Dye Autos Denver Area Truck and Automotive Blog
A pickup truck is a great thing to have. It’s convenient for home improvement projects and “Honey Do’s.” It’s your sidekick when you go camping. It’s a super comfortable way to transport the family for short trips or long distances. But have you thought about the ways you can make extra money with your pickup truck?
Pickups are the BEST vehicles to own for a side hustle or a small business.
From hauling to delivering, a pickup truck is a versatile piece of equipment that’s got plenty of business opportunities…if you just get a little creative.
Many people are already paying for a pickup truck and even though dealers like us at Dye Autos have lots of affordable pickups, it’s still a monthly expense. But using the following money-making ideas, your pickup can pay for itself – plus some!
You can even turn some of these into a lucrative side hustle or small business for part or full-time income.
1. Get paid to haul stuff away.
Lots of businesses need you to get rid of stuff they don’t need!
Old inventory, broken furniture, dingy office file cabinets, outdated electronics, or even just trash could provide the perfect opportunity for you to make some money.
Pick up what the businesses don’t need and take it to the local recycling center for a fee.
People in your neighborhood also need you, especially if they’re in the process of remodeling their home or going through their storage areas to prepare for a yard sale.
2. Local business deliveries.
Small local businesses could use your help to deliver their products locally. Think flower delivery or mattress delivery. Maybe there are some antique shops in town that can benefit from a person with a pickup who can deliver some larger items to customers?
Or, maybe a pool store could use an extra delivery person to bring materials to a residence.
Check with local businesses and let them know what you can do to help.
3. Wrap your pickup truck.
Make extra money with your pickup truck by using it to advertise a product or service. Using your vehicle as a moving billboard helps to bring exposure to the product, brand, or service advertised.
Check out the many vehicle advertisement companies that pay you handsomely to advertise on your truck. Some of them can even pay you more just to drive your truck to specified high traffic area.
There are many companies that pay pickup truck owners to advertise or promote products or brands. Some contracts with these companies run for 3 to 6 months. One of them is Carvertise and you can check them out here.
4. Haul building supplies.
If you’ve ever visited a building site, there are tons (literally) of materials there. Small construction companies might want to pay for your private delivery services instead of using a large company that may charge more.
You can bring large materials to and from residential and commercial construction zones.
You might consider being available for the cleanup process when it’s time to bring leftover materials to the recycling or trash center.
Now it’s worth noting that there are already lots of businesses that offer this service, but the service only exists because there is a demand for it.
5. Garage sale deliveries.
This is one of the more interesting ways to make extra money with your pickup truck…and it’s a great way to build a client base!
- Be on the lookout for garage sales in your area. This could be signs around town, the nextdoor app, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
- Let people know that you will handle their deliveries for them.
- Print a flier or business cards and bring them with you on the day of the garage sale.
- The host can tell their customers about your service when they purchase.
Your service will allow the host to sell more items than they would have because people are more apt to buy when they don’t have to worry about hauling it.
It’s a pretty convenient service to offer. Customers can arrive and do their shopping regardless of their mode of transportation.
6. Offer landscaping services.
As most of us agree, yard work can be time consuming and not always fun.
You can use pickup truck to accomplish basic jobs to regular yard maintenance work like mowing, weeding, pruning, mulching, etc. You might even start a small landscaping service.
Either way, your pickup truck can definitely come in handy for transporting flowers, dirt, rocks, and other landscaping materials.
This type of service can work year-round, like hauling bags of leaves in the fall or plowing snow in the winter!
And speaking of snow….
7. Snow plowing services.
Residents and businesses in the Denver/Wheat Ridge area need you.
This would actually be a truck-based business because it would require an investment in a snow plow attachment for your truck. It could cost one or two thousand dollars, but that’s not too crazy if you are planning on several winter’s worth of snow plowing.
Get the word out by going through the suburbs door-to-door with your services, put up an advertisement at the local gas station or Craigslist, and even use social media share pictures of your work.
8. Large appliance repair pickup and delivery.
Large appliances, like refrigerators and washing machines, sometimes need to be sent off for repair.
