Sand bags – a viable business opportunity and good deed? - Forum

Thankfully, I do not live in an area that is prone to major flooding but we do have isolated areas where flooding occurs.

I don’t think this would be a viable business diversification for me just yet but maybe something to consider?

Now not wanting to take advantage of peoples misfortune but considering the weather will only get worst and we will experience more flooding, why not offer filled sand bags to you clients and other local residents?

The cost of buying a 100 plus of hessian sacks and fill each of these with 15kg of sharp sand would be a relatively small outlay. One the assumption that each property would require say 4 to 6 per door plus another 10 – 20 for garage doors, you could soon shift 20 to 40 filled bags per order.

I have seen filled bags sell for approx. £7.50 delivered!

I assume the key to being successful would be to keep advertising costs down by using the free local face-book groups, including this service on your web site and of course notifying your clients.

I am not currently considering offering this service but will certainly be reviewing the situation and will be ready to respond.

Just an idea to get you all thinking about and of course I think we would all welcome any comments particularly if you already offer this service.

Replies

Geoff Norfolk January 4, 2014 at 4:23pm

Sounds a good idea if you live in an area prone to flooding........ I wonder if once you've supplied the bags, customers will just keep to reuse and then you'll have no more business?
PRO

Phil Voice January 4, 2014 at 5:09pm
PRO

Darren Walters January 4, 2014 at 5:09pm

You could always offer to rent the bags out? With a small charge for collection once the danger has passed. This may lead to repeat business. Not sure how you would make it cost effective though? £1/day for up to 4 bags perhaps?

Darren
PRO

Phil Voice January 4, 2014 at 5:15pm

"With a small charge for collection once the danger has passed"

You'd have to consider the extra weight should the sandbags become wet/saturated.

Darren Walters said:

You could always offer to rent the bags out? With a small charge for collection once the danger has passed. This may lead to repeat business. Not sure how you would make it cost effective though? £1/day for up to 4 bags perhaps?

Darren
Craig Downey January 4, 2014 at 6:39pm

Are they not given out free by water companies or council ? They always seem to appear quick enough when the water rises
PRO

Darren Walters January 4, 2014 at 7:00pm

Good point Phil

Phil Voice said:

"With a small charge for collection once the danger has passed"

You'd have to consider the extra weight should the sandbags become wet/saturated.

Darren Walters said:

You could always offer to rent the bags out? With a small charge for collection once the danger has passed. This may lead to repeat business. Not sure how you would make it cost effective though? £1/day for up to 4 bags perhaps?

Darren