Business for the sale and installation of plastic windows, air conditioners, doors, shutters and stretch ceilings. Examples of a landing page for the sale and installation of doors Business expansion: doors, shutters, air conditioners

Picking a business idea is one of the most important choices you make as an entrepreneur, and it really is quite difficult. Many have been looking for a suitable business idea for years, and, not finding it, they never become the owners of their business, despite their great desire. In fact, there are quite a lot of business options around, and the choice can really be a difficult test. One of the simplest solutions in this situation is to follow in the footsteps of established companies. These ideas include the opening of a company specializing in the sale and installation of air conditioners.

Conclusion of contracts with suppliers

To start acting and making money in this area, you need to conclude an agreement with a large company selling air conditioners. The company may not be the only one, because different companies often sell lines of air conditioners from different manufacturers. Before concluding an agreement, you should know that the pricing policy of suppliers is almost the same, but the conditions for working with dealers often differ, which you will be. The best option would be to conclude an agreement with a company that guarantees the delivery of air conditioners in the shortest possible time - within 3-5 days from the moment you order the air conditioner. Naturally, contracts are concluded for a certain period, and in case of unsatisfactory work of the supplier, you can easily terminate it.

Search for specialists in the installation of air conditioners

If the quality of air conditioners and their delivery time depend on the supplier, then the quality of installation and connection will directly depend on you. That is why it is very important to find a qualified installer. Usually in such cases, an employee with a good reputation is lured away from another company, but it would be more honest to offer him to work for you during your free hours - this is due to the fact that:

Installers are busy much less than 8 hours a day. And many during the "windows" in the work schedule are ready to work extra.

Placement of the point of acceptance of orders

To open a business for the sale and installation of air conditioners, you will need a room with good traffic - it can be an office center or a large shopping center. Naturally, the closer the building is located to the central streets of the city and the most crowded places, the more expensive the office rent will cost, but the faster the business will pay off. Another great option is to rent an office in the centers for the sale of building materials and goods for repair and decoration, because the decision to install an air conditioner in the house is usually taken during the repair.

Naturally, the staff of employees will not be limited to just one installer. At a minimum, you will need a sales person. Ideally, this would be a middle-aged man who is not just versed in technology, but able to answer technical questions about air conditioners that customers are interested in. There is no gender discrimination in the fact that a sales manager should not be a woman - in most cases, the male population is simply buying air conditioners, and it is much easier for men to find a common language with each other. And even if a woman is the initiator of buying an air conditioner, in 90% of cases she will come to choose an air conditioner with a man.

We take into account the seasonality of the business

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the business of selling and installing air conditioners is seasonal. After all, most people prefer to purchase air conditioners during a hot period or in advance, that is, in spring or summer. To ensure that your business does not stand idle during the rest of the year, you can create a list of additional services that your company will deal with in the fall and winter. An example would be the maintenance of air conditioners, the preparation of installation projects for offices in new buildings, the development of an air conditioning system for a large office or retail space. Thus, during the autumn-winter period, the work of your company will specialize in providing services to legal entities. This is also beneficial because, unlike individuals who start thinking about installing an air conditioner as the hot season approaches, legal entities begin to develop air conditioning plans for the next period just in autumn and winter.

Financial plan

An approximate financial rationale for such a business idea is as follows:

Investments:

• Tool - $1650.
• Samples of conditioners for demonstration to buyers - $3300.
• Office equipment - $1700 (including furniture, communications, decoration and purchase of office equipment).

Income:

• Sale of air conditioners - $650 per unit.
• Service maintenance of one air conditioner - $65 per year.

Expenses:

• Office rent in 10-15 sq.m. – $250 - $500.
• Sales manager salary - $500.
• Communication costs - $100.
• Advertising - $500 - $650.
• Installation services - $100 for 1 installation.
• The cost of an air conditioner is $250 - $350.
• Taxes - $330.

Total:

• Fixed expenses - $2100.
• Gross income from the sale and installation of 1 air conditioner is $230.
• Sales (during the season) - 15 pieces / month.

