Just gone self employed - Any advice

[marktommo]

Hey guys,
I have just gone self-employed and started out on my own.

I was wondering if you can give me a tips or the do's and don'ts when starting out.

I suppose any advice you wish you would have got when starting out.

Thanks in advance

 

[Chuck]

I suppose any advice you wish you would have got when starting out.

Get a notebook and then type 'self employed' into the search box for this site and spend a couple of hours taking notes.

 

[king of pipes]

Get yourself a diary and keep a record of the work you do daily , keep on top of the paperwork side of things with regular invoicing you need cash flow through the business, i tend to get my customers to buy the large items though my account this keeps my turn over lower avoiding vat it doesn't take long to get to that point. Best of luck . Kop

 

[Murdoch]

Written clear estimates or quotes that define what you are doing with clarity so the customer knows what they are getting and importantly anything you are expecting them to get or do.

Never pick a fight with a customer in your early years over half an hour or a few small parts.

You want happy customers that pay your bills and recommend you.

And finally don't under sell yourself. Being SE include s overheads and no sick or holiday pay.

PS don't forget to save for your tax and NI. I do this every month by buying premium bonds

 

[oz-plumber]

Don't take shortcuts.
Don't try to be too cheap.

Regularly do job breakdowns on quotes you've done for jobs and see how much / little you've made.
Constantly check how much goes into your pocket after all the quoted expenses and other item you didn't include.
Cross refernce that with the amount of time you spent on the job to get an hourly rate.

 

[Scott_D]

Try and set a price structure and stick to it.
First hour, additional hours, half day and full day.
Set a price for common jobs.
It’s easy to end up working for nothing.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Don’t leave site without payment

 

[exedon2]

Certainly keep on top of the paperwork learn how to negotiate with merchants they will do deals!
Don't dismiss the idea of doing some labour only subcontracting till you build up your business.

 

[PETE 123]

Good insurance
Ltd company protection may help.
Not a good time to go out on your own but good luck.

 

[rpm]

Be ready for those happy, smiley, my best mate type customers turning into wild foaming at the mouth animals at any time.

 

[townfanjon]

Great advice in all the posts above ^^^^^ , I hope you are ready for it because if you think you have worked hard before .... you haven’t , believe me !!!