SB Starting cleaning business

Mrsbojangles_2

:)Hi all, well after months of trying to find a job that fits in around school hours and where you don't have to work weekends or evenings I GIVE UP :-/ So today I have printed up some leaflets off my pc, I am offering a cleaning, ironing, dogwalking service Thing is I haven't a clue where to look for insurance and how much and when to get it? Also need advice on NI and tax contributions, can anyone help me?

Thank you ;D

vansboy

Think you'd be best to work for an agency, of some kind.

All the hassle of tax/insurance/accounts for just part time, will do your head in!!

Check Yellow Pages or local press & chat to cleaning contractors there.


VB

JayneH_3

Have a look on the thread further down 'How to start a Business", it gives tax information, and business link references. Business Link are a very good place to start, because they give FREE advice, very helpful when you start up. Good Luck!

Savvy_Sue

Think you'd be best to work for an agency, of some kind.

All the hassle of tax/insurance/accounts for just part time, will do your head in!!

Check Yellow Pages or local press & chat to cleaning contractors there.

Insurance may do Mrs B's head in, but tax and accounts for part-time fitted around school hours shouldn't be too taxing - not after you've done everything else a wife and mother needs to do! Links suggested would be useful. Best of luck. Agency to start with would have the advantage of sparing you having to negotiate direct with clients which can be tricky - but you're worth it! (Almost certainly.)
;D

Mrsbojangles_2

:oWell I got my first customer today!! I have only put two leaflets in a local village post office and the drycleaners, a lady has phoned today wanting 5 hours a week doing, I have to go and see her tomorrow.

Well I have lost my bottle now and starting to panic!!

bridiej

Dont worry - you'll be fine!!

It's always nerve wracking when you speak to the first few clients, but you'll soon get used to it.

I havent been to Business Link yet but I'm sure you'll find it handy to have a chat with them.

Good luck!!!

Savvy_Sue

:oWell I got my first customer today!! I have only put two leaflets in a local village post office and the drycleaners, a lady has phoned today wanting 5 hours a week doing, I have to go and see her tomorrow.

Well I have lost my bottle now and starting to panic!!

[glow=green,2,300]Don't panic! [/glow]
The day before I started a full-time job for the first time in 12 years, I went into a complete funk about where to get off the bus, how to find my way to my new job, where to catch the bus to come home etc etc etc. I had to tell myself very clearly that if my 12 year old son could catch buses to and from school in a strange city on his own, so could I. ;D

You can do this. You know you can. All the best.

vansboy

Well Done!!

Make sure you confirm the 5 hours is realistic - remember an hour a day could easily strtch to an hour & 1/4, 'cos of an awkward job!!

You'll need to confirm whats expected to be done VERY clearley - get something down on paper, is a good idea - both with a signed copy.

That will make you look even more professional!!

VB

JayneH_3

Well done!!

Take along a notepad, and get everything down in writing there and then. You can make it into an official document later, but at least you have a record of what was agreed at the time. If it could be something other than a bic biro and kids notepad it might look a little more professional!

Mrsbojangles_2

:)Aww thanks everyone for your support, lets hope I can do this, I have got a clipboard and will make sure I have a nice pen, not an old chewed up one, that you have to shake to work ::)

Would you say £6 an hour is a fair price to ask, I wouldn't like to overcharge anyone?

vansboy

£???? / hour.

Phone around - see what everone else wants!!

DON'T make the mistake of being TOO cheap, you'll not make enough money & then have to go back & ask for a rise!!

VB