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    Sorry Yelp, Karma Is A B!@# small business

    November 10, 2018

    Sorry Yelp, Karma Is A B!@# small business

    Sorry Yelp, Karma Is A B!@#

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 03:51 PM PST

    Don't everyone tap dance at once now

    Yelp craters as much as 32% as advertisers abandon the site

    submitted by /u/redditreinvest
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    Buying a house

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 02:17 PM PST

    Like many small business owners, my earnings at the end of the year are not very high. However, my living situation is about to change and I was thinking of trying to buy instead of rent. Does anyone have any advice about the best way to go about this process? My earning from last year are pretty low, but this year business has really picked up and it will be much better. Any advice will help. Thank you in advance!

    submitted by /u/fulton1206
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    I feel like I'm not being taken seriously when I ask to be paid by a certain date.

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 02:33 PM PST

    I have a residential and commercial cleaning business. 95% of my work is residential and I have never, in 7 years, had a problem with someone paying me.

    Then, I started doing commercial work last year. Stupid me, I never set up any real contracts, just job descriptions. My invoices stated payment due date as "upon receipt". Probably another dumb idea, but I'm learning. So, I was getting paid when the client felt like it. After a couple weeks, I would send an email wondering if they've sent out a check. I would always get a really annoyed response like I was a maniac for wanting to be paid.

    So, I put a due date on the invoice. Do you think I'd get paid by that date? No.

    I've also been after a small amount of money from a clubhouse tenant for almost a month now. He keeps telling me he forgot, then said he'd send me a payment over a cash app. It hasn't happened and it's now more about the principle then the money at this point.

    I feel like I'm not being taken seriously and I guess I can see why by not setting up a contract with payment terms. I really don't want to rock the boat too much because my husband is employed by 2 of these clients and the money is good.

    How do I get across I need to be paid by a certain time and what steps can I take when I'm not being paid?

    submitted by /u/scorpio_siren
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    [Advice] need some help to finance a project

    Posted: 10 Nov 2018 01:02 AM PST

    Hello, i would wish to know where i can find financial help for a project i'm working on. The project is still at the early stage of development. Thanks.

    submitted by /u/patricial18
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    How important is a PO box when you work from home?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 03:12 PM PST

    I've been working for myself for the past year and using my personal address to receive checks and other business related mail. I have good relationships with my clients so I haven't minded giving out my address really, but coming up on holiday card mailings I wonder if it's worth getting a P.O. box? I do honestly feel a bit uncomfortable giving my personal address to so many people, and I wonder if it would look more professional. Wondering what others do?

    submitted by /u/rockitsomemore_x
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    Advice on Starting a Handy Man Business?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 05:47 PM PST

    Hi guys,

    before I go into context, I just want to let you know that I'm thinking about starting some type of handy man type business. I'm 19, and I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I played around with a lot of ideas, including coding, but it didn't work out because I wasn't really passionate about it. However, recently, I've been doing handy work and I really enjoy it, especially the hands on part. I just don't know where to take it from here. I still have a lot to learn, and I'm excited but I don't know whether I can make a business out of it, so I'm asking anyone who's in this field for advice :)! Thanks in advance.

    Just a little information about me:

    • I have the basic tools, but about a $600 budget right now to buy some equipment

    • I have a lot to learn, so the next six months, I'm going to tackle as many projects I can do. Also might take some classes.

    • I will have access to a car by 2019 summer.

    Edit: Sorry about the format, I used the old reddit since I wanted to cross post.

    submitted by /u/ManofNorth
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    I'm considering starting a shop to sell and install solar panels, as well as other related things, were do I start?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 09:04 PM PST

    Hello everyone, first of all I'm sorry if this isn't the proper subreddit to post this kind of things. As the title mentioned it, I'm thinking about starting a shop to sell and install solar panels, maybe security cameras, etc, but I'm not too sure where to start. My brother mentioned looking for a way to buy the panels directly from china, and I'll be doing some research about it, but I though it was better to ask if someone had any advice for someone starting in this kind of business. Thanks for your attention.

    submitted by /u/James-Sylar
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    Established (very) small business funding options?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 06:11 AM PST

    I tried searching, but it seems that most funding questions are related to startups. For those of you in the know, do you have any thoughts/insights on small business lenders such as Kabbage, Fundera, Fundbox, SnapCap, Fundation, etc?

