Help needed with starting a new business!

[GAV Empire]

Hi all,
I am trying to start my own business this summer, and have a few questions...
The idea is to get restaurant owners to buy advertising space on a leaflet i print for them and then deliver... BUT:
1) How should they pay?
2) If i wanted them to buy a 3months of the service, then how can they be reassured that im not just stealing there money?

Im not really sure on how to arrange the payment side in general, as i am only 16, and dont pay tax, so could they literally write a cheque and i just put it straight into my account?
Bit confused so some advice would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

 

[Scalloway]

1. Give them an invoice and ask for a cheque

2. That's up to your salesmanship.

You can run your business initially through your own personal bank account but if you are successful the bank will ask you to open a business account.

You must register as self employed if you are running your own business, age is no barrier

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/selfemployed/register-selfemp.htm

The Business Link website has a lot of advice on setting up your own business

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&topicId=1073858805

 

[Greg Black]

Money is tight these days, so you need to prove a return on investment to the restaurant owners.

I would suggest including some sort of trackable offer or coupon as part of the flyer.

That way the restaurant owner will know if the advertising will work, if they don't they may do it once but not again.

Plus an offer is more likely to entice a customer than the hundreds of menus I get pushed through my door.

And I'm thinking of something a little more exciting than a free bottle of pop with a pizza.

 

[GAV Empire]

Greg that actually is the idea... You probably wont believe me but yeah its to advertise a special offer on a leaflet that is delivered. Thanks For your imput anyway.
I now have 2 jobs on the go, both part time, so is it still ok for me to go 'self employed' on that link?
Ok, so they should be ok paying via cheque, and i just need to get some trust with them.
One other thing is if anyone knows a amazing website to print a5 leaflets, double sided, then please comment.
Lowest price i got was £36 inc. p&p and i dont think im gonna get lower than that! Prove me wrong?

Any other suggestions or advice on starting a business is appreciated.

Many Thanks

 

[Scalloway]

Yes you use that link to become self employed. When you do your tax return after April 5 next year you will need to include all your income so you pay the correct tax.

 

[Greg Black]

Greg that actually is the idea... You probably wont believe me but yeah its to advertise a special offer on a leaflet that is delivered. Thanks For your imput anyway.
I now have 2 jobs on the go, both part time, so is it still ok for me to go 'self employed' on that link?
Ok, so they should be ok paying via cheque, and i just need to get some trust with them.
One other thing is if anyone knows a amazing website to print a5 leaflets, double sided, then please comment.
Lowest price i got was £36 inc. p&p and i dont think im gonna get lower than that! Prove me wrong?

Any other suggestions or advice on starting a business is appreciated.

Many Thanks

That's cool. If you follow the example of some of the daily deals sites and get really good offers you will be able to generate some serious business for the restaurants and charge more for your service, a leaflet delivery service has a low perceived value, but if pitched as a marketing service that brings new customers through the door, you can charge more.

How about charging a small upfront fee, to cover your costs and agree a performance based bonus, though you will need to find a way of tracking the promotions' effectiveness. You will find far less resistance when trying to sell it and it could be more profitable for you.

Mid week offers are good when restaurants are often quieter. One Indian restaurant near me does a mid week taster menu (delivery also) they are smaller portions, but you get a mixture of dishes, I think there are 4 different combinations to choose from. It's amazing value, plus it gets people as customers who will come back a pay full price on a Friday and Saturday night.

Good luck.