Self employed not going to survive this

Maria2000

Boris says we are supposed to go back to work today but I have lost most of my customers 

a few of us have fallen through the net and don’t get any help

i have no choice but to consider bankruptcy due to the crisis 

I haven’t been able to pay rent where I live for April or May, if I go bankrupt now, personally not my business then I will not have the same amount of outgoing anymore.

would the official receiver let me slowly pay off my rent areas after bankruptcy?

[Deleted User]

I am self employed too so understand your thought processes and hate to hear you so despondent.

I have to say though, as self employed, our life is never the easiest route is it, we are always looking at ideas and plans to move our business forwards and it's when our life is on 'pause' that we need to do this even more.

We possess the discipline and drive that makes us succeed in the first place so draw on that and take stock, think outside the box regarding your business, look at how you can get the customers back because doing nothing will be allowing the whole thing to just collapse and you've worked too hard for that, surely ?

There are many self employed on here, speak with them, exchange ideas, learn things. 

Maria2000

Catsacor said:

I am self employed too so understand your thought processes and hate to hear you so despondent.

I have to say though, as self employed, our life is never the easiest route is it, we are always looking at ideas and plans to move our business forwards and it's when our life is on 'pause' that we need to do this even more.

We possess the discipline and drive that makes us succeed in the first place so draw on that and take stock, think outside the box regarding your business, look at how you can get the customers back because doing nothing will be allowing the whole thing to just collapse and you've worked too hard for that, surely ?

There are many self employed on here, speak with them, exchange ideas, learn things. 

Thanks so much

i have lost so much, everything really. But I know I’m not alone 

I can’t get customers back until the hospitality industry opens up again if it ever will

even then the world has now changed so much I doubt I could ever earn a living the same way

some are saying lockdown will be on and off again for 18 months or more all around the world

suki1964

Many of us who have relied on the hospitality trade have moved over to supplying the public, is that something you could do?

[Deleted User]

Okay, instead of thinking about getting those customers back why not think about how you could entice a different set of them ?
Think outside the box, how else could you serve people ?
Whilst your mind and brain are in a state of sheer panic you'll not have the ability to think ideas through; make lists, dissect them, make more …….  see each and every angle, only when your mind is calm can you claw, then wade, your way through the maze of panic.😘

calcotti

Maria2000 said:...a few of us have fallen through the net and don’t get any help

Just to check - have you looked at Universal Credit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/. 

There are online calculators to help you assess entitlement  https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Be aware that claiming UC will end any Tax Credits, Housing Benefit or other means tested benefits you currently get.

You will be excluded from UC if you have savings over £16,000.

You may also be able to claim Council Tax Reduction from your local council.

If you are part of a couple you both have to claim and assessed on your joint circumstances.

[Deleted User]

The hospitality industry is stuck in a place of uncertainty at the moment and it will take along time to pick up, but as others have said, can you not change the direction of your business or focus on a different type of customer base? There is a way out of this but at the moment it also involves thinking outside the box and trying to find new ideas. I too am self employed but not working within your industry and there is light at the end of the tunnel for many. Its not just self employed struggling but unfortunately the help offered to some self employed is limited. 

Grumpy_chap

Hello Maria, maybe it would be helpful if you head over to the debt-free-wannabees forum and share you SoA for more detailed and constructive advice.

Maria2000

Grumpy_chap said:

Hello Maria, maybe it would be helpful if you head over to the debt-free-wannabees forum and share you SoA for more detailed and constructive advice.

Thanks I will

harryharry305

Daveym79 said:

The hospitality industry is stuck in a place of uncertainty at the moment and it will take along time to pick up, but as others have said, can you not change the direction of your business or focus on a different type of customer base? There is a way out of this but at the moment it also involves thinking outside the box and trying to find new ideas. I too am self employed but not working within your industry and there is light at the end of the tunnel for many. Its not just self employed struggling but unfortunately the help offered to some self employed is limited. 

I just don’t know how any business in the hospitality or holiday industry can survive all this?

most businesses in the world are not going to survive this catastrophe 

kingfisherblue

harryharry305 said:

Daveym79 said:

The hospitality industry is stuck in a place of uncertainty at the moment and it will take along time to pick up, but as others have said, can you not change the direction of your business or focus on a different type of customer base? There is a way out of this but at the moment it also involves thinking outside the box and trying to find new ideas. I too am self employed but not working within your industry and there is light at the end of the tunnel for many. Its not just self employed struggling but unfortunately the help offered to some self employed is limited. 

I just don’t know how any business in the hospitality or holiday industry can survive all this?

most businesses in the world are not going to survive this catastrophe 

In my area, some pus that previously served food have set up as takeaways. One has set up as a shop for vulnerable people, with a price list on FB. Local rugby players (both amateur and professional) and local lad Johnny Vegas are among the volunteers - they usually deliver within an hour of ordering. The same pub advertises picnic boxes and afternoon teas, which seem to be proving popular. At the weekend, they opened a drive through, with burgers, hotdogs, etc (but posher than the fast food chains).

Other local pubs and cafes are also offering takeaway foods, including proper meals such as shepherd's pie. Other shops, including butchers and greengrocers, are now offering delivery. One shop, known for it's dairy products, meat, and amazing sandwiches (always made fresh to order, exactly as you like, and with attention to detail) is also offering delivery. Many of them advertise on FB, and they seem to be surviving. They have changed the way they work, and will hopefully survive after lockdown.