Low start up business ideas
Discussion
I think some on here are forgetting the modern life for many
I was in a local bike repair shop, and the place was stuffed to the gunwales with bikes serviced or about to be serviced. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I asked the chap behind the counter as to why. His reply was - “many single & divorced women are out there, and the kids don’t get to taught how to fix bikes. If grandad or uncle or latest boyfriend doesn’t know or can’t be bothered, it comes here”.
Every time I go up my ladders to clean the windows, I’m asked if I’m the local window cleaner, or how much do I charge. Next time, I’ve told myself I’ll take them up on the deal…
I was in a local bike repair shop, and the place was stuffed to the gunwales with bikes serviced or about to be serviced. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I asked the chap behind the counter as to why. His reply was - “many single & divorced women are out there, and the kids don’t get to taught how to fix bikes. If grandad or uncle or latest boyfriend doesn’t know or can’t be bothered, it comes here”.
Every time I go up my ladders to clean the windows, I’m asked if I’m the local window cleaner, or how much do I charge. Next time, I’ve told myself I’ll take them up on the deal…
crosseyedlion said:
I have basically rebuilt a 986, including re-engineering many aspects. I have worked on multiple 997. I have worked on sports cars extensively including from the position of engineer developing them. I'm very comfortable with water cooled Porsches and my level of knowledge already.
I apply an engineering (rather than technician) mindset to my work. This is one of my points of difference and a certain type of customer appreciates that.
I have a customer who swore by a very well known specialist down south. After letting me spend a little time on the car they now won't take it anywhere else.
With the greatest of respect - If anyone takes issue with that, they can go elsewhere - it's their loss.
I'm certainly not going to target the air cooled market.
Like I said before I'm targeting TVR and Porsche owners for now...and I'm not going to be a one man band forever.
It's going to likely be a gradual take up of Porsche owners for the reason you mentioned.
Hi CrosseyedlionI apply an engineering (rather than technician) mindset to my work. This is one of my points of difference and a certain type of customer appreciates that.
I have a customer who swore by a very well known specialist down south. After letting me spend a little time on the car they now won't take it anywhere else.
With the greatest of respect - If anyone takes issue with that, they can go elsewhere - it's their loss.
I'm certainly not going to target the air cooled market.
Like I said before I'm targeting TVR and Porsche owners for now...and I'm not going to be a one man band forever.
It's going to likely be a gradual take up of Porsche owners for the reason you mentioned.
Edited by crosseyedlion on Friday 2nd August 18:51
I'm a bit late on this thread but I've enjoyed reading it from your 1st post, So pleased that you really followed through with wanting to be your own boss so many talk the talk. I just wanted to say well done and good luck
On the subject of low start up cost business ideas, another one is kitchen fitting. There's plenty of call for it in many areas, though not so much in depressed ones I should think. I don't do it myself (too old) but I used to fit my own kitchens and it's easy enough to do once you grasp the basic ideas. Some sort of reasonably tidy van and a couple of £K in tools is all you need.
Key thing is to be able to find your own work, avoid sub-contracting to the sheds. Parish magazines and similar can be good sources of work. What you really need is to get the word of mouth going but that can take a good while.
Key thing is to be able to find your own work, avoid sub-contracting to the sheds. Parish magazines and similar can be good sources of work. What you really need is to get the word of mouth going but that can take a good while.
Hi,
I also found the thread very interesting and inspiring.
I'd also like to explore a side line business in the hope of growing this to the point where it could become a full time venture and have thought that a handy man / home improvement / gardening business would probably be an easy one to start up with social media presence and targeting more elderly residents in specific areas with professional flyers.
Problem is, it's hard to start such a side line when you're working full time.
Would be tempted to just start the social media stuff and see how much interest is generated and try and squeeze some jobs in at evenings and weekends, but there's the investment in additional tools and insurance which would be wasted unless it becomes a viable full time proposition.
I also found the thread very interesting and inspiring.
I'd also like to explore a side line business in the hope of growing this to the point where it could become a full time venture and have thought that a handy man / home improvement / gardening business would probably be an easy one to start up with social media presence and targeting more elderly residents in specific areas with professional flyers.
Problem is, it's hard to start such a side line when you're working full time.
Would be tempted to just start the social media stuff and see how much interest is generated and try and squeeze some jobs in at evenings and weekends, but there's the investment in additional tools and insurance which would be wasted unless it becomes a viable full time proposition.
Sorry things have got silly busy lately! First day off in a month tomorrow.
It's going well though. Booked until November -
although putting a second ramp in and building an office next month. I'll put more interesting photos up for that build.
