how kids can make money fast

11:30 PM |

People love their dogs. There’s often no limit to what a dog owner will do for his beloved pet. In our busy lives, we often don’t have the time to take our four-legged friends out for walks like we should.
Some busy people are more than willing to pay someone to take their dogs out for daily walks when they can’t. A dog walking business is ideal for kids. It gives them a fun way to make money while getting exercise as well.

Getting Started
The main requirement for someone interested in a dog walking business is a genuine love of dogs. Canines can sometimes be a handful, and patience is a necessary quality for a dog walker. Energy is also a good thing to have.

There are few expenses involved in a dog walking business. It’s not a bad idea to have an extra leash and collar or two on hand, just in case the one supplied by the owner breaks. If taking the dog to the park to play, you could bring along a frisbee or some dog toys. Other than these things, there is no special equipment needed.

Pricing
Dog walking fees vary from location to location. One hour is the standard amount of time to take each dog out, so a flat rate should suffice. If there are other dog walkers in your local area, you could check out what they are charging to get an idea of what the going rate is.

Promotion
A dog walking business is best promoted in places where pet lovers go. Fliers can be placed in the local veterinarian’s office, pet supply stores, and in parks frequented by dogs and their owners. Offices of apartment complexes that allow animals are also a good place to advertise your service.
Word of mouth is also a good way to get clients. Dog lovers often talk to other dog lovers, so one client could possibly lead you to more. Providing reliable service will ensure that people feel comfortable recommending their dog walker to others.

Kids who like animals can earn money, have fun, and get lots of exercise with a dog walking business. It can be done year-round or only in the summer, providing for great flexibility. Dog walking requires no special skills or equipment, making it an easy business for kids to run.

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11:12 PM |

• Read "Tom Sawyer." Pay attention to the part about painting the fence. Hint: You don't have to do all the work yourself.
• Use your age advantage in creating the stand. Make a deal with the best architect in town: If he designs a great lemonade stand for you for free -- and you win the contest -- you'll make sure he gets recognition on national TV.

• Find a niche. A niche differentiates your stand from your competitors' stands. One idea: Hook up with a good cause and pledge a percentage of the profit to it.

• Be nice to your parents. You'll need capital to build your stand and buy ingredients. Unless you have savings, you'll have to find sympathetic outside investors, namely, your parents.
• Location, location, location. Set up your stand in front of your house only if you happen to live next door to the biggest mall in town. Look for a place with a lot of foot traffic. The more people who pass by you, the more sales you'll make.
• Don't skimp on quality. Buy the best ingredients -- and let your customers know about it.

• Charge a lot. You're a kid; you have the highest quality lemonade; and you need the money. If you're supporting a good cause, that's another reason people should be willing to pay more.
• Diversify. Whoever said that a lemonade stand could sell only lemonade? What about, say, cookies?
• Follow your instincts. It doesn't matter if you make mistakes. Just make sure they're your mistakes. Learning from mistakes is how lemonade champions are made.
• Win the contest. Ask a professional photographer to take your digital photos. (You don't ask, you don't get.) Have a teacher check your essay. But remember, in business, winners make a profit.

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