Starting up a New Business !!

vipulkhanna

Hello Everyone!!
I am Computer professional and Planning to start up an Computer repair business not Sure How to go about it.
At the moment I just get random one or two jobs .but I would like to go ahead with a proper website,distibuting Adverts and visiting cards and get more professional.

Could someone please suggest me how to go about it w.r.t. informing HMRC ,getting a VAT or setting up a business account.

Do I have to pay tax even if I don't cross a particular threshhold in the first year or so?

Also I am not sure weather it will be a Sole trader or a limited company.

One more thing in my mind is is that I Can I use the same business to open a bisuness account on Ebay or do they have to be seperate..

Sorry for this long message ..but I am confused and any help would be much appriciated..
thanks in advance everyone...

Vip

savemoney

Before you do see the long thread on this

PC Repair Business - Hints and tips (1 2 3 ... Last Page)

badmumof1

far too many at it these days

Savvy_Sue

and look at businesslink site which should ease your confusion.

motorguy

badmumof1 wrote: »

far too many at it these days

and 99% of them not paying tax and running off a pay-as-you-go mobile so will be uncutting the O/P by a mile

vipulkhanna

Thanks Everyone for the advice..
I will have a look through!!

bonkers1_2

I still think there is a market for pc help and repairs, I live on an estate for example and there are always people asking for my advice on simple issues, they phone up customer service for broadband set up/ router help or complain when they have wiped their system by mistake etc. these are small, but panicky issues people have, you could have a local surgery or Q and A session or pop around locally to help people with these types of issues under a PC coaching/teaching session for over 55's for example - you could offer reduced rates for people on low incomes, if you've got the business cards you could hand one to a friend that always asks for you to help for free - so even if they don't buy your service they might let others know. You could also start a local affiliate program via voucher codes - like 'refer a friend' - you can set up a facebook business page for free, that is as good as a website these days - you can also invite friends to visit it, so it looks like you are popular

Ebay is just another venue to market your core business, you can also join other revenue streams/ advertise other products under the self employed umbrella. I'd say go self employed first - it's less paper work, and unless you are really lucky, you are unlikely to earn enough money to make it worth a LTD tag, you can brand your self as an expert.

CharlieBilly

There may be always people asking but that dont mean they will pay the going rate not even anywhere near it, I tried it for pin money it was dire, better of doing bar work and far LESS aggravation. People ring you up and expect things done now

motorguy

CharlieBilly wrote: »

There may be always people asking but that dont mean they will pay the going rate not even anywhere near it, I tried it for pin money it was dire, better of doing bar work and far LESS aggravation. People ring you up and expect things done now

Yup.

Ringing up for advice compared to being charged £30 per hour is a very long way apart in 99.9% of the populations mind.

People generally have a friend or family member who will fumble through getting their PC sorted out for them. If they cant do it, then they always seem to expect an 'IT Professional' to be doing it for peanuts or for the love of it - and resent you when you present them with a bill.