Said goodbye to the van today, I've grown attached to it but it's totally redundant. Was an excellent buy for the next owner at £860. Vastly helps my cashflow too!
Also. I've found someone to help part time (ex-porsche) so I don't have to turn away some of the more urgent work customers are approaching with.
Regarding trying a business part time first. I may be wrong. And I appreciate the risks where small for me, but if you're going to start a business. Do it full time from the start.
Yes set it up whilst at work, but once it's trading you should be full time. You won't have the opportunity to give it it's best shot, so if it fails you'll always wonder "what if". Also you'll have constant issues with the business having to take a back seat and being unable to make the most of sales opportunities, networking and time that business hours operate in conventionally. I for one wouldn't be keen on hiring a business that seems to be 'dabbling'.
Just do it. Put your heart and soul into it. If you're going to fail, fail fast, learn and move on. If it works out you'll never look back.
It's going well though. Booked until November -
although putting a second ramp in and building an office next month. I'll put more interesting photos up for that build.
Said goodbye to the van today, I've grown attached to it but it's totally redundant. Was an excellent buy for the next owner at £860. Vastly helps my cashflow too!
Also. I've found someone to help part time (ex-porsche) so I don't have to turn away some of the more urgent work customers are approaching with.
Regarding trying a business part time first. I may be wrong. And I appreciate the risks where small for me, but if you're going to start a business. Do it full time from the start.
Yes set it up whilst at work, but once it's trading you should be full time. You won't have the opportunity to give it it's best shot, so if it fails you'll always wonder "what if". Also you'll have constant issues with the business having to take a back seat and being unable to make the most of sales opportunities, networking and time that business hours operate in conventionally. I for one wouldn't be keen on hiring a business that seems to be 'dabbling'.
Just do it. Put your heart and soul into it. If you're going to fail, fail fast, learn and move on. If it works out you'll never look back.
bucksmanuk said:
I was in a local bike repair shop, and the place was stuffed to the gunwales with bikes serviced or about to be serviced. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I asked the chap behind the counter as to why. His reply was - “many single & divorced women are out there, and the kids don’t get to taught how to fix bikes. If grandad or uncle or latest boyfriend doesn’t know or can’t be bothered, it comes here”.
I'm sure there's a thread on here about bike servicing being a dead duck as a business....Brilliant thread and contributions. Really inspiring. I'm thinking of taking the plunge to go for it myself and need a small very cheap van, something similar to the OPs. Any recommendations or ones to avoid at the up to 1-1.5k mark? What's high mileage or considered old in this kind vehicle?
Size wise I'm after ford transit connect swb/VW caddy /vauxhall combo, not a full transit
Size wise I'm after ford transit connect swb/VW caddy /vauxhall combo, not a full transit
Frimley111R said:
I'm sure there's a thread on here about bike servicing being a dead duck as a business....
I’ll update thishttps://www.bikebiz.com/buckingham-bikes-closes/
They closed last year! but it appears it was the retail side they got hammered on. There are people in the town still fixing bikes…
deebs said:
Brilliant thread and contributions. Really inspiring. I'm thinking of taking the plunge to go for it myself and need a small very cheap van, something similar to the OPs. Any recommendations or ones to avoid at the up to 1-1.5k mark? What's high mileage or considered old in this kind vehicle?
Size wise I'm after ford transit connect swb/VW caddy /vauxhall combo, not a full transit
1. Just do it. Size wise I'm after ford transit connect swb/VW caddy /vauxhall combo, not a full transit
2. Do not underestimate the importance of cashflow. Money in the bank/access to credit is critical. This is separate to your living costs, just to operate (especially in automotive) Do not spend it all starting up.
3. Transit connects are a bargain and very very cheap, nice enough to use every day. Go for a 2006-2007 - which means the mild facelift, more refined tdci engine but before they went to the troublesome 'wet belt'. Mine was on 140k and gave very little bother, wore it's mile well and parts where cheap.
4. Get good at social media, photography (it's worth investing in a cheap DSLR camera) and one of the website builders such as Wix. Customers find you via social media and word of mouth, but then check your website - so it doesn't need a lot of content, just to convey the right image.
5. Avoid investing in anything apart from the above and absolutely essential tools for the job. Plan ahead for each job and buy tools as you need them. Remember what I said about keeping the money in the bank....you'll need it!
6. Full time from day one. Give it the best chance of success, if it's going to fail there needs to be no 'what if's'. If you fail. Fail fast. Learn, regroup and try again when you're back on your feet. Give yourself a time limit to decide go/no-go (6 months was mine).
7. Have your target customer very very well defined and tailor everything you do and how you market to that. You can change this along the way if you find the direction changing.
