start up business

[adamshort2010]

hi there im adam and im new to the forum im currently trying to start a painting and decorating business.

currently we sub-contract from other decorating contractors but we would like to start taking on our own work. i thought a combination of telesales ( me ringing round contracts managers ) and a proffesionally made website and tendering for public sector work would certainly set us on our way although we would have to lead with the first two ideas as we are not in a position to tender yet.

what would you more expierienced tradesmen say was the best methods of finding work to bid on?

 

[Craig Lackie]

From what my clients have said good SEO on a strong website and word of mouth seem like the only real ways to win clients for the manual labour industry. Feel free to message me and we can discuss further

 

[SBOnline]

Morning,

Depending on which industries you are tendering for, some companies request you have been assessed and approved by health & safety organisations - I think CHAS is one of the construction industry ones.

It might be worth looking into that to help with getting on to tender lists - most contrats departments should be able to tell you what type of approvals they look for (if any).

The process sometimes needs testimonials, so make sure you have some ready from your happy clients!

Hope this helps.

 

[DDPlumbing]

I lost lots of work early on due to not being VAT registered btw.

 

[Curious]

If you want commercial work get your self around and see people at local construction companies etc (perhaps give a ring to make an appointment to see someone, you're much more memorable if you're there in person). And make sure you leave a really good impression; look neat and tidy, be knowledgeable and friendly etc.

We've picked up a few subbies who've done this - tell them why you should be getting the work and why you're so brilliant. After that's the fun bit of having all the sh!t jobs to get your foot in the door with them to get some decent work!!

If you want to try and tender for public sector it might be worth looking at registering with ConstructionLine.

 

[Taper]

had a membership with them once i went to price a job wich1 was canceled after few days so decided to not pay for that lead (£3.50 i know that not much but still)
So i send them an email why i need to pay if that job was canceled
in reply they said that pricing a lead is very hard and time consuming job
then i replied that am not going to pay as i wasted my petrol to go and see that job
in next email they said that if i don pay they going to going to charge me interest on that amount so i send them an email with simple message
GO F..K YOURSELF
After ten minutes my account was permanently blocked
mybuilder.com/profile/view/1stclasstapers/feedback

 

[Taper]

ups wrong thread it should be in mybuilder thread
Sorry!!!

 

[Talay]

I lost lots of work early on due to not being VAT registered btw.

An I know a couple of start up tradesmen near me who are getting lots of work largely because they are not yet VAT registered

It won't last long though

 

[Chilcott]

I always see builders and tradesman wearing big personalised hoodies maybe that will help get your name about!??

But being not VAT Registered is a big asset! Some traders have multiple companies to split the turnover so they dont go over the VAT threshold

 

[Curious]

I always see builders and tradesman wearing big personalised hoodies maybe that will help get your name about!??

But being not VAT Registered is a big asset! Some traders have multiple companies to split the turnover so they dont go over the VAT threshold

Wouldn't say that not being VAT registered isn't a big asset if he wants commercial work, it just portrays the wrong image imo.

For domestic obviously not being registered is perfect!