SVA Forum

[NEC]

Hello!

I've been doing some VA/PA work for some time under my husbands business but this is the year to go it alone as we're facing some changes.

I was hoping to have one client already before going it alone, as I've been doing small bits of admin for them for a while but unfortunately after speaking to HMRC about money laundering I have now found out that invoicing requires registration and my client will need that with new projects to come etc. Don't want to pay for registration as the work wouldn't be enough to cover it unless they agree to raising prices.

Didn't think just printing an invoice would mean having to register but so be it.

So one hiccup out of the way but at least I know where I stand with HMRC....

Another thing does confuse me is that I have been advised by two or three people in business already that you don't need an address on your website but I notice that this site says you do? Can anyone confirm this?

I also notice that a lot of VA's offer travel arrangements, holidays etc, how do you provide this service as I've been told that the normal business insurance wouldn't cover it and that any other insurance would be hefty hence why travel arrangements are left to ABTA coded businesses?

Sure they'll be more questions but at the moment I'm taking the setting up phase slowly to get things right and in place before launching as it were.

Thanks

Naomi

[caroline]

Hi Naomi

I can't help on the bookkeeping registration, but to answer your query about addresses being displayed on websites

Yes - any UK business trading online should display a contact details including an address. You should also have your contact details on your invoices and your business cards. The slight confusion creeps in when someone has a website but isn't trading online e.g. a blog site, a family photograph site, a site offering advice but not selling anything etc. as they don't need to display their details.

On travel arranging, I generally get the clients details and options of what they can book and provide them with links to input their credit card details - that way if something is wrong or there's a fraud on their card, I'm not responsible. If you were booking for clients, the ABTA/ATOL conditions would still apply since you'd usually be using a travel agent or flight company.
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[NEC]

[quote="caroline"]Hi Naomi

I can't help on the bookkeeping registration, but to answer your query about addresses being displayed on websites

Yes - any UK business trading online should display a contact details including an address. You should also have your contact details on your invoices and your business cards. The slight confusion creeps in when someone has a website but isn't trading online e.g. a blog site, a family photograph site, a site offering advice but not selling anything etc. as they don't need to display their details.

On travel arranging, I generally get the clients details and options of what they can book and provide them with links to input their credit card details - that way if something is wrong or there's a fraud on their card, I'm not responsible. If you were booking for clients, the ABTA/ATOL conditions would still apply since you'd usually be using a travel agent or flight company.[/quote]


Thanks for the reply Caroline.

It's alright the bookkeeping is sorted. HMRC do require you to register if you handle invoices in any way shape or form.

That's the thing that confuses me with this address thing is I've consulted various people including our local business advisor and all have confirmed that unless you're a limited company you don't have to put an address on either your website or your business cards??? Makes me wonder what else the local business advisor has advised incorrectly.

It's frustrating as I'll have to factor in a PO box into my costings...

[jackie]

Hi Naomi

Years ago (before email and the internet) when I started my business, I had one for a client which included delivery.

Can I tell you that every single year Royal Mail refunded me the cost of this box because they never managed to deliver the mail. As this was a membership organisation, mail was pretty sporadic throughout the year but at one point all the dues were expected, and nothing appeared. When I enquired, oh yes, they're here waiting for you. No, I paid for delivery. Oh, wait a minute, so you did.

Letter of complaint, refund.

They may be better now and others on here will be able to let you know this, but honestly, unless you're expecting tons of mail (and you'll find most stuff comes via email these days), I wouldn't bother with one.

[NEC]

[quote="jackie"]Hi Naomi

Years ago (before email and the internet) when I started my business, I had one for a client which included delivery.

Can I tell you that every single year Royal Mail refunded me the cost of this box because they never managed to deliver the mail. As this was a membership organisation, mail was pretty sporadic throughout the year but at one point all the dues were expected, and nothing appeared. When I enquired, oh yes, they're here waiting for you. No, I paid for delivery. Oh, wait a minute, so you did.

Letter of complaint, refund.

They may be better now and others on here will be able to let you know this, but honestly, unless you're expecting tons of mail (and you'll find most stuff comes via email these days), I wouldn't bother with one.[/quote]

No offence to anyone knowing someone working for Royal Mail but why doesn't that surprise me (rolls eyes)

Thanks Jacky. I'm currently in rented accommodation so I didn't want to approach the landlady in case it caused difficulties but I drafted a letter to her yesterday and will review it and then send it. Hopefully a mere enquiry won't cause too much hassle.

Sorry Caroline I don't think I responded about the travel part, that's what I was advised to do just organise everything and leave the payment part to them. Glad to see others do do it that way as I was a little unsure.