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1916baja
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 05:59 AM |
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Small buisiness
Hi guys, I'm after some advice regarding starting a home based buisiness.... I've been motor trimming on the side at home for a few years now but
I'm readyfor a big change so I'd like to start doing it full time. Motor trimming, marine and upholstery. I've been doing some research but I'd
like some real world opinions and expierences. What do I need to do! Abn, taxes, advertising??? Cheers for your advice.
Mick.
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Governor
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 06:06 AM |
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Look at TAFE, they do Small Business management courses.
These explain everything you need to know about ABN, BAS (tax) the whole lot.
Best to get the actual facts from professionals than people you don't know on a Car forum?
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HappyDaze
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 06:30 AM |
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There's a bit more to running a small business than being good at your job, and knowing all about BAS,ABN,etc.
Some of the small business operators on here, with years of first-hand experience, could give some very helpful advice, I'm sure.
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!
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1916baja
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 06:41 AM |
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Quote: | Originally
posted by HappyDaze
There's a bit more to running a small business than being good at your job, and knowing all about BAS,ABN,etc.
Some of the small business operators on here, with years of first-hand experience, could give some very helpful advice, I'm sure.
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That's what I thought, cheers!
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donn
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 07:18 AM |
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Start with your accountant, if you don't have one search and ask till you find one that you are happy / comfortable with don't be afraid to
"interview" the possible accountant, don't be affraid to ask him or her what THEY can do for YOU and what they will EXPECT from you . just remember
that what $ you were probably happy with as a sideline may not even cover expenses as a full time business.
Good Luck.
I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
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surreyp
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 07:37 AM |
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I just started a business from home, similar type thing doing something I'm good at and been doing on the side for years. Only thing is I'm selling
product you're selling a service, and that means you can only exchange your time for money which limits you're income, unless you can get staff
under you.
I've found that keeping my living expenses down has helped with getting started.
I recommend you learn what you can from Rich Shaeffron and Tim Ferris, they are marketing/biz guys that do a nice crash courses and their books have
good ideas in.
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silver
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 08:36 AM |
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Quote: | Originally
posted by donn
Start with your accountant, .
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agree + canvas for customers
Keeping it real !
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mactaylor
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 10:06 AM |
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The only thing you have to worry about is making a profit. dont get caught up in the small things, Set your prices on "what the market can bare".
Who gives a shit about which accounting system or who your accountant is, as long as your bottom line is healthy you can allways pay someone to sort
the other stuff out.
EVERLAST CONCRETE TANKS
1800 552 123
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1916baja
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 10:28 AM |
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Quote: | Originally
posted by mactaylor
The only thing you have to worry about is making a profit. dont get caught up in the small things, Set your prices on "what the market can bare".
Who gives a shit about which accounting system or who your accountant is, as long as your bottom line is healthy you can allways pay someone to sort
the other stuff out.
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This is how I have been thinking, my wife is very handy with finances and is in the finance industry. Being that it is a simple upholstery buisness,
no employees except me. I kinda feel like all this accountant talk, tax talk, things I can claim is overthinking things a bit...? Then again, I have
never been here before so I don't really know. I do know I have enough work to last me a couple of months without advertising At all. I do have a
plan to approach a number of possible clients and alot of advertising. It seems simple to me but it seems there is much more to it??
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HappyDaze
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 11:34 AM |
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There is a very important, but simple, thing to remember.......It's not the 'turnover' that counts, it's the 'leftover'.
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!
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chickenfillet
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 12:30 PM |
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Hi Mick,
Before you leave your current job, ask you bank for a small line of credit 10-20k. Doesn't cost anything until you start to use it and takes 90% of
the stress out of running a business. If a bill/house payment comes in you can just pay it rather than chasing bad payers.
Do speak to an accountant, they can do things like offsetting your first years GST & PAYE tax to help you get established and also setup an
automatically calculated BAS returns. You only need to see them once, get everything established and then get to work.
Good luck,
Kevin
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mactaylor
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 12:36 PM |
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One important thing i have learnt is YOU need to get paid for your time no matter what, and the BUSINESS needs to make a profit, otherwise you are
just working for a wage.
