Start a Home Based Bookkeeping Service

What you need to know about this business

• Start-up costs are $550.00 for basic office supplies, and $3500.00 to $5000.00 for a computer, software, and other equipment.
• You can start with used equipment or leased, and buy your equipment from your first earnings.
• Pricing guide lines are $75 for a first meeting and evaluation a business’ bookkeeping records, and $40 to $75 per hour after that.
• Income potential is $30,000 to $50,000 or more per year.
• Be prepared to spend half of your time working at home and half working at your clients’ businesses.
• Backup all important files and have copies stored away from your office.

How to market this business

• Encourage word of mouth referrals from your customers.
• Look in classified or business section of local newspapers to find small businesses. Call to make an appointment with them.
• Place classified ads in the business section of newspapers

Target Market

• Landscapers
• Pool cleaners
• Concrete contractors
• Any seasonal business
• Small businesses run by one spouse with the other spouse doing the bookkeeping is a good market. The spouse doing the bookkeeping usually hate it.

Home business equipment required

• Computer
• Bookkeeping and accounting software
• Dedicating business telephone
• Answering machine service
• Fax Machine
• Copier