But the average person doesn’t have a vehicle large enough to hold them, which means they’ll have to pay extra for transportation.
Here’s where you come in with your truck to save the day!
You can also check with local rental centers and stores that sell appliances to see if they might need a backup delivery person for busy days.
9. Find pickup truck jobs on Shipperoo
Shipperoo is a website where you can apply to make your pickup truck work for you.
You are connected to businesses or individuals who need your truck to move, transport, or haul their equipment, goods, or products from one place to another.
Shipperoo matches you with shippers. Click here to check out Shipperoo
10. Join TaskRabbit to offer delivery services.
The Sharing Economy is upon us so why not leverage it to make extra money with your pickup truck?
Start ‘tasking’ and earn money your way. You’ll be someone’s hero and earn money by helping people.
- The App notifies of potential jobs nearby
- Select the one you want to complete
- Confirm details with your client
- Complete the work and submit your invoice
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an affordable pickup truck, give us a call at (303) 286-1665 and check us out online at www.dyeautos.com. We’ve helped thousands of people get into the truck of their dreams!
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There’s nothing else that can quite do what a truck can. Pickup trucks have grown in popularity and there are many reasons why.
1. Pickup Trucks can Handle It All.
All it takes is a couch or armoire that needs to be moved from “here” to “there,” and next thing you know, you’re thinking you really should own a pickup truck. There are so many other activities that a pickup truck is perfect for:
- Trucks are the perfect weekend adventure vehicle.
- Trucks have the power to tow whatever you need.
- Trucks haul everything from groceries to lumber to tools.
- Trucks are a camper’s dream.
- Pickup trucks help you work hard and when it’s time to relax, they help you do that too!
Think of all the incredibly cool things you could be doing with a pickup truck that are impossible with the car you’re now driving.
2. Pickup Trucks are Ideal for Work.
A lot more businesses are discovering that trucks are better than cars for business.
Even if your business isn’t about hauling big items, a pickup truck provides all the comfort of a car but is versatile enough to handle all the tough stuff. That means hauling tools, building supplies, and stuff otherwise too heavy or too dirty for your average car trunk.
3. Pickup Trucks are Your Best Friend in the Snow.
Hello, Colorado. We do get a lot of snow, right?
Winter tires on a sedan or a small hatchback will only get you so far. If the snow is deep enough, you can literally high-center a car in deep snow on the road once it gets packed underneath. With the additional ground clearance afforded by a pickup truck, fording 10 inches of fresh plow is no problem.
4. Pickup Trucks Allow You to Take the Road Less Traveled.
The best off-road pickup trucks will give the most rugged SUVs a run for their money, even when that running occurs on the Colorado’s toughest rocks and trails. They’ll also deliver the cargo-carrying benefits of an open bed for when you don’t really want to leave it all behind.
There are tons of mapped two-track roads, and getting to trailheads is very different than finishing said trail. The off-road traction of a locking four-wheel-drive system will ensure you keep moving rather than waiting on the next guy coming up the trail to help. Ground clearance is also helpful in reducing cringe-inducing frame impacts.
5. Pickup Trucks Continue to Grow in Popularity.
In many areas of Colorado the truck is just the preferred lifestyle look. Trucks now account for 16.4% of U.S. vehicle sales. That’s up from 15.3% in 2016.
Trucks are the backbone of the construction industry. Pickups also have become increasingly popular as everyday family vehicles.
Today’s trucks are safer, more comfortable, and they handle much better than they once did. With the aid of technology, they’re even easier to navigate in tight spaces.
Pickup Trucks Provide More Bang for Your Buck.
Pickup trucks are affordable. Used pickup truck models are especially affordable and often retain their value. At Dye Autos, we’ve got a large inventory of affordable pickup trucks for every budget.
Are you ready to take advantage of all these pickup truck benefits (and more)? Call us at (303) 286-1665.
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Labor Day is just around the corner. If you’re shopping for a used pickup truck, studies show that holiday weekends are one of the best times to buy.
