This isn't something I want to do, but I gave the idea to the guy at our mechanics today and then I thought that it would be an ideal service for VAs.

Here in Ontario, licence plate renewals have to be done before the car owner's birthday. My husband's was in September and my father-in-law's is in January (we have his car as he no longer drives). So today I renewed the licence plate sticker for my father-in-law as I did for my husband's last September. This involves going to the Motor Vehicle Office, presenting the form the owner receives in the mail (the owner completes the odometer reading, insurance company information and signs it) along with payment and getting the sticker.

People hate having to take time off work to do this or worse yet, do it on a Saturday as it takes up their time. Why not offer this service - you could do it one or two days a month - collect clients' forms and payment and go stand in line for them. If you charged, say, $50 each and had 10 at a time, this could be $500 to $1,000 a month in revenue for you. $50 would be a deal because (a) the client doesn't have to blow off a vacation day or half day and (b) doesn't have to waste a Saturday morning (if the Motor Vehicle Dept. is open on Saturday).

Just an idea. Let me know what you guys think.

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Julia

Great service for you Julia but here in Pennsylvania we can renew online or by mail. I wish we did not thought because that would be a great revenue maker.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Gerat idea. I know in DC, Maryland, and Virginia you can renew online, mail and in person.

A lot of people often leave this until the last minute - also, I wouldn't trust something this important to the mail. We always go in person - there is a fine involved if you don't have your licence plate up-to-date. I suggested it to the garage becasue they arrange the drive clean test which is needed every few years before the plate can be renewed so it would be a natural add-on service for them.

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Julia

That is a great idea! You should do it! Yes, I am in MD and it won't work here.

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Rebecca Gleeck
www.ByYourSideVA.com

There used be to services like this in NY before the DMV was computerized. Most driving schools offered this service and they charged $50 15 years ago. People paid it without a thought. Once you know the DMV clerks you can probably get through the process quicker.

Great idea! Wish it was still applicable here.

Donna

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Donna Cravotta
Virtual Management Concepts LLC
www.virtualmanagementconceptsllc.com

Great idea! Don't know if it would fly in Colorado 'cuz renewals are my hubby's job. I know that in Boulder people pay for someone to pick up their dry cleaning to save time.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"