EVERLAST CONCRETE TANKS
1800 552 123
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1916baja
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 12:45 PM |
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My wife is currently working full time and on a good wage which covers all our expenses. We could live on that wage if we had to but things would be
very tight.
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vlad01
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 01:41 PM |
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Quote: | Originally
posted by mactaylor
One important thing i have learnt is YOU need to get paid for your time no matter what, and the BUSINESS needs to make a profit, otherwise you are
just working for a wage.
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thats good advise there.
All the good money in this country is currently in services so that advice makes sense.
My mistake on small business was relying on goods and not having service to back up the income. You can't make much money on goods these days unless
you own the market.
My advise is don't bother with advertising unless its word of mouth or free. Advertising is money gouging and has no to little effect. Everyone
turns a blind eye to advertising these days and thats why it has little to no effect.

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE
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donn
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 02:37 PM |
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Consider this, if YOU are after a service and don't know anyone who does what you are after, then how do you find someone to do the job?, where do
you look? OK now consider where YOUR customers are coming from, if word of mouth (the best advertising by far ) will do the job then goodo,when I was
in business I found yellow pages worked best but it takes a while to kick off, as does word of mouth, (when's the next new edition of YP come out and
how long before do you have to have it lined up? and don't think that one line in the YP will do, people just don't see it!).
I would also have to repeat the accountant thing, the wrong one or none at all would be a bad mistake, a good one will set you up the best way (sole
trader, partner, company etc) and save you more than they will cost. I got the wrong one and I nearly went out of business before I started, swapped
to the correct one and away I went with $ in my pocket.
I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
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1916baja
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 02:40 PM |
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I agree, advertising is something I need to do... How will people know I'm here if I don't right? I'll get onto an accountant and get things
rolling.
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chickenfillet
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 03:20 PM |
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Hi Mick,
The most effective bang for buck advertising you can get these days is a basic website with a weekly updated blog showing the projects you are working
on. Google sees this as the gold standard and will return you on the first page as long as you add in half decent keywording.
I recommend to all my clients a company called squarespace.com. It's a DIY website & blog builder that you don't need any programming knowledge
to setup, loads of great templates to choose from too, if you can use Word, you can build yourself a site. It also has add in ecommerce if you ever
decide to start selling anything.
Good luck,
Kevin
If you get s
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Klaus
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 05:58 PM |
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I've run my own business for 10 years now by myself and enjoy doing what I want when I want , I kicked it off by approaching other locksmiths to see
if they needed an extra hand and ended up working for 4 locksmiths on a set daily rate , it paid my bills and I slowly built up advertising and
clients a little bit tight on money as I had no spouse contributing $$ so you should be fine if you advertise right and do a good job .
Even offer to do some work at a cheaper rate to start with to get your work out here.
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vassy66T1
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 07:17 PM |
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Quote: | Originally
posted by HappyDaze
There is a very important, but simple, thing to remember.......It's not the 'turnover' that counts, it's the 'leftover'.
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Brilliant Greg!
My advice is 3 points.
1. Don't let the accountant talk you into making it too complex to begin with. Keep it simple. For what you are doing just work as a sole trader to
get underway. Adding layers of company and family trust etc. etc. has its value but has its cost also. Its the extra cost that the accountants
love.
2. Don't go into partnership with anyone
3. And don't ever do a job that makes you nothing with some "stupid" promise from a client that they have more work for you! Who cares if they have
more work if you can't make anything out of it My 2c. (personal
experience a plenty here)
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1916baja
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 07:24 PM |
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Thanks for the advice everyone, keep it coming! It's all very helpful...
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vlad01
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 10:06 PM |
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Quote: | Originally
posted by chickenfillet
Hi Mick,
The most effective bang for buck advertising you can get these days is a basic website with a weekly updated blog showing the projects you are working
on. Google sees this as the gold standard and will return you on the first page as long as you add in half decent keywording.
I recommend to all my clients a company called squarespace.com. It's a DIY website & blog builder that you don't need any programming knowledge
to setup, loads of great templates to choose from too, if you can use Word, you can build yourself a site. It also has add in ecommerce if you ever
decide to start selling anything.