    A little background: We've been in business 5+ years, and aren't interested in a typical bank loan. Previously, we've been very lucky to have family help us out, but I'm growing weary of using the "family bank." (As I'm sure they are, too!)

    Any advice/information would be greatly appreciated!

    submitted by /u/HelenHerriot
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    At what point do you need to actually become a licensed business when you have an Etsy/eBay store?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 06:29 PM PST

    I'm considering starting an eBay or Etsy store for crafts that I make, but am having trouble finding information on making it a legitimate licensed business. Although I don't think I'd make more than a few thousand dollars a year, I'd like it to be reported as income for tax purposes, so I could use the money to contribute to my IRA, and possibly write off supplies and equipment as a business expense.

    Would what I'm talking about be worth it?

    submitted by /u/SHOCK_VALUE_USERNAME
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    Technology for keeping track of installing sprinkler systems.

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 02:32 PM PST

    I works for a small sprinkler system installer that designs and installs wet, dry, seismic fire protection.

    Each system follows the same basic pattern of install. Hangers installed first for pipe, then the type of pipe, then heads screwed in.

    We are doing so much work now it's hard for a whole crew to be on jobs and therefor are normal estimating of how fast systems are installed.

    So my boss is looking into a way to track in real time the time it is taking to install and project out how long it'll take at the rate it is being installed.

    Is there any tech/solution?

    Thanks

    Grimz

    submitted by /u/GrimZ_zz
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    Customer database

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 04:34 PM PST

    I'm looking for software or online product that gives me a simple database. Something to keep customer names, address, notes, phone number, etc. Im not sure what to search for online to meet these needs. Any help would be appreciated.

    submitted by /u/bostonbeaggle
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    Tips for selling a small business?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 01:37 PM PST

    My parents are looking at selling their local service business and this has brought up an interesting issue of how to properly evaluate the company's worth, as well as how to find potential buyers.

    Have you sold (or helped sell) a small company? Did you use a broker or did you list on a website? How did you figure out the company's worth? I have a few good ideas for this, but looking for feedback from people with direct experience in this.

    Thanks in advance for your useful insights.

    submitted by /u/IgorAMG
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    How to recover after tons of backlash and scandal due to my last business partner taking money and not delivering the product, under my name?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 12:45 PM PST

    Keeping some details vague, for privacy reasons.

    In 2010 (I was 18), I started freelancing. I've done graphic design, writing, data entry, etc. until I found a niche I was comfortable in.

    In 2011, I pitched a business idea to a good friend and fellow freelancer. He was an overseas freelancer. For the next two years, we collaborated on this business idea, alongside our individual freelance jobs. I blogged about the process, teased out samples, and made huge strides in networking. I built a tremendous audience in those two years.

    In 2014, we were ready to pre-sell the product. Within 1 month, we raised $50,000 in pre-sales and closed it. My role was to sell, his role was to create the product since he had the technical knowledge to develop it. I came up with ideas, he executed.

    He asks me to pay him for his share of the profits upfront. He planned to take leave from his full-time job to rush deliver this product. I agreed and paid him $30,000.

    Three months go by. No product.

    Six months go by. No product.

    Nine months go by. I demand that he finishes the product.

    He ghosts me for a year.

    My reputation and audience is completely ruined by now. I took full responsibility of the project and refunded my $20,000 and then some (out of my own pocket). I took on a second job to refund as much as I could. I literally did not go out with friends, drink, go out to eat, or have any luxuries.

    In 2016, I was hit with an IRS audit.

    A lawyer had advised me to not report the $50,000 income until the next year because it's not "technically" profit until the product is in their hands.

    Now, on top of refunding everyone left $30,000 I owe the IRS five figures.

    I eventually heard back from my partner. He had a life changing accident (showed me pictures and medical records) and used his portion of the profits to pay for the medical expenses. Since he was broke, he couldn't leave his job and ended up abandoning our project.

    I was transparent with my audience and told them what happened, along with pictures he allowed me to share. I apologized. Earlier this year, I needed to pull the plug on paying everyone back because of how much I owed the IRS, plus interest.

    My priority is paying the IRS back.

    The IRS will probably be paid off by 2020, if I continue making the large payments I've been making. On top of that, I am still freelancing, so I will continue to owe the IRS money.

    To make matters worse, some of my competitors got wind of all of this and encouraged their followers to post negative reviews about me online. They stalked my social media and bombarded me with e-mails. They spammed my phone number in different places and encouraged people to call me and complain. One even went as far as to e-mail clients who have left me glowing testimonials, to tell them how I'm a terrible person.

