Thinking of setting up own plumbing business

tapchap

Thinking of setting up own plumbing business
I would really appreciate any tips/advice on this.
I am a qualified plumber (Dublin-based), have been out of work since last september so my prsi contributions are just about to run out. I believe i will get nothing on dole, my wife is a teacher but we have big mortgage and baby on way. I have applied for so many jobs i have stopped counting so i think the only thing to do is set up on my own and advertise at reasonable rates and hope for the best but the thing is i have no idea where to start.

I have called Fas a few times but no real advice there so far. Who would be helpful. Does anyone know is there any grants available? Is this a logical step? Obviously i realise it will be difficult to get work in the current climate but at least i feel i am taking things into my own hands.
Also i will have a good bit of expense e.g i need to buy a van, get insurance etc and do a few more courses to make it viable e.g gas servicing but fas have told me there is no funding available. Does anyone know can i claim any of these expenses back?
As I have said i really am completely ignorant on all these matters so i would really appreciate any suggestions.

RATM

For one I'd ask these same questions on the entreprenuer & business forum- there's lots of good expertise on setting up businesses over there.

Check out if you're eligible for the Back to Enterprise scheme- this allows you to keep whatever dole you get at 100% for the first year and 75% for the second. Not a bad subsidy for a start-up. I think you have to be unemployed 12 months to qualify.

Secondly provide what other plumbers don't, ie reliability, reasonable rates. Undercut the competition in a fierce way until you establish market position. Until you get regular repeat custom don't even think of upping your rates.

Establish a website. Have a booking system on it where the client can see your availability for the week(s) ahead. Be user friendly. Offer an emergency service at good rates- even consider offering 24/7 if you think it will get you more customers than the competition (though don't offer this unless you are 110% committed to getting out of bed at 4am to fix an exploding tap).

You'll need to blanket coverage areas with flyers to get your name and service out there. Printing is cheap but distribution can add up to thousands. Take full advantage of free methods of community advertising, ie noticeboards in supermarkets.

Finally get fridge magnets made up with your company name, contact details. Leave one on every fridge of every house you visit. Distinguish yourself from the competition and you will succeed.

tapchap

Thanks for reply.
I Feel i have no options at this stage and even starting off by putting out leaflets would give me a reason to get out of bed and some purpose for first while.

Welease

Another option (which i have seen used very successfully in the UK) is to provide plumbing/heating cover for houses.

You charge a flat monthly free (I used to pay £12 in the UK), and that covered me for any plumbing/heating related breakdowns (and a yearly service). With enough customers, it's a good steady income. Many people like the insurance, and being able to spread any potential costs across the year.

Do a good enough job, and people then tend to use you for extra plumbing work they need (which wouldn't be covered, like new showers etc.)

Obviously prices would need to be adjusted for here in relation to what parts etc. were covered in the monthly fee..

Nolanger

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/ToilandTrouble/Documents/toiltrouble.pdf

tapchap

Thanks for that, very informative.