Mobile Paper-Shredding Service

Mobile paper-shredding services are quite popular in major U.S. cities. It has always been important to certain types of businesses to maintain security; but this is becoming increasingly difficult to accomplish as valuable information becomes increasingly easy to access. Some banks, for example, have suff ered great losses when criminals obtained and analyzed their discarded paper trash. Computer codes, product information, even customer records are essential to keep confi dential. The value of your service is that it guarantees security; shredding is completed on the client’s premises so that no possibility exists for loss of data and information. Shredding can be done by staff, but it is time-consuming and messy. You are saving time and trouble by bringing your shredding machine to your client’s site on a regular schedule to perform this necessary but tedious task.


You will need a heavy-duty shredder as well (about $300). Charge $30 to $50 per office visit; offer a monthly rate to more regular clients, such as attorneys and government officials.


Try to get into this business fast if you intend to do so at all, before the crush of competitors limits your opportunity to make a fair profit by your labors. Marketing will need to include considerable education so that your potential clients become aware of the advantages to their organization of this service.

Approx. cost of start-up:$15,000 to $18,000


Approx. potential earnings:$20,000 to $40,000


Typical fees: $30 to $50 per office visit


Where to promote: Local business periodicals, direct mail, possibly a Web site that details the geographic area your services cover and that includes tips on how to avoid identity theft


Qualifications: Marketing skills, excellent time management and scheduling ability


Things needed: Paper shredder, computer, printer, fax, cell phone


Required staff: No


Hidden costs: Vehicle maintenance and repair