Help! setting up as freelance groom

[mariethegroom!]

Hi everyone, hope ive posted in the right place, im new to all this!

I was wondering if anyone has any usefull advice on setting up as a freelance groom?

I have been offered another job part time and the people would prefer it if i were to be self employed. I have been looking into freelance grooming anyway but am abit unsure of what to charge? it seems from research that approx £10per hour is the going rate??

I am an experienced groom, having worked with horse over 10 years and have always owned them, have my BHS stages 1 & 2 and have experience on many types of yards.

Would you say 10 per hour is reasonable considering tax, ni, insurance, diesel etc has to come out of the money i earn?

any advice much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[better half]

Where are you I need you now!

 

[mariethegroom!]

Nottinghamshire (elkesley to be exact!) I take it you think this is reasonable then?!

 

[better half]

I think a good groom should be well paid and a freelance groom should get more and as you get busy you can put your prices up if you are good and reliable. Your reputation will build and people remember the qualilty of the job done long after they forget the price paid. The only competition you have is from people that can afford to do it as a hobby.

 

[horsey_jo]

Pop up an ad on Yard and Groom (and of course an ad in H&H )

I wouldnt put your rate on your ad tho - discuss that in person if you can.

 

[mariethegroom!]

Thanks! thats great to hear that there are people out there who respect grooms as most employers expect you to work long hours in all weathers for peanuts! I'm quite lucky that I'm already known by afew clients who i have done odd jobs such as holiday care and exercising for and they have always been very happy with my work. I am hardworker with high standards so I should hopefully be able to get the rates i am looking for especially once i am more well known...fingers crossed!

 

[Winklepoker]

I freelance around my office work and I charge £9 ph in most cases unless there is schooling to be done. I am in Hampshire/Surrey

 

[0ldmare]

If I need help with my horses when I'm away etc I pay £10 per hour. The lady who helps me is fab and worth every penny to know that everything is being cared for (often better than I do lol). She lives locally and so diesel/travel time is not really an issue.