New kid on the Block

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Youngplasterer

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So it's me again...

So im seriously looking at going out there and starting up by myself, I have a few years expereince now of how the game works but going the next step further now and I would like to get some info of how others started up...

Advertising?
Insurance?
Self-employment?
Tax?
Etc

I have all the tools and a car (until i get a van). Obviously I'm a bit nervous about going out there by myself, But feel it's time to make a move. Looking at getting Business cards and magnet signs for my car, Can hand cards and flyers out to shop owners and business owners that i know and also the local area.

Any Advice, Tips and Ideas would be appreciated Thanks. Brad. :RpS_thumbup:
 
Local advertising helps to get going, business cards and leafleting a nice area too,its tough but getting out there and meeting people is the best way also,
 
johniosaif said:
Local advertising helps to get going, business cards and leafleting a nice area too,its tough but getting out there and meeting people is the best way also,
Click to expand...

That sounds good, And yes I have always been told that the best advertising is from word of mouth... But shall be getting out there and getting my name around soon
 
a lot of work comes from recommendations,, so do what you can by yourself but get someone in to help you with anything your not to sure about,, better to share the money on some jobs rather than to f--- up (not saying your going to f--- up)but better safe than sorry









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You planning to work on domestic or site work? As already mentioned word of mouth recommendations are the best and these have to be earned by being good at your job so leave the customer happy with the best finish your ability will allow and a clean tidy job, they can't ask for much more than that...maybe a website but that costs money/ alternative is a Facebook page, it's FREE you can display contact details on there and photos of previous work, customers can also leave recommendations. Add find us on Facebook to your flyers/ business cars ect and potential customers can view your work instead of just taking your word for it..... PS DONT pinch other spreads photos and pass it off as your own that's just fookin cheeky lol
you should probably consider getting public liability insurance too. Tax is 20% for self employed. Where did you learn? Training course or from a plasterer? What have you been doing the last few years to gain experience?
 
PLASTAMASTA said:
You planning to work on domestic or site work? As already mentioned word of mouth recommendations are the best and these have to be earned by being good at your job so leave the customer happy with the best finish your ability will allow and a clean tidy job, they can't ask for much more than that...maybe a website but that costs money/ alternative is a Facebook page, it's FREE you can display contact details on there and photos of previous work, customers can also leave recommendations. Add find us on Facebook to your flyers/ business cars ect and potential customers can view your work instead of just taking your word for it..... PS DONT pinch other spreads photos and pass it off as your own that's just fookin cheeky lol
you should probably consider getting public liability insurance too. Tax is 20% for self employed. Where did you learn? Training course or from a plasterer? What have you been doing the last few years to gain experience?
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Domestic to start with but would be happy to go onto site work (I have passed my CSCS test). And yea I have always been told/ taught to keep and leave a clean job... I was going to do a FB page to start with and get adding local businesses and advertising pages, Oh yes don't want any trouble with other plasterers haha... Looked at public liability got some good quotes. I done a 1 year Plastering diploma at college however my Dad and Brother are both plasterers, So i bet you're wondering why i'm asking for help but wanted to get others advice from all areas (bigger and smaller companies). But yea I have taught myself from watching them, Plus college course and hands on from labouring to now spreading.
 
If you're looking for some site experience have you considered doing a bit of agency work?
I doubt the money's great, but in turn they won't work you to death, from small acorns...... and all that.
Just remember to approach each job like its your first not your last.
 
Doesn't say much about your family if your asking for basic stuff on here... why not jump on with them?

I'm using The Plasterers Forum Mobile App
 
windy said:
Doesn't say much about your family if your asking for basic stuff on here... why not jump on with them?

I'm using The Plasterers Forum Mobile App
Click to expand...

Bit unfair... I wanted to get info from other plasterers/ Builders see how they have got into plastering and how they get their work... and i want to get out there and start making proper money for myself and get my own work
 
scottie5 said:
If you're looking for some site experience have you considered doing a bit of agency work?
I doubt the money's great, but in turn they won't work you to death, from small acorns...... and all that.
Just remember to approach each job like its your first not your last.
Click to expand...

Will have a look at agency work as i hadn't thought of that thanks ... I think once I get the first job out of the way I will be alot more confident. :RpS_thumbup:
 
It's a slog at the start. I made my own leaflets and still get the odd job from people who have kept them. Ads in newspapers, you get a few jobs and then word spreads hopefully. just don't give up. It took me a couple years to start feeling like I was earning anything decent and I get busier each year. Been on my own nearly 3years now and no longer advertise so there's light at the end of the tunnel :RpS_thumbup:
 
JessThePlasterer said:
It's a slog at the start. I made my own leaflets and still get the odd job from people who have kept them. Ads in newspapers, you get a few jobs and then word spreads hopefully. just don't give up. It took me a couple years to start feeling like I was earning anything decent and I get busier each year. Been on my own nearly 3years now and no longer advertise so there's light at the end of the tunnel :RpS_thumbup:
Click to expand...

