Help A Lost Sole Trader Starting Out

[Oxford]

Get your mates to get some quotes from locals

I think that could be the key to finding out local prices, I never thought of that!

For the people who don't think it's a good idea for a one man security centre starting up at this time, I really do appreciate what you are saying trying to offer your advice but I am going to do this and do my damnedest to make it work!!

Any other thoughts on how I can structure my pricing and structure contracts, specifically focusing on callout/ first hour charging and standard/ comp customers.

[A-G]

I think that could be the key to finding out local prices, I never thought of that!

I don't aprove of that. It's an unfair waste of their time.

Any other thoughts on how I can structure my pricing and structure contracts, specifically focusing on callout/ first hour charging and standard/ comp customers.

I started by advertising in local papers, but it ain't cheap. Cost me about £6k in year one.

[Oxford]

I don't aprove of that. It's an unfair waste of their time.

I started by advertising in local papers, but it ain't cheap. Cost me about £6k in year one.

I have looked in to local paper advertising and it's far more costly than one might think.

And most of the local installers round here are rough scumbags anyways!

[PeterJames]

I don't aprove of that. It's an unfair waste of their time.

Id agree with that, but a few phone calls doesn't take up that much time, Ive lost count how many times its been done to me.

There will never be a good time to start a new business, whats the worse that can happen? For me the worse that could happen was lose my house, all my savings, but Id rather that than get to 70 and be thinking what if. You wont get put into jail and be buggered by a big fat hairy bruiser for failing in business (I checked with my solicitor) so I say go for it

[arfur mo]

as for advsing on what to charge well tough times ahead for everyone so charges you will come to decide with experience for yourself, as others said affected by area and demand and getting known.

need to decide what your main target is to be, concentrating on small cheap house systems will require high numbers of turnoaver, larger homes will be less unnits usually more substial systems. work had on you patter, no good shownng them a shiney new neon screwdriver and expecting them to be dazzled by your swankey wrist watch,

you need to set up your call out charge fo working day and out of hours, be very clear about charges when taking the call before you agree to attend. if it will be chargeable then be clear its payable. depends hpw you feel either insist payment on completion before you leave, but obviously charging is at your own discretion.

remember a mate will expect mates rates, unless a seriously good mate don't ever mix business and pleasure - ask yourself would he paint your lounge instead of watch the footy, or erect your new shed at short notice for near free? might seem hard nosed, but so ar the supermarket about uyou paying for food.

i generally work on a no fix no fee on small to medium systems as long as i can drop in on way through at my convenience. travelling has to be concidered, so try to get a feel and ask what sort of dwelling it is, even offer a box sale system a a fixed price, will be swings and raond abous on profits but no point in going 200 miles round trip to survey for a £300.00 system.

if its a total basket case, i can either offer a new system estimate or walk away with a clear conscience. if i can salvage enough to make it work even for a temporary period, and then they go for the upgrade the call charge is swallowed as long as the time spent is not excessive, like when all the cables have been totaled, and treated as survey.

most companies do surveys for free, so otherwise imo it would seem your charging just to be invited to offer you services. against this if you advertise you will suffer te 8pm appointment in the bake end of beyond, spend 3 hours talking them through, yoy offer a great price and they say " we was only curious!". likely they will then ask the happy DIY mate (former merchant banker earning a few quid) up the road to fit a system to your design.

regs

Arfur Mo

[IAS]

Any other thoughts on how I can structure my pricing and structure contracts, specifically focusing on callout/ first hour charging and standard/ comp customers.

ok, assuming you even manage to get a customer -

forget all talk of "callout fee then 1st hour and then as per ......." one clear price, given ahead or the customer will walk.

beware comprehensive contracts, the customer will assume they have one whatever you tell them at the start.

the big kicker for you will be providing the 24hr callouts, good luck with that too.

[A-G]

You wont get put into jail and be buggered by a big fat hairy bruiser

Your sex fantasies are getting weirder

[arfur mo]

For the people who don't think it's a good idea for a one man security centre starting up at this time, I really do appreciate what you are saying trying to offer your advice but I am going to do this and do my damnedest to make it work!!

most of us that have left full time safe employment have got to the point your at at some time, we just want you to have both eyes open as we would be seriously irresponsible otherwise.

its not always a bed of roses, had i stayed employed i'd possibly be a lot richer but i know i would have burnt out at a much earlier age, just through having to buckle down to others, whom i know were easily inferior.

that was not and would not have made me as happy as i am, the personal satisfaction and enjoyment i've had from doing what i do and allowed to do my very best was/is well worth it.

if it don't work at least you have tried, out don't wait to long to bail out if it goes of beam, swallow the pride early and get another job.

i think to a man we all fear for you future not as know it all's but in the nicest possible way, but we also really hope you make a go of it - just don't order that Jag just yet .

regs

Arur Mo

[Oxford]

The Jag'll have to be on hold and I'll make do with a rough old tranny for as long as it takes ;-)

[Cubit]

... and I'll make do with a rough old tranny for as long as it takes ;-)

No, no, no. You really should be looking for a better class of customer