i need advice re: setting up home business?

Question

Sorry but this is only aimed at British people as we have different regulations.
I would like to set up a bridal business but run it from home, over the internet, can anybody tell me where to start!..or just advice would be great..thanks x

to mrs mac, is your business successful?..do you make enough to live off, as im going to give up a career in nursing to do this...how do you get hold of stock etc..

Answer 1

i have run a business from home for the past couple of years, it's great for flexibility and childcare issues, the biggest downside for me is working alone all the time, it can be boring sometimes and you can lose focus!
i would advise you to do lots of research before jumping in at the deep end, is there any way you can set-up on a part time basis whilst still having your job? that way you can 'test' your market before you lose your income to make sure you will be able to survive.
perhaps doing a business planning course would be a good idea to make sure you don't miss anything essential. this one you can do from home around your other commitments with full tutor support http://rebecca-swift.co.uk/courses.aspx
if you email me i can also give you details of a fab web design and hosting service which is very low cost or free depending on your package - i am not going to put the link here as they are yahoo's competition and last time i told someone about it on here they gave me a violation notice!
i wish you all the best with your venture x

Answer 2

There are two facets here; over the internet and from home. IF YOU restrict youresf initially to over the net,
and use drop ship [having the suppliers send directly to your client[s], you need nothing more to start.

I also suggest, but the muni people do not love it--start your biz and
earn money first--THEN get your
permits!!! Why? Cause the muni
[city hall, etc] wants their money
no matter whether you make L or not!]

AFTER you are netting L3,000 a mo,
then get all the muni permits.

Answer 3

Get in touch with the dss and start paying self-employed national insurance, if you are paying and charging V.A.T. get in touch with customs and excise, also at the end of your first year get an accountant. Advertise your business on e-bay and in bridal magazines. Good luck.
I have been running a business from home for 15 years now.

Answer 4

Hi, I've just started an online business myself and I have joined the A.I.B (the Association of Independent Businesses) I've had tons of help and they are hosting my site for me (when its finished) They are at www.independent-business.org.uk I also had a look at some forum sites, try www.newbusinessportal.co.uk, I got that info here. Best of luck.

Answer 5

I always advise people to ask themselves lots of questions of the What, Who, How and Why kind. What I mean is ask yourself What is it I actually want to do, How will this make a profit. Who will be my customers, How will they find me, Do I have something they want, will they pay me What I want to receive.
Look on the Internet for sites where you can put an ad, or look into having your own website.

Answer 6

Sorry, this might not help much, but just in case - Barclays do a free small business pack if you go to their website. Includes a dvd with info on where to start.

Answer 7

though not particularly relevant, you should definately get an accountant - this doesn't have to cost a lot of money and can save you a fortune in the long run!
try the federation of small businesses for advice: www.fsb.org.uk they're especially useful for the practical/legal side of things

Answer 8

if you are looking for information about starting a small bussiness then go to http://www.work-at-home-forum.org
there is a lot of info about small business

good luck

Answer 9

make sure your completley organized, if u arent, its gonna be really hard for u over time