9. Stay as small as possible for as long as you can bare. Then wait a little longer. It's better to be busy and small than hunting for work and worried about cashflow. It also gives you the time to curate your customers to the type of people you want to work with.
10. Do it.
crosseyedlion said:
1. Just do it.
2. Do not underestimate the importance of cashflow. Money in the bank/access to credit is critical. This is separate to your living costs, just to operate (especially in automotive) Do not spend it all starting up.
3. Transit connects are a bargain and very very cheap, nice enough to use every day. Go for a 2006-2007 - which means the mild facelift, more refined tdci engine but before they went to the troublesome 'wet belt'. Mine was on 140k and gave very little bother, wore it's mile well and parts where cheap.
4. Get good at social media, photography (it's worth investing in a cheap DSLR camera) and one of the website builders such as Wix. Customers find you via social media and word of mouth, but then check your website - so it doesn't need a lot of content, just to convey the right image.
5. Avoid investing in anything apart from the above and absolutely essential tools for the job. Plan ahead for each job and buy tools as you need them. Remember what I said about keeping the money in the bank....you'll need it!
6. Full time from day one. Give it the best chance of success, if it's going to fail there needs to be no 'what if's'. If you fail. Fail fast. Learn, regroup and try again when you're back on your feet. Give yourself a time limit to decide go/no-go (6 months was mine).
7. Have your target customer very very well defined and tailor everything you do and how you market to that. You can change this along the way if you find the direction changing.
9. Stay as small as possible for as long as you can bare. Then wait a little longer. It's better to be busy and small than hunting for work and worried about cashflow. It also gives you the time to curate your customers to the type of people you want to work with.
10. Do it.
Really appreciate you taking the time to write that. Thank you . 2. Do not underestimate the importance of cashflow. Money in the bank/access to credit is critical. This is separate to your living costs, just to operate (especially in automotive) Do not spend it all starting up.
3. Transit connects are a bargain and very very cheap, nice enough to use every day. Go for a 2006-2007 - which means the mild facelift, more refined tdci engine but before they went to the troublesome 'wet belt'. Mine was on 140k and gave very little bother, wore it's mile well and parts where cheap.
4. Get good at social media, photography (it's worth investing in a cheap DSLR camera) and one of the website builders such as Wix. Customers find you via social media and word of mouth, but then check your website - so it doesn't need a lot of content, just to convey the right image.
5. Avoid investing in anything apart from the above and absolutely essential tools for the job. Plan ahead for each job and buy tools as you need them. Remember what I said about keeping the money in the bank....you'll need it!
6. Full time from day one. Give it the best chance of success, if it's going to fail there needs to be no 'what if's'. If you fail. Fail fast. Learn, regroup and try again when you're back on your feet. Give yourself a time limit to decide go/no-go (6 months was mine).
7. Have your target customer very very well defined and tailor everything you do and how you market to that. You can change this along the way if you find the direction changing.
9. Stay as small as possible for as long as you can bare. Then wait a little longer. It's better to be busy and small than hunting for work and worried about cashflow. It also gives you the time to curate your customers to the type of people you want to work with.
10. Do it.
What a great thread, congrats to the OP!
I’ve recently quit my job, due to stress and anxiety. I’m a qualified professional and I’ve been in the same/similar industry for 20+ years. I’m fed up with corporate life and want to do something for myself. I’m very fortunate to have a cushion to allow me time to sort things out, and this thread has really inspired me to get going.
I’ve tried setting up photography/art/print sales businesses online, and whilst I get a lot of positive feedback, I find it very difficult to drive traffic to my sites in a very congested market.
The other thing that interests me is car detailing. I don’t want to compete with the local £8 wash on a closed petrol station forecourt, I’m thinking mobile higher end detailing. I enjoy doing the work on my cars, and again, I get a lot of positive feedback on the presentation of them. Nobody believes my Cayman is nearly ten years old. Well obviously those who know what is know, but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I’m inspired by the OP so I’m off to do more thinking...
I’ve recently quit my job, due to stress and anxiety. I’m a qualified professional and I’ve been in the same/similar industry for 20+ years. I’m fed up with corporate life and want to do something for myself. I’m very fortunate to have a cushion to allow me time to sort things out, and this thread has really inspired me to get going.
I’ve tried setting up photography/art/print sales businesses online, and whilst I get a lot of positive feedback, I find it very difficult to drive traffic to my sites in a very congested market.
