thinking of travelling with tools of trade is this a good idea

simon and mell · Member

thinking of travelling with tools of trade is this a good idea

Big Gorilla · Guru

I have an Electrician's License and I am going to put a small sign each side of my Motorhome. I'll be heading off again March 31 for a few months, so see how it goes... I'm not intending to do any major works, just the electrics on other Motorhomes and Caravans and testing and tagging leads. I'm getting too old to be climbing ladders !!

SaltyDog · Veteran Member

Have seen similar. The guy was a Builder and the partner did Hospital work. It worked for them, they'd often stayed in a town for 3 or more months, up to 6 months.
They would find work for her first, then when she had work, he would drive around the job sites asking.
He would just work as a Sub-Contractor.

They travelled in a Hi-Ace type vehicle, so he didn't take a lot of tools. Nail bag, 6" and 9" saw, maybe a drop saw and gas gun.

I've also known of Fridge Mechanics that found work while travelling, especially in the northern states.

I think the biggest issue is how you get to and from work at 8am

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Heaps of people do just that guys - some I know have done housesitting and got casual jobs to boost the diesel fund as they go around. Massage therapist - see people in free camps (and caravan parks) offering all sorts of services - had my hair cut at St Laurence, someone else was making and selling jewellery, manicures, etc - just need a little sign out front of your camp - and reasonable prices - if in a caravan park, need to ask management for permission.

Hey BG - you still in Tassy?

herbie · Guru

All i can say to you is give it a go ...you will never know if you don't try it.

SaltyDog · Veteran Member

You get a lot of work in Caravan Parks and alike if you are a builder or handy man....
I have friends that stayed in a caravan park in the NW of WA rent free, he wasn't exactly using his trade, more so cleaning the amenities for an hour or so a day, it got him a free powered site and few slab of beer and a bit of spending money.

You just have to feel it out.

elliemike · Guru

Scotty01 wrote:
I am a Motor Mechanic and after prompting from a nomad friend I do carry a resonable toolkit but at present I keep it well hidden. my friend is also a mechanic and makes heaps of money in caravan parks repacking wheel bearings on caravans. As soon as he puts out a sign he is inundated with work offers all over the place. If it helps pay the fuel bill why not!

How do you go for insurance on the work you do. Public liability ect.

Whats the score there, I wonder ?

Mike

-- Edited by elliemike on Wednesday 27th of February 2013 08:49:41 PM

herbie · Guru

A few weeks ago some guy arrived in the park, we are staying in at the moment, and he was doing leather work ( bags/ belts/stubbie holders/dog collers/key ring tags/and really any thing one wanted made. He must have knowen the monthly market was also on as he was also at that selling stuff. I recon all the guys including myself brought belts from him, The line up at his stall at the market was like 5 deep.Noticed a lot of guy's who had motor bike gear on was purchesing a lot of gear from him .He had a good set up he was in Win / motor home towing a covered in trailer.Had a old type sewing machine also heaps of leather hide, dyes and tools to carv pattens on all the gear he made .Was one of the best mobile business i have ever seen.I say good on him...

-- Edited by herbie on Wednesday 27th of February 2013 11:22:37 PM

neilnruth · Guru

My husband offered to turn the bins around for garbage pick up in a caravan park (the overseas workers had put them out the wrong way). She was so short staffed and grateful she gave us a night's fees refund! Took him all of 10 mins. Go for it simon and mell and welcome to the forum. Enjoy yourselves out on the road.

justcruisin01 · Guru

We served our time first, now dont have to worry about it.I still carry plenty of tools , just for my own repairs. This alone last year led to three job offers, two an hour apart. Was also offered work in WA in 08, never seen any one pleeding so much for workers.

A totaly different feel from asking for work to saying ; no thanks.

JC

Kantiki · Senior Member

Go for it . I just wish hubby and I had the sort of skills we could use to travel and just earn enough to keep the wheels turning.

confuse confuse confuse

neilnruth · Guru

My hubby knows how to talk ....but we don't seem to earn an income from that now we've retired.

Scotty01 · Senior Member

I am a Motor Mechanic and after prompting from a nomad friend I do carry a resonable toolkit but at present I keep it well hidden. my friend is also a mechanic and makes heaps of money in caravan parks repacking wheel bearings on caravans. As soon as he puts out a sign he is inundated with work offers all over the place. If it helps pay the fuel bill why not!

GaryKelly · Guru

Yep, great idea! I have my "tools of trade"... laptop and cameras. One of these days when I build up a decent portfolio of shots on my travels, I hope to sell framed prints, calendars, etc, via my web site to bring in a few bob.

way2gokev · Senior Member

G'day Good idea if they are cash jobs or able to barter for other services, other wise they just tie you down to one place for to long as you are asked to do more and more work.

For cash mate I would do almost anything.

Cheers

Kev

Scotty01 · Senior Member

Cash in hand work is best! If you are a tradesman and take pride in what you do you cover your own stuff ups, hopefully dont have any! Pick and choose what jobs you take on and do them right the first time!

Big Gorilla · Guru

jules47 wrote:
Heaps of people do just that guys - some I know have done housesitting and got casual jobs to boost the diesel fund as they go around. Massage therapist - see people in free camps (and caravan parks) offering all sorts of services - had my hair cut at St Laurence, someone else was making and selling jewellery, manicures, etc - just need a little sign out front of your camp - and reasonable prices - if in a caravan park, need to ask management for permission.

Hey BG - you still in Tassy?

Sure am, Launceston. I leave on March 31 on Spirit for Melbourne. Hope to see a bit more of Victoria for a few months and in particular Greens Lake I've read so much about on this forum...

way2gokev · Senior Member

Big Gorilla wrote:
jules47 wrote:
Heaps of people do just that guys - some I know have done housesitting and got casual jobs to boost the diesel fund as they go around. Massage therapist - see people in free camps (and caravan parks) offering all sorts of services - had my hair cut at St Laurence, someone else was making and selling jewellery, manicures, etc - just need a little sign out front of your camp - and reasonable prices - if in a caravan park, need to ask management for permission.

Hey BG - you still in Tassy?

Sure am, Launceston. I leave on March 31 on Spirit for Melbourne. Hope to see a bit more of Victoria for a few months and in particular Greens Lake I've read so much about on this forum...

G'day BG I also leave on the 31st March, maybe we can catch up on the boat and have a yarn, especially about getting out of Melbourne, lot has changed since I was there few years ago.

cheers

Kev

Big Gorilla · Guru

way2gokev wrote:

G'day BG I also leave on the 31st March, maybe we can catch up on the boat and have a yarn, especially about getting out of Melbourne, lot has changed since I was there few years ago.
cheers
Kev

There are two sailings on March 31, morning at 9.00 a.m. and night at 9.00 p.m. Which one are you on ? I am booked for 9.00 p.m. I'm also booked on Ocean Recliners, not a cabin. Getting out of Melbourne is not too difficult. Which way you headed?