Anyone else unemployed and setting up their own business?

WantToBeSE

Hi.

I have been unemployed for a few months now, and am having real problems with childcare in my area (i'm a single mum, with no support from family). I've applied for loads of jobs, but (understandably) not been offered any term time only positions.

I cant stay unemployed, so have decided to try and set up my own cleaning business.
I have carried out lots of research, ordered my business cards and leaflets etc.

I am just wondering if anyone else in in the same/similar position? It would be nice to share ideas, support each other and generally discuss the steps to become SE and setting up your own business, with someone, as lots of people seem to think i am CRAZY!

sniggings

sounds a good idea and one I have thought about.

WantToBeSE

Do you mind me asking why you didnt go through with it sniggings?
I think i'll be a bit bumpy to start with, as i am concerned about finances etc.

sniggings

mainly the transition from benefits and paid wages, I have no saving at all, so my money stopped for a week or months whilst the benefit people work out how much I should be getting because I told them I just worked for 2 hours last week would cause a lot of problems.

Plus the lack of knowledge on where to advertise, get work from etc but I guess that can be found out.

Where are you sourcing your work from? is it just ads in local windows, an hour here and there or something else?

WantToBeSE

Thanks for the reply.
Yes, that's exactly my concern, especially in regards to housing benefit, which is why i am setting a date in advance to open up for business.

My plan is to start advertising in shop windows, local papers, local gazettes and free papers that get dropped through the door. Also, i have ordered some business cards and flyers from vistaprint, and will be taking my kids out on a mass delivery in the local (and wider) area.

I have also signed up to Outset, which arrange free workshops for those wanting to set up a business.

Its pretty scary, as i only have VERY small savings (like £500), so i want to make sure i have the clients before starting.

nyc_451

Are you planning to charge much more than private cleaners who don't pay taxes? Just curious

ILW

Best of luck.

WantToBeSE

blue_mango wrote: »

Are you planning to charge much more than private cleaners who don't pay taxes? Just curious

I am planning to charge the average price (around here, anyway) of £8.50 per hour.

The agencies here charge £12-£14 an hour, and 'private cleaners' anywhere from £7.50p/h - £10p/h.

And i will obviously be paying taxes as i'll be registering as a sole trader with the HMRC.

nyc_451

WantToBeSE wrote: »

I am planning to charge the average price (around here, anyway) of £8.50 per hour.

The agencies here charge £12-£14 an hour, and 'private cleaners' anywhere from £7.50p/h - £10p/h.

And i will obviously be paying taxes as i'll be registering as a sole trader with the HMRC.

So you are planning to charge very little, I think But up to you. Hope you will find nice people to work for - I was quite picky but never regretted that. Met some people who were paying me more than I asked for, others were patiently waiting for me learn how to clean and iron properly, and all those presents, chats and interest in helping me - amazing experience, will always remember them. But as I said, I never agreed to work for someone who seemed demanding and not willing to pay enough, it especially applies to some nationalities.

DCFC79

Ive thought about it but its what area of work I went into.

WantToBeSE

blue_mango wrote: »

So you are planning to charge very little, I think But up to you. Hope you will find nice people to work for - I was quite picky but never regretted that. Met some people who were paying me more than I asked for, others were patiently waiting for me learn how to clean and iron properly, and all those presents, chats and interest in helping me - amazing experience, will always remember them. But as I said, I never agreed to work for someone who seemed demanding and not willing to pay enough, it especially applies to some nationalities.

I think i will be picky to a certain extent, but i cant afford to be too picky.

What do you mean DCFC79?