A 37-year-old woman in the United States, Erica Krupin, has turned a unique idea into a highly profitable business, earning over $200,000 (approximately RM890,000) annually by cleaning up dog poop.
Her income is expected to surpassUS $250,000 (approximately RM1.11 million) this year.
From odd jobs to entrepreneurial success
According to CNBC, Krupin tried over ten different jobs, ranging from golf course bartender to beautician after graduating from high school,
However, her big break came six years ago when she founded Kroopin’s Poopin Scoopin, a company focused on cleaning up after dogs.
The inspiration struck one morning while she was watching her own dog, Java, relieve itself in her yard. She realized many pet owners would pay someone to handle this unpleasant task.
Low startup costs, big returns
Krupin started her business with just $1,000 (approximately RM4,450), covering supplies like shovels, garbage bags, gloves, disinfectant, business registration, insurance, a website, and a small trailer for transportation.
Instead of disposing of the waste herself, she uses pet owners’ outdoor trash bins, significantly cutting down on disposal costs.
Initially, Krupin operated her business as a side hustle.
However, in February 2020, she quit her job as a pharmacy technician to focus on the company full-time, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S.
She explained that leaving the healthcare field was necessary for her mental well-being and to avoid burnout.
Steady Income Streams
The company’s services are subscription-based. For example, weekly cleanups cost $87 (approximately RM387), while a single cleanup is priced at $50 (approximately RM222).
Customers opting for twice-a-week cleanups pay $156 (approximately RM694) per month. Financial documents reviewed by CNBC reveal that Kroopin’s Poopin Scoopin is on track to generate $250,000 in revenue in 2024.
