Ad agency close offices and work from home

[stuckinarut]

I have a small ad agency (4 people). We need to cut overheads and are considering moving out of the offices and all of us working from our respective homes, assuming technology and costs allow. We only get 2 visitors a year and this is not a regular commitment.
Does anyone have any experience of doing this? I'd like to hear about success or otherwise.
Main concerns are effect on image of agency of changing postal address to a 'home' address and the obvious lack of a permanent business address.

 

[Turismotec]

I wouldn't worry too much about the company image, just sell yourself as a progressive virtual business. It's something that's becoming more common and acceptable in business in these more 'ethical' times.

Another useful option is to use a virtual office. This would give you a business postal address and phone number and you could even use call reception and meeting room facilities when necessary.

 

[altwebdesign]

You can always hire a local virtual office, you can have your mails, calls and meetings there.

 

[smo]

Personally i'd avoid a virtual office such as Regus, i went to visit a company recently and it turned out to be in one of their buildings and it instantly changed my perception of their setup, and not for the good!

You would be better off using a PO Box for incoming mail and getting that delivered to your home address, that way no one would ever know except in a face to face meeting situation and in which case visit them!!

 

[Turismotec]

I used a virtual office for more than 10 years and it was perfect. I agree that a Regus type office is not impressive, but there are loads of individual business centres all around the country that also offer a virtual service and a visitor would not know the difference. All I can say is that it worked perfectly for me.

 

[businessfunding]

Another consieration regarding addresses is that you must give out a real address (IE not a PO Box) on your letterhead, website etc -do you want this to be your home address?

Overall, I cannot imagine customers being put out by your choice, but you must ensure that your work or delivery oes not suffer, as they will be very quick to judge.

Also be sure to meet your staff regularly; indiviually and together as they might become isolated.

Finally, put a lot of thought into the 'official' message as to why you are taking this step & potential benefits to your clients

 

[smo]

Another consieration regarding addresses is that you must give out a real address (IE not a PO Box) on your letterhead, website etc -do you want this to be your home address?

Overall, I cannot imagine customers being put out by your choice, but you must ensure that your work or delivery oes not suffer, as they will be very quick to judge.

Also be sure to meet your staff regularly; indiviually and together as they might become isolated.

Finally, put a lot of thought into the 'official' message as to why you are taking this step & potential benefits to your clients

Isnt this only when selling goods in an ecomerce situation. You are able to use a PO Box when using newspaper adverts and im sure a service company can use whatever they like???

 

[businessfunding]

Isnt this only when selling goods in an ecomerce situation. You are able to use a PO Box when using newspaper adverts and im sure a service company can use whatever they like???

The Business Names Act and E-Commerce Act between them dictate that a physical address must be shown on letterheads, websites and various other forms of communication

This is widely ignored and I am not aware of any prosecutions under these acts, however customers in the know might well judge you, and HM Government might become aware of this little cash cow an start levying fines.

 

[cjd]

Your accountant or solicitor can provide your registered address - we use our accountant.

 

[smo]

The Business Names Act and E-Commerce Act between them dictate that a physical address must be shown on letterheads, websites and various other forms of communication

This is widely ignored and I am not aware of any prosecutions under these acts, however customers in the know might well judge you, and HM Government might become aware of this little cash cow an start levying fines.

I didnt realise it applied to every business so handy to know, although we have always put our registered address on everything as matter of course.

 

[itboffins]

I have a small ad agency (4 people). We need to cut overheads and are considering moving out of the offices and all of us working from our respective homes, assuming technology and costs allow. We only get 2 visitors a year and this is not a regular commitment.
Does anyone have any experience of doing this? I'd like to hear about success or otherwise.
Main concerns are effect on image of agency of changing postal address to a 'home' address and the obvious lack of a permanent business address.

In terms of technology costs be sure to check out Microsoft Office 365 (link to free trial below) - only £4 per month a user but you get web versions of Word, Excel etc (perfectly adequate) but more importantly for your situation within the £4 subscription you get Microsoft Lync which is a great tool for video conferencing, free phone calls and instant messaging, you can share each others screens and work together on projects even though miles apart....

 

[abode]

My company is in a similar situation. I now employ five full time members of staff who work from home. This was done because I cover a wide area and enabled me to have staff spread out.

I maintain a virtual office and when I go back to work (taken some time off to look after my son at the moment) I will hire some deskspace for myself as I like to get out the house.

I agree with the points about Regus, we managed to find a modern office run by the local council which encourages creative industries and portrays the correct image.

What I will say is make sure you have your communication systems in place. We have an excellent telephone system that enables calls to be shared between staff and 9/10 the caller gets hold of the correct department. If not it's easy to redirect.

We have live chat on the website, again set up to have questions sent to the correct operator. We also use a screen sharing program so staff can go through any issues online with each other

There are downsides to this is that I considered taking on a apprentice but I'm not really in a position to offer them the correct training as everything is all over the south east.

 

[Jet Virtual]

Going virtual is a smart idea. You are cutting your overheads which in turn is increasing your profits!

Best of Luck,

Daniel