Hi J,

This sort of business is great as a startup as obviously you don't really need costly things such as office space, permanant staff etc.

You will need some things though, e.g. van, equipment, consumables (soap, polish etc).

Don't let that put you off though as initial payback for such expenditure can be quick.

It's worth looking into this, if it's feasable then you are ultimately relying on word of mouth and contacts. I know of several such businesses who go round hospitals, industrial sites, office spaces etc on set days. To do this you would need to approach someone influential and do a 'pitch', similar to what you may have seen on dragon's den.

You will also need to look at advertising. Think about your target audience and avoid taking out ads in local media. These aren't usually eye catching for a price you can afford to pay. Consider leafleting in semi to affluent areas, of which there are many in Essex.

Do let us know how you get on.

Regards,

Dave

I would say:

Do: keep is simple
concentrate on your marketing, and getting the work
Keep records of what you earn and spend for the tax man
If you say you will do it, do it. Don't let people down.

Dont: Spend loads of money, especially on vehicles (spend your money on the sign painting, not how many miles the van has done!)
Underprice to get work

I like the idea of regular routes and going to places such as offices on set days.

My very first business was a car wash (teenager with a bucket job) and my best customer was a local office block which had a courier firm on the bottom floor. For the courier firm I literally knocked on the door and said "your vans are filthy dirty, I will clean them for X" and I think the owner admired my cheek. If I was doing it now I would say "the car was is X, I will do it better for Y and you dont have to pay the driver to take it through". For the office block I asked in reception very nicely if anyone wanted a car cleaned, and they put it over the tannoy (!) and after that I used to have several regulars each time, and reception rang them for me and usually one or two would want it done. Some would even put the money on the desk with a note where the car was.....just try things until you find what works for you. I did always get nervous asking for work, but once you get over that its not too bad....

I hope that helps, and good luck.

NB I am guessing (from your user ID) you are 19 - if so you may be able to get start-up help from the Princes's Trust. Criteria is strict, but worth asking.
------------------------
James Smith
Chartered Accountant
www.jamesesmith.co.uk

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Your indispensable guide to Small Business Bookkeeping, Self-Assessment & VAT

Thanks alot for both your help,
Im actually an A level student doing business studies and the stress is taking its toll,
This is all part of the coursework so your help is much appreciated!

Thanks

Jake