NARPS to join or not to join?

Charityworker

Some of you may have seen in past threads that I am in the process of setting up a pet sitting business. I've had a few customers so far and I've only been going for 2 weeks.

I'm in 2 minds whether to join NARPS. National association of registered pet sitters. It costs £149 for the first year then £50 every year after. I was just wondering what your opinions were on that. Do you think it will make me look more credible or do you think it's a catch penny?

paddyrg

Depends rather what it includes. If any old numpty can join without being able to demonstrate skill, quality, etc then it is meaningless. If it means an assessment plus being advertised by them plus insurance (for instance) then it's a bargain.

Charityworker

Well it's a bit of both. Anyone can join it but it entitles you to cheap insurance, all the paperwork you need free, legal advise and advertising on their website.

Savvy_Sue

Are there any alternatives?

I'd also consider it alongside things like the FSB - a 'compare and contrast' exercise on their services might be useful.

But the access to a national website (if it works well) could be useful. I don't have pets, but if I did, and didn't know where to look for a pet sitter, then presumably googling pet sitter would bring them up.

actually, I've just googled pet sitter uk and guess what ... not on page 1. I'd see what other organisations are out there first, definitely.

paulwf

I've just had a look at their site as I haven't come across them before.

I don't think the consumer promotion side of things is important, I doubt many people have heard of these trade organisations or care what you are affiliated to. However it does look like they provide lots of forms and support and that will save you a lot of time and make sure you have proper systems in place, there are probably things you haven't even thought about. It's hard to judge value for money but there's a lot worse things you could spend your money on. Perhaps a good use of £150 when setting up then don't bother renewing when you have all your systems in place?

colino

Most trade bodies are self righteous money-makers for the founders with little to offer, other than annual invoices. It's pretty unlikely you will get referrals or even credibility from future, potential customers for having their logo on your letterheads.
Once established, by all means set up your own trade body, it will be a handy extra income.

aandp_2

I started my pet sitting business last Sept I didn`t join them and have not regretted it.

I have insurance, a good website, and wrote my own contracts, forms.

I know a lot of pet sitters and not one has joined them!!!

Their is a good book on starting your own pet minding business - can`t remember it at present but will re-post when I do:rotfl:

Charityworker

Thanks for all your advice.

Pawfection

I have been a member of NarpsUK for over two years now and i couldn't have grown my business to where it is now without them. The best thing for me is the members database where i keep my clients details, bookings, calendar, schedule and send out my invoices to clients - its brilliant and included in the yearly renewal fee of £49.99 and also the members forum which could never be replicated, whenever I have a dilemma about anything to do with my business or the pets or clients the other members are great.
You also get a 7 page mini website of your own (your own url) so its not just about credibility. Go to thier home page click on the tab that says 'what do i get if i join' and read through everything you get :T

Mumti1970

I hope you didn't join NARPS! i've spent some time researching the things they covered when I first started my business and then realised I could do it all myself for half the price. And noone's ever heard of them anyway, you're better of doing it yourself and saving yourself a lot of money!

Charityworker

To be honest that looks extremely expensive. I have been doing all the advertising and paperwork myself for nearly a year now and have found it to be a lot cheaper than this and we are getting a lot of bookings. I think I'll leave the joining of an organisation for now - I'm doing alright on my own thanks.