How Stoyan Staykov Utilised His Property Skills to Set Up Snappy Rubbish Removals
If you are looking for a home-based business idea that is both profitable and eco-friendly, you might want to consider starting a rubbish removal company.
This is exactly what Stoyan Staykov did back in 2006, when he realised that there was a gap in the market for a fast, flexible, and affordable waste clearance service in London as he worked in the property sector.
Stoyan Staykov is the founder of Snappy Rubbish Removals, one of the largest groups of waste removal companies in London, trading as Green Earth Group Ltd. He has over 15 years of experience in the industry and has worked with big brands such as McDonald’s, Waitrose, DHL and more.
Let’s explore how he built his successful business from home, using his property skills and his passion for the environment.
Starting from Scratch with a Waste Removal Man and Van
Stoyan Staykov was a property developer who needed to clear some rubbish from his site. He decided to book a skip, but he soon realised that it was a time-consuming and expensive process. He had to wait for days for the skip to arrive, he had to load it himself, and he ended up using six skips in total.
He thought that there must be a better way to deal with waste, so he came up with an idea for a rubbish removal company that would send two guys with a van to any customer, offering to include the labour to load the van and clear the waste. He did some research on how to dispose of the rubbish legally and responsibly, how to advertise his service and how to price it competitively.
He then established Snappy Rubbish Removals, because he wanted to provide same day rubbish removal services with just a snap of a finger at affordable prices. He started with one van and two employees, working from his home office. He used his property skills to find potential customers who needed waste clearance services, such as landlords, tenants, builders, and homeowners. He also used his network of contacts in the property industry to get referrals and recommendations.
Standing Out with a Unique and Optimised Rubbish Removal Service
Stoyan Staykov’s business soon took off, as he offered a fast, flexible, and affordable service that was superior to skip hire. He was able to respond to customer requests within an hour, he charged only £250 for 1000 kg of waste (which was the price 10 years ago), he did not charge extra for weekends or call outs, and he accepted all types of payments.
He also invested in technology to improve his efficiency and customer satisfaction. He created a website together with the digital marketing and SEO experts, that allowed customers to book online, get instant quotes and see testimonials. As the website ranked for top search terms such as “rubbish removal London” on Google, the business quickly gained momentum. He used GPS tracking devices to monitor his vans and optimise his routes. He also used social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to showcase his work and interact with his customers.
As the demand soared, he expanded his fleet of vans and his team of employees, covering all areas of London. He opened his own tipping yard in East London, which enabled him to work seven days a week and recycle up to 95% of the waste he collected. He also obtained all the necessary licenses and insurance policies to operate legally and safely.
Stoyan then diversified his services, offering not only household rubbish removal, but also office clearance, garden waste removal, furniture disposal, builders waste removal and more. Big clients such as McDonald’s, Waitrose, DHL and more, started booking Snappy Rubbish Removals as they appreciated the speed and reliability of the service, the professionalism and quality at a decent price.
Overcoming Business Challenges for Future Growth
Stoyan Staykov’s journey was not without its challenges. He faced competition from other rubbish removal companies, as well as from illegal fly-tippers who dumped the collected waste on the streets or on private land for a lower fee. He also had to deal with the rising costs of fuel, labour, and landfill taxes plus the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected his business operations and customer demand.
However, Stoyan Staykov did not give up easily. He faced these challenges with persistence and innovation. He focused on providing excellent customer service and value for money. He maintained his competitive pricing and offered discounts and loyalty schemes. He also followed all the health and safety guidelines and protocols during the pandemic, ensuring the protection of his staff and customers.
With his strong passion for sustainability and the environment, he continued to innovate and improve his service quality. He invested in new equipment and vehicles that were more efficient and eco-friendly. He also implemented new systems and processes that enhanced his productivity and performance. He sought new opportunities and partnerships that helped him grow his business further.
Making a Difference for Customers and the Planet
Stoyan Staykov’s business is not only profitable but also eco-friendly. He is passionate about protecting the environment and reducing waste pollution. He recycles up to 95% of the waste he collects, diverting it from landfills or incinerators. He also donates reusable items such as furniture or clothes to charities or social enterprises. He educates his customers and the public about the benefits of recycling and the dangers of fly-tipping and supports his local community and economy.
He employs local people and provides them with training and development opportunities. He also sponsors local events and causes, such as sports teams, schools, and charities. Stoyan collaborates with other local businesses and organisations, such as councils, housing associations and environmental groups as he believes that waste management is everyone’s responsibility.
He enjoys inspiring other entrepreneurs and business owners as he shares his story and insights on various platforms, such as podcasts and magazines like the London Business News Magazine where he answered exclusive interview questions. And he participates in industry associations and networks, such as the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers (NAWDO) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
A Business Journey from the Home for the Home
Stoyan Staykov is a remarkable example of how to build a successful rubbish removal company from home, using property skills and environmental passion. He started with a simple idea and turned it into a thriving enterprise that serves thousands of customers across London. He overcame various challenges and obstacles with persistence and innovation. But most of all he made a positive impact on the environment, the community, and the economy.
