waynewright34

Hey Everyone,

I really enjoy this site so far and have gained a ton of very valuable insight from many of you. I would really like to ask for some very specific advice. I am currently a 5th year apprentice and will be eligable for my licence october 31st of this year. I have found it hard to find an employer that can provide me with flexability in my work hours as I am a parent and the sole caregiver for my son. So pulling a ton of hours can sometimes be rough as I am regulated by the working hours of my daycare, 630am till 6pm.

So what I have thought is, I am very interested in just going on my own, and starting my own business. I have the money to start up but I could really use some adivice from those who feel like sending me any at all. I really would value anyone's opinions and advice.

cajunplumberjoe

bad timing-wait..............you need more experience first and a better economy.

user823

I think any time is a good time if you're thinking about service work. If you're thinking about new construction then now isn't the time.
It's still tough to make that jump from getting a pay check to working on your own. Your boss isn't going to let you work for him when he knows you're starting your own company.
I would get the license first and foremost. Then.. start thinking about going on your own.
I would time it with the release of a phone book ad. Pick up a few thousand business cards and start handing them out. Make flyers and hand them out to all the business places in your area. Start calling general contractors and other company owners. Get in touch with your local rooter companies, let them know you're around.
Have your truck and equipment ready, you don't want to make a bad impression on your first jobs trying to work out of a station wagon. Get the right tools.
Do all of this at the same time, flood the market with your name. But don't do it until you can do all of it.
You'll do fine, good luck!

Bollinger plumber

I agree 100 per cent with I R take your time do it right build up some clientel. Start young while you can still do the work your self then build up your company with employees you can trust.

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uaplumber

Build it first. But DO NOT advertise yourself to customers while working for someone else, very bad business idea. Leave on good terms with your employer and don't sh*t where you eat. Remember, if you stay on good terms he may sub some work out to you or rehire you if you fall flat.

It's easy to get the money to start a business, difficult to earn enough to pay the biills after. Get an account at a local rental shop, you will save money rather than buy all the new toys upfront.

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cajunplumberjoe

wayne- my bad .just noticed your location canada. hows the economic climate there? plan thoroughly and carefully. figure out ahead of time what every thing will cost. shop note,insurance,retirement,van note, tooling,equipment etc. go to your accountant and have him get you started on how to figure how to properly charge-or try one of the flatrate systems which will guide you thru the process.remeber just because there are 52 weeks in a year and 8 good work hours in a day -you cant base your charges on that. look back at all the other posts that address that issue. it will be very helpful info for all your pricing. good luck.

waynewright34

Thanks for the advice so far. I am a service trained plumber. I could probably do new construction but lack the experience to really make a move in that direction. The economic climate here is good in some places but the new const. side of things is really bad in this area. guys are stepping on eachother in my area just to get new const. jobs and really driving the rates down.

cajunplumberjoe

wayne -be very cautious-here they have tried to move into repair work and flooded the market w/unrealistic prices. we do both commercial construction up to $200,000. and repair work. we always do better on repairs but now the construction only guys are moving in . not enough work and one man shops are going under. we only have a staff of 4 right now due to the situation.

dws2112

I respect the fact that you are the sole caregiver and applaud you for that. I also think that opening up your own shop may be best for both of ya'll in the long run. Two years ago in my market there were plenty of 7-3:30 commercial and light commercial jobs available, but now I'm not so sure. Also, with you being in the service end I am sure you some employers will want you to be on call at some point every month. I am assuming you are employed and if so, I would keep my job and start doing things the previous posters have mentioned, but keeping you eye on the prize and preparing for the day you step out. Plumbing is a great trade and I think good plumbers will always be in demand, so if you step out and fail your first time, do not get too discouraged and try again when the time is right. Time with your son on your terms is what is most important in the long run. (They only grow up once). Having said all of this, I run my own one van shop and have two kids. My wife answers the phone, takes care of the kids and other things that help me out daily. By the time I get home and do paperwork and look at the time it is usually after 8pm. My point is if you go out on your own your workday may turn into a longer one even if you are home. Just consider both sides before you do anything. Good luck!

Phat Cat

Starting a business and getting to a profitable point takes a lot of dedication and effort. Lots of sacrifices are made in building a business, being a single parent puts you at a huge disadvantage.

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