Starting investment in business

Starting a business selling and installing air conditioners requires a minimum initial investment of about $15,000.

Evgeny Smirnov

bsadsensedynamick

Business prospects for video surveillance systems

Security systems are only gaining popularity and are installed only in a small part of private buildings in the Russian Federation. This means that the number of potential customers will grow in the near future.

Article navigation

• Brief Market Analysis
• Business Format
• Lines of business
• Private individuals
• Retail
• Wholesale
• Offices
• Equipment
• Staff
• Conclusion

This is a complex, but demanded business in modern conditions. In this material, we will consider exclusively the business of security systems that signal criminal acts or prevent them.

Brief Market Analysis

Unfortunately, no studies of the security systems market in Russia have been conducted, and if information is available, then they relate to sales of equipment in individual settlements. Global trends indicate an increase in equipment sales, in 2017 the market volume amounted to just over $30 billion (at producer prices). And this is without taking into account the cost of installation and installation of security systems.

Approximately 55% is accounted for by CCTV (video surveillance systems), ACS (access control and management systems) are in second place, and various alarms (security and fire) are in third place.

It is worth noting new technologies in some segments that contribute to the growth of the market. These are biometrics, various cloud solutions, video cameras with a built-in thermal imager, etc. In Russia, not all of them are in great demand due to their high cost (with the exception of large cities), but we note that we have many specialized companies that work with certain security systems.

In general, the market for the installation of various security systems in Russia should be recognized as promising. The competition is high, but at the same time there are no prerequisites for the fact that the crime rate will decrease and the need to install security systems will disappear.

Business Format

There are two options: exclusively installation, as well as installation and sale of equipment. It is curious that on many sites this business is characterized as requiring minimal investment and focuses solely on installation. This is a key mistake. In our opinion, it is not worth even thinking about opening a company that will deal exclusively with installation. Why? Everything is very simple.

You can enter queries like "Installation of a security alarm + your city" or "Installation of a video surveillance system + your city" into any search engine and see the results. Yes, there are companies that provide this service. But they all sell equipment without exception. You will not find a company that exclusively installs security systems, but does not sell them! There are two exceptions:

• Individuals who provide such services (usually a jack-of-all-trades).
• Separate companies that install a very wide range of equipment.

The sale of equipment brings more income than the actual installation. In addition, there are very few customers who separately buy equipment and separately look for specialists in its installation. People prefer to buy turnkey services. Therefore, the only reasonable business format is the sale and installation of equipment.

You can buy equipment for video surveillance in the All Tools online supermarket.

Lines of business

It is important to decide on the direction of the business. All companies have a different set of services. Potential customers we will divide them into several categories.

Private individuals

These are various security systems for private houses and apartments. There is something to work with, with the exception of the actual signaling. Almost the entire market is occupied by non-departmental security, as well as private security companies that send crews to trigger an alarm. It doesn't suit us.

All that remains is video surveillance and a number of other security systems that serve to prevent crimes and complicate their activities for intruders. If you work in this area, you must also install safes, automatic gates, etc.

Retail

Mostly video surveillance, but other options are possible here. In a nutshell, it's called "retail loss prevention." Equipment and software for accounting for goods, controlling the work of cashiers, preventing the appearance of expired products. Not the easiest line of business, but very promising.

Wholesale

Everything is the same as with retail trade, but only in the warehouses of wholesale enterprises. They steal from any warehouse, that's a fact. And not all companies can successfully deal with it. And specialized enterprises that not only install video cameras, but also offer comprehensive solutions, are only in big cities.

Offices

Access control systems, video surveillance, corporate espionage prevention. There is a wide scope for activity, but, in our opinion, at the moment this particular area is too specific to start working in it and rely on a large flow of customers.

Equipment

A small company cannot afford to buy a large range of equipment. Unfortunately, negotiating with wholesale suppliers to buy as needed is extremely difficult, even almost impossible. Therefore, they buy a limited number of models in different price categories. If we talk about video cameras, then 4-6 options in different segments are enough.

