Posted:  23 Jun 2016 13:28
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Sep 2015	Posts:  3 Reputation:  4294967295 User Rank: 1 - Seedling
Hello, I'm a newbie to this industry and want to start an Interiorscape business. I am dizzy from all that is involved in running the business however, and wondering if anyone can outline a simple business plan that works. One business owner here stated they have 65 accounts and no overhead (besides buckets and h2o tanks) and no employees. How is that possible? I've been a tech for 1 year now for a mom and pop operation and it is very disorganized, plants rarely get replaced when needed and they have only 2 techs with 3rd one in training that they give no more than 30 hrs weekly (3rd tech only 10), PLUS they do plant rentals for various events thru out the year. There are several competitors in the area as well, and my employer has a monopoly over several large accounts due to underpricing all competitors out there. The employer has run this business semi-successfully for over 35 years. I want to run my business smarter and simpler, but I don't want to under dog my business. I want to make some profit. I also want to make offers to current accounts that have been complaining about the unreasonable time it takes for replacement service they are receiving from my current employer. For example, 10 year old plants that have been deteriorating over the years due to never getting soil changes and rarely fertilized, finally end up dead or near dead and 3-6 months go by before any replacement is made yet these accounts are under yearly contracts that  have paid for the service in advance, or some are monthly pay under annual contract. I want these customers to get a better service value for their money. Unless because of the cheap price they pay, their service quality just isn't high priority to my employer? I know I've presented several topics so please excuse me in advance. I'm basically looking for advice or input here. Whatever anyone can offer would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

Posted:  26 Jul 2016 03:51
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jan 2011	Posts:  106 Reputation:  4 User Rank: 3 - Plant
there's nothing wrong with wanting to start your own business. there's a LOT wrong with wanting to do it with clients from your current employer. at the least it's illegal and you will be sued (if you have a non-compete/non-solicit) and at the most it's UNETHICAL! if you really want to go out on your own, quit your job, hit the pavement and get some clients of of your own. that's how you start a business. NOT by stealing your employers clients...

Posted:  01 Aug 2016 23:27
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jan 2011	Posts:  798 Reputation:  43 User Rank: 10 - Blossom
You might make an offer to your current employer to purchase their accounts.  Maybe they've been contemplating getting out of the business or retiring, and you're just not aware of it.  That could explain their lack of attention to the business.  At any rate, you have nothing to lose by trying that angle, except a job that you aren't happy in and might not last much longer at the rate they're going.  Who knows?  You might be the answer to each other's prayers.  Expect to pay between 4-6 months' recurring income after negotiating them down from what might be a lofty asking price based on their inflated value on the business.  Good luck, but do this right.

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