How to better explain why we’re not cheap? (B2B) small business |
- How to better explain why we’re not cheap? (B2B)
- So how do I become a legit business?
- Is starting a small mini coffee shop a good project
- is it okay to hand deliver Christmas cards to my favorite and/or highest earning customers?
- If cold calling is dead and other methods are a slow burn, what’s really the best way to grow and find clients?
- What would you advice a person who's about to start a small business?
- Business name ideas?
- a good name for a small business selling stationery, greeting cards, etc.?
- My first unhappy customer— not sure how to handle this issue
- Thoughts on Yelp and their numbers?
- My quickbooks are so out of whack, too much to clean up. How can I start over?
- Question about establishing a scholarship from my business?
- How to deal with low-season?
- Opening a bagel shop
- Baked good advice
- Business Partner is after my profits
- Buying a laundromat to work in - Dumb or smart?
- Should I get a loan to increase my stock range?
- The List of the Best 10 Strategic Trends in Lead Generation in 2022
- Question about small business health insurance
- Leveraging debt
- Potential landlord keeps avoiding us
- Business name idea
- I need help trying to make a business plan; massage therapist.
- Can I start an ecommerce Business in the US with a foreign company? If not, is LLC or corporate better for an ecommerce?
| How to better explain why we’re not cheap? (B2B) Posted: 16 Dec 2021 04:55 PM PST We manufacture chocolate. Specifically, our niche is pretty high end and expensive. There are a ton of cheap sources for chocolate and we're not one of them, and never will be. Our retail and online customers get it - we do well. But for some reason, chefs and restaurants keep contacting us for bulk chocolate and when we tell them our pricing, and explain that we're sourcing far better ingredients (paying our farmer partners up to 8x more than the commodity rate) they keep asking why we can't go cheaper. We sell 2oz bars for $10-18ea, wholesale half that. We sell "bulk" blocks starting at $15/lb, which barely covers our costs. But they keep asking us for $5/lb or even less - it's just not something we can do, nor are we interested in doing it. Chocolate is seen (particularly by chefs) as a fixed cost item and they complain about the price, though some chefs get what we do and even pay more for super rare origins because there's a huge difference in taste. I don't know if we want to start throwing words like "luxury" around, because it's more about paying the farmers a fair price for their work and not exploiting them. What we usually end up saying is that "it's not that our chocolate is particularly expensive, it's that all other chocolate is artificially cheap since they're using slave labor." But chefs just don't care. Customers on the other hand love our chocolate and say that we've ruined dark chocolate for them since they can't eat anyone else's chocolate after trying ours. Many of our customers have been coming back for many years, and word of mouth helps in addition to gifts our customers buy for their friends and family. The problem is just the chefs, and maybe 1% of our retail customers who come in who balk at paying more than $1 for a chocolate bar. We explain, and usually customers get it, especially after tasting it. Chefs are another story. I get it; restaurants are on a super thin margin, but just charge an extra $2 for your dessert to cover the cost!! We explain this and again they balk. So…any advice for explaining our position in the market? We're not Hersheys. Edit: Here's our site. I guess we're looking for feedback in maybe making a page or slideshow explaining that our stuff tastes noticeably better? [link] [comments] |
| So how do I become a legit business? Posted: 16 Dec 2021 06:43 PM PST Hi everybody, I'm interested in starting my own small business, but I'm unsure exactly how to go about it. I've dialed in what the business is going to be, small batch, hand crafted goods that I make myself, but I haven't gone to business school so I don't really know on a deep level much about the logistics of a business. What I'm looking for is somebody to talk to, somebody to bounce questions off of. Ideally somebody whose job is assisting in the legalities and financials of running a business. Like when you're sick, you go to the doctor, if you have legal issues, talk to a lawyer, but who do I go to for help starting a business? Lawyer, banker, all of the above. Basically I want to figure out what I need to do so I can sell things without the fear/threat of being sued into Timbucktoo. Thanks in advance. [link] [comments] |
| Is starting a small mini coffee shop a good project Posted: 16 Dec 2021 12:39 PM PST Have some savings, was thinking of a small corner coffee shop, would it be a good idea [link] [comments] |
| is it okay to hand deliver Christmas cards to my favorite and/or highest earning customers? Posted: 16 Dec 2021 09:53 AM PST we gave away a lot this year so can not really afford postage but i have hundreds of cards and am closed for a month. thinking scotch tape them to the door? i can easily walk my neighborhoods. we travel 5mph when we are running the truck. i walk about that and can easily skip the streets without regular buyers. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2021 08:07 PM PST What's your best way of finding clients? I've read loads of posts stating cold emailing is dead, cold calling is dead and networking is a slow burn. So just how are agencies (and other businesses) successfully pulling in clients? They surely can't all be in bound? Let's talk branding for example, how would an agency even pitch that to a potential client. With mock-ups? It just seems difficult. [link] [comments] |