You’ll often see or hear car dealerships advertising huge deals or blowout sales during holiday weekends, and those ads are almost always accurate. Dealers often offer special financing or discount deals for holiday weekends. While you might not want to spend your holiday weekend test-driving and signing the papers on a new truck or car, doing so could help you save thousands of dollars and give you the peace of mind that you got a great deal.
Labor Day is the last three-day weekend of summer, so as we go into the end of August and early September, you can expect to see some fairly aggressive deals from car dealerships as they try to wrap up the summer selling season.
How to shop for a used pickup truck on Labor Day Weekend.
Dealerships can get busy on long holiday weekends so here are some tips to avoid the crowds, alleviate stress and get a great deal.
1. Do your homework.
Do your research earlier in the week. Then, by the time the weekend rolls around, you should have narrowed your car list to about three models at most.
2. Figure out your trade-in.
- Use online tools to appraise your trade-in’s value. Edmunds.com and kbb.com are two great FREE resources.
- Pack all your trade-in’s accessories. Trading in your car means you are trading in everything that goes along with it. Make sure the original owner’s manual and any extra keys are in the vehicle when you arrive at the dealership. Dealers like used cars that still have all the accessories and may even give you a better deal on your trade when everything is there.
- Bring all vehicle paperwork with you. Dealers love it when you have all the documents ready to trade-in your car. It makes it easier for them to process your info with the DMV and leaves less room for error once the DMV receives your information. You will need:
- Certificate of title (if you don’t have it, the DMV can tell you how to get it replaced). Note: if you have an outstanding loan on the vehicle, this will not apply since the bank has your certificate of title.
- Current registration.
- If you still have a loan on the car, you’ll need to have your account number or a payment stub.
- Maintenance records. These help support your claims about whatever prior damage your car has had and the repairs it has undergone.
3. Know your credit score.
If you plan on using financing to buy a used pickup truck, your credit score is key to getting the lowest interest rates. Your credit score is a three-digit number that uses your credit information to assess how risky a borrower you are, and it can significantly influence how lenders decide the terms of your loan.
The higher your credit score, the lower your risk and the lower your interest rate. The lower your credit score, the riskier you are and the higher your interest rates. Be proactive in checking your credit score beforehand so you know where your credit stands before you apply for a loan.
You can obtain a free copy of your credit report.
FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Website: You’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order online from annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228. You will need to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.
Some states like Colorado have laws that allow you to get a free credit report in addition to the free annual credit report you’re entitled to by Federal law.
4. Choose your purchase method and set your budget.
The purchase of a used pickup truck includes different methods. Your options will be to pay cash, or finance your purchase. Most customers choose to finance and you’ll either use your trade-in as a down payment or pay cash down. Make some preliminary calculations on what you can afford.
ProTip: Get Pre-Approved.
This fast and easy process lets you choose how much you want to borrow based on the type of vehicle you’re looking for. You’ll know ahead of time what to expect…and that means less anxiety and more peace of mind.
Let Dye Autos put our experience to work for you. Pre-approved car and truck financing with DYE Autos is just a click away. Visit this link >>>here<<<!.
One of our helpful finance specialists will contact you to discuss available financing options.
5. Check reviews.
If you already have a used pickup truck in mind, read expert reviews of the vehicle. Also check consumer reviews of the car you are considering. Then take a moment to see what other cars compete with the one you have selected. If you don’t yet know what you want to buy, build a list of three “target cars” to test drive.
6. Find the right dealer and set up a test drive.
Once you’ve landed on the car(s) you want to test drive, get in touch with the dealer to see if the vehicles are still available.
If possible, do your drive ahead of the Labor Day weekend. Your salesperson will be able to dedicate more time to showing you the car. Explain that you’ll be making a purchase decision later on the Labor Day weekend. It sets the expectations and should reduce a bit of the pressure.
7. Settle on a price.
Choosing the right car often depends on its price. Make sure you look at all aspects of the deal, including the interest rate, finance terms, and any additional fees. Pay attention to what feels best for you.
If you already know the dealership you’re working with – maybe you’ve purchased from them before – they should remind you about any Labor Day deals prior to your visit. If you’ve never shopped at that dealership, be sure to ask.
