at entrepreneurship. 

“It's a great business to be in and an easy entry point into ownership. Junk removal concepts allow you the chance to work locally, invest in the community where you live, and have a lifestyle business with many benefits,” Myers said. 

Great Industry for Entry-Level Entrepreneurship

Myers was able to start Junk Junk Baby! with just a truck and no experience in the field. All he really needed was a bit of muscle and the determination that he no longer wanted to be a part of the corporate rate race. As more and more people strive to be their own boss, the junk hauling industry is a great place to start. 

“I just did small moves and that made starting up easy. Over time, it just grew organically. We’re not splitting atoms here; it's a service business and I realized it was something I could reasonably and easily provide in my situation,” said Myers. “I think many who are trying to decide on a business would find this model to be a great launching point into entrepreneurship.”

Junk Removal Services Are in High Demand

The waste industry is valued to be worth $75 billion, and junk removal services make up at least $10 billion of that. And the need for this kind of help is growing, says Myers, who has noticed a few changes in the industry over the years that has led to an increase in demand.

A huge tailwind behind more junk hauling services being needed is the huge consumer culture and online ordering that many people partake in. The amount of items people have, and the need to constantly have more new things has created more junk.

“When I grew up in the ‘70s, we never had anything new; everything was handed down. Now, it's a different time. Everyone wants to order the latest and greatest gadget. Nobody wants heirlooms or china cabinets anymore, so we have seen a big uptick in people getting rid of big items,” explained Myers. 

Another big reason for an increase in service calls is rules and regulations for city waste disposal have changed as landfills become full. It’s more challenging for people to get rid of bulky products like mattresses, box springs and sofas, said Myers. 

The Flexible Industry Offers Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest benefits of owning a junk removal franchise is you are not constrained to the walls of a cubicle or to clock in and out of a 9-to-5 job. Being that many people leave the corporate world for more freedom, this segment is an excellent place to find it. This kind of concept is also something that can easily be run out of your home, meaning less overhead and more time with your family. 

“The junk removal industry really gives franchisees a life balance. You can work whatever hours you want, and you are constantly doing something different with different clients. It keeps things exciting and not rigid,” explained Myers. “If somebody likes variety, pivoting and problem-solving, this is a great industry.”

A Model That Does Well Despite Competition 

Myers said that since he started Junk Junk Baby! more than a decade ago, he has seen a great deal of competition enter the space but pointed out that this is a business model that can thrive even in a busy market because it’s about local connection. 

“I've always believed that this is an organic business. If you have a network, and you're good at marketing yourself, you'll crush it. All you have to do is get the word out to people in your market and make a name as a local business, even as a franchise and the sales will follow,” Myers said.