Business Name Dilemma Help

amateursaver77

Hello,
As the warmer weather :rotfl:approaches this has lead me on to developing my idea further to start a small gardening business (part-time for a little extra to be earnt). It will be basics such as clearances, lawns, hedges, weeding etc. I am working on my own and am not keen on calling the business a name such as "Flower Garden Services" etc as I always think that I prefer this kind of business to have a proper name. My own first name is not too popular so I thought about calling it after my son. He has a nice name and that way if he has any interest when he get's older then he can have a go, or not perhaps.

Anyway I can't decide whether to use just a first name, or both names in the business name. For example, either "Harry's Garden Services" or use both names like "Harry Morgan Garden Services". I don't want the name to sound unprofessional at all, but also I don't want it to sound to corporate. All feedback good or bad would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

LutonGirl

My friend's Dad named his plumbing business with a name beginning with "A" so it would be at the top of any alphabetical listings. Probably not so relevant in these days of t'internet, but it is a consideration.

Wywth

LutonGirl wrote: »

My friend's Dad named his plumbing business with a name beginning with "A" so it would be at the top of any alphabetical listings. Probably not so relevant in these days of t'internet, but it is a consideration.

Only problem is that he is still beaten by AA, AAA AAAA .... AAAAAAAAAAAA1, etc

So call yourself AAAAAAAAAAAAA1 Garden Services and you'll be top of the list in Yellow Pages ... assuming someone doesn't then call themselves AAAAAAAAAAAAAA1 Garden Services.

I'll leave it up to the OP as to how professional that looks :cool:

Bob the Builder seemed to make it ok ...

quinechinoise

Use your surname e.g. Smith's Garden Services. When people call up, they'll be talking to Mr Smith. I think it always inspires confidence when you're dealing with the man who's name is actually over the door.

amateursaver77

Thanks. I thought both names but wasn't sure. Thanks again.

HappyMJ

amateursaver77 wrote: »

Thanks. I thought both names but wasn't sure. Thanks again.

I'd go with just your surname. As you say if your kids like the business then they could take it over and no change of name would be necessary.

ChiefGrasscutter

I'd also go with the surname.
..and make sure you give a landline contact number on any adverts.

Anything that says Joe's gardening service and only give a mobile is going to be written off by many potential customers as a dodgy tax evading enterprise who doesn't have a waste licence for transporting stuff to the dump - whereupon the householder who employed them is going to get fined...etc.

quinechinoise

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

I'd also go with the surname.
..and make sure you give a landline contact number on any adverts.

Anything that says Joe's gardening service and only give a mobile is going to be written off by many potential customers as a dodgy tax evading enterprise who doesn't have a waste licence for transporting stuff to the dump - whereupon the householder who employed them is going to get fined...etc.

Hmm, I'm a bit split on that one. I think so long as an actual physical address is given, then it doesn't matter whether you have a landline or cell phone number. Most people use cell phones these days. I place more cred on being able to google the location than knowing what type of phone they use. In fact... some tradesmen and contractors text you these days! A cell phone is a good thing.

And just a website address is on par with a phone number i.e. not enough. You need to give a postal address to inspire confidence.

Annisele

I'd also go with the surname.

Unless you're talking about setting up a limited company, you're going to be "amateursaver77 trading as BusinessName" anyway.

If your name is Albert Smith and your son's name is Bernard Smith, then (IMO) "Albert Smith trading as Bernard Smith Garden Services" looks a bit odd. "Albert Smith t/a Albert Smith Garden Services" is much easier to understand.

amateursaver77

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

I'd also go with the surname.
..and make sure you give a landline contact number on any adverts.

Anything that says Joe's gardening service and only give a mobile is going to be written off by many potential customers as a dodgy tax evading enterprise who doesn't have a waste licence for transporting stuff to the dump - whereupon the householder who employed them is going to get fined...etc.

My thoughts exactly. I definitely feel more confident seeing an actual person's name rather than an item - in my case - something like "Buttercup Gardening" or "Sunflower Garden Services" etc may sound ok, but doesn't let any potential customer's know exactly who they are dealing with. And I am in complete agreement about the landline - much better than a mobile number.

MothballsWallet

Once you get going and can afford it, some mobile networks offer a business contract that also has a local area landline number for your customers to call you on, but it's actually mapped to your mobile.

I remember Orange for one offering this as an option for business customers.