How I Made $4,500 a Month Delivering and Assembling Furniture

And the time a customer put a shotgun to my head

Years ago, I worked for a well-known furniture company that sold high-end-looking furniture that had to be assembled when purchased. One day, after a customer purchased several large pieces of furniture, we suggested he pull around to the back of the store so we could load his items in his car. As we loaded these large boxes on a hand truck, the customer pulled up in a Porche 911 Carrera 🤦‍♂️. Not the best option for furniture delivery.

We discussed his options for getting his items to his home as I leaned on my pickup truck. Then, he asked, “if that’s your truck, how would you like to make $150?” And right then, one of my earliest businesses was born.

I began delivering and assembling furniture for people who didn’t have the means (or desire) to deliver or assemble the furniture themselves. I met some great people and earned an extra $4,500 a month during the process.

It was a business I fell into, and I was fortunate that the furniture company I worked for didn’t have delivery or assembly options. The district manager didn’t have any immediate concerns with me providing the services either. Unfortunately, that changed when the furniture company finally began offering its own delivery (and assembly) options a little over a year later.

It is no secret that starting a business can be hard. But what if you don’t want to start one from scratch? What if you just want to take on some extra work without having to commit to a full-time job?

Enter TaskRabbit. TaskRabbit allows users to do virtual odd jobs in exchange for cash. From assembling furniture or delivering groceries, it may seem like it’s not the most lucrative option, but the top taskers reportedly earn as much as $7000 a month, making this a full-time way to make money online for some. If TaskRabbit was around then, I may have made even more money (and would probably still be doing it).

What is TaskRabbit?

TaskRabbit is an online marketplace where people can post tasks they need help with, and others can bid on them. The tasks are usually small and simple, such as assembling furniture or delivering groceries, but there are also more complex tasks that require specific expertise or experience, such as writing website copy or designing logos. The beauty of TaskRabbit is that it gives anyone with a phone or internet connection access to thousands of potential clients who need help with all sorts of tasks.

*IKEA purchased TaskRabbit in 2017, so this could be especially lucrative if you live near an IKEA store.

Getting Started with TaskRabbit

The first step in getting started with TaskRabbit is setting up your profile. You will need to enter basic information about yourself and upload any relevant documents (such as your resume or portfolio). Once your profile has been approved by TaskRabbit, you will be able to start bidding on tasks posted by other users. Be sure to read each task carefully so that you know exactly what is expected of you before committing to it. When bidding on a task, make sure your bid reflects the amount of time and effort required and ensure that all communications between you and the client are clear and professional — you want them to have a good experience working with you!

TaskRabbit also offers additional services, such as background checks and insurance coverage, which may help protect both parties involved in the transaction. These services are optional but may be worth considering depending on the type of work being done.

⚠️ I highly recommend both background checks and insurance. Two stories why:

💡Background checks While assembling furniture for a repeat customer, she wanted to show me an item she had recently purchased.

While I was working, she snuck up behind me with a shotgun and cocked it.

We’ve all heard the sound of a shotgun being cocked on TV and in the movies, but it takes on a different meaning when that distinct sound comes from behind your head.

Fortunately for me, it was just a joke because the gun wasn’t even loaded. A friend suggested she should have a rifle at home for protection and she wanted to show me her new “toy.” She was told the sight and sound of a shotgun are often enough to thwart off intruders, and she would be right. So, I finished my work and headed home to clean my underwear.

Although I had a great relationship with that client for many years, the experience taught me background checks can provide an extra layer of protection by knowing who your clients are.

💡Insurance During one of my early deliveries, I stacked several boxes in the bed of my pickup truck, apparently not understanding how physics and wind resistance work.

One of the boxes containing a $300 chair fell off in the middle of a busy road.

Fortunately, no one was injured, but the chair was destroyed. I had to rush back to the store, buy another chair and resume my delivery. Because I had to replace the chair out of my own pocket, I made no money on that gig. But I did make sure to buy some tie-down straps on the way home.

Wrapping Up

Using Task Rabbit can be an excellent way for anyone looking for extra income without having to commit long-term hours or resources into their own business venture. You can set up shop quickly using your existing skillset and get paid quickly in return — all from the comfort of your own home! While $7000 per month isn’t guaranteed income — with dedication, skill, and hard work — it’s certainly achievable for those willing to put in the effort needed for success! Whether you’re looking for part-time work or something more consistent, consider giving virtual odd jobs through Task Rabbit a try today!

Are you a creator looking for helpful tips to make your online dreams come true? Join my email group full of like-minded creatives and get the advice that can help take your projects to the next level!