Basically, I want to start a business, mainly focussing on gardening more than landscape design but that will be included too but funding is a massive problem due to lack of income.
So, I've made a Crowdfunder campaign, which can be found here:
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/hills-landscape-design-garden-services-start-up
I don't want to reveal my entire business plan online for the world to see, I've provided genuine reasons as to why I started the campaign, I've explained what I'd do with the money too. I just wondered if anybody has any suggestions?
What sort of rewards could I offer?
What sort of things are missing from the campaign?
Thanks in advance for your responses. Thanks again for any pledges. I'm trying to get it out of the starting stages, I need to raise 10% of what I'm asking for before it'll go onto their front page.
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Hi Andy
I took the trouble to read through your plan
My thoughts are - good for you, nice to see a young buck having a go & trying.
There are a few holes in your plan and it needs quite a bit of tweaking, however your on the right road as at least your making an effort.
There are a few spelling mistakes / typos that needs fixed.
Don't try and get to far in front of yourself with an online shop or ideas of franchises.
In your video you mention you plan on buying a chainsaw, this would be something to think about down the line as you will need additional training, experience and insurance to use it legally.
You seem to struggle to have an idea who your target market it, generally I have found that young(er) people don't have the money to spend on garden maintenance & my target market are over 50's with little or no mortgage.
This especially requires a bit more thought...
"I will outsource work beyond my ability to local businesses at a 25% fee (payable by the business for the service of providing them with work), for example if the outsourced job cost £100, they would pay me £25 in return for the contract. This will boost my ethical reputation as it will show local business owners I do not intend to "rub up" against them, instead I am choosing to give them a better chance of survival in the ever changing industry."
I have a number of different companies/businesses that I pass work onto if it's not a skill I have (no charge/free) and in return they pass work back to me.In the past it usually works out very well for me as it is always good customers... It will take you a while to build up trust with people as you are new to the game as their reputation is on the line when they recommend you in return. Do not expect to take a 25% cut in leads as it's not going to happen.
Your on the right road though and this is a good first step, the folks here are usually very helpful. If you need to know something ask as there is no such thing as a stupid question, everyday is a school day.
Good luck
Having just gone through the whole setting up my own business and applying for a government new startup loan via NEA at the job centre I never considered going down the route you are taking. I have seen a few americans doing it so I am intrigued to see how you get on and wish you the best of luck.
Few pointers I will say,
Simplfy what your seeking to do. You seem like a lad thats full of ideas and dreams and thats brilliant, I would advise at dumbing it down whilst you get going.
Proof read. Everything you do reflects when it comes to paperwork or online and were not all perfect spellers, I'm dyslexic and i find it a right ball ache but its better than not having misspelt words staring potential clients or investors in your case in the face.
Do you really want to start by launching a franchise or would you not be better off going it alone for a year as a one man band and seeing if it is definitely for you? Theres a lot that happens behind the scenes with paperwork and chasing up payments etc that eat into your day. A franchise I imagine would be 50x that amount.
I know you said you didn't want to post up your entire business plan but I'm not seeing any form of business plan there. I can send you a copy of a poor plan that was given to me for structure if you require one, it helped me a lot with mine as I knew what detail was required and how not to do things.
You also mentioned a chainsaw, are you planning on doing tree work because if so you need to add it to your insurance which also differs if your felling or climbing. You also need to think about the costs involved, I will give you a quick idea. A Stihl 250 is a top end basic saw and new they're about £400, second hand your talking £300 for a mint one. Basic PPE for chainsaw on ground is half protection trousers, chainsaw boots, helmet with visor and chainsaw gloves. The average price for the kit would be about £400 then you'll also need to obtain your CS30/31 which costs around £1000. So before you've even got going your looking at spending a minimum of £2000 if your lucky. It might be worth looking at doing when the tax man is about to call ;)
Have a real think about basic kit to, I see you have a small truck as your vehicle of choice a long side a Volkswagen Caddy, Fiat Doblo, is this really necessary at £4500 or could you do with a vauxhall combo van at £1000-1500.
These are all things I personally would have a sit down, think through sf go over before you push on.
Also don't be shy to ask questions, this forum is a fantastic place with guys that have a vast knowledge and experience of the industry and running businesses.
Regards
Rory
I echo Rory's thoughts, spending 15 k on 3 vehicle's for a startup seems excessive, bearing in mind all the costs that come with those. Lots of good ideas, but don't try to do everything, you'll end up being a jack of all trades and a master of none.
I'm not spending 15k on three vehicles :D Sorry, I should have been clearer, they're just quotes for the costs of the type of van I'll be looking for. :) I only need one.
I only read it as you needed one but the point I was saying is do you 'need' a £4500 van to start
No, I guess not. Not a £4500 one when you can get some for £1300 - Cheers for the advice :D
In regards to the chainsaw, no I don't need that, I'm scared of heights, I don't even know where that came from, I think it's just because when I said petrol powered tools my first thought as chainsaw, I probably meant strimmer and lawn mower or something aha
Apologies, misread your business plan.
It was in the original business plan but then I realised I'm scared of heights so... I'll never be in a tree to use it aha
Test trading does seem like a very good / viable option if your receiving benefit, Rory how did you find it?
Andrew, have you checked out funding / support options on the Princes trust - link
I think there is a scheme were you can trade while recieving benefits but you have a Scheme co-signature on your business accounjt so you can not use the funds to live on. You produce business plans, get support, marketing etc along with access to small busines "bank manager".
You almost have to save them up until you go full time.
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