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First year for trading with zero prior experience

This year is drawing to a close, and as I reflect back, I'm considering the hurdles and successes I've faced. I thought it might be worth sharing my experiences, in case someone in a similar situation is considering venturing into the self-employed market.

At the beginning of last year, I lost my second income stream. I won't go into the details, but I have a full-time position with the local authority, so I needed to find an opportunity that would generate enough additional income without consuming too much of my time.

In April of this year, I decided to explore potential opportunities. Gardening seemed like a promising option, as many businesses were struggling to recover from a long, difficult winter, leaving a small gap in the market. I pushed myself to pursue this venture.

Initially, I only had a large estate car, which limited the equipment I could transport. I already owned a 139cc Hyundai mower and strimmer, which I viewed as a "starter pack with no upfront cost." However, I soon realized these tools were not up to the job.

I built my own website using Squarespace, but quickly identified its flaws and limitations. Recognizing my technical skills, I decided to use Framer, a more cost-effective and logical solution. I also designed my own logo using Canva, which proved to be a straightforward process with the premium version.

I obtained the necessary liability and business insurances, and began advertising my services. I also set up a virtual landline number, which in retrospect was an unnecessary expense, as I ended up communicating with customers primarily via text anyway. I must remember to cancel that subscription.

Advertising on local groups like Facebook and NextDoor proved fruitful, generating a steady stream of leads, even though I didn't officially start trading until June. Business picked up quickly, and I took on more jobs than my equipment could handle, but I persevered.

Joining the LJN network connected me with individuals who had far more knowledge and experience, which, in hindsight, was one of my better decisions. Business was booming, but the equipment limitations were a constant frustration. I eventually took out a government-backed business loan to acquire the necessary equipment, some of which, in retrospect, may have been unnecessary purchases.

Given my primary job, I could only dedicate Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays to my business. My initial hourly rate was £17.50, but I also took on some £12.50 and £15 per hour clients in the early days, prioritizing experience and knowledge over profit. I'm not yet set on exact pricing for 2025, but I'm aiming for closer to £1 per minute or £25-27 per hour.

Purchasing a trailer enabled me to offer waste removal services, which I typically charged £25 per bulk bag or £100 per trailer load. Before the trailer, I had to cram bulk bags into the boot of my car, which was less than ideal and not well-received by my wife.

However, the long hours and physically demanding work eventually led to a "crash and burn" situation. While the physical aspect didn't significantly affect me, the lack of family time and downtime did. I began turning down work or overcharging, which sometimes still resulted in the customer accepting the quote.

My key costs included:

  • Towbar: £450
  • Trailer: £680
  • Trailer Signage: £400
  • Garden equipment: over £5,000, including recommended products from LJN members
  • New business shed: £1,500

From June to October, I earned around £7,000, including some cash-in-hand jobs, though I prefer digital payments for easier tracking.

In summary, the main lessons I've learned are:

  • Be patient, research the market, costs, and products thoroughly
  • Reach out to more experienced people and listen to their advice
  • Don't overwork yourself; build the company slowly
  • Be selective about the customers you take on, rather than chasing money and taking on too much work at low rates.

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

Best wishes,
M

 

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Replies

  • Michael, well done on completing your first season !

    Don't be too critical of your mistakes, we all have made them and even after 40 years plus still do.

    This trade is not an exact science if it was easy everyone would be doing it.

    Going forward, assuming you wish to grow your business? You need to buy a van this will give a more professional appearance to your business and give the right impression to your customers and more importantly allow you to go for some commercial work which is where the real money is. You will not get rich from domestic work !

    Anyway , congratulations and best wishes for 2025.

  • Hi Peter,

    At this stage I am not too sure, I just wanted an extra source of income and although I want a van, it is not practical from family or other job perspective. A van is likely off the cards right now but will need to buy a new vehicle next year. Not sure what yet though

  • I get a feeling of deja vu reading your reply ! I started with a hatchback car and second hand mower for the same reason - more income, business kept growing and van became essential which became my only form of transport for a few years before funds allowed a car for personal use. 

  • A suggestion/ question: have you considered an accountant for your tax return?  For the first few years I completed my own online form.  Then the anecdotes from my chimney sweep about the allowed expenses that can be identified by a tax person began to sink in.   I spent about £150 with BKPlus (other companies are available) and they rescued at least £1 000 from what I thought my tax bill would be.

    • Wise words, we have had an accountant from day 1. More essential than a mower !

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