Is there a market for....

TicTac

TicTac

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freelance grooms/yard assistants in this current economic climate?
I have given up my well paid office job as I am totally fed up with the backstabbing and competitive nature of certain employees of corporate business. So, as I have a wealth of experience and BHS qualifications ( not teaching) that I thought I would put to good use and offer personal services to people who want or need their horses looking after. Anything considered. Effectively work for myself and start a small business.

I have put up a load of advertisements in my local feed merchents and see how things go. Obviously I need to make it pay but don't want to charge silly money so I was wondering if £10.00 p/h sounded about right, all in. with a minimum charge of £10.00.

I'm determined not to go back in an office but still need to earn my horses keep! What do you guys think?
 
I think that there is. Have you put your ad on some of the internet sites? I found some the other week but can't remember the site names.
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There is a market out there, its just quite hard to crack as the majority of people go on word of mouth rather than ads, or through people they know at pony club etc.

I'd aim your advertising more at riding club, ads at DIY yards etc. The amount of times I have wanted a freelanced groom to look after my lot while I'm away (and I work away a lot) but I don't tend to just go off ads on a board, I will ask the shop owner if they know the individual, or ask people at the yard/riding club if they can recommend anyone.
 
Yes there is!! whereabouts are you based? I will be looking for someone freelance fairly soon as I am opening up a new livery yard near Haverhill and doing full/sales prep and part livery so with any luck there will be plenty to do. :-)
 
Glad to hear that the responses to my post are positive, Equitune, unfortunately I'm not near you and since I posted I've got 1 regular and 1 one off job so I'm feeling happier
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There's certainly a market, but make sure you are adequately insured and registered for tax etc and then make sure you charge enough to cover it.

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I would second that. £10 an hour is reasonable IF it's very close to home or if you're doing a couple of hours at one place. Otherwise by the time you consider travelling (time, petrol, wear & tear on vehicle); insurance; tax - you'd be working less than National Minimum Wage. And that's WITHOUT taking holiday or sick days into account!

My full time grooms get £6 an hour nett. for the hours they work. But they also get paid holidays, employer liability, tax etc. They actually COST me at LEAST £10 an hour for every hour they work. And they get their lunch, and coffee breaks and other perks.
 
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