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hi all just joined!
Hi,
Just joined, and have a list of Q’s that would fill this board for days!
Firstly hope the following is posted in the correct forum!
I have some experience in the signage industry, doing basic sign work and vans, but my main area is litho print.
Im starting up on my own and have a ‘few’ questions, looking on the boards everyone seems to be very helpful and i would be very grateful for any advice!
I will be working from my garage, does anyone else do the same?
If so what do you do about client visits etc?? Or do you always deliver and go to them?
I will list the rest as this is fast becoming a very long ‘ello’!!What does everyone do about the following?
VAT (i wont be turning over enough for compulsory VAT reg)
Company name (do you register it anywhere dont want to stand on peoples toes not realising the name exists!)
Insurance and Liability InsuranceAny help greatly appreciated!!
Gareth
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10 Replies
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:wave3: Hi Gareth and :welcome:
Im sure your going to find loads & loads & loads and did I say loads .. of information, tips etc here ….. ask away with questions no-one minds 😀
Got to dash right now but Im sure others will reply to you …. Im supposed to be designing a van …… but decided to take a quick scive & say Helllooooo!!
Carrie & Steve 😀
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gareth
Welcome and you are on the right track by joining UKsignboards.
As a newcomer starting on my own I am on a bit of a learning curve although I have 9 years experience in the industry working for others.
I will be working from home (start two weeks holiday on Wednesday so will concentrate mind more on return)and take the opinion as long as it looks professional enough and tidy should be no problem – after all they want a sign and if your price is right will they care. I have a website and tried mailshots although still no enquiries yet. Luckily I brought a couple of clients with me so ticking along. I feel I need to get out there amongst industrial estates High Streets leaving a few leaflets. One of the most effective advertising must be Yellow pages so try and get in that asap. Hopefully word of mouth advertising will eventually generate leads.
I spoke to my brother in law who is a broker and got a home – business insurance quote from Norwich Union for £178. Although I am awaiting details one thing I will check on is that it will cover fitting. Some companies do not like you climbing ladders or will not cover above ladder height so check small print on this point.
Contact someone like Business Link who can offer free business advice and help with business plans grants etc. They told me you can call yourself what you want as long as there is no way you can be confused with anyone locally. I suggest you look in your local Yellow Pages to see if you have anyone else with your proposed name. Apparently if you are a sole trade you cannot call your Company ‘National’
Otherwise do as I do checking these boards regular you will get more information here then anywhere else. Always be prepared post questions on the boards we are not all experts so there will always be someone at the same stage as you
Mike
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Hi Paul and WELCOME
If you’re just starting out then you’ll have oodles of Q’s
The best thing you can do is press the ‘GET ACCESS’ button under NAVIGATOR
Choose your options and for a very reasonable price you will have access to a fountain of knowledge tips demos examples procedures and the rest
All your questions and more will be answered
John
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great to see another newcomer to the site mate.. feel free to fire the questions at us.. thats what we are here for.
thank you for taking the time to post :welcome:
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Hi Gareth, welcome to the site.
I work from my garage at home with no dramas at all. We have a double garage which fits quite a bit of crap in. We do have a large bedroom at the front of the house which is our office. It’s decked out well with two desks two computers my plotter and some seating for clients. We seem to be doing ok from home so good luck to you.
We tend to be able to service our clients better from home as they can see us after normal trading hours. It’s been quite funny…Some of them are quickly becoming like friends…The ultimate friends…They pay us money 😆
Jump in with questions and don’t forget to use the search function at the top of each section of the site.
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Many thanks for all the advice so far everyone, especially mike, seems we are in the same boat! Will have a look at ‘get access’. Off to browse round the other boards on here now!
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Hi and welcome from another newbie 🙂
I wouldnt worry about thw working from the garage bit – one thing you can point out to clients is that you could get a big flash shop on the high street – but its them who would end up paying for it as all your prices would go up to cover the rent, rates, bills etc… – putting it this way most see the sense !
As doing signs on a smaller scale doesnt really justify having seperate premises working from home makes a lot of sense.
If you think about it, loads of tradesmen work from home really – builders, plumbers etc… and its not seen as unusual now.
For the tax stuff, get in touch with your local inland revenue office ( scary I know !!! ) – most have advisors who will explain everything in theory without having to nose through your books – they also have open days and stuff to help out.
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“Pssssssssst” John ……. who is Paul????? 😆 😆 😉
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Hi
Another advantage working from home I understand is that 25% of your home rates, electric,water, telephone(if no seperate phone line) is deductable for tax purposes for the business
Mike
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Carrie:
Answer to your (?)
Paul worked a long time with a group called ‘The Beatles’
Didn’t you know that? 😆Hi Gareth 😀
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