Starting a Cleaning/Dog Walking service?

passatrider

Iam thinking about starting a new cleaning/dog walking service in my local area, as Iam not having much luck job hunting. I have had extensive knowledge of self-employment as a taxi-driver so am clued-up with the tax side of it.

My initial aim is to buy some cleaning products, arrange some business insurance and start by putting some ads in some shopwindows to see how it goes? I have done some pet sitting/walking for friends over the last few years so have some experience in that field.

Any opinions or tips ??

SomeBozo

Walking and cleaning the dog is surely the first thing people stop paying for when they are skint?!

I have 3 dogs and would never pay to wash or walk them!

No offense, but surely taxi driving is a better option, I do pay for them when out and had a beer.

Bozo

passatrider

I'm afraid The taxi industry has been affected just like any other industry..Free Bus passes/Smoking ban/Pubs Closing/shops Closing. That is why I got out of it.

passatrider

When I mean cleaning..I meant houses, not dogs

onlyforboards_2

Insurance!

If you have any commuter estates market yourself to those first. They will use your services more than anyone else.
I'd still use you taxi skills, be a pet taxi; trips to the vet and what not.
Mix up the cleaning with small shopping trips.

Walk a dog locally and introduce yourself to other pet walkers. Pick the rubbish dog walking areas; small local greens are used by people who don't have time to walk their dogs. See if your local vet or pet store will let you advertise and make up some cheap flyers and post them through doors.

dacouch

Speak to your local business link they will give you free advice on setting up a business

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home?domain=www.businesslink.gov.uk&target=http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/

If you want Public Liabilty I think Fortis do a policy that can cover dog walkers and cleaners, speak to a local broker and ask them to look at fortis it will be around £80