Help am struggling and need advice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Help am struggling and need advice !!!!!!!!!!!!...

Didn't find your answer?

I am trying to set up a payroll bureau business but not having any success. I have tried a number of techniques contacting Accountants, in the Yellow Pages and Recruitment agencies I have a website and leaflet that I have created. I have called and sent emails and only had 3 company's respond, and could really do with your input, please feel free to be as critical. 

 

Replies (28)

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Stepurhan
By stepurhan
28th Feb 2014 11:34

Website link

If you share your website, we can at least offer advice on how that comes across.

How have you been contacting accountants? More importantly, since you are asking this question in February, but indicate you have been trying for a while, when? If you were contacting accountants in January there is an obvious reason why they felt disinclined to talk to you.

Your presentation here is not exactly encouraging, so I hope this is not how you are coming across elsewhere. The multiple explanation marks present an unprofessional look. The plural of company is companies, not "company's" as you have it. Small details to be sure, but you are asking people to put something that requires a lot of attention to detail in your hands.

Finally, why a payroll bureau, and did you not research this beforehand? Payroll bureau is a limited service, which many accountants will offer as part of a whole package. That makes them more attractive than you straight off the bat. You need to offer something more if businesses are not just going to say "Our accountant deals with everything". Also consider that maybe there just isn't a demand for bureaus in your area anyway, smaller businesses handling it in-house.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Azzy
28th Feb 2014 13:02

Firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to provide feedback, the website is www.scirocco-ltd.com I have been contacting accountants for a few months and understand and know that January due to self assessment submissions would not have worked. 

Secondly I totally agree attention to detail is essential and my post does not present me in a good light, and am glad that you pointed this out as unintentionally I could be doing this unaware.

I did do some limited research and and saw an opportunity due to the RTI changes and believed I could take advantage but possibly I over estimated the demand.

Finally I decided on the payroll, as a starting point as I have experience in this area and wanted to develop the business and doing further training for bookkeeping qualifications so that I can provide a range of services. 

Looking at my comments and without anyone knowing what my aims and goals are this would not have come across and I need to step back completely review and be honest with myself at how I am approaching this venture and how I come across.

Thank you once again

 

 

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By fragglerock
28th Feb 2014 11:35

I'd suggest you start off small - maildropping small business in the local area - that way you can steadily build up - unless of course you are already used to the payroll workload of medium company's

Make sure you're giving them  a good reason to respond - you need a unique selling point or cost advantage

 

Good Luck

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By andy.partridge
28th Feb 2014 12:02

It won't happen overnight

You need to be able to communicate why businesses should use you and why that would be better than using another payroll bureau.

To get a short sharp message across have you considered GoogleAds with a link to your website?

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Replying to Ruddles:
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By Azzy
28th Feb 2014 13:11

Yes I have, but money is the main reason I am not able to do this yet and you are totally right I am still trying to come up with a good enough reason to convince people to use me instead of others.

I totally appreciate that this will take time and already know that with Year End approaching this is a busy time and an opportunity for business to review and look at there years results, so timing is key and nothing in life is easy you have to work hard to show your abilties.  

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By neiltonks
28th Feb 2014 13:34

Website

If your website is going to be your shop window, then it certainly needs work. It has a number of grammatical and typographical errors which project a less-than-professional image, in an area where prospective customers are looking for a partner with excellent attention to detail. It's also a little vague about exactly which services you offer and to whom. The message seems to be one of 'we'll do payroll for anyone', which is unappealing.

Payroll is a business-critical process and your potential clients will want confidence that you have experience of their particular challenges. If you're initially targeting small employers, then the website needs to be aimed in that direction.

Finally, clicking on 'site map' brings up pages on the company's dealings with lots of things unconnected to payroll, such as facilitating trade with Libya and the Middle East, project management and event management!

Overall, I suggest a small investment with a professional web designer (you will be able to find one locally) would pay dividends.

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Euan's picture
By Euan MacLennan
28th Feb 2014 13:50

RTI - Are you ready?