Good luck,
Kevin
If you get s
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The best advertising for cheap I found that worked well is ebay. Customers find you easy. I was for a while was buying, using what i needed and
flipping the rest for a profit. some wrecking on the side, reco starters and alternators etc...
I know one young bloke who has a yard full of cars, picked up locally written off cars, offers parts and fitment and makes a killing on some
vehicles.
EL falcon was his best money maker. pickup for free, make 3k on one weekend. owners of those are too stingy to get a new car or buy new parts and
those cars always break down. win win if you are wrecking them. So wrecking is a good little hobby business.
having a website can be costly and risky. If you suck at making sites like me, they can cost you a bit to get done. SEO is also a royal pita. So much
time is spend getting your page on the 1st page of search engines. without that you might as well not bother, most people don't look beyond the 1st
pages unless desperate for info.
FB page is a good start as well, very viable these days.
youtube can be good but depends on your page popularity. I found if you have an account with only few personal vids, you can't even search your own
videos despite word for word as the title is written. it works exactly like SEO after all it is owned by google.
phone book and hard copy adds are a waist of money imho, been there done that. 100% fail. online is the only way to go for majority of markets.
my 3 fav.
ebay
fb
youtube
all linked within each other. helps drive better search hits.
there is gum tree as well but I have never used it, owned by ebay anyway. supposedly free?

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE
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tweety
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posted on October 30th, 2013 at 10:55 PM |
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I've just retired from my home based business after 18 years. During that time I ran my own company for 5 years before returning to a simple
personal business. I'll try to explain why and what I know.
You can run a small business with a turnover (gross income) of less than $75,000 a year and not be registered for GST. These are"hobby" businesses.
IMO GST is a pain. If you think you are going to be happy on this level of income or less then dont register for GST. And remember up around that
level you are simply paying a lot of tax.
Your wife working full time will help a lot. But if she decides to work only part time then financially it could work better for you.
I'll give you an example
$50,000 her income full time
$70,000 small business income
you both pay taxes for each income. Instead
$20,000 her income part time
$20,000 her income as an employee for the business
$50,000 your income from the business
Your combined total income has gone from $120,000 to $90,000. $30,000 income loss. But is it? Thats $30,000 is all on the highest tax bracket. Speak
to your accountant. Again its making the business work for you to also give your family a better quality of life.
If you are going to go over then register. Then you have to of course calculate income and expendature for the tax man, the problem is unless really
disciplined, you have to come up with the GST every quarter and sometimes you might not have it. The tax dept dont give you much slack either. Add to
that the accountants costs for the GST. Can become expensive.
Running a company. There are advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include the mandatory Workers compensation cover with the relevant State Govt
authority. This covers you for- workplace accidents. But of course doesnt not cover you for sickness. Your company will have its own employee- you
and anyone else that it employs and that could include your wife. She might be the goffer- she might pick up and collect items for you on her way home
from work for example. She might be your secretary, book keeper and so it goes. Remember, running a business you must be cunning as opposed to
sneeky. As Kerry Packer stated- "its the duty of every Asutralian to minimise tax, not avoid it". So, based on that it would be clever to include
your wife on the payroll depending on your earnings.
Disadvantages: more accountant charges, ASIC yearly charge, it complicates things. Some smaller businesses that rely on larger businesses for
subcontract work like you to run a company because it legally cuts loose any legal responsibilities they have with you. EG you run a courier truck and
most of your work is from one company. You have an accident. If you have your own company you are covered with worers compensation. If you dotn it cn
be argued that you are carrying out the bulk of your work for the bigger business and you sue them.
I ran a company and it was a complete waste of time. IMO. unless! you employ people outside your own family
If you want sickness, accident and loss of employment insurance be prepared for a hefty premium. You might only consider these if your wife ceases
work and is totally dependant on your health for work.
Back to your small business. All you need is one folder in your office. In that folder you have dividers. They include- Invoices not paid, Register
for invoices (this is a list with columns that include invoice number, date issued, to whom billed, amount, GST amount (if applicable), date due to be
paid, when paid, date reminder letter sent.). Business receipts log (all costs, date amount and service. eg 21/10/2013 BP Seymour fuel $76.00)
Invoices paid (these are the invoices moved from the front of the folder when paid), Remittances (these are from the payer),
- all in one folder.
