Quotes required for a new business - Pitch away!

[Shaun_Pearce]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I'm doing this on behalf of my sister in law who can't access the internet at the moment.

Sabrina is looking to start up her own mobile hair dressing business which would require several things in order to get her started.

This is just a quick opportunity to pitch your services/products to me so that I can get the ball rolling.

This is a new business which has nothing at this stage so good luck with what you have to offer. Lets see some prices and links to your website if you have one. Even if you think your product MIGHT be of use to her then please pitch away.

Thanks

 

[mubin]

She will probably need a mobile phone, and some sort of NGN number, as she will not want to advertise a mobile as her business number. Depending on the number of mintues she may require and other things we should be able to help her out in that department.

Without knowing anything more I wouldnt really be able to provide a quote though.

 

[Faith28]

It is the business owner's decision to decide what they need. So best to list down what she may want.

Flyers are obvious one. Maybe get a marketing strategy done before anything...I mean is there a business for a start. A marketing strategy will identify ways to get to her potential customers.

 

[Shaun_Pearce]

Quotes for...

Business cards
Flyers
Website
Branding
Log design
Hair & Beauty materials
Data

Top of my head stuff...

 

[RobertG]

She would be well advised to get an accountant from the start. Make sure she is using the best structure from the start. Most accountants will offer fixed fee quotes which is a great way to compare. In choosing one try and get a referral from someone who is happy with theirs.

 

[Shaun_Pearce]

Accountant sorted.

Thanks

 

[i234i]

Equipment (Sallys/Salon Services)
Product Prices (^^^)
Pricing to see how other local homers price compared to the shop salons

I'd say get the Pricing correct first.

 

[SmilePrint]

Print & Design

Treatment list (price list), quantity, size, paper, content - to determine price.

Business cards; Quantity and stock.
Prices on website.....

Duplicate book / Receipt/ cash book, personalised.
No price on website, but can make.

How about a magnetic sign for her vehicle, to take off when she's "off duty"
Suggestion.


Best of luck

Brendan

 

[JayCME]

Advertising is key, I know its obvious but you need to let people know that you are out there.

CardsMadeEasy.com offer a full range of printing services from Business Cards, Flyers to Posters. At the moment we have an offer where you can save 5% off the Printing price. When you are ready to order just quote promo code M1AS0YT. We can also help with designing your products too.

Thanks
JayCME
CardsMadeEasy.com

 

[Calibre Designs]

Firstly determine which market she is aiming for. If she knows what prices she will charge, how do they compare with what is out there already in her area? What level is she pitching at? Identifying her key market group will then help her develop a business image!

We can help her with branding to give the business a unique identity, marketing literature design, copywriting, and printing. Nothing on your list that we can't do really.

Enquire about our startup packages.

Out of interest, what is the competition like where she is? How many mobile hairdressers are there?

Thanks

 

[GRDCredit]

Shaun - she will of course require professional credit control!


Geoff

 

[Monica_ChilliApple]

Hi Shaun,

We can help her sort out her needs related to Branding, advertising, Business cards, website & much more. We talk to our clients in techy-free speak so that they know in simplest terms what is being discussed & how can we help to achieve it.

Good Luck to Sabrina for her new business. Glad to help if interested. E-Mail me to [email protected]

Ta,
Monica

PS : Quotes for anything would depend on the requirements, which we're not aware of so far.

 

[imranali]

log design? i thought god would've taken care of that one! *L*

 

[BPM-UK]

Anything print or design wise give me a shout email via website www.bpm-uk.co.uk or pm me and I will get you the prices you need.

Business Cards and Flyers are available at fantastic prices....
Would give prices but it depends on exactly what you require.

I look forward to hearing from you

James

 

[Shaun_Pearce]

Thank you all very kindly.

I'm having a meeting with Sabrina today to discuss a number of subjects.

Thus far I've searched a number of forums for feedback and it seems obvious that a few things need to be ticked off but I'm also interested in a number of ideas.

• Marketing Strategy
• Accountant
• Supplier of Hair Products
• Branding/Print
• Website
• Communication

By the looks of it you all have covered the hot topics for our meeting. I will make not of your details most relevant to her requirement.


Watch this space!

 

[GRDCredit]

No disrespect intended by I would have thought for a mobile hairdresser a website is a bit OTT.

I would imagine that most of her business will come via word of mouth but bear in mind this advice is coming from someone who regretably has not had a requirement for any sort of hairdresser for some years!


Geoff

 

[RobAtPressDispensary]

Hi Shaun

On the communication front, Sabrina will need to announce the arrival of her business (and ought to have an opening day event, which will need to be publicised). A well crafted, well placed news release (put out to traditional press, radio and TV, as well as online) is by far the most effective way of reaching the media and their readers, listeners and viewers.

I'd be happy to talk things through with you/her on this front, with no obligation. Do IM me or give me a call on 0845 430 4433.

And good luck to her.

Rob

 

[Shaun_Pearce]

Geoff I can see your point and It's something that I've spoken to her about. The idea of putting a small budget together for multiple requirements are obviously putting down a budget for a small website for simple purposes of updating and taking online bookings as well as keeping an online profile with testimonials.

Sabrina has requested this simply because she would like to have an online presence which she can revert to when speaking to people locally online for what ever reason.

It's not a requirement to attract business you are right it's merely to have something easily accessible for potential clients and for the word of mouth have a stimilus as a visual impact strategy.

 

[TotallySport]

depending on how hi-tec you want to go, you could have a CRM system, which she can use to monitor who and when she has done jobs for people, and what they have done, then collate that information and use it to track repeat customers, and offer one time customer deals etc to get them to become repeat customers.

