I'm in the process of building up my book-keeping business. I'm still working full-time at the mo and doing books in the evenings etc. So far all my clients (4 in total) have been family and friends.
I am keen to work offsite from home. Does anyone know if this will cause me problems in obtaining new clients, or will I need to work at a clients premises (I don't want to do this!)?
Working from home should not prevent you from taking on smaller clients, but larger businesses may want you onsite. There are lots of small businesses needing book-keeping services, so you shouldn't find it difficult to attract clients. In my experience, working offsite is the best way. If you work from home or your own office you should not have any distractions, which happens a lot onsite e.g. your client giving you additional work to do. Also you will not have your client questioning how long the book-keeping is taking.
I agree with Man. It is a case of having to be more flexible if you want larger clients, but starting out you will be fine working from home for smaller businesses. I've got over 30 clients and service them all from home.
Just want to say that I've always worked from home and have never had a client ask me to work from their premises. In my experience most business owners want to rid themselves of the burden of book-keeping. Keeping the books on site doesn't always help them to do this!
I suppose it depends on the size of your clients. Bigger clients tend to have everything setup at their place of work, ie computer, software and all the files and paperwork. It would be difficult for them to shift it all to you to do at home.
I find working at client premises easier as you have everything and everyone around you should you need to ask about queries or there is missing paperwork. The only problem I find is that it ties up a set amount of hours per day, week, month as you cant do it late at night so to speak.
Working at client premises also allows you to be more focused. No distractions such as a cuppa, TV, radio, kids, unwanted phone calls etc..
On the other hand, working from home allows more flexibility and more hours to get the work done, plus you tend to work to your own schedule which I enjoy more.
If you can get a balance between working at home and onsite at clients, then you will do ok.
One thing I would say is have done any calculations of available time that you would be able to commit in addition to your home working clients? Last thing you want to do is find yourself working far too many hours that stops you from doing personal stuff.