| What would you advice a person who's about to start a small business? Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:22 AM PST I'm planning to start a business very soon, what advice would you give me before doing so? (Any site recommendations would help too) [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2021 05:11 PM PST So I've been trying to start up my small business. I make screen printed t shirts and I'm leaning towards vintage/ trendy t shirt styles. My thing is I can't think of a business name. I want something short and catchy. An example I like (emitwear) <-already taken. Maybe y'all could give me some ideas? [link] [comments] |
| a good name for a small business selling stationery, greeting cards, etc.? Posted: 17 Dec 2021 02:17 AM PST i'm an illustrator looking to start a stationery business selling notebooks, cards, sticker packs, etc. i have a very distinctive style, with a bright colors palette, and a quirky brand persona. the thing i can't finalise is the NAME! i really like "cirkus" but a) confused about whether its a good choice, b) its not available on instagram (not that important, i can go with something in front or before it). "surqus" is another option, it will be interesting as a logo too since its kind of an ambigram. also yes, i'm really inspired by the concept of circus since i feel that it really resonates with my brand. [link] [comments] |
| My first unhappy customer— not sure how to handle this issue Posted: 16 Dec 2021 02:06 PM PST I'm looking for advice. I started a small business last year, I'm an artist and I sell prints of my artwork and also paint commissions. I'm currently dealing with my first unhappy customer and I'm not sure how to handle. So the person bought a print not realizing that my prints have a white border- one of the reference photos in the listing has the print framed, which covers the border. The other reference photos show the print with the border. So the person is unhappy that the print has a border. explained to them that the print has to have the border or else some of the image would get cut off. I explained that some frames cover the border and some do not. I apologized for any misunderstanding and offered a 15% off coupon code for any future purchase. The person is still pushing back and being quite rude. I feel bad but at the same time I'm at a loss what to do further. I don't think it's fair for me to offer a refund. This is my best-selling print and my bread and butter. All of my other customers have been super happy and leaving great reviews. It's also a super fair price, it's $20. Everyone I know says I should double or triple the price. I hope I'm not coming off rude but I'm just frustrated— I pride myself on my quality, and my customer service. I just don't feel like budging further on this one. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you! [link] [comments] |
| Thoughts on Yelp and their numbers? Posted: 16 Dec 2021 02:52 PM PST I've had a Yelp ad/account for a while, but haven't paid any attention to it.. I decided to check it out on a whim, and they have a lot of information on their dashboard. How many clicks, calls etc the ad has generated...but in the days of Facebook and "cooking the numbers" can Yelp be trusted?.. what are your experiences? Thanks! [link] [comments] |
| My quickbooks are so out of whack, too much to clean up. How can I start over? Posted: 16 Dec 2021 09:46 PM PST I own a small swimming pool service business that I've run for about 12 years. I am terrible at book keeping but have learned and gotten better over the years. Unfortunately over time things have just snowballed and my books are so messed up. I can't afford a CPA and several book keepers I've tried started and quickly changed their minds. With the new year coming I'm trying to decide if I should just technically/legally shut down this business and rename, get new LLC, bank accounts, quickbooks etc., or should I just open a new quickbooks account and start from scratch while keeping everything else the same if that's possible. Any info would help. Thanks! [link] [comments] |
| Question about establishing a scholarship from my business? Posted: 16 Dec 2021 10:37 AM PST I graduated from my local community college this semester and they've helped me so much the past couple years that I would love to pay it forward and help someone else. The minimum to establish an annual scholarship at this institution is only $500 which I could easily do, however, I'm aware that there are tax benefits when it comes to things like this, and I'm wondering if it could be beneficial for me to donate more. If I owe, let's say, $10,000 in income taxes at the end of the year and I establish an endowment for $10,000 would it completely offset my tax liability? Or how does that work. I would much rather have my money go to some bright young student instead of the soul sucking IRS. Also, would it make sense to set up the fund directly from my business or should I do it as a personal thing. If it makes any difference my business is taxed as an S Corp and I own 49% of the company. If I set it up through the business I'm assuming it would lower our net income by the dollar amount of the donation, which would mean I would effectively be pitching in 49% of the total funds and would receive 49% of the total tax benefit whereas a personal contribution would require me to put up 100% of the funds but I would receive 100% of the benefit. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 17 Dec 2021 12:46 AM PST Hee Guys! I opened my own store in summer. As self employed I've never really had to deal with "low season" when I was working in someone else's store. Now having my own I see my employees having less and less work (corona restrictions play a big part too). I'm still good since my own agenda is full. And my number one employee is also still good! But definitely could be better. I make plans, I stay in close touch with the people that work with me, and I keep busy and try not to stagnate. How do you deal with "low season"? How do you stay positive, motivate yourself and your employees etc? I feel like I wouldn't have this issue if it wasn't for covid. