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Out of work and out of money!
Comments
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lincroft1710 wrote: »From memory, Tinwell has a population of about 200. It virtually adjoins Stamford which probably now has a population of 20.000 plus. Large cement works about a mile away.
Stamford is possibly a reasonable target market then depending on the types of businesses that it has.
The problem is that the target market for remote office services is quite small. Accountants, solicitors, doctors etc would not be interested due to the legalities of confidential information, so that really only leaves the tradesmen and they often use their OHs as admin.
@OP -- your website hints at offering accounting services - are you a qualified accountant? Or do you just mean bookkeeping?
- Do you have Professional Indemnity Insurance?
- You say you distributed flyers - what type of businesses did you deliver them to?
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They haven't been getting any money from me since just before Christmas, but my Mum has had her hours cut so is in need of the extra money.Ask your parents if you can pay a smaller amount.
To be honest, £60 seems a bit greedy, specially since you are out of work. There is no way the extra costs to the household would be this much.
Just to clarify, I haven't been specifically targeting Tinwell, the business got the name because it's based in Tinwell. The flyering was done in Stamford targeting all the business's I could find premises for and an A6 colour advert was run in the Stamford Mercury back in October.Stamford is possibly a reasonable target market then depending on the types of businesses that it has.
The problem is that the target market for remote office services is quite small. Accountants, solicitors, doctors etc would not be interested due to the legalities of confidential information, so that really only leaves the tradesmen and they often use their OHs as admin.
@OP -- your website hints at offering accounting services - are you a qualified accountant? Or do you just mean bookkeeping?
- Do you have Professional Indemnity Insurance?
- You say you distributed flyers - what type of businesses did you deliver them to?
The accounting is in fact bookkeeping, and of year filing, CIS, and other related work. This is handled by my Mum as that's what she's been doing for a living for the past 20 years.
The business is really aimed at small one man bands who don't know how to or don't want to handle their own paperwork, but I do believe there is a market out there with larger firms who don't have the space or don't wish to employ an extra person yet still have excess work to be done.0 -
Evaluate : pull the current website offline, keep the domain url, get pens paper and crayon s and brainstorm... etc., etc.thegirlintheattic wrote: »I agree the website is shocking, especially for someone who mentions on their first page that they can build the client a website!
I agree with the above 100%. To be honest, and I think you are asking for this rather than 'fluffiness' as you need to get an income sorted; that website is terrible and VERY unattractive. The contrast of the black and dark blue/purple stings my eyes if I look long enough while clicking your endless and random links. Get it sorted ASAP (tips already provided by others)DJKris2010 wrote: »...but I do believe there is a market out there with larger firms who don't have the space or don't wish to employ an extra person yet still have excess work to be done.
My idea of what you mean by "larger firms" will not be impressed by that website in its current state and personally, if my admin was going to be represented (and you offer formatting, I notice) like that (remember that your website is your shop window), then I would look elsewhere.
Not trying to be mean, just truthful
"Part P" is not, and has never been, an accredited electrical qualification. It is a Building Regulation. No one can be "Part P qualified."
Forum posts are not legal advice; are for educational and discussion purposes only, and are not a substitute for proper consultation with a competent, qualified advisor.0 -
DJKris2010 wrote: »The flyering was done in Stamford targeting all the business's I could find premises for and an A6 colour advert was run in the Stamford Mercury back in October.
That marketing approach has obviously not worked then if it only generated 1 client. The problem with flyers is that it is very easy for people to just chuck them in the bin.
How about being pro-active, identify the type of business that you think is most likely to benefit from your services. Then try and physically get in front of the owners, explain your services and how they could benefit them. The benefit of actually speaking to your potential clients is you can gauge whether there is a market for what you're offering and also whether your charges are realistic.DJKris2010 wrote: »The accounting is in fact bookkeeping, and of year filing, CIS, and other related work. This is handled by my Mum as that's what she's been doing for a living for the past 20 years.
