[kingfisher]

Running other business

Like many on this forum I run more than one business, Window Cleaning & Car Valeting.
I can’t work out if I should be promoting them both together or on there own.

At the moment I promote them separately “kingfisher Car Valeting” & Kingfisher Window Cleaning”

I have been thinking of combining the two services and calling my self “Kingfisher Services” it would reduce the costs.

One web site instead of two one leaflet put through the door instead of two ECT.

But would I look like a Jack of all trades?

Your input would be most welcome.

thanks

Kev

[Sir Squeaky]

I know what you're saying, it could look a bit "jack of all trades" to some people.

There's something to be said for making things easier though surely.

I think it's fine as long as you choose the right name, like "Kingfisher Total Cleaning" or something.

I used to Valet to a high level as you may know, and I wouldn't mind doing it as well like yourself.
Is the extra income worth it?
Is there a steady supply of work?

Should I have started a new thread?

[Sarah Sarill]

Hi Kev,

We also run two businesses - a window cleaning service and seperate wheelie bin cleaning service.  Both with different names and registered with the IR seperately.

We looked into combining them a few years back and  decided not  to because the insurances etc for different trades have different legal requirements and there is no cost saving there. Secondly we use the same telephone number/equipment etc which can currently only be claimed once anyway so no saving there.

The biggest consideration for us was the combined earning and the VAT threshold and how adding 17.5% on top of the fees would affect our business.  The other option would be to re-adjust the cost and loose the Vat  (ie £1.50 per bin - vat = nett earning of £1.28 per bin not full £1.50).

 We always cross promote on 'your windows have been cleaned today cards and our bin cards too.  On to of that we do leaflet drops and Newsletters which always inlcude an advertisement (as in the newspaper kind) for the other business. This looks like the other company has paid for it and overcomes the problem of looking like an odd-job company.

If you decide to combine both just watch the Vat threshold on the combined income of both companies.

A lot of our customers use us for both services - my recommendation would be to cross promote both as once they know you are reliable for one you will get the other.

Regards,

Sarah

[john meehan]

hi kingfisher could you advise me on what chemical you use to clean upholstery and carpets on cars and where i can purchase some as i am thinking of valeting cars as an extra all replies much appreciated thanks john

[Davindo Cleana]

If you have loads of work and thats likely to continue, maybe you could work under the umbrella of 'cleaning services' but, as is often said, esp with van livery pics - it is better to know exactly what services you are offering

[kingfisher]

Hi Squeaky

The regular car valet customers are worth it but I would steer clear of the full valets they take up too much time and are difficult to fit in to your schedule.

Thanks Sarah

I already cross promote once a customer knows me it’s just the initial contact that worries me.

Good point Davindo

I do need to re do the van signage and that’s one of the things that’s bothering me.

John I`v mailed you my Suppliers cotact details hope that helps Its just called upholstery cleaner by the way.

Thanks Kev

[john meehan]

kingfisher thanks for your prompt reply john

[DASERVICES]

   I used to do car valeting before I started window cleaning but jacked it in as
   the overheads were too high compared to window cleaning. Window cleaning is
   easier compared to cleaning cars with dog hairs all over.

   That reminds got to advertise my car washing gear.

   As regarding combining your business keep it seperate, easier for your
   Accounatant.

[AuRavelling79]

I'd have thought that (had I occasion to use one) I wouldn't mind my car valeter doing my windows but might not be too sure about my window cleaner valeting my car unless I really trusted their abilities.

[Walter Pole]

Hey DASERVICES

I am looking to buy a decent wet extraction system for car upholstery..I run a taxi and get a few sick people now and then! Please email me with anything you have to sell that is suitable - mh@amrs.co.uk

Cheers
Mark