The central heading on your website's home page would have been appropriate a year ago when RTI was about to be introduced, but not now that it has been in force for 11 months.  Most accountants will draw the immediate conclusion that you are out of date and will look no further at your services.

Also, Sage is not popular with many accountants.  Why do you feel the need to display the logo of the payroll software you are using?

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By occca
28th Feb 2014 13:52

I'm afraid I agree

The website looks very unprofessional in appearance and content.  We would certainly not consider working with your company at present based on this.

I think you need to look at who your target market is.

There are some great online payroll options out there, so I guess you need to work out why people would use you.   With payroll it's not all about cost.

I also agree that the site map is confusing - it looks like you have fingers in lots of pies

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By Azzy
28th Feb 2014 14:17

Thank you again for the feedback, I needed an objective unbiased view and am very grateful that you have all taken the time to comment.

I have already started a list, and will make every effort to try address the issues raised. More importantly I hope that I can project a more accurate impression of myself which I have sadly not.

 

 

    

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By David Winch
28th Feb 2014 14:18

It's All About You!

A quick glance at your home page reveals nothing about what I (as a potential client) might get out of engaging you.

Until you answer this reader's question, along with many others like "Am I one of your ideal clients?" the visitors to your site are not interested at all in you, your experience or any other companies or organisations you may be affiliated with.

I have written a booklet, Accountants Websites That Work - 27 Vital Things You Absolutely Must Know Before You Talk To Your Web Designer!

Let me know if you'd like a copy.

And then there's the rest of your marketing...

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By Azzy
28th Feb 2014 14:28

Fair point, many of the comments are a long the same line and would appreciate taking a look at the booklet in terms of marketing I need to think creatively. As I have no money but totally understand that it is needed.

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Replying to Matrix:
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By Azzy
28th Feb 2014 14:32

I did not take this point into account and could be very risky opening myself to such a situation.

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By ted.henderson
28th Feb 2014 15:01

Websites That Work

David: Does your website work? I googled Accountants Websites That Work and it didn't come up in the results. I'd certainly like to see it.

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Replying to djballantyne:
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By Azzy
28th Feb 2014 15:19

Hi David I am currently making changes but this does not mean that the website would not work. Not sure if this means that my website requires validating and therefore they are not willing to include it.

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By andy.partridge
28th Feb 2014 15:19

Too many

David Winch wrote:

I have written a booklet, Accountants Websites That Work - 27 Vital Things You Absolutely Must Know Before You Talk To Your Web Designer!

According to psychologists that would be 24 too many for most people. 
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By taxhound
28th Feb 2014 14:23

website

I appreciate that you consider you offer a nationwide service so your location may be irrelevant, but I would be very wary of approaching anyone when I had no clue about where they are.  OK, I could look up your registered office address, but I would want a bit more detail on your website.

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Replying to carnmores:
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By Catherine123456
28th Feb 2014 14:49

This too!

taxhound wrote:

I appreciate that you consider you offer a nationwide service so your location may be irrelevant, but I would be very wary of approaching anyone when I had no clue about where they are.  OK, I could look up your registered office address, but I would want a bit more detail on your website.

A colleague and I went on a great Companies House seminar last week and there are certain things that you are legally obliged to show on your website....your registered office address being one of them! The speaker told us that they frequently check that these sorts of requirements are being met and if they receive written correspondence with a website address on it they will check out the website as a matter of course. Again, it's paying attention to the small details that will help promote your business. I doubt every limited company does it right but as I go to great lengths to, I wouldn't refer work to anyone who didn't.

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By Catherine123456
28th Feb 2014 14:37

HMRC logo!

I don't think HMRC will take too kindly to you putting their logo on your website. Their logo is subject to copyright and you will need permission to show it - I think you can use it if you can click on it as a link to their website but not otherwise.

 

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By Azzy
28th Feb 2014 14:51

Much appreciated, I had thought I was quite clued up and was not aware that this was unacceptable as I wanted to show my software was compliant. I have taken the Sage and HMRC logo down.

Thank you once again 

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By GazCol
28th Feb 2014 14:58

People buy from people.