As I said before - does she have PI insurance? One mistake in someone's returns could lead to a hefty claim being made agains your mother.0 -
slapping up a website sayin 70 quid a hour kids party dont impress people to book you, be described on what you do, get reviews when your business takes off
Potential client: "So, are you going to be getting my admin done by the deadline I asked for, or am I going to have to wait an extra day at the last minute because you have a booking for a children's party just come in this morning?"
ETA: I notice also that on Googling your web address, this thread is close to the top of page 2... Maybe remove the link now from your first post, if not too late?"Part P" is not, and has never been, an accredited electrical qualification. It is a Building Regulation. No one can be "Part P qualified."
Forum posts are not legal advice; are for educational and discussion purposes only, and are not a substitute for proper consultation with a competent, qualified advisor.0 -
I'm afraid that side of things I really have very little knowledge of and leave in her hands as she is the one with the experience.As I said before - does she have PI insurance? One mistake in someone's returns could lead to a hefty claim being made agains your mother.
You're correct about the marketing approach not working though.0 -
Well there is food, elec, gas etc - It all adds up. If you have a light on, laptop (lloking for work) it's all using power you would not be using if you were at work.Ask your parents if you can pay a smaller amount.
To be honest, £60 seems a bit greedy, specially since you are out of work. There is no way the extra costs to the household would be this much.
I know our electricty is about £30 a week and gas will prob be £150 for the next qtr and we have no heating!We’ve had to remove your signature. Please check the Forum Rules if you’re unsure why it’s been removed and, if still unsure, email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com0 -
DJKris2010 wrote: »They haven't been getting any money from me since just before Christmas, but my Mum has had her hours cut so is in need of the extra money.
Just to clarify, I haven't been specifically targeting Tinwell, the business got the name because it's based in Tinwell. The flyering was done in Stamford targeting all the business's I could find premises for and an A6 colour advert was run in the Stamford Mercury back in October.
The accounting is in fact bookkeeping, and of year filing, CIS, and other related work. This is handled by my Mum as that's what she's been doing for a living for the past 20 years. Oh and companies who use this business aren't 1 man bands but v small businesses eg my boss employees 5 people total.
The business is really aimed at small one man bands who don't know how to or don't want to handle their own paperwork, but I do believe there is a market out there with larger firms who don't have the space or don't wish to employ an extra person yet still have excess work to be done.
You could or should target a specific sector eg legal. Company I work for we have a bookkeeper who does only legal bookkeeping. Yes it's specialist, yes she and her husband had to build it up but it's grown, they employ 3 part timers, and owners daughter is coming in to run business as she's having 1st baby next year moving back near parents and her mum wants to semi retire or cut days I think.
Anyway makes healthy, manageable turnover. The husband does the IT side.0 -
To reiterate what others have said about cost - way too high!
I do bookkeeping and other admin work for a few small businesses, and whilst I charge on a per task basis, it equates to approx £6 per hour. Not enough to live off, but not my main source of income. I know several other people that offer the same services as me, for around the same rates. You need to ask what makes you worth so much more money - and I doubt there is anything.
To look at another of your costs, a mail shot "stuffed" and posted by you costs £1. The stamp costs 60p (less if you have access to a franking machine), and a stamp a few pence. Your mark up is 35p per mail shot. Why would someone pay such an amount for something they could do themselves, or even ask their kids to do for them?0 -
chelle_bell wrote: »Have you tried doing an online tax credits calculation? You might be suprised. Go to HMRC website, you'll find the link on there somewhere (gimmie a shout if you cant find it, I have the link saved)
The OP will not be entitled to WTC unless working thirty hours each week.DJKris2010 wrote: »I'm afraid that side of things I really have very little knowledge of and leave in her hands as she is the one with the experience.
Your business, your responsibility - if someone wants to sue, it will be you they go for.0
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