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Getting started with a home-based business
Q: Hi there. I am an at–home mother of 2, but I have an extensive computer background in desktop publishing. We live in a small town, and there is only one business that makes copies, prints flyers, etc. and they are expensive. I am good at this stuff! In fact I've seen some of the work this other company has done, and it's not very good. What I want to do is open a small business doing desktop publishing and have a copier available. I already have a good computer, but would need a better printer and would like to lease a good color copier. How do I go about getting started? Any advice you can give would be very helpful. Thank you.
A: First, let me say running a business from home when you have children can be one of life's great joys. I started my Internet biz from a spare bedroom when my youngest was an infant (many of my early articles were written with him sleeping in my arms).
You know your market very well. You know the needs of your potential customers and understand how your competitor is falling short in satisfying those needs. That kind of research is an all–important first step.
Spend $300 to $400 to get a basic laser printer. You might also want a low–cost ink jet printer to handle color. Step up to models in the $150 range for a bit better quality.
Take some time to shop around for a copier. Prices vary widely. A recent conversation with a veteran in the business says a lot of copier companies make their money from variations in the service agreement. You won't get consistently good copies unless you have a knowledgeable maintenance person keeping your copier tuned up.
Make sure you have a good, affordable way to market your business over the long haul. You won't want to spend money to get set up only to find you don't have any way to get the word out to potential customers. Since you live in a small town, you may be able to get the local paper to run a story on you and your new business. Often this is all it takes to get the ball rolling in a small community.
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