The hardware also includes software, which in some cases also needs to be purchased. Or develop it yourself (but this is already a very special line of business).

And it's not just about the security systems themselves. The greater the range of your services, the more successful your company can be. Here are just a few additional ideas for working with individuals:

• equipment for connecting to the Internet outside the city (amplifiers, antennas);
• "Smart House" systems;
• supervision of children.

The point of the idea is that your employees, who can mount various security systems with high quality, will be able to work with other electronics. In practice, only those companies that can offer a wide range of services survive in this business.

Staff

Good staff is the main problem in this business. Initially, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will be extremely difficult to find specialists. Usually, all small security installation companies are founded by former employees of larger enterprises. And to find a free specialist in the labor market will be a very difficult task.

This problem needs to be addressed comprehensively. Firstly, it is not necessary to look for experienced people, their services will be very expensive and the salary will have to be offered much higher than the market one. People who are more or less versed in electronics and are able to handle a screwdriver and other tools will suit you. They will need to be sent to training courses that are held in large cities.

Second, keep your employees. Salaries should be at the market level, working conditions are acceptable. Training new employees will always cost money and take a decent amount of time.

Conclusion

The business of installing security systems has many directions and options for development. Here you can create both a small company with an initial investment of 200-300 thousand rubles, and a large one, where several million are already required. It all depends on the selected specifics and a set of services.

Additional Information

I sell a business for the sale and installation of septic tanks in the Moscow region.
A septic tank is an autonomous suburban sewerage system.
Clients - individuals who live or plan to live in a country house, as well as summer residents.

Why am I selling?
The business has been running for 3 years. At the end of last season, I closed the office because my professional interests changed - I went into the IT field.
At first I wanted to start it up again this season, but there is not enough time for septic tanks and after some thought I decided to sell it.

What about demand, season and crisis?
The demand for septic tanks is very good - I am attaching a screenshot - more than 170 thousand people in Moscow and the region monthly search for the query "septic tank" only in the Yandex search network.
Despite the crisis, demand is growing every year, which is also confirmed by statistics.
Seasonality - sales start from February.
Installations begin in April and last until the end of November.

What is good about this business?
Installation does not require expensive equipment and high qualifications - training of employees occurs very quickly.
High speed of the transaction - call today, prepayment tomorrow.
A good average check is 95-100 thousand
Excellent profitability of one contract - 25-35%
Fast installation - most objects are completed in one day.
Who is this business for?
This business is suitable for a single entrepreneur who prefers not to take risks and do everything with his own hands.
(here it is important to have at least general building skills),
and a professional assembly organization that can integrate this direction into its existing business system.

Something looks all too beautiful, where's the catch?
There is no catch, it's all true.
But this business is for those who know how and love to work hard,
for stress-resistant and able to work in a tense rhythm, constantly "solving" various issues.
Look at the sales funnel.
Key levels - conversion to measurement and to the contract.
These are absolutely real numbers for a "motivated" professional.
It's either you, or you know how to look for them, train, motivate and control them.
This is the complexity of this business, as well as any construction business for private traders.

What exactly will you get:
- selling website
-adjusted advertising campaign in Yandex.Direct. I put money - applications went.
-marketing-whale. Show to the client on the measurement
- a set of marketing materials for the execution of the contract
- phone manager scripts
-measurement scripts (script - a debugged script of a conversation with a client that leads to the desired result - the appointment of a measurement, a contract)
- a system for tracking daily marketing, analytical and financial indicators to control the business
- system of selection and training of employees
-contacts of suppliers with discounts
Of course, with detailed training and assistance in organizing the entire system at your start.
Call me right now and in a week you will already receive an advance payment for the first contract for the installation of a septic tank

Reading 9 min. Published on 30.11.2019

In recent years, the demand for video surveillance systems from individuals who seek to secure their homes and apartments, as well as organizations that equip offices and industrial facilities with intercoms, alarm systems and other devices. The existing offer on the market does not yet fully satisfy the needs of customers, which opens up opportunities for creating a highly profitable business.