This can be used in conjunction with the web site, to show times when she can be booked, and sell the hair care products etc obviously if the target market is 80 year old blue rinse people, this is a bad idea.

Good Luck

 

[Shaun_Pearce]

Sabrina is looking for growth in the business as it gets more custom. She would like to employ a network of mobile hairdressers which can all be fed business from the core network. So something like CRM could be of value just not at this stage.

However Sabrina is looking to get the template right from the off and ensure that the system she chooses is quick and has a clear communication. All fariness her ideas are excellent and she is aiming high with clear goals. All she wants is the technology and the best market strategy to allow her to get to her goals.

After tonight I will have a clearer view of what it is she is looking to achieve and thus I can come back to forums to seek further advice.

 

[JayCME]

I think Sabrina's got some really great advise. I think once the initial steps have been taken to get the company started she will need to think about how to entice her Customers.

My advise would be not to go overboard with getting too much printed. I think Business Cards (these can also be used as appointment cards on the reverse) and perhaps a A6 size postcard can be printed handed out to potential customers. The postcard could contain an offer to encourage them to give Sabrina a call. For example, if someone mentions that they have a card that you gave them you could give them a small discount. Alternatively have a Promotion Code printed on the card for them to quote at the time of them making an appointment.

Its just a suggestion, I know its worked in the past for some of our Customers.

If you need any help with printing then let me know. CardsMadeEasy.com can provide you with some samples if you wish. Just visit the site.

Good Luck Sabrina, starting your own business can be tiring but so rewarding too.

JayCME

 

[Shaun_Pearce]

JayCME,

Thank you I've visited your website and I've requested a sample pack.

Kind Regards

 

[RobAtPressDispensary]

You mentioned taking bookings via a website, which to me is a great service that will definitely appeal to customers. I'm not alone in being the sort of person who might be planning my week outside office hours and using the web to do it. But my recommendation is to be cautious here. A website which takes customer details and essentially then pings an email to Sabrina is, in my opinion, of limited use and can be offputting.

(The other week I became very frustrated when I entered all my details into the booking form of a certain national optician's chain only to find that I hadn't actually made an appointment online - the site had just taken my details and informed my local branch - and I had to wait for someone to call me and do it all manually on the phone. Why did I bother completing the form and getting out my diary etc.?)

But to have a website that actually enters checks Sabrina's diary and makes entries for a customer is not really a low-budget option: either Sabrina's diary has to be managed entirely through the website (easiest) or the website has to connect to her diary on a computer somewhere (£££). I recommend looking into this aspect of things further before making commitments.

Cheers

Rob

 

[Geoff T]

Shaun - she will of course require professional credit control!


Geoff

When was the last time you got a haircut on credit???

ps - if you did, I hope you queried the bill!!!

 

[Geoff T]

Alternatively have a Promotion Code printed on the card for them to quote at the time of them making an appointment.

Its just a suggestion, I know its worked in the past for some of our Customers.

JayCME

Better yet, have a certain number of cards made up, but the condition of the discount is that they GIVE Sabrina the actual card! You could have them numbered so she knows in advance how many "subsidised" cuts there could be - makes life easier for the cashflow projection!

If there's a code to quote on the phone - how many people are going to share the info to get "cheaper" haircuts?

Quantify the promotion is my advice!

It's still a great idea mind!

 

[SmilePrint]

Just to throw in the mix,

In a new start when she is attracting customers she has got to give people a reason to give her a go, try her service. Otherwise its, ho hum, just another leaflet that doesn't get the needle to move on the "Who gives a @@#!! meter" (Ref: Wizard of Ads)

Giving a Free introductory haircut can be abused, but I think its a good idea, if approached from another angle.

Think of a loyalty card for coffee, buy 10 get one free.

Offer a Free Haircut after the 3rd trim/time for all new customers. This establishes the habit (of getting her in), and breaks the habit (of going to a salon). It rewards the loyalty of those who will probably stay for a long time, but doesn't affect her immediate cashflow.

You can go to print with this offer on all promotions "FREE HAIRCUT" which should get peoples attention to read further about the service. It gets her in more doors and gives the client the chance to determine if they like her, which is a big factor in hairstyling.

Just a thought.

Regards

 

[Geoff T]

You can go to print with this offer on all promotions "FREE HAIRCUT" which should get peoples attention to read further about the service. It gets her in more doors and gives the client the chance to determine if they like her, which is a big factor in hairstyling.

Just a thought.

And a good one in my book! Good thinking!

 

[JayCME]

Good idea SmilePrint!

I guess you could offer the postcard with a discount on it for their second visit. This might get them to call you back too.

JayCME

 

[printedeasy]

Printing? Check out our website - www.printedeasy.com

Thanks!

sarah

 

[printedeasy]

Printing?

www.printedeasy.com

 

[printedeasy]

That was weird, it said the first one didnt post! Sorry for posting twice!

 

[Deleted member 45438]

With her being a mobile hairdresser, she will need mobile communications. If She has a business contract as opposed to a standard personal contract you will get alot more value for money ie free voicemail, free itemised billing, cheaper international/roaming calls. I could do a business package which included 1,000 minutes for any network, calls to europe, usa and canada, unlimited landlines and unlimited texts for approx £22 per month(Includes £13 discount off the normal price). Might even be able to get unlimited internet and e-mail and a blackberry included if needed.

If you/she is interested then drop me a private message with an e-mail address and the sort of deal your looking for and i'll get an official quote out to you.

 

[Stephen Berry]

Don't forget insurance - public liability, professional indemnity, change the car insurance to business use (or she may be uninsured whilst driving to a job).

easy to miss off, but costly if something happens (e.g. "I don't like the haircut so I'm going to sue you" or "you put your chemicals on my priceless antique table and it is now irrovocably stained - cough up" etc etc)