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2021 05:17 PM PST I've never owned a business and have no idea where to start, but I know in my heart of hearts I want to open a bagel shop in my community. Fresh bagels, various breads sold and keeping it local with other pastries, possibly soups and sandwiches (more than likely but it depends on cost because of possibly needing a hood system), local stuff. What am I looking at for a business loan? If I'm not putting any of my own funds down, can that work? Can I include a salary for the first year? I know I need a business plan but I don't even know where to start as far as pricing out things. What can I include in a small business loan? [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2021 10:43 PM PST Hello! I make a (what I hope is delicious) baked good for a specific diet and I was wondering if you folks had any ideas on how to see if it would be popular to a wider audience. My family and friends like it (though they aren't vegan) but I want to make sure it's more widely liked. I recently moved from the community I grew up in so I can't rely on community connections like I used to. Any ideas? Or just general tips on starting a small very niche baking business? [link] [comments] |
| Business Partner is after my profits Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:42 AM PST Complex tough situation here. I have a side business that focusses on design and sourcing parts and materials. I sell these materials to fabrication shops for assembly then paint and final sale. I do the back end, they do the front end/labor. I have a channel for good contracts and knack for what it takes. But dont want to buy a building or manage labor as its a side business for me. so i dont directly win the contracts. i basically put the deal together then fall back to design and provide the materials. Its been working for a while now, but after a half million dollar job the business i sell materials too is now saying im a contracted manager/ designer for a fixed rate. We do not own a business together but join forces as seperate businesses. I found the opportunity and provided them a lump sum for my scope labeled "materials" that has always included my material financing and interest cost, design, contingency, and logistics. Just as i always do. The partner agreed with no specific questions as to what it entails or how it is to be spent or invoiced. This specific contract had a timeline requirement the partner couldnt accomodate as he was headed out of the country for 2 months and his shop was booked. So i offered to subcontract other shops i know and carry that this time. And manage the project as well. Their business would package and deliver for roughly 10% of the contract. The project was completed. The job was paid by the client in full 60 days sooner than their typical terms due to my negotiations. Within 2 hours my partner went directly to a supplier of mine and paid the large invoice direct. Claiming i hadnt paid my vendors and now need to prove all vendors have been paid in fear the vendors would put a lean on him. That invoice was on terms with my company and was not yet due. I provided proof of payment for all vebdors on terms and stated that all other vendors were paid COD (cash on delivery) therefor no recourse for non payment was needed. I then submitted my invoice for the original lump sum, minus the vendor invoice paid direct, as well as a few thousand less in good faith and partnership. And yet my partner is claiming i was a hired manager by his business for a fixed rate and will only be reimbursed for itemized invoices. I planned for contingency, worked hard, and leveraged my relationships, re sources lower cost materials all to come in well under budget from the originally provided lump sum Materials and subcontracted vendors originally presented. I feel his new "terms and conditions" have no merit but rather he wants my profit. I feel it is my margin to keep. They seem to be coming after it claiming i hardly did anything and was at a fixed rate, even though i managed, fully financed, and pulled the whole thing off. They aren't saying they want my margin directly which has caused some round and round arguments. Anyways, struggling on how to settle this. My mentor said dont let them take it as it was my efforts that created the margin and i have made them a lot of money, even more than i planned. They are not refusing to pay the "fixed rate" or only itemised invoices based on "terms and conditions" that is non existent, but will not pay any of difference between the invoices and my original lump sum they agreed to. Any advice? I want to settle this without legal but have lost a lot of sleep and been on the verge of an anxiety attack for weeks now. Thanks, [link] [comments] |
| Buying a laundromat to work in - Dumb or smart? Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:55 AM PST This past year I had a job traveling around in an RV and have become acquainted with laundromats. I think I would enjoy owning one but for so long my passion has been owning rentals and not sure if I'm just seeing something new and shiny, so to speak. I'm only 26 and don't have a career but I do have 100-150k to play with. Would it be smarter to buy a laundromat with owner financing and more or less buy myself a job for a few years or to start buying MFH's with low money down and go that route? Anyone here have any laundromat experience? [link] [comments] |
| Should I get a loan to increase my stock range? Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:46 PM PST Hi, I've been running an e-commerce business for 3 years. I bootstrapped from $10k cash and reinvested profits until the stock value currently sits at $150k cost value. I've started taking profits now as it's my full time job but I still want to grow the company stock range as I have lots more products I can potentially sell to my customers, but don't have the capital to do so and continue growing the stock value while taking profit. Would it be a good idea to take a $50k loan and pay it back over a year? The annual revenue is currently $650k and profit margin 28%. [link] [comments] |
