If you are still thinking of the story of the old lady and the van, it’s time for a wake-up call. There is so much more you could be doing with a van, especially if you are willing to be a creative woman entrepreneur.
An older van that sits unused on your drive can be a creative side hustle in disguise, if you are ready to start working at it.
Sell Parts
This may be the fastest and easiest way to monetise your old van, especially if it isn’t roadworthy anymore. If you are not ready to invest money in getting it fixed, and if you don’t think you can sell it at a good price, you may want to consider selling it in parts. Indeed, even if the whole vehicle may not hold a lot of value, its parts can be a lot more profitable individually.
What can you sell?
Mechanical parts, shelving systems, fitted storage units, and even decorative accessories can be valuable to a variety of people, ranging from mechanics to vehicle enthusiasts looking to replace damaged parts. Do you know what else you could sell for a good price? Your old registration plate, especially if it is an old vehicle or if it is personalised.
Turning It Into a Food Truck
The food truck sector is booming in the UK, and it is a fantastic way to make money out of your van. Street food culture has grown significantly, and demand remains very strong in certain regions. In fact, half of the UK consumers buy food from a street food vendor van at least once a week. So, this is definitely a local opportunity to seize if you’ve always wanted to go into the food business.
What’s particularly appealing about the food truck sector is its affordability. You can start a business with as little as £5,000 in initial investment, which makes it one of the most cost-effective ventures to launch.
Creating a Mobile Escape Room
If you are more interested in entertainment or events, it is worth noting that a van can be converted into a mobile event set, such as a mobile escape room experience, which you can take to venues and businesses. These experiences are growing in popularity among businesses looking for team-building services.
The concept will require you to transform the interior of the van into a puzzle-based adventure where participants must solve clues to escape within the time limit. You can be creative with props, lighting, hidden compartments, and even digital puzzle systems. However, one thing to bear in mind is that a lot of the setup will rely on electrical equipment, such as electronic locks, sound effects, and overall camera and clueing systems, so safety needs to be a priority. In a public-facing environment, you want to check your electrical equipment regularly with a portable appliance testing service to keep your guests safe.
An unused van doesn’t have to remain a waste of money. It can become an opportunity to start a side hustle for the entrepreneurial mind. For many, this can also be the start of a more significant business journey. Ultimately, if your van side hustle becomes successful, you may consider building a full-time business behind it.
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