im thinking of going self employed in april/may in northern england,im just would like some feed back from other members on how much it would be to set up,and stories,is it the right time with the country in recession.thanks
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im thinking of going self employed in april/may in northern england,im just would like some feed back from other members on how much it would be to set up,and stories,is it the right time with the country in recession.thanks
airconboy,
if you do a search on here this topic has been covered a few and there are some great threads
good luck
There are quite of lot of interesting answer and comments here....;)
http://www.refrigeration-engineer.co...ad.php?t=11114
Wow, what colour is the sky in your world?
Multisync
London
Another great question my British friend.... especially with economies all over the globe in the toilet right now. Obviously I have no clue as to what is working there in the UK but I will give you some advice that works no matter what part of the world you are in. (1) Stay away from any type of new construction. You will be helping to finance the project, then the next and the next. PLUS, you will have to chase people to get your money. (2) Get paid for what you do, when you are done doing it. You dont go to Wal Mart and tell them to "bill you", so dont let that trap get in your way. (3) Believe with all your heart that Preventative Maintenance Agreements make lifelong customers!! This will bring you guaranteed income when they renew... will bring you service calls... and this will bring you replacements when necessary. (4) and my last piece of advice.... "under promise and over deliver". Best of luck to you.Quote:
Originally Posted by superswill
Wise words from someone that is experienced obviously including from much trial and error! I especially like the advice on Preventative contracts. Get a template (I can send you one if you PM me) and make sure for every install you put your client on a contract - benefits for client: prolong the equipments life, reduce breakdowns / inconvenience, client will be contacted every 6 months (make sure you have a system of how to keep track of this - specialised software can be purchased eg clik software or you can use outlook or basic CMS software programs), client gets preferencial rates on labour, and preference on response / breakdowns when they occur.Quote:
Originally Posted by covertaire
Benefits for you? Well, if you do your maths and you can count you will see why. Your work is also forecasted so you can plan and budget ahead. eg: you do your first 5 installations and each install has an average of 4 fan coils...If you charge £250 - £300 per site on 2 maint visits per year, you can forecast up to £3000 that year on the 5 installs (supposing each client is put on an aggreement). Ofcourse this can grow and grow providing you are consistent and good at what you do. Now you can see why this is especially good advice (dont neglect the other words of wisdom;)) and yes it will keep your customers loyal providing you look after them. In regards to whether it is the right time for you? well only you know that or you will need to ask your self objectively and evaluate how much work you can immediatley take on board and how much savings vs costs you have to hedge the rish on going alone. If you want any advice dont hesitate to pm me and ill be happy to speak to you on skype, Good luck!
I have to say that for me; it has been a REWARD working for myself. I had MOST the equipent and SURE I spend money; have a NICE truck and clean-up after myself, In fact I hired a guy "part-time".Quote:
Originally Posted by airconboy
HERE IS MY PROBLEM = I continually get customers that TRY and burn me AFTER I have done some work for them; ESPECIALLY the restaurant owner.
WHAT IS IT WITH THOSE A$$HOLES in restaurants? Is it because they charge the SAME for the same burger they make, or the SAME 1/4 pound of french fries they fry?
MAN!,I have to take the Chinese Lady to small claims court!
WHO can send me a document; I can have a new customer sign to explain to them:
1. I WORK ON TIME-
2. EVERY JOB IS DIFFERENT-
IF YOU DONT PAY,I WILL COME AFTER YOU?
Does anyone have a document they get the customer to sign? SELL ME A COPY even?
Thanks.........
3.
Doing the job is the easy part....
Very wise words!Quote:
Originally Posted by r.bartlett
I have had 2 businesses and lost them! (Both due to recession.)
Basically you can have all the work you could want.
BUT if no-one pays you or drags out payment..
Unless you have deep pockets or family can support you...
It's called Cash Flow!
Get it right and there is no better feeling than grafting for yourself!
It's one big dilemma and if it was easy everyone would be doing it.
But good luck anyway.
Grizzly
Can only suggest COD, quite common here in the commercial sector. So much to be on site, then an estimate cost, then payment at the end of work.
New clients, get them to sign a personal gaurentee agreement, if they want credit account.
Cafes and the like come and go like weather changes, never to be seen again.
You will lose less money by staying away than spending money on materials then not getting paid.