Wrapping up the sale…
- Be sure to bring any documents you might need to complete the sale such as your Driver’s License and Insurance info.
- Once your financing is settled, you’ll sign the contract and take delivery.
- If everything is settled, consider picking up your truck the day after the weekend. You’ll avoid the crowds and the salesperson will give you a more relaxed walk-through on the key features of the truck.
There’s a lot of cool things a truck can do like haul your stuff, tow your trailer or boat, and be your work partner. But there’s a great way to “get off the grid” for awhile with truck camping.
Colorado has so much to offer and the best road trips happen in a pickup truck.
The mention of truck camping can elicit weird looks from some people but for those that have tried it, it’s pretty awesome.
If you’ve trekked the most challenging, beautiful trails out there and camped like nobody’s business, you might be tired of camping in the same camping tent all the time and want a change.
If you’re looking for something new and refreshing in the hiking world, it’s time to pack a pickup truck and hit the great outdoors for some truck camping.
For those unfamiliar with the benefits of truck camping, have no fear. We’ve got some compelling tips to introduce you to this new road trip option.
What is truck camping?
Truck camping is simply camping inside your vehicle instead of in a tent, be it a pickup truck with a topper or a simple SUV. Some people prefer roof top tents or pickup truck and canopy combos, but it all stems from your truck as the place you sleep.
Truck camping is super affordable.
Staying in hotels for any length of time can be expensive. Camping isn’t free most places but $25 per night is a steal compared to hotels. You can save your money for dinner and drinks!
The ideal sleeping setup.
There are different truck camping options ranging from a roof top tent, a truck bed camper, a pickup/canopy combo, or even a truck bed tent.
You’ll most likely have sleeping bags or a comforter but if you plan to sleep in the bed, you’ll definitely want something cushy underneath you. A tri-fold mattress is a good choice. It won’t take up a lot of headroom and it will let you sleep comfortably.
Unless the third person is a small child, two is the most you’ll be able to comfortably fit in your truck.
Truck camping beats tent camping.
When compared with tent camping, truck camping has many advantages.
- If the weather is challenging once you arrive, it’s not going to be fun setting up a tent. Your truck stays nice and dry and requires very little set up.
- No worries about animals visiting you during the night.
- Your truck bed is soft and even so you won’t be sleeping on a rock.
- Trucks are built to keep out noises so it will be more quiet.
Enjoy more time in nature.
Truck camping is one of the best ways to get out there on the road and have a good time. You’ll have experiences you’d never have if you stayed in a hotel or AirBnB.
Think of the adventures you’ll have…and the stories you’ll be able to tell!
Fresh air, rain and bugs.
Two bodies in a vehicle can get pretty warm when the windows are fully closed. If it’s already warm out, the added heat will make it too hot to sleep in. Two people breathing creates lots of moisture as well. The only way around this is to let fresh air in by having a window open, even if it’s just an inch. The problem is that an inch is a lot when it’s raining, and it’s enough to let bugs of all sizes in as well.
You can solve these problems by adding an Auto Vent Shade:
- It allows the windows to be cracked without letting the rain get in.
- It keeps the truck cooler when parked on hot days.
- The windows look fully closed because the vent shade hides the fact that they are open at the top.
- Bugs don’t seem to find their way in with the windows cracked, but if you’re particularly worried about mosquitos or spiders, you can’t go wrong with a Window Bug Screen.
Begin with the right truck for you.
Truck camping starts with a great truck that works for your lifestyle. If you’re like most people, you’ll be using your truck for lots of other things too and that’s where a truck expert can help you decide what works for YOU.
At Dye Autos, we have a huge assortment of affordable trucks that are ready to partner with you on your next trip – camping or otherwise. Call us at (303) 286-1665 or get in touch with us using our online form >>here<<.
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Colorado’s love affair with the pickup truck has only become more passionate.
Although total U.S. auto sales eased slightly last year, automakers sold 2.8 million full and mid-size pickup trucks in 2017, a 4.8% increase over the prior year. Pickup trucks now account for 16.4% of U.S. auto sales. That’s up from 15.3 % in 2016.
Used truck registrations in Colorado were up even more, at 17%.