    I have been freelancing since I was 18. I don't have a degree or any skillsets outside of online freelancing. This is all I know. I make more money freelancing than I would with an entry level minimum wage job. As a father of two small children, I can't afford to leave freelancing.

    Now we're reaching the end of 2018 and theres been a LOT less people talking smack about me. A lot of people also backed me up and refuted bad comments against me, showing off proof of refund. I think there's maybe one or two people who have major audiences, still trying to shit talk me on social media, but everyone else has mostly backed off.

    I'm at a point where I'm almost done paying off the IRS and I can eventually pay back the rest of what I owe, though it will take time. A lot of time. I've also made huge waves in my freelancing and I'm at the point I can network and start a business again.

    I'm just terrified that people will come out of nowhere and shit talk me again. I'm networking with some big names who have shouted me out and gave me high-paying customers, and I'm terrified someone is going to try to tell them I'm terrible and they need to stop working with me. It's a completely different niche that won't overlap too much, but I think a simply google of my real name will reveal what I'm doing now.

    I know this was long and drawn out but I don't know where else to go. Please give me some advice on how I should handle it from here.

    P.S. I've been completely honest about everything from day 1. I have told my audience I needed to put refunds on hold though I'm not sure when I can refund everyone. You won't find a single post from me with a yacht or grand spending or bragging about how much money I'm making.

    For a TLDR, read the bolded text.

    submitted by /u/throaway0128391232
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    So I’m starting up a small business where I sell stuff, I want it to be online and I just need to make a website, and that’s where I’m stuck. 1 I don’t know how to make a website as well as what I could use to make it. 2 I really don’t know how to advertise/market this website. Thanks for any help

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 04:30 PM PST

    Experiences With Video In Small Business?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 12:07 PM PST

    Hey everyone, lurker turned first time poster here. Wondering, if you have experience using video in your business, what have your biggest problems or frustrations been? Looking for some starting points for educational/tips videos I'm working on to help small business owners (I own a small business helping local businesses with video strategy).

    I appreciate your input/insight in advance!

    submitted by /u/davelisowski
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    Unmotivated co-owners and my existence within the company

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 11:47 AM PST

    Throwaway account here. I'm not so sure if it is advice I'm seeking for or if this is more just to vent.

    ​

    A little background. I'm founder and co-owner of a small B2B technology company that I've been working my ass off on for over 14 years. Since we started, our total revenue started from $0/month and now we're pulling in about $25,000/month. There are four co-owners, including myself. with one of them being part time and the others full time in their positions. They have been working with me for over 10 years and have put a lot of work in to the company. One of the co-owners is considered irreplaceable because of his technical knowledge and foundation he has built. Everything was great for the first 10 years or so. We experienced slow but steady growth. We still do but there is more competition now.

    ​

    The biggest problem over the last 2-3 years has been motivation with two of the co-owners. They don't seem to have much interest in pushing the company forward anymore and seem to be fine with the status quo. It seems that I've been putting in 3x-4x the amount of hours than everyone else and I generate the most revenue for the company by far. For any work that the other co-owners have on their plate, deadlines are rarely met and it's like pulling teeth trying to communicate with one of them. Now don't get me wrong; I expect to do more work moving the company forward since I'm the founder and love my line of work. Nothing in the business world is ever 100% fair.

    ​

    I just don't want to work myself to death and lose sleep over deadlines, especially if the other co-owners aren't "in it". Some days can be very frustrating when we are very busy and I seem to be the only one doing anything. It's typical to have a roller coaster ride running your own business but....

    ​

    The question is, how much is too much?

    submitted by /u/dedicatedbizowner
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    How to get recommendations?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 11:32 AM PST

    Hey have been thinking a bit lately. I want my customers to recommend me to others since word of mouth is probably the most efficient way to advertise (at least in my experience).

    I have a company in estate removal and right now my customer base is split about 50/50 in private clients and estate-curators ( English is not my first language so I don't know if that is the right term - I mean lawyers, notaries and such). I want to push it to close to a 100% non-private since it is more sustainable and quite frankly private customers are a pain in the ass in many different ways.

    Business is fine, we have slow and steady growth each year. My company is rather small. including administrative employees we have 4 full time employees and 3 part time employees (and my dad who's just in for the fun of it and is not on the payroll).

