Car guarding is a familiar side hustle across South Africa. At malls, hospitals, and entertainment spots, you will often see people offering to watch and protect cars while drivers go to do their errands. In return, they receive small tips.
The car guarding sector is a growing sector in the private security industry in terms of both registered and unregistered security officers.
If you are considering car guarding to earn extra income, here’s what you need to know.
What is Car Guarding?
Car guarding is one of the viable solutions to vehicle-related crimes in South African parking lots. These car guards, who are usually called superheroes of the streets, operate both legally and illegally in the streets, shopping malls, and parking centres, among other places.
It involves individuals checking on cars that are parked to ensure that they do not get stolen or damaged. It often goes beyond just standing around. They direct people to find open parking spots, guide drivers when they are parking, help people reverse vehicles, or assist with carrying groceries, adding value beyond just vehicle safety. Their main goal is to provide peace of mind to individuals.
Their tips usually range from R2 to R20 per car, depending on the location and how generous the driver is feeling.
Why Do People Choose Car Guarding?
The reason why people think this side hustle is efficient is that it does not require any qualifications or experience. The other positive thing is that you make money instantly because drivers tip you on the spot.
How to Get Started
Getting into car guarding doesn’t require much, but there are important steps:
Choose a location: This job requires a person to work in busy areas like shopping centres, hospitals, or entertainment spots.
Get permission: Some parking areas are managed by malls or private companies; you may need to register or join their program.
Look professional: You must have the right work gear to do this job; a reflective vest will make you look more professional and trustworthy.
Be friendly: Welcome drivers and treat them with dignity and respect, and you can stand a better chance of getting tips.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings can vary depending on the location you work at and how busy it is. In a high-traffic area, some car guards make between R360 and R600 daily, and a weekly average of R2520 to R4200, assuming there are no days off.
Skills That Can Help You
Car guarding may seem simple, but success depends on how you interact with people and the effort you put into it. Guards who are polite, alert, and helpful often earn more. It is also important to be trustworthy since drivers must be comfortable that their vehicles are safe.
Challenges You May Face
Car guarding has its own disadvantages, like any hustle. The money is not predictable, and on certain days you may get little money. Again, working outside also means dealing with working long hours under the sun, wind, or rain. Moreover, being in the open area carries risk factors such as crime or unpleasant interactions with other drivers.
Car Guarding Opportunities
This sector creates a source of income for most indigent South Africans and serves as a deterrent to crime in parking lots. It creates opportunities for the unemployed and addresses the high rates of unemployment in the country.
Car Guard Compliance
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Association (PSIRA) has been lobbying to register car guards and ensure that they complete minimum security training. This was to force car guards to obtain a grade E security certificate. Car guards would need to pay to attend a week-long training programme and pay a monthly membership fee to PSIRA.
The course costs R2190, and registration is a further R290 per year.
How Technology Is Transforming The Tipping of Car Guards
There are digital platforms that provide solutions for car guards to earn a living, even when someone doesn’t have cash. This cashless option lets car guards use QR codes through financial apps to get their tips. One such platform is TiPPED.
Car guarding may not be a perfect side hustle, but it has benefits. It is flexible, doesn’t require huge startup capital, and gives you cash immediately. For some people, this business is for survival while waiting for other opportunities.
Car guarding is one of the easiest and most accessible side hustles in South Africa. It’s not without challenge, but for people who need a quick and flexible income, it can make a difference and work for them.