| The List of the Best 10 Strategic Trends in Lead Generation in 2022 Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:32 PM PST According to Ruler Analytics, 91% of marketers say that generating leads is their most important goal That's a huge percentage of marketers working toward the same goal - generating high-quality leads that will eventually lead to new business. Why did I write this? I have prepared a list of fast-growing trends in lead generation that will help you to grow your sales! On the list: 👇 👇 👇 🔥Stats 🔥Trends 🔥Short Description Want to see the list? Just comment with " Periodix" or "Interested" in the comments below and I will send you a link to the list! [link] [comments] |
| Question about small business health insurance Posted: 16 Dec 2021 09:07 AM PST Hello, all, Quick (maybe?) question about purchasing health insurance as a small business. We run a tiny little LLC that is doing pretty well, but so far, it's just the three cofounders and none of us are taking a salary. Are there any options for health insurance? I've run through some of the big marketplaces and it looks like a lot of them are asking for w2 forms. We don't have anything like that yet. Are there any other options? Is it, like, illegal or something to take a salary of $1 a year? Really just looking at and exploring options at the moment. Any guidance or threads to follow would be appreciated, thanks! [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2021 02:29 AM PST Hi all! Iv had my business for 10 years, and have truly bootstrapped the entire thing, and I'm tired of it. I took out a small loan in the beginning, and my business is essentially debt free at this point. However, I am stuck in owner operator hell, and my business is sort of stuck in its current stage… forever. It's running smoothly, but still a LOT of work for me, and i think my business could be much more. I had an investor reach out to me, and Iv had offers like this over the years, but this specific investor has been very much letting me have the ball in my court. Are there any good resources on leveraging debt and taking on investment? I am very scared to taking other peoples money, but I am now realizing I'm not going to be able to grow or scale my business to notable proportions without it, so I either need to accept the current stage it's in forever, or take on some debt/investment. I also emotionally struggle with the thought of doing more- I am pretty maxed out/burnt out on my time already, and know I need to hire more people, but it's hard to imagine having ALL of those people under me to make something run smoothly (like a manager, etc). I have several employees now, but none of them are manager status. If the manager quits, I feel like you are SOL. What do you do? Does anyone have stories of how they scaled? And used investment or loans? I'm open to advice! I know my post has a lot going on. Update: Thank you everyone for the wonderful suggestions. I am currently (was already) planning to hire a CFO to do some modeling for me. I think this will be a good place for me to start, and then decide from there if I'm going to go big, or try to sell. [link] [comments] |
| Potential landlord keeps avoiding us Posted: 16 Dec 2021 08:49 AM PST Title says it all, but I'll give the back story. My wife and I both run a business, and she was looking for office space. At the time, I had just started my business and didn't need any space. The business where I used to work at moved out of their building, which was perfect for my wife's business. She reached out to the owner, she met with her, discussed everything and it seemed like a done deal that they were going to rent it. Several weeks go by, and the landlord seemed to just keep avoiding their contact. Out of the blue the landlord texted my wife asking her something about the building, which caught her off guard because the landlord made it seem like she wanted interested in renting to her. Several months went by and at that point she just figured she wasn't interested anymore since she wouldn't return calls or texts. The other day I noticed a for rent sign out so I texted the number. She told me the rent amount, asked if I wanted to see it, which I told her I already had since I worked there before. We were now going to split rent and use of the building for our businesses. Well when I told the landlord what we were using it for, she completely ghosted me, even after I said we were ready to sign a lease and pay 6 months at a time. The previous renters never had an issue with her, so I really don't know what gives at this point or what to do. Edit: To add a little more information that make its even more strange, the building needed work, floors needed replaced, it needed painted and Two windows replaced. My wife offered to help cover the cost of the work with the rental agreement. The landlord went and had all the work done at their own cost. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2021 06:43 PM PST I offer teeth whitening services. My target audience are consumers 18-45. I'm having trouble finding a good strong business name. Any ideas? [link] [comments] |
| I need help trying to make a business plan; massage therapist. Posted: 16 Dec 2021 11:50 AM PST I've read all the business plans book my small town library has. I just cant get around the expenses part. Being a massage therapist, there really is not that many expenses, monthly. I do not know how to come up with the startup costs to get a loan, just so I can pay first month and deposit on this great space (utilities are included). My credit isn't bad, But not good either. Should I just see about a personal loan, without a business plan or hurt my head trying to maths. Or any advice really, trying to get this going early next year. I can anatomy but not numbers, lol. [link] [comments] |
| Posted: 16 Dec 2021 03:33 PM PST So I paid 1,000 dollars THREE cpa and each one of them gave me a different opinion. I live in Europe and I am european. I want to operate an ecommerce in the states and found the company that supplies and ship the products. Now my question are 2: 1) Can I do it with an European company or do I need to open a US company? 2) If i need a US company, LLC or corporate? Whats better for tax purposes? Thank you [link] [comments] |
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