Thankyou, Vista print do some good deals on flyers and cards etc ... I was thinking about getting things into place this year and start up properly in the new year. :cool:
 
Jess are u busy five days a week based on word of mouth

I'm using The Plasterers Forum Mobile App
 
Think quality always leave a good job......then think clean and tidy....... and dont get greedy ..... the rest will follow :RpS_thumbup:
 
windy said:
Jess are u busy five days a week based on word of mouth

I'm using The Plasterers Forum Mobile App
Click to expand...

Pretty much. I think though its a lot to do with being a girl its a niche. Right or wrong. I try make it so I've got a day or two off a week if I can though to do my own house and sometimes just give my bones a rest. Also most of my customers are young couples with their first property projects and I think its about trust and they feel they can trust me more being a girl, again, right or wrong. I don't care if I'm getting the bills paid!

I don't like to advertise in papers though I do have signs on my car. I have had a couple of phone stalkers, one I'd class as 'severe' and it made me nervous. Especially since the police repeatedly weren't interested even when I pitched up at the station in tears.

So yeah, that's why I don't advertise.
 
Why don't you just advertise as a "plasterer" then rather than a female. Why mention it ???

I'm using The Plasterers Forum Mobile App
 
windy said:
Why don't you just advertise as a "plasterer" then rather than a female. Why mention it ???

I'm using The Plasterers Forum Mobile App
Click to expand...

Yeah I suppose I could actually :RpS_blushing:. I may well do that if I get quiet next year :RpS_thumbup: (touch wood)
 
windy said:
Why don't you just advertise as a "plasterer" then rather than a female. Why mention it ???
Click to expand...

It will gain her more work. It's a niche market. Some women don't like to have men in the house.

In case they rifle through the lingerie drawer for thongs, bras etc ....... :RpS_sneaky:


There's a similar market for G** plasterers. Check out the pink press.
 
Jurek said:
It will gain her more work. It's a niche market. Some women don't like to have men in the house.

In case they rifle through the lingerie drawer for thongs, bras etc ....... :RpS_sneaky:


There's a similar market for G** plasterers. Check out the pink press.
Click to expand...
with the G** plasterers they are probably hoping they DO go through the lingerie drawer for thongs, bras etc........:RpS_blushing:
 
Just how young are you? I was 23 but looked younger and started in 81 when the country was in a hard recession (worse than this one). I suffered from age prejudice for most of my 20's and not only from the customers. I was young, committed and full of enthusiasm but it just seemed to me that if you are under 30 you are not allowed to be successful. It mad, youth is on your side but in other peoples eyes it is wrong?

Anyway did I regret it? yes, maybe should have left it 3-4 years until I looked a bit older. But saying that if I could turn back the clock I would work for the Council (now Kier) where my mate is, he is in my opinion better off than me. If you are going out on your own then wait until April, winter in the wet trades is dead. Also learn how to save for the low season.

I did start getting customer mainly small builders by working weekends and nights for them. Got enough work coming in to eventually have a start but the shock was new builders would't pay £30 a day on a 715 cert yet I was getting £25 a day cash in hand at weekends? I realised that my weekend builders had me because I was good and 100% reliable.

Hope it goes well for you but expect some anti-youth.
 
Have a word with your old man and brother and tell them your the bollox and deserve more money.
 
Rigsby said:
Just how young are you? I was 23 but looked younger and started in 81 when the country was in a hard recession (worse than this one). I suffered from age prejudice for most of my 20's and not only from the customers. I was young, committed and full of enthusiasm but it just seemed to me that if you are under 30 you are not allowed to be successful. It mad, youth is on your side but in other peoples eyes it is wrong?

Anyway did I regret it? yes, maybe should have left it 3-4 years until I looked a bit older. But saying that if I could turn back the clock I would work for the Council (now Kier) where my mate is, he is in my opinion better off than me. If you are going out on your own then wait until April, winter in the wet trades is dead. Also learn how to save for the low season.

I did start getting customer mainly small builders by working weekends and nights for them. Got enough work coming in to eventually have a start but the shock was new builders would't pay £30 a day on a 715 cert yet I was getting £25 a day cash in hand at weekends? I realised that my weekend builders had me because I was good and 100% reliable.

Hope it goes well for you but expect some anti-youth.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply, I have been looking at now waiting till next year to start, As you say it goes rather quite and especially starting up it's even harder. I am 19 as you say have realised people don't trust or think I am capable of doing the work. I would love a job on the council for the money, and ease of work lol
 
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