Just Starting Out for Customers

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  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.

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  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.

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  Is Just Starting Out free to use?

  Yes, Just Starting Out is completely free for customers to use.

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  How much should I pay a professional?

  This is dependent on the requirements of the service provided, and should be discussed and agreed with the professional before any services are carried out. Many professionals advertise their Just Starting Out hourly rate on their profile for you to consider/compare. Other professionals advise that charges are dependent on service requirements and can be negotiated.

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  Are professionals on Just Starting Out 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, professionals are able to indicate whether they are qualified (and if so, for how long they have held a relevant qualification), awaiting certification, currently studying, or unqualified. Professionals are also able to upload qualification certificates to their 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.

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  Are professionals on Just Starting Out insured?

  Yes. All professionals who register with us have confirmed that they hold appropriate business insurance. Many professionals choose to upload a certificate of business insurance in their profile gallery for customers to view.

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  In what ways could I support a new business if I am satisfied with the service that I have received?

  This is what we love to hear! There are many ways in which customers can support professionals after receiving a good service. These include writing a testimonial, telling friends and family (spreading word-of-mouth), providing a rating/review, or allowing the professional to take photographs of the service that they have provided for marketing purposes (images for their business website, etc.). We would encourage you to speak directly to the professional in order to find out how best you could support their new business.

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  What should I do if I am not satisfied with the service that I have received?

  This does not make us so happy, and we are sorry to hear that you are not satisfied with the service you have received. As Just Starting Out is a connection platform, we accept no responsibility for the outcome of services provided. We would strongly advise you to discuss the matter with the professional who has provided the service, and try to reach a mutual agreement and fair outcome.

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  Is there a limit as to how many professionals I contact?

  No. Customers can get in touch with as many professionals as they wish to.

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  What should I look for when browsing professional profiles?

  There are several points you may wish to consider when viewing professional profiles:

  1. Distance - If the service that you require will be taking place at your home (a gardener, for example), you may want to consider where professionals are based, as they may wish to include a travel surcharge.
  2. Qualifications - Many professionals upload certification of relevant qualifications to their profile gallery. Should a qualified professional be of importance to you, we would advise you to primarily contact professionals who display qualification certificates within their gallery.
  3. Business descriptions - We would advise customers to take time to read these, as descriptions can often provide a great insight into a professional's background and experience, as well as detailing information about their new business.
  4. Gallery - Many professionals upload examples of their work to their professional gallery. Viewing these images, alongside reading business descriptions, can give you a greater understanding of a professional's skills, experience and ability.
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  I have searched for a service but no results have come up.

  We are sorry to hear that your service search has been unsuccessful. We would advise you to ensure that the information you have entered is accurate (your postcode, for example). You may also want to consider widening your search radius, or, posting a job for professionals to view.

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  What does 'available remotely' mean?

  This refers to a service that can be performed from any location, (professionals who provide a service but who you do not necessarily need to meet in person, for example, a website designer).