Wanting to start a business, but my credit history is very poor

topaztiger1983

Ok i have decided to go with the eBay selling and Dog Walking/Pet Sitting Service, i have a customer who has also asked if I would now her lawn every 2 weeks for an extra £15

I have arranged some insurance, with a pet business insurance company (Public Liability, Care, Custody or Control, Personal Indemnity & Loss of Keys etc.)

I may even include the gardening in my business plan

Topaz Pet & Garden Services/Supplies not sure on services or supplies currently

Thanks

TT

saker75

OP has been very impressive with his perseverance and resilience in the past.

Another Avenue might be to hire a market stall for a few weeks and see what trade you get. Good way to speak to customers and identify particular niche needs. I don't know if that is workable from a carer perspective.

I buy my dog food online direct from the manufacturer. I would save a few pounds on the same product by buying through Amazon but prefer to support the small manufacturer instead.

I hire a dog Walker. She has a van with all the cages etc and is incredibly professional. And my dog always comes back happy and tired. She also has back up walkers, familiar with the dogs, to take over when she goes on holiday.

BrassicWoman

crossing my fingers for you, you surely deserve some luck!

iammumtoone

I would go with

Topaz Pet & Garden Services.

This way your customers associate you with the services which you will be able to provide with little outlay. Once they get to know you thorough that you can mention that you do supplies as well, they will be more likely to buy from you if they know your through the services first. Also if the supplies side doesn't work out as its higher risk then you can just concentrate on the services.

Good Luck.

gycraig_2

From experience this won't work out the way you want it to. Exes parents did it great location good contacts in the horse world selling pet food horse accessories etc.

End result was her mum grafting 12 hours a day barely making a profit for years when they undercut the big stores the big stores complained to the supplier who knew which business they would rather keep.

Nearlyold

I would say just stick with the dog walking, pet sitting etc. not the pet supplies. Although it takes a while, if you build a good customer base you won't need to do anything else - you won't have time.

topaztiger1983

Yes I am going to concentrate more on the services side, and may offer some supplies later on

JReacher1

OP I remember from your previous posts that you are a hard worker which is great if you plan are starting your own business.

I would set up a Facebook page offering dog walking. Once you have some money saved you can then expand the business and really grow it. One of my friends started off as a dog walker, then moved into a dog crèche and now employs a staff of 8 and runs a very successful business. The trick is to slowly build things up and not go straight into the ambitious final plan.

Good luck.

topaztiger1983

I already have a facebook page set up and I have my first customer, who wants me to do some garden services before walking the dogs, so I can get to know the dogs as they don't always ntrust other people

saker75

OP
Have you looked for start-up loans? They are government backed for those wanting to start a business. Your local council may have advice on this.