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Every product based business has to manage the tightrope act that is stock control. In order to keep customers happy you must always have the products they desire in stock so they can be quickly dispatched when the demand occurs. On the other hand you have to be careful not to overextend yourself by buying in too much stock which can lead to cashflow problems which could put the company in jeopardy. This balancing act is particularly important for small businesses as at this crucial time in the company’s lifecycle this could be the difference between a business that grows and one that falls by the wayside. So how can stock control software help you maintain this balance and help you to take your business to the next level?

Saves time

Stock control software calculates your stock levels for you, so if you need to know how many of an item you have it’s no longer necessary to manually find and count your stock. This information is updated when stock is purchased or goes out of your warehouse when it is sold, so you can always get an exact understanding of how much stock you have on hand in next to no time at all.

Advantages of a sole trader

• Control over your business

As a sole trader you take control over your business making decisions quickly with financial and general business decisions

You can offer a more personal approach to your customers with a better understanding of the needs of your customers, allowing you to give a better service and more personal attention.

You can brand your business offering a USP (unique selling proposition) that make your customers more responsive to employing you for their work.

Sole traders have the freedom to work flexible hours that can produce more work and income.

All the money goes directly to you.

These are just some of the ways that a sole trader can take advantage of to produce more work and a better service.

How do you start as a sole trader

Once you know what services you are going to offer you simply register with the tax office that on a given date you will be your own boss. Notify your bank talk to an advisor and get as much information as possible about owning your own business. Prior to registration you will need to think about who your customers will be and how are you going to attract them. Do some research to finding work within your industry

Small businesses are constantly being offered various advertising and marketing services. Here are some of the mistakes you can avoid to make the most out of your local marketing effort.

1) Don’t sign long-term contracts with local newspapers. Local newspapers will typically try to sell you on 6 or twelve month contracts, offering you a price break for the longer term.

This is fine, if it works.

But if you buy a business card sized local advertisement and it is on a page with 30 similar ads, with five from the same industry, your effort is sunk. Instead, don’t waste your time with a business card-sized ad. You’re likely to be buried in with a gazillion others. Put your money into a large ad – a half or full-page.

Then, don’t agree to a six month term. Agree to 2 or 3 issues. If you have a good ad, and it catches the eye of an interested buyer, that prospect is not going to wait 6 months to call you for help. If the sales rep won’t agree to a short-term test, walk.