Just Starting Out

Just Starting Out for Businesses

What is Just Starting Out?

Just Starting Out is an online service provider that enables new business owners (professionals) to advertise their company to the general public (customers). Services are usually offered at reduced price, or are sometimes free of charge.
How does it work?

Customers can search for a particular service (e.g. a hairdresser) on our website or app, or, may want to browse all services in a particular area. Customers can also 'post a job' (e.g. 'hairdresser wanted'), which will automatically notify registered professionals who match the service criteria.
How much does it cost?

We pride ourselves on being an affordable option for new business owners, as we understand that starting a business isn't cheap. We have various price-plans for you to choose from, so you can select which one works best for you considering how many months exposure you would like to have on our platform. The even better news... We are offering FREE sign-ups for all when we launch, for a limited time only!
Are there any hidden charges or monthly fees?

No, we don't believe in hidden charges or on-going fees. The only payment we require is the upfront cost when you choose your price plan.
How would a potential customer pay me?

All payments for services provided are directly between you (the professional) and the customer, including forms of payment (bank transfer, etc.). We always encourage costs to be discussed and agreed by both parties prior to a service being carried out, and we would always recommend that services are paid for upon completion.
What should I charge my first few customers?

This is completely up to you and we would encourage you to thoroughly consider your charges (bearing in mind your qualification level and experience) before you advertise on our platform. Many professionals advertise their Just Starting Out hourly rate on their profile, whereas others advise that charges are dependent on service requirements and can be negotiated.

Remember that our site advertises services at reduced prices, so when deciding charges, consider what you are hoping to gain in terms of building your business. Often, a strong testimonial, or a customer agreeing for you to take photos to use for your portfolio is more valuable.
Do I need to be qualified?

At the same time as endeavouring to support all new businesses, Just Starting Out upholds a duty of care towards all users through ensuring a robust professional registration process. There are particular professions where qualifications are advantageous but not essential (dog walking services, for example), and others whereby qualifications are imperative (building services, for example).

Upon registration, you will be able to indicate whether you are qualified, (and if so, for how long you have held a relevant qualification), awaiting certification, currently studying, or unqualified. If you are qualified in your area of work then you may wish to upload your qualification certificate to your profile gallery, for customers to view. To safeguard all Just Starting Out users, we regret that there are a number of professions whereby only qualified professionals are able to register.

Did you know there are over 70 free courses available through Free Courses in England? These courses are a great way to add professionalism to your profile. Popular options include Customer Service, Business Start-Up, and many more-perfect for boosting your skills and credibility.
Do I need to be insured?

Yes. All professionals who register with us will need to confirm that they hold appropriate business insurance. You may want to upload a certificate of your business insurance to your profile gallery for customers to view.
What happens when I come to the end of my price plan?

We will notify you by email one week before your chosen price plan is due to expire. Once this time period has expired, your business will automatically stop being advertised on our site. If you wish to continue advertising with us, you can purchase another price plan at any time.
Can I stop advertising my company on Just Starting Out before the end of my price plan?

Yes. You can stop advertising your company with us at any time by deleting your account.
Does my company have to be new?

No. We are happy to support you at any stage of your journey.
What shall I write in my business description?

Your business description should provide customers with a snapshot of you and your company. You could consider including your company’s journey so far, the reasons why you chose your field of work, your experience/qualification level, any job-related courses that you have attended, and more detailed information about the services that you offer.
Do you have any tips in order for me to get the most out of Just Starting Out?

Of course! Always be polite and professional regardless of how much you are charging a customer (even if you are providing a service for free).

Be open with your customers as to how they can best support your business. Could they spread the word and recommend you to their family and friends? Would they allow you to take some photographs to use for your website, etc.? Perhaps they would be willing to write a testimonial for you to use to attract more customers, or provide you with a rating/review?

We would also recommend that you download our app, so that you can be automatically notified if a customer posts a job that matches your profession (and location, if applicable).

Ultimately, find out as much information as you can as to what the customer would like, and provide the absolute best service that you can!
What should I use as a profile picture?

Your company logo (if you have one) often proves a good option for a profile picture. If you do not have a logo yet, you could consider adding a professional-looking photograph of yourself, or an image that illustrates what your business offers (for example if you are a florist, you may want to use an image of flowers for your profile picture).
What is my gallery for?

Your professional gallery is the perfect place to showcase examples of your work to potential customers. You may also wish to upload qualification and/or insurance certificates.
I can’t find my profession on the list.

We are sorry to hear that you cannot find your profession. You may want to check spelling, or try using an alternative word. If you continue to have problems, please contact us.
What should I do if I have trouble with a customer?

We are really sorry if you find yourself in this position. As Just Starting Out is a connection platform, we accept no responsibility for any difficulties or conflict between professionals and customers. We would strongly advise you to discuss the matter with the customer, and try to reach a mutual agreement and fair outcome. If, however, after 14 days have passed and an outcome has not been reached, you can submit a formal complaint by reading our complaint policy and subsequently completing our complaint form.
What does 'available remotely' mean?

This refers to a service that can be performed from any location, (where it wouldn’t be necessary for you to meet the customer in person, for example, if you are a website designer).

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Just Starting Out for Businesses