Is it ME????

[inspiredandy]

Thanks for all your comments guys. Davy, have been considering de registering but I do want to grow my business and I feel that this would be a backward step. I do agree with frosty about the no vat on labour thing, it sickens me that the government can earn money just cause I decide to work for myself and get my hands dirty.

 

[mikethetile]

I also believe that adding value added tax to building refurbishment is wrong

if they are going to tax the added value of the building once the work is done they should tax it when the additional profit is realised not as the work is being done

the effect of people dropping their rates earlier this year is now having an effect on the market, we all have to face the fact that we are in a deflatory market and price accordingly

the advantage the small business has is that it can change prices at the drop of a hat and stay in work while the bigger boys go under

and also be the first to increase prices as demand goes up and more money is available

the trick is not to decrease your profit or your earnings but to take a long hard look at your costs and cut them in every way you can

i got rid of my isusu pickup in jan and now have a £400 bought for cash transit

no advertising or marketing budget

cut my day rate

i simply dont spend money if i dont have too

i shopped around for cheaper insurance etc, anything i could shave a few quid off

the result of my cuts and less work coming in is that i enjoy each job more and im still making money

lose that vat registration and work lean, that way ,if you cant do that job properly and earn a living wage then others cant, so let them undercut and work for nothing, they wont be around when things pick up

believe me its hard to cut your rate by 30% when you know what your worth but youve got to do it to survive and you do it by cutting costs not profit

its dangerous to compete on price alone so you compete on service and workmanship and charge accordingly and if people are not prepared to pay for your skill, judgement and expertise then so be it, they get what they paid for and only have themselves to blame when it all goes wrong

good luck andy and take a long hard look at your costs before cutting your wage

 

[inspiredandy]

Thanks Mike, I have trimmed my costs as much as poss. I feel that I do push the service aspect to the clients and try to differenciate myself from fly by nights but it seems to me that everyone wants things done for **** all. Maybe I am being a little defeatist at the mo.

 

[Jtsd02]

im also finding it a bit tough too.im based in glasgow and compared to this time last year,my bookings are way down.ive tried leaflet dropping,advertising,even phoning one or two of my previous employers just to get a wee bit of work to get by.they too say its quiet.its just going to be a tough year.havent yet dropped my prices,but think thats gonna have to be next move