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Friday 12 March 2010

Any business angels out there?

Hi there, 
My name is Nicola and I'm 20 years old. I'm currently doing a home learning course on Dog walking through Compass Home Learning ( which I found the ad in your magazine!) But I'm confused as how to start the business when I complete my course, and was wondering if you knew of any books or websites that may help me.

Thank you
Nicola Orr

Anyone out there been there and done it able to point Nicola in the right direction? Is it better to buy a franchise or start from scratch?

Hi Lucy,

Owning your own business can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it does involve quite a lot of time and hard work!

Getting qualified in your chosen field is an excellent first step, but that’s really only the start.  You’ll need to do your research with regards to insurance, accounts, VAT, and marketing (to name a few) but there are lots of excellent services out there to help you on your way.

In terms of your chosen industry, have a look at the National Association of Registered Petsitters (www.dogsit.com ).  They have quite a lot of information on their website, and some of it pertains to dog walkers.  Becoming a member of a recognized association is a good idea, as you can give your customers piece of mind that you are insured, abide by a Code of Practice, as well as distinguish yourself from other dog walkers who simply “hang out a sign” and then take on clients.

For business information, you really can’t beat the government’s Business Link service (www.businesslink.gov.uk ). Their website is FULL of essential information, and they also offer a free of charge one on one session with a Business Link advisor in your area.  They can help you with VAT registration (if need be) or you can contact HM Revenue and Customs direct (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/index.htm). The VAT office has an undeserved reputation in my opinion, as I have always found them to be extremely understanding and very helpful whenever I’ve rung.

Another good place to try is the Free Business Forum UK (http://www.freebusinessforums.co.uk/) which is an excellent resource full of helpful professionals and first time business owners.

Don’t forget to canvass your local pet shop, veterinary office, dog trainers and behaviorists as these groups are constantly being asked for recommendations from their clients. Ask them what they look for in a good dog walker, and then take their advice on board. You may find that they will become a real lifeline when you are ready to grow your business.

Best of luck!
Claire Goyer, The Haselmere Pet Company
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3 comments:

  1. Lucy King (Paws for Success)17 March 2010 at 07:10

    Hi,

    I'm 22 and have just set up my own dog training, walking and sitting business. The most important things to think about are your business name, insurance (incidentally, you have to have written agreement from owners that their dogs can go off lead in order to be covered). Look around at local dog walking businesses to find out what they charge. Word of mouth is the best reccomendation you can get, and once a client likes you, they tend to stick with you.

    Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Laura Jervis (Hands On Paws)21 March 2010 at 14:49

    Hi,

    I run a successful dog walking business with my best friend, we've been up and running for 2 and a half years now. We both previously worked in a dog daycare, and due to un-foreseen circumstances we had to start up our business in around 2 weeks! We got insurance (http://petbusinessinsurance.co.uk ) , a website, leaflets printed and t-shirts printed with our logo. At first we had one client, but thanks to her telling everyone about us we soon got very busy, and now have a waiting list! We advertised on as many free online directories as possible to get started but getting on the google map has proved most productive for us. You will need to register as self employed for tax and National insurance http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/19/19_1/self-employed-register.shtml


    One thing i do regret is not getting any funding before starting up, i recommend trying the Princes Trust for a grant, or speak to an advisor at your local Business Link who will give you lots of advice on running a business and any funding available to you.

    Also I'd say it's very much a calling to be a good dog walker, you have to be committed to going out in all weathers, be experienced in lots of breeds, sizes and temperaments of dog. Try and get some hands on experience as well as book learning. A canine first aid course is a must too! Expect the unexpected. If you can stick out the torrential rain and gales and the days when nothing goes right then you've cracked it!

    Good luck, it's the best job in the world!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linda Ward25 March 2010 at 00:13

    I echo the info about businesslink, they have been invaluable! I'd also get a good accountant - you can do your books yourself, and they do seem expensive, especially when you are just starting, but mine has saved me a lot of money and is well worth his fee!

    When I started I put a card in the vet's surgery and posted on free ad sites & directories, then as I got a few customers I had a website made and my van signwritten, which is all the advertising I have had to do. It was slow to build up, one customer coming in a month for the first few months, but after that it's been going well.

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