Today’s pickups are safer and more comfortable, and sales to women and families are on the rise. Could one be right for you?
If you’re wondering about the reasons to buy a pickup truck, or you’re curious about the benefits of owning a pickup truck, you’ve come to the right place!
We sell a lot of trucks here at Dye Autos in the Wheat Ridge/Denver area and we’ve found that our customers really love their trucks, and are often surprised by how resourceful they are. Here are 7 benefits you’ll enjoy when you own a pickup truck.
1. Versatile
Pickup trucks support all kinds of activity.
All it takes is a couch or armoire that needs to be moved from “here” to “there,” and next thing you know, you’re thinking you really should own a pickup truck.
But there are so many other activities the a pickup truck is perfect for:
- Perfect weekend adventure vehicle.
- The power to tow whatever you need.
- Haul everything from groceries to lumber to tools.
- A camper’s dream.
- Pickup trucks help you work hard and when it’s time to relax, they help you do that too!
Think of all the incredibly cool things you could be doing with a pickup truck that are impossible with the car you’re now driving.
2. Safety.
While all vehicles these days are loaded with safety technologies such as airbags and side impact beams, driving a pickup truck is still a safer bet. Why? Sitting up high offers great visibility of the road and other drivers.
Most pickup trucks are heavier than a coupe or sedan and many SUVs. Physics will tell you that when two objects collide, mass does matter. Pickup trucks are the larger of the two vehicles, thereby increasing the chance that you’ll walk away unharmed.
There are studies to back this up. “In its studies, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that a heavier vehicle will typically push a lighter one backward during the impact,” explains Edmunds.com. “As a result, there is less force on the occupants of the heavier vehicle and more on those in the lighter vehicle, according to IIHS. The organization’s fatality data bears this out.”
3. Hauling and towing.
Most people think of hauling and towing things first when they consider getting a truck. It’s one of the biggest benefits of owning a pickup truck – the ability to throw a lot of stuff in the back or haul a heavy trailer. You can transport all your stuff and not have to bug someone else for help or rent a truck. It’s one of the defining arguments in the truck vs SUV debate.
To choose the best pickup for towing, truck shoppers should consider the factors that contribute to towing capability. Start by asking yourself two simple questions will help you narrow your choices:
- What do you plan to tow?
- How will you use your pickup when you’re not towing?
If you’ll often use your pickup without the trailer, you’ll want to choose a vehicle that suits those needs, too. You’ll want to choose a lighter or more-efficient pickup that’s able to handle your trailer but is also a ride that you can live with every day.
4. Respect.
It might seem funny, but people treat you differently when you roll up in a truck. If you don’t believe that, try renting one for a week and see for yourself.
People will treat you like a confident, self-assured individual who isn’t afraid to get your hands dirty. You’ll get called “boss” by random strangers, something they’d never say if you had just climbed out of a sedan.
Be warned that there’s a downside to all that respect, because people might respect you enough to ask for help moving.
5. Perfect weekend adventure vehicle.
Even though they’re a bit softer on the inside, pickup trucks are still designed to conquer difficult terrain. No matter what the road conditions, a modern pickup truck can push through and get you to your destination.
Whether you need to traverse an off-road trail to get to your favorite remote campsite or pound snowdrifts into submission to get to the ski resort, a good, properly equipped pickup can get you there.
6. Luxury.
Today’s pickup trucks come with all the creature comforts you see on luxury car models.
The benefit of driving a pickup truck is that if you have a family or want to take a group of people with you, you don’t have to contend with cramped rear seats. Models with cabs make it easy for adults to get in and out. The middle rear seat isn’t some pathetic cushion only large enough for a teddy bear – it can accommodate a full-grown adult.
Legroom, headroom and shoulder room are also ample, which is a luxury you just don’t get in many vehicles.
7. More bang for your buck.
Pickup trucks are affordable. Used pickup truck models are especially affordable and often retain their value. At Dye Autos, we’ve got a large inventory of affordable pickup trucks for every budget.
Are you ready to take advantage of all these pickup truck benefits? Call us at (303) 286-1665.
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