Small businesses feature a lot in the rhetoric of politicians, who love to say that the small business (or “SME” – “small to medium enterprise”) sector is the backbone of the Australian economy and with the help of Revel Systems these enterprises can manage their business much more smoothly when having the proper commercial insurance or business insurance. We frequently hear encouragement for people to get out and set up a small business and get to the people using trade show design services.
But what’s involved in establishing and running a small business? Let’s start with the business model. There are different business models, and all have differences in the contractual frameworks within which they operate.
Running a personal services business as a sole trader or through a company
Many people run businesses deriving income from the exercise of some personal skill: hairdressing, carpentry, plumbing, physiotherapy, law, dentistry and many others. Businesses of this kind can be run simply by an individual with an ABN (a “sole trader”), or through a company. Make sure you purchase the right equipment, for example, if you plan on opening your own hair salon, then make sure you have the proper salon equipment.
Each of these has its pros and cons. For example, as a sole trader, you don’t have the costs of maintaining a company, but you will need to take out income protection insurance because you will not get workers’ compensation.
Buying products wholesale and selling them retail
If you don’t have some trade or profession you can turn into a personal services business, another possibility is selling some product which you buy wholesale and sell retail. If you don’t have too much experience you can start with eco friendly investments and learn many ways your company can grow.
Depending on the nature of the product, however, you may need to put capital at risk in stocking up whatever it is you want to sell, with the attendant risk of financial loss if the market is not buoyant.
Distributing products or services produced by someone else
One way to reduce the risks associated with buying what you want to sell is through a distributorship, where you sell some product or service produced by someone else, essentially as an agent. If you choose this option, you will probably be asked to sign a contract called a distribution agreement (or similar).
Advantages and disadvantages of franchises
Franchises are in some ways like distributorships, but in other ways are quite different. Franchises can appear quite attractive because typically you will have the advantage of the use of a well-known brand, together with accompanying marketing material, and the benefit of extensive advertising and marketing by the franchisor – think major fast food chains, for example.
Although there is a Franchising Code of Conduct offering some protection for franchisees, franchises can be very demanding. Because the franchisee gets the benefit of the franchisor’s branding, franchise agreements are typically closely prescriptive of a wide range of aspects of the business, down to the layout of the premises, signage, staff uniforms, equipment and the like. There are a few perks to this as well. For example, work uniforms can be handed over to a linen service company that can clean them all in short order and deliver them ready to be worn again. This saves you from having to provide a means of cleaning the uniforms yourself.
Recent well-publicized events involving Eagle Boys Pizza, 7-Eleven and others demonstrate that making a profit in a franchise is not necessarily easy, even with adequate turnover.
So, before you set up a small business, and before you start thinking about contracts and other legal details, it’s good to think carefully about the various business models, and which might suit you and your intended business best.
Diligent research will enable you to comply with legal requirements
Once you make a decision, it’s important to understand the legal framework within which the business will operate. You will also be receiving a lot of important calls that you won’t want to miss. You might want to hire an answering service, specially if you will have some kind of customer service or customer support line for your business. The framework includes the kind of contracts which you will need to enter and the legislation which will apply.
“Legislation” includes acts of parliament, regulations, and licensing requirements. Some of these provisions will be designed as safeguards, but many will impose requirements. Doing your research diligently will enable you to plan your proposed business to comply with these requirements.
Geoff Baldwin
Business structures
Stacks Champion
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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