Going self employed

[garymul49]

Hi folks just looking for some advice on going self employed,i work for a company just now but want to go it alone but whats the best way to build a customer base and how do u win contracts for regular work, want to do work on the side after ma workin hours to try n build a customer base then hopefully go it alone in a year or so, any replies would be much appreciated, Thanks, Gary

 

[mikeyc]

Hi mate I'm currently going through this process, well almost transitioned.

I was working as a full time subby for a company, I started doing a few jobs through word of mouth in the evenings on way home, that escalated pretty quickly as word of mouth is a beautiful thing. Started working later evenings, Saturday's and Sundays. was lucky to land a builder through a recommendation and then a private agent/landlord. Then I started only subbying 2/3 days a week for the company, it's regular money so even if I had a few quiet private days it wasn't such a worry. Iv now built up a good customer base and my subby job with the company is getting in the way. I have set up checkatrade as my only source of advertising so far and I'm hoping it will fill in the 2/3 days a week I currently subby.

It takes time mate, just make sure you give decently priced quotes, don't let people down and go the extra mile and people will pass your details onto friends and family ect

Good luck

 

[garymul49]

Cheers for the advice, word of mouth seems to be the phrase most folk use when it comes to getting work, i am a commercial gas engineer but am doin my domestic tickets at the moment so going to register myself then start dropping off leaflets all over the place then take it from there, a suppose it helps to no the right people aswell. Thanks for the reply

 

[Cardiff Plumber]

If you are good at what you do the work will come rolling in.
First of all i would have a look on whats the least amount of money you need to live on. If you need to earn £2k a month then you'll be struggling. Make sure your van is well sign written, print a load of flyers and go for a walk about posting to houses that you think can afford a plumber, dont try letting/estate agents as they are a nightmare and screw you on your prices.
I've been self-employed since 1988 and haven't looked back.

Good luck!!

 

[JCSPLUMBING]

I've been self employed for 18 months now and it's just coming together. I was a subby since my apprentice days and doing the odd private job here and there. I quit subbying cold turkey and went self employed and fully committed to it. I was slow at first and questioned my logic but I'm luck that my wife earns a decent wage so the pressure wasn't as bad as it could of been. I started off using the pay for the phone numbers sites and flyers. Now I work solely on word and mouth. Do a good job and be tidy and polite and above all answer your phone because people hate tardiness

 

[ignite 247]

i am in the process of setting up, its hard but will be worth it in the end