Looking for ideas...

[wedg1e]

Right, I'm about ready to stick my neck out. If I was to remortgage my house for say an extra £18K (whilst still in current job), I think I could get myself into business with enough spare to cover the bills till I start raking it in. Ahem
Ignoring the slightly dodgy issue of stretching the truth with the mortgage company, what I'm looking for is a quick setup and rapid return (not huge, just enough; ideally I'd like to do a 3-day week).
Open to suggestions....

[Ultraviolet]

so what you'd like is a business with low risk and large returns where you don't have to work much .....

hmmmm - I think we'd all like that!

best thing is to keep overheads low, do something you understand (and have experience of), and try and make the best use of technology to cut down admin etc.

maybe something on ebay?

UV

[justinp1]

Ultraviolet said:

so what you'd like is a business with low risk and large returns where you don't have to work much .....

hmmmm - I think we'd all like that!

best thing is to keep overheads low, do something you understand (and have experience of), and try and make the best use of technology to cut down admin etc.

maybe something on ebay?

UV

He heee...

I thought of replying last night to this along the same lines with a little less tact!

I think the scam out of Lock Stock and the cheques might work, and probably some pyramid schemes!

Ebay is a more legal way forward though if it is just a part time job you are looking for. Selling is pretty easy, but your margins are quite varied. On the higher ticket price stuff, or indeed things which should do well such as niche items - for example the interets of mine are B&W speakers and vintage microphones!

I have watched these for a couple of years and pretty much know how much these *should* go for. it is even possible to buy from ebay just to remarket and sell on if you have a good eye, knowledge and gut instinct.

[wedg1e]

justinp1 said:

Ultraviolet said:

so what you'd like is a business with low risk and large returns where you don't have to work much .....

hmmmm - I think we'd all like that!

best thing is to keep overheads low, do something you understand (and have experience of), and try and make the best use of technology to cut down admin etc.

maybe something on ebay?

UV

He heee...

I thought of replying last night to this along the same lines with a little less tact!

I think the scam out of Lock Stock and the cheques might work, and probably some pyramid schemes!

Ebay is a more legal way forward though if it is just a part time job you are looking for. Selling is pretty easy, but your margins are quite varied. On the higher ticket price stuff, or indeed things which should do well such as niche items - for example the interets of mine are B&W speakers and vintage microphones!

I have watched these for a couple of years and pretty much know how much these *should* go for. it is even possible to buy from ebay just to remarket and sell on if you have a good eye, knowledge and gut instinct.

I have some 1974 B&Ws... but they ain't for sale

[wedg1e]

Ultraviolet said:

so what you'd like is a business with low risk and large returns where you don't have to work much .....

hmmmm - I think we'd all like that!

best thing is to keep overheads low, do something you understand (and have experience of), and try and make the best use of technology to cut down admin etc.

maybe something on ebay?

UV

Where did I say large returns?

If I do something I understand and have experience of, I may as well stay where I am. That's the whole point of doing something else.

Ebay... no thanks, too many chancers and idiots. Even though selling tat to idiots works (look at Comet, Next, Machine Mart for proof), I think I'd rather have a clear conscience.

[Tony 1234]

How about selling your body? you get a chance to lay down most of the time I would think ? so that should not tax you to much?

[freddies_dad]

Thought about a franchise?

Obviously there's a lot of rot out there but do your homework and I'm sure there might be the right thing for you.

Edited by freddies_dad on Wednesday 18th April 19:54

[wedg1e]

Tony 1234 said:

How about selling your body? you get a chance to lay down most of the time I would think ? so that should not tax you to much?

Yes. Unfortunately there's only one of me to go round. So some people would have to remain disappointed

[wedg1e]

freddies_dad said:

Thought about a franchise?

Obviously there's a lot of rot out there but do your homework and I'm sure there might be the right thing for you.

Edited by freddies_dad on Wednesday 18th April 19:54

Would the parent company want to see a certain return though? As I said, I don't want to sweat my puddings off making a fortune, just enough to pay the bills and keep the taxman off my back while freeing-up as much life as possible.
Similar to being a dole-scrounger, but without actually having to scrounge...

[BoRED S2upid]

Well when you come up with an answer let us all know. I could find 18K for a bit of whatever it is.

[wedg1e]

BoRED S2upid said:

Well when you come up with an answer let us all know. I could find 18K for a bit of whatever it is.

One of the most suggested things is some kind of mobile mechanic specialising in TVRs, but with my location I'd have the same trouble as we do at work, which is that by the time a client darn sarf pays the travelling expenses, you may as well find a more expensive supplier who's closer. Unless of course I lived in the van

[Rob_F]

Car Detailing? A dent repair franchise? Lease a shop in a holiday type town and sell ice-creams, flip flops and other tat?

Rob.

[wedg1e]

Rob_F said:

Car Detailing? A dent repair franchise? Lease a shop in a holiday type town and sell ice-creams, flip flops and other tat?

Rob.

[Onz]

Rob_F said:

Lease a shop in a holiday type town and sell ice-creams, flip flops and other tat?

Got 10 years experience of that, started when I was 14, ending up running 5 shops and a load of rides. Did summers and easters and weekends all through school and uni...there's certainly some very good money to be had but there's some downsides as well.

Dop me a pm if you want any info

Edited by Onz on Thursday 19th April 20:44

[Leftie]

If I had the time I would 'middleman' for a company like this in the UK:

www.arthousereproductions.com/

They reproduce oil and water colours but also do commissions. I am sure there is a good and flexible business selling to individuals (paintings from photos of houses, or people for anniversaries, rememberances, chrimbo etc and paintings in keeping with the age of their house which is my interest) and commercial (corporate mugs for the foyer, reception areas, offices, pubs (Duke of Wellington?), theatres, TV etc). I bet there are a few old romantics out there who would have a painting of their better half done?? I even saw one with the last supper painted with all the family faces in! I can imagine a stand at various shows, conferences, wedding fayres etc. Easy PR too with corporate unveilings in the company mag/press.

I can't speak for the quality of this particular company but I used a similar, albeit a bit more expensive one recently. They seem to source artists in Asia, and sell their work online to the US and EU. Art gets some breaks on customs duty too. I paid £270 for a large and very good quality picture for which my best quote in the UK was for £900+ . They can sometimes frame much more cheaply than the UK too. I have just ordered a second one and intend to order some more omce I have seen the quality is consistent.

I am also thinking that a few US/far east 'business trips' might be allowable expenses.

Edited by Leftie on Friday 20th April 20:03

Edited by Leftie on Saturday 21st April 14:13