Starting My Own Business

So this really should go in General but meh...I'm thinking of starting my own dog walking business, but this ain't no Manhattan! I know that my local shops near by would be willing to put up a business card or note in their windows for me but I really don't know if it would work. First of all I'm worried about getting prank phone calls, barking down the phone at me and such lol and second what if someone just leaves their dog with me and runs away from it!!! I can make my own business cards and I suppose I could force myself to do PR work again and hand out my cards. I'm thinking £2.50 for an hours walk and I'd book up to 3 dogs a day if it's popular. And new customers get free doggy treats! It's just getting the courage to go for it!

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
13 replies since 12th October 2008 • Last reply 12th October 2008

Reply #1:

well, first ask around and see if there is a market for it. Go to the local vet office with busn cards and they could put some out for customers

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #2:

also see if you can help out your nieghbors this way when you get started it will be word of mouth and since they know you, you will get good references. Walking dog business is a kewl way to start up for you since we all know how much you love animals. Good luck this sounds like an awesome business for you!

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #3:

thanks guys! There's no dog walkers in this area but I just found one dog walking business in the town.

I just did some research into the legal side of things and starting up your own business. I think it's free to register as self employed and if I'm the sole trader then it avoids any red tape, I would have to tax returns and contribute to national insurance but because I'm on benefits I can't really go ahead with this until I'm sure it will work. I don't have any savings or anything to invest into it but now I really wanna do this haha. It's not very neighbourly here really, I only really know my next door neighbour and next door but one and neither have dogs. I'm thinking of putting up leaflets in local shops for 2 weeks to a month to see what happens.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #4:

want a snazzy poster? I can make you one! good posters=great increase of customers

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #5:

thank yoou but I can do that Happy

I've emailed several local dog walkers and dog trainers so hopefully something will come from those without having to do it all myself!

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #6:

thats good, why not set up a dog day spa, or pet sit?

then you could take care of them, feed them, groom and walk them...they seem to be very popular here. People drop off their dogs and pick them up after work.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #7:

because that means filling the house with dogs lol or going to someone elses house for a week or a day and it doesn't sound that much fun really, hopefully I'll hear from those companies. Just got an email from one but he can't afford to take anyone on, he seemed very nice though and offered advice about getting into the industry Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #8:

Couldn't you join another company for experience first?

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #9:

well I was hoping so, but no one wants me.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #10:

keep trying queenie...

I know sometime you will find the right fit.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #11:

how about making doggie outfit's?

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #12:

yeh I'm gonna try to make cards and things with xmas coming up and getting peolpe i know to take them to work and things

anyway from the 25th of this month till december I'll be going along to these dog training sessions for the experience Happy never know, might land me in a job, might take my dog along too Happy

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #13:

thats a great idea! net work and bring along your cards, hand them out...

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam


Reply