Who's earning less this year than last?

[frockery]

I have to say it's been a bit slower over the past 2-3 weeks, but that has coincided with some cut throat clothing sales on the high street as well as many customers being away on holiday.

I saw a piece on telly recently about cost cutting on weddings, Dizzy, and we have admittedly had a few more brides (and their mums) enquiring about outfits and accessories, though we don't generally stock wedding gowns as vintage ones are usually too tiny for the vast majority of women today.

I was at a wedding down south last week which was very much a DIY affair with the family doing all the catering and transport, though the bride's frock, shoes and tiara were new (as far as I could tell).

I can't make a realistic earnings comparison with last year as I was still working for an employer 3 days a week until June. Business has been growing well since last summer/autumn, but it's difficult not to be nervous with all the doom and gloom over the economy. I'll certainly be keeping my overheads as low as possible, which means no premises or staff for the foreseeable future.

[Rickwood Portpatrick]

Hi
While our turnover to date hasn`t dropped too much, as our costs are mainly for food our net income has dropped a bit. However by shopping in 3 supemarkets every 2nd day instead of one, I have managed to reduce the impact of the increases quite substsantially. We have also introduced a wee form to select breakfast items the night before which has reduced waste of bacon & sausages
Other main cost is heating oil fired) so we are not looking forward to the Winter!!

[davidc]

Hi Colin. I am sorry to hear things are tough. This is the third " downturn in the economy" I have beeb through. It is not the worst though. I can remember borrowing a lot of money in 92 when interest rates went up to 15%....I have done the same each time. 1 Look for new customers as spreading your customer base will more than make up for decreases in spend. 2 Add other services that reflect, and take advantage of decreased consumer confidence. 3 Cut costs to a mimimum.
Above all....remain positive...negativity breeds negativity.
Shop around the other banks. Get one behind you.
What affluent people do you have in your area, and what landscaping etc do they require.
I have always found that in recesssions the top earning sector of the market is always fruitful.
Remember the whole country has not stopped spending.
I hope this helps Colin. Chin up mate. You WILL get through this.

[Colin In Perth]

Thanks David for your words of encouragement. What you say about spreading the customer base is in progress. Advertising I am sure the best way to get new customers. However I find the cost of advertising too much in general. I have got some reasonably priced advertising going out in September. Also I am diversifying into other fields of work. As a sole trader I have a few trading names but the only one currently with a website is Seyrico Horticulture as this is the main area of work. In a totally different area of work I am an Agency Listed Model. This is a growing business due to more and more online and catalogue shopping. I am now back to promoting myself vigorously for work through the Agency. I see you are based in Spain. I am expecting to get some good work in Spain soon and my other work will be juggled around it. I had all my eggs in one basket and that is very unwise. I have paid the price for it over the past month.