Collect all business receipts for fuel, maintenance, tools, power etc. Once entered in business receipt area of your folder use a bulldog clip to keep
them together. Every month or every 3 months bind them together and store them for 7 years- requirement.
Every year you will take out all these items for tax purposes and give them to your accountant. Also every year print off your business bank
statement. Mark off your expenses on the statement so its clear. The less work he does for you the less his bill.
I think you will be fine. I also think, if disciplined you can make a go of your profession at home. Frankly I havent met an upolsterer that is
organised and is a hard worker at home. Turn that tradition on its head with a good reputation and you'll be successful. Get involved with vintage
car clubs, owners will travel for the right end result and word will spread and most are willing to wait for the item.
After a short time running your business from home will be easy as far as book work is concerned. One last thign- there is no friends in business. A
friend asks you to do some work for you. You are running a business not a charity. Tell him you will do the job but you cannot afford to run your
business on hot air. And demand a small deposit for items that you think the owner could discard easily. Like rusty old car seats. Be firm and fair
and dont be affraid to knock back work if you smell a rat. You will be a business man number one and your actual profession number 2. This is where
your mentality must change from employee and all rounf Mr nice guy to an articulate professional operator.
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HappyDaze
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posted on October 31st, 2013 at 04:59 AM |
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There, Mick, I knew you would get some good advice on this forum. 
I've been in business for over 50 years - nearly half of this was working at home. Working at home is fine, but living at work is not....watch out
for that one. Your customers must respect your 'after hours' time. Best wishes.
Greg
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!
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Klaus
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posted on October 31st, 2013 at 07:59 AM |
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Try being 24/7 end of he day every business is different and advertising and approaching customers varies , these days everyone wants a result
instantly and you have to put the effort and hours in to get paid
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1916baja
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posted on October 31st, 2013 at 08:02 AM |
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Massively helpful advice, thanks guys!
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STIDUB
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posted on October 31st, 2013 at 10:24 AM |
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Tax loophole, run a "hobby" through a Facebook page, gain clients, reputation, following Etc, avoid the need for abn/bas/gst headaches, when you
have the income & customer base, then convert to real world business, a few friends make decent coin doing that kind of thing.
Volkswagen Drivers Club of Queensland - member
STIDUB - yep its still a work in progress
Vwdcq club car racing/ and crashing while my bug isn't finished.
The above are personal views, no more, no less
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matberry
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posted on October 31st, 2013 at 01:09 PM |
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Great advice above as I have also worked for myself for 35 years and over 1/2 of that from 'home', Tweetys last paragraph is awesome input, as was
the whole post.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

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rose
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posted on October 31st, 2013 at 03:10 PM |
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Do a small business course at WEA type to get heaps info for a couple of hundred dollars.
Work out your niche market to make sure you will survive in your area eg. cars etc is there enough cars being restored in your area to survive the
first 12months.
DON'T LET ANY JOB GO OUT OF THE SHOP WITHOUT PAYMENT. SAVES AN EXTRA HUGE JOB OF CHASING MONEY THAT YOU MAY NEVER SEE AGAIN.
Need an eftpos machine as everyone pays with card.
Don't have accounts either. And get deposit for materials for big jobs before you start them. And it's good if your wife can o the books for you
saves lots of money that you will have to pay an accountant or someone to do.
Advertise on your own vehicle have signage on it best advertise and letter box drops in your area. Advertise on facebook and forums and have your
signature as your business add.
[img][/img]
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ian.mezz
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posted on October 31st, 2013 at 03:30 PM |
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ABN
GST
Business name
insurance
If you already have full time jobs its best to get all your loans etc sorted before you start up.
you need to keep good records of income, as its a bit harder to get home loans etc when you are self employed.
As you need to show a few years of good income when self employed to get loans or cards.
ian
been self employed for the last 10 years.
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tar76
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posted on October 31st, 2013 at 03:59 PM |
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go for it dude...oh I got a job for you to in the new year bus seat!
"Obey your Dreams"!
62 Std beetle.
65 11 wnd Split "The Cross".
6? coming very soon!!!!
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