 

Your website is as unpersonalised as I've ever seen. Throw up a picture, talk about yourself and the experience that you have; rather than that of your faceless ltd. You need to build a sense of trust in order to even give somebody the inclination towards using your services - get a customer testimonial on there instead of the Sage logo. You're selling you, not Sage - which many people happen to detest.

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By evely
28th Feb 2014 17:19

Stop now !!

As a new media Project Manger and qualified marketing professional I will first apologise for the following very direct remarks.

Azzy you do not have a website you have a few pages of content on the web, many of the other people have highlighted some very relevant issues. Basically the website is terrible it has no redeeming features and suggests that you have no idea of running a professional business. Nor have you considered what the market requires or how you might compete with the many existing suppliers.

A quick search shows a range of companies providing this service with better designed and more informative websites. They give an impression of being professional and experienced operators, yours does not.         

Being very blunt - your chances of been successful and gaining enough work to make ends meet is minimal, I get the impression you don't have a business plan and no funds to start up the service. Starting a business is very hard work most don't make it.

Just because you have the software and I do hope many years relevant experience does not mean you have the skills to start up a company. Your comment 'still trying to come up with a good enough reason to convince people to use me instead of others', does suggest you should not be doing this!!

If you have a job don't give it up, if you don't have a job look for one fast you will need it.

My comments might sound very harsh but there is no point in you spending time, energy (and money) on a project that is going no where.

Good luck in whatever you end up doing.

 

Thanks (3)
Replying to Ruddles:
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By Azzy
28th Feb 2014 19:45

Firstly there is no need to be apologetic for your comments, I put myself on the line as I wanted to get an objective opinion on how I was coming across. I think many, when entering a venture have so many ideas and at first are not able to put this down in clear and concise manner. I hold my hand up and admit that I have not communicated this.

My objective is to work closely with small to medium sized Accountants and Recruitment Agencies providing a payroll service that they wish to outsource and as my first venture on my this is a step learning curve.

I hope that my willingness to take on board everyone's comments and determination to make changes and improvements puts me in a better light. Nothing in life is easy and you have to take a risk. However I do  accept that I have not put myself across in a professional manner and have placed my website under construction until I am satisfied I have made the improvements.

I hope this shows how determined and committed I am in making this a success, and more importantly show me in the best possible light.

Once again I am extremely grateful for everyone's comments which has given me the kick up the ---- I needed.

 

  

 

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By User deleted
28th Feb 2014 17:32

Ok, so ...

... you are based in the centre of York, but the contact address is Birmingham.

A look at Companies House shows this is the Registerd Office and also the following SIC code!

46140 - Agents involved in the sale of machinery, industrial equipment, ships and aircraft

Nothing wrong with the above, as mentioned you must show the RO, but not inspiring either!

 

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By ted.henderson
28th Feb 2014 23:13

You are entering a field grossly over-populated and very uninspiring. You might want to spend some time on some CPD and find something you really find interesting and rewarding, something fulfilling. I wish I had.

Whatever, make sure you have some professional indemnity insurance.

 

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By mrme89
28th Feb 2014 23:29

As OGA has pointed out - why does your website state that you are in York, but have a Birmingham address?

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By Minnie136
01st Mar 2014 04:46

VAT registered

Another point, why are you VAT registered if you are just starting up? 

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By Peter Bonetti
01st Mar 2014 14:50

VAT registration

I guess the answer is the business will aim to be working with businesses that are VAT registered and hence have no problem with the VAT charge. At the same time VAT is deductible on costs.

That is a rather odd question on this forum I have to say.

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By Minnie136
02nd Mar 2014 08:56

It is not an odd question

Since the OP does not appear to have any clients yet then registering for VAT seems a bit premature and if he does not have any clients then how does he know if they will be able to recover the VAT or not?  He could make the most of being a start up by not charging VAT until he reaches the threshold since this may be a saving for small local clients and therefore a competitive advantage.  At the least, why would you voluntarily register for extra compliance and exposure to penalties before you know if you have a viable business model?

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