In the early years of my business I used to charge a first year setup fee of around £50.
Whilst it seems reasonable to do this, I found that it wasn't that popular so stopped charging this - I just absorb the additional cost in the first year.
As an average client stays with an accountant for 10+ years, the lifetime value of the new client is much more important than an additional charge in the first year.
Before that, I'd been a member of the local chambers and a few other networking organisations - they are also useful in developing links and could lead to cross referrals
If you are PQ ACCA you may be able to transfer to their CAT qualification instead - this is similar to an AAT.
It used to be that if you had completed 2/3 of the ACCA it was a straightforward process to transfer and gain the qualification. There didn't used to be a practicing certificate requirement for that qualification.
It's one option, although I may suggest perhaps taking interim part time roles to give you the time to build up your practice rather than go straight to running it full time.
That way you can be earning as well as working on your business, and also getting more experience from different firms.
...provided they are used correctly with the website.
People will be using them on a smartphone, so it makes sense that they take you to a specific mobile version of the website you would like them to visit, rather than just the normal one which may not be optimised for phones.
I have recently used one on a mailing, the thinking behind it is that people can quickly scan the code and store the bookmark, to come back to later when it is convenient.
The website it sends them to is optimised for several different smartphones, so they will see an app from whatever phone they use and the site is fully usable on a mobile.
This gives you a head start, with many of the points you raise already covered.
There are many different accounting franchises available in the market and they will all have a detailed prospectus that lets you know what you are getting.
You can weigh the advantages, so you can decide if this route might be suitable for you.
Seems to be in line with the industry averages. I assume there was VAT on top as well?
Although it may be worth using a specialist in sole traders.
FYI it would probably fit in with our bronze service at only £255 total - it's why many of our clients find they save up to 50% on their accountancy fees
My answers
I used to
In the early years of my business I used to charge a first year setup fee of around £50.
Whilst it seems reasonable to do this, I found that it wasn't that popular so stopped charging this - I just absorb the additional cost in the first year.
As an average client stays with an accountant for 10+ years, the lifetime value of the new client is much more important than an additional charge in the first year.
New videos
Following on from the success of my videos, I was in the studio last week shooting some more.
The next ones have graphics combined with video and as they are studio based it's a different style to the current ones on my website.
http://taxhelp.uk.com/blog/in-the-video-studio-this-week/
Business networking
Have you considered joining a local networking organisation to develop contacts & assist in growing your practice, perhaps with direct referrals?
There are several, ranging from chambers of commerce to organisations like BNI(R).
FYI, here's a link to a chapter from my book about BNI(R) that may help.
Before that, I'd been a member of the local chambers and a few other networking organisations - they are also useful in developing links and could lead to cross referrals
Juniors?
I recently took over a client who was switching:
Sent the professional clearance letter and received some tax papers with just a compliment slip...
followed by a letter saying that they would release the papers when the final invoice had been settled...
then followed by some more papers!
CAT?
If you are PQ ACCA you may be able to transfer to their CAT qualification instead - this is similar to an AAT.
It used to be that if you had completed 2/3 of the ACCA it was a straightforward process to transfer and gain the qualification. There didn't used to be a practicing certificate requirement for that qualification.
It's one option, although I may suggest perhaps taking interim part time roles to give you the time to build up your practice rather than go straight to running it full time.
That way you can be earning as well as working on your business, and also getting more experience from different firms.
They can be...
...provided they are used correctly with the website.
People will be using them on a smartphone, so it makes sense that they take you to a specific mobile version of the website you would like them to visit, rather than just the normal one which may not be optimised for phones.
I have recently used one on a mailing, the thinking behind it is that people can quickly scan the code and store the bookmark, to come back to later when it is convenient.
The website it sends them to is optimised for several different smartphones, so they will see an app from whatever phone they use and the site is fully usable on a mobile.
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
A second recommendation for this book from myself - it's my #1 rated business book.
A great read and focusses people on the three jobs you will have going forward, rather than one.
A franchise?
Have you considered joining a franchise?
This gives you a head start, with many of the points you raise already covered.
There are many different accounting franchises available in the market and they will all have a detailed prospectus that lets you know what you are getting.
You can weigh the advantages, so you can decide if this route might be suitable for you.
About normal
Seems to be in line with the industry averages. I assume there was VAT on top as well?
Although it may be worth using a specialist in sole traders.
FYI it would probably fit in with our bronze service at only £255 total - it's why many of our clients find they save up to 50% on their accountancy fees
http://www.taxhelp.uk.com/services/
Kodak
I've found the Kodak multifinction printers to be very good & easy to use.
Another advantage is the low cost of inks for them as well - less than half the cost of a Lexmark I used to have.