The other thing that interests me is car detailing. I don’t want to compete with the local £8 wash on a closed petrol station forecourt, I’m thinking mobile higher end detailing. I enjoy doing the work on my cars, and again, I get a lot of positive feedback on the presentation of them. Nobody believes my Cayman is nearly ten years old. Well obviously those who know what is know, but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I’m inspired by the OP so I’m off to do more thinking...
The-Wanderer said:
What a great thread, congrats to the OP!
I’ve recently quit my job, due to stress and anxiety. I’m a qualified professional and I’ve been in the same/similar industry for 20+ years. I’m fed up with corporate life and want to do something for myself. I’m very fortunate to have a cushion to allow me time to sort things out, and this thread has really inspired me to get going.
I’ve tried setting up photography/art/print sales businesses online, and whilst I get a lot of positive feedback, I find it very difficult to drive traffic to my sites in a very congested market.
The other thing that interests me is car detailing. I don’t want to compete with the local £8 wash on a closed petrol station forecourt, I’m thinking mobile higher end detailing. I enjoy doing the work on my cars, and again, I get a lot of positive feedback on the presentation of them. Nobody believes my Cayman is nearly ten years old. Well obviously those who know what is know, but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I’m inspired by the OP so I’m off to do more thinking...
High end mobile detailing is going to be very difficult if not impossible - a high end detail will take 2-3 days and you need somewhere dry and warm with the correct humidity and suitable lighting. You're not going to achieve that out of the back of a van on someone's driveway IMO.I’ve recently quit my job, due to stress and anxiety. I’m a qualified professional and I’ve been in the same/similar industry for 20+ years. I’m fed up with corporate life and want to do something for myself. I’m very fortunate to have a cushion to allow me time to sort things out, and this thread has really inspired me to get going.
I’ve tried setting up photography/art/print sales businesses online, and whilst I get a lot of positive feedback, I find it very difficult to drive traffic to my sites in a very congested market.
The other thing that interests me is car detailing. I don’t want to compete with the local £8 wash on a closed petrol station forecourt, I’m thinking mobile higher end detailing. I enjoy doing the work on my cars, and again, I get a lot of positive feedback on the presentation of them. Nobody believes my Cayman is nearly ten years old. Well obviously those who know what is know, but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I’m inspired by the OP so I’m off to do more thinking...
48k said:
The-Wanderer said:
What a great thread, congrats to the OP!
I’ve recently quit my job, due to stress and anxiety. I’m a qualified professional and I’ve been in the same/similar industry for 20+ years. I’m fed up with corporate life and want to do something for myself. I’m very fortunate to have a cushion to allow me time to sort things out, and this thread has really inspired me to get going.
I’ve tried setting up photography/art/print sales businesses online, and whilst I get a lot of positive feedback, I find it very difficult to drive traffic to my sites in a very congested market.
The other thing that interests me is car detailing. I don’t want to compete with the local £8 wash on a closed petrol station forecourt, I’m thinking mobile higher end detailing. I enjoy doing the work on my cars, and again, I get a lot of positive feedback on the presentation of them. Nobody believes my Cayman is nearly ten years old. Well obviously those who know what is know, but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I’m inspired by the OP so I’m off to do more thinking...
High end mobile detailing is going to be very difficult if not impossible - a high end detail will take 2-3 days and you need somewhere dry and warm with the correct humidity and suitable lighting. You're not going to achieve that out of the back of a van on someone's driveway IMO.I’ve recently quit my job, due to stress and anxiety. I’m a qualified professional and I’ve been in the same/similar industry for 20+ years. I’m fed up with corporate life and want to do something for myself. I’m very fortunate to have a cushion to allow me time to sort things out, and this thread has really inspired me to get going.
I’ve tried setting up photography/art/print sales businesses online, and whilst I get a lot of positive feedback, I find it very difficult to drive traffic to my sites in a very congested market.
The other thing that interests me is car detailing. I don’t want to compete with the local £8 wash on a closed petrol station forecourt, I’m thinking mobile higher end detailing. I enjoy doing the work on my cars, and again, I get a lot of positive feedback on the presentation of them. Nobody believes my Cayman is nearly ten years old. Well obviously those who know what is know, but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I’m inspired by the OP so I’m off to do more thinking...
If anyone wants something with 0 skill thats scalable and simple. It's scrap metal collecting and waste clearance. The licence is about £200 iirc.
You can employ anyone to grow it.
Customer expectations are low so it's simple to surpass them.
It's proving useful having a lwb sprinter at the moment, I'm half tempted to keep hold of it and set up another business doing just that.
You can employ anyone to grow it.
Customer expectations are low so it's simple to surpass them.
It's proving useful having a lwb sprinter at the moment, I'm half tempted to keep hold of it and set up another business doing just that.
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