Door to door catalogue's

[Pd_hendry]

Hi guys,

I am looking at starting a new venture of delivering catalogues door to door in a retail style business and collecting them a short while after, similar to Avon and Kleeneezee do but with out reps or a pyramid scheme.

I have suppliers sorted, the catalogue currently being designed, and looking at different printing options but I am unsure about the legality about starting this kind of business. Would I need a street traders licence, a pedlars licence (as it is essentially 'to another mans house'), would I need to set up as a sole trader? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

Depends on products & expected sales volume. But you may want to consider setting up a ltd co and getting VAT registered.

In terms of legalities, I'd have though you'd need products liability (but not sure as you may only need that if you manufacturer them items?)

 

[Pd_hendry]

Thanks for the reply Homer,

Basically the jist of this business is going into the novelty gifts, childrens toys, beach toys/wear, non electronic gadgets and housewares. So we would be expecting to peak during December to nearly non existent during Jan - Feb (don't think I would be out during this time).

My business plan is prediciting around a 10k mark in December, so the profit not going to be massive so would a limited company be the way forward for this? Sure it may get bigger in the future but doesnt a ltd have large start up costs? Not too sure what pros/cons of a ltd are and whether this would be beneficial. (I say we as my friend will be helping from day 1)

As I won't be manufacturing the products would I need product liability insurance? Anyone no?

It is the law side and set up side that is confusing me, as I read more and more on the Internet I just seem to become more and more confused.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

Probably won't need to be ltd on such small turnover and no VAT either (both headaches you could do without!).

I'd still look at insurance though. Either products (which the more I think about it the less I think you need it), but also public liability. You're going onto peop2 property and whilst little chance of damaging it, it could happen. Again, this is just a guess though, I could be talking rubbish.

Someone with more knowledge should pop along at a more reasonable time of day and help. I just hope I can get some sleep before by midday appointment!

 

[Anonymouse72]

does this info help at all? that article relates to business from home but there are plenty of links & other info too.

looks like you might not need a pedlar's licence if not actually carrying any goods, probably best to just get advice from your local council.