how is everyones business coping with the recession? moral support thread

vivatifosi

Have spoken to people in a couple of very different industries this week. Both were surprised by additional and unexpected business off of the back of government contracts. Their contacts had allegedly told them that they had to spend their budget this year as they knew it would be cut otherwise next year due to impending tightening of government budgets.

I'm only passing on anecdotes from different sources, but didn't know if this could be useful info for anyone selling to the government. I know this happens to an extent every year, but their view was that it was more pronounced this year due to the downturn. It's not worth contacting the government if you're not already on the supplier lists, but if you are, could be worth a call.

Can anyone else confirm that they are seeing the same?

lynzpower

This always happens between Xmas & April.

Having been on the spending side ( ie working for the governmetn) we used to use up our cash pot or else get a reduction in the following year.

For us in social services, we bought a lot of nappies, baby clothes etc. that would see us through.

Kez100

We are OK at the moment but I am concerned about whether we will be paid or not. We have always done the work first and then invoiced and a lot of our work is from people who have used us for years. As a result I do not wish to change my terms. I am sure we will have to stay on top of credit control whereas in previous years it has almost looked after itself.

I am convinced we will lose work but I inten to give the best service possible and watch our prices next year very closely. I am already thinking along the lines of no pay rises (inc me) but to offer a bonus at christmas and pay rise going forward from there if things work out OK.

Its a difficult one.

simpywimpy

sounds a good idea Kez. I don't think many people will be able to afford pay rises this year. We certainly won't be offering any more money than we do now

Kez100

Due to how expensive life was becoming last year, I gave just over 4% last year except for two staff who had passed qualifications so I gave them considerably more. Not that their job changed! I am a very small business so have to be careful and in the summer I really thought those decisions would come to bite me on the bum (although they haven't as yet). That means I am pretty stuck this year. At least life is generally getting cheaper/not increasing madly this year. I really think the christmas bonus option is all I can do; everything is so volatile.

Millie's_Mum

Diamondgirl,

a thought that occurred to me was could you offer valuations for a small fee? (or advertise that you already do so?)

I have some jewellery that i would like valued but have never got round to it, times getting tougher might just prompt me into doing it particularly if I had a leaflet through the door offering a deal on valuation?

COOLTRIKERCHICK

Kez100 wrote: »

Due to how expensive life was becoming last year, I gave just over 4% last year except for two staff who had passed qualifications so I gave them considerably more. Not that their job changed! I am a very small business so have to be careful and in the summer I really thought those decisions would come to bite me on the bum (although they haven't as yet). That means I am pretty stuck this year. At least life is generally getting cheaper/not increasing madly this year. I really think the christmas bonus option is all I can do; everything is so volatile.

Kez i am sure your staff would prefer not to have a pay rise and maybe a bonus at christmas time, than you offer a payrise that could tip the balance and end up in job cuts..

at this moment in time i honestly think pay rises are the last things on people's minds, they are hoping that they still have a job next week/ month


I have taken someone on...( starting full time in 2 weeks) and i have been open and honest saying that i can not say how long the job is for etc.. as things could change next week/month for the better or worse.

I think total honesty with staff and yourself is the key here too, as my new member of staff has also found new customers for me...:T


Just a thought if you have a shop or business within a village/town what about forming a traders group, and making a traders card etc.. so if another trader buys in your shop/business you offer x amount of discount ,and if you spend in their shop/business you will have discount

or if the traders in the group, club together and do a leaflet booklet type thing with adverts with a % discount when they bring in the advert or the booklet. this way you could get more flyrs/booklets done and would be given out to more people... more coverage... etc.


One of my Tricks;) for free advertising, which would cost you a lot is.. local radio stations.....they have guess the year type comps etc during the day.. why dont you start entering them... if you dont know the answere just gooogle it:D :cool: my business has been mentioned a few times... as i was only a small business i used to say the business name, and my name and my families name to make it sound good..lol...( well they do help out, but maybe not on that day)

think just out side of the box:money:

diamondgirl78

Millie's_Mum wrote: »

Diamondgirl,

a thought that occurred to me was could you offer valuations for a small fee? (or advertise that you already do so?)

I have some jewellery that i would like valued but have never got round to it, times getting tougher might just prompt me into doing it particularly if I had a leaflet through the door offering a deal on valuation?

Thanks for the idea Millie's Mum, yes this is something we do already - 99% of the time it is a free service (free for a verbal valuation, then a small fee if you want a printed one - that's the 1% that take it up!). I'm torn between a) wanting my customers to walk out of my shop thinking "Wow, wasn't she nice, didn't even charge me, I'll tell my friends where to come" and b) actually making some money, lol! :rotfl:

simpywimpy

It's difficult to get that balance right isn't it!

DKLS

simpywimpy wrote: »

If anyone has any cheap marketing ideas we would be very gratefuul. Radio advertising in our area costs £500, newspapers around £300.

We thought of running a charity event as a way of attracting new business but not sure where to start.

As to the advertising in local press and Radio, haggle like mad, I have just booked a two page full colour spread in an international journal, initial price quoted was over 5K, two hours of haggling and 12 emails later I have secured the space for £789 +VAT , never ever take the first price quoted.

Charity event, how about contacting a local hospice and see if you can do sponsored head shave to raise money for the hospice, and get your companies name out there, If your local paper is anything like mine, an event like that will guarantee a front page headline. See if the paper would put in a 10% discount voucher for you.