    To make this company actually worthwhile for me ( read: I want to earn more and do less of the gruntwork) the number of employees should be pushed to at least 10-15 full time.

    Now part of my marketing strategy includes the above mentioned but the usual motivators don't work here. It does not make sense to cut them a deal like: 'safe 20% on your next job for every recommendation that materialises' because estate-curators do not pay out of their own pocket and if the estate is not wealthy enough they can just pass it on to the renter or whoever is responsible as next in line.

    Now the big question is, how do I make them, recommend me to their colleagues.

    Our work is outstanding. We are better than almost every competitor. But that obviously that comes at a price. We are quite a bit more pricey than the average because we use top of the line equipment and our employees are highly trained. But the higher price point is something I don't want back off from because it allows me to pay my employees a fair living wage and lowering prices just engages me in a race to the bottom that I don't want.

    Do you have any ideas worth sharing?

    submitted by /u/McNasti
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    Disabled and can't cook

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 03:03 PM PST

    I want to start a food-related business but I can't cook and I have some passion for cooking. Is hiring someone to either cook or co own with my business a good idea? Could kiva.org help fund this business?

    submitted by /u/spoonspy4
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    Sourcing in US for Gift Boxes with lids

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 06:04 AM PST

    I'm opening a gift box company and I'm having a hard time finding proper packaging. Looking for custom sizes in 10x10x4 and 7x7x4 with lids. Aliexpress etc not an option as one of our foundation principles is products sourced from US makers in small batches as much as possible so I don't want to seem hypocritical with packaging. Looking for a more upscale look- think linen or grasscloth look- than corregated. Most suppliers have MQO of 1000+ starting at $5 a box. Anyone know of a company that works with startups for smaller quantities?

    submitted by /u/chaosity4
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    Any consultants willing to share their (non-generic) advice?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 09:41 AM PST

    I have masters in engineering and have worked for 10 years.

    I have a bro who has masters in microbiology, another bro who is also a mech

    eng been working for 3 years, and a 4th bro at Waterloo 3rd year mech eng.

    I just thought that, we all work hard, we all consult (but our hours are sold by some other organisation, and we get a fraction of it).

    We have a wide array of skills, work ethic and experience (and super crazy, we live in 4 different countries Ireland (Dublin), UK (London), Canada (Waterloo), US (Chicago), and we all grew up together in South Africa.

    I have been trying to start a company by building a startup (learned to code and trying to build ideas as app) but (this sounds stupid, but it is the truth)... until this morning, I have never thought of going into consulting with the skills as an engineer with my brothers, and offering a low cost alternative to other consulting firms, until someone said it to me last night when telling about how spread out my fam is.

    I was all excited and thought about it all evening.

    Now this morning, I am not sure how on earth to actually get clients. I have done tenders on behalf of companies, and I have learned many different skills quickly, and developed solutions.... but I have no idea how to do the company myself in terms of getting that first customer. I can do all the admin, but I don't know how to gain a customer.

    Just advertise ?

    I have done fancy MBA case studies, and I ... well I don't want to list my skills, I just want to know how people went about getting their first clients - getting someone to trust us?

    I wouldn't trust us, because we haven't delivered anything as a company (even though we can (and do) all do high quality work for consulting firms that charge us out).

    I would appreciate any feedback, but particularly related to my question on starting from scratch without a name, in management and engineering consulting (management consultants are so often engineers, like me...)

    ​

    Thank-you in advance.

    I will repost in r/business . Anywhere else you think this could get answers?

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/supalist
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    Photocopier that collates?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 08:23 AM PST

    We're looking for a black and white photocopier that has a paper feeder and can collate copies. Needs to do 1 -> 2 sided duplex printing. Otherwise no bells and whistles needed. Does not need to be a multi-function machine. We are leasing a machine right now but it's way more than we need and we'd like to buy something under $1000 that will last a few years.

    submitted by /u/PurpleVermont
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    When starting a new venture, do you talk to your CPA or attorney first?

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 07:58 AM PST

    Charitable Giving - How To

    Posted: 09 Nov 2018 07:51 AM PST

    I own a small clothing brand. For the holidays we plan to donate an item (to those in need) for each order placed on our website. I don't want to just drop off a random box at Good Will. HOW do we go about with donating our new clothing items to get the most out of our efforts?

    submitted by /u/bluecollard
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