Opening a company for the sale and installation of video surveillance: where to start

The creation of a company engaged in the installation of video surveillance systems begins with a procedure.

The company can be created in the form of an individual entrepreneur or LLC, depending on the number of founders.

After that, you will need to submit to the IFTS (at the place of registration - for LLC; at the place of residence - for individual entrepreneurs):

• For IP - a passport, an application in the form R 21001 and a receipt for the state duty in the amount of 800 rubles.
• For LLC - a memorandum of association or a decision of the sole founder, a charter, an application in the form R 11001, a receipt for payment of a state duty in the amount of 4,000 rubles and an employment contract with the director of the company.

Important point: With both organizational and legal forms, a company selling and installing video surveillance has the right to submit an application to the Federal Tax Service Inspectorate for the use of a simplified tax collection system (STS). This must be done during registration or within a month after it.

In general terms, the installation of video surveillance systems does not require mandatory licensing, since it is considered as a line of construction activity. However, the installation of such mechanisms within individual organizations (for example, government agencies and special-purpose facilities) may require a voluntary license from the SRO and a license from the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

In addition to going through registration procedures, any company that installs video surveillance systems must acquire a small office in order to give the business solidity in the eyes of customers. It also allocates a room for storage of equipment, inventory, consumables. An object with an area of ​​15-25 square meters seems to be quite sufficient.

What kind of video surveillance exists? Understanding the range

The modern market for video surveillance systems is extremely diverse. Depending on the profile of its activities, the company can choose one or more video surveillance options for installation.

1) According to the operating conditions, video surveillance systems are traditionally divided into:

• outdoor (outdoor) devices that require not only installation, but effective protection against adverse weather conditions and vandalism.
• Internal devices (indoors), as a rule, are small in size and able to fit perfectly into the interior. They are not provided with an additional protection system (casings, visors, additional fasteners, etc.).

2) According to the method of signal transmission, it is customary to distinguish such devices as:

• Wired devices are low cost and transmit a signal through fiber optic (200 meters), twisted pair (300 meters) and coaxial cable (400 meters).
• Wireless devices are found in an assortment of expensive video surveillance mechanisms and transmit a signal at a distance of no more than 300 meters.

3) According to the technology of image formation on the operator's display, there are mechanisms operating on the basis of:

• IP (digital devices) - high definition and image quality, ease of connection, the ability to record and view on a computer, but if there are a large number of devices connected to the channel, the signal may be lost at times.
• CVBS (analog devices) - low cost with very mediocre image quality, which depends on the cable.
• AHD (analog devices) - high quality with wired signal transmission, average price, but the possibility of losing color at a distance of 300 meters.
• TVI (analog devices) - a high-quality image transmitted by wire, which does not lose its clarity depending on the distance.
• CVI (analog devices) is the ideal way to transmit color and sound over coaxial cable.

Among the wide range of devices at the time of the establishment of the company, you should choose a set of 2-5 analog cameras, which are in high demand among:

1. Owners of private houses and cottages.
2. Large companies that equip individual premises and facilities.

1-2 specialists can deal with such systems (at first, the entrepreneur himself can deal with the installation). After the profit becomes stable, you can proceed to the installation of serious video surveillance kits within the turnkey industrial and commercial institutions.

Competitor market analysis: how to compete with the oldies?

Before opening a company for the installation of video surveillance systems, you should analyze the market within a particular locality for the presence of competing institutions.

After other companies of the same profile are discovered, their advantages and main ways to attract customers should be identified. In this matter, it seems most effective to compile a competitor evaluation table.

Table for assessing the target market by the degree of development of competition

Indicators	Pharmacy	Competitor 1	Competitor 2	Competitor 3
Coverage area
Types of installed systems
Potential clients
Prices
Image
Advertising

Based on the results of building such a table, it will be possible to identify the strengths of competing companies, as well as the segment that is not yet covered by services for the installation of video surveillance systems.

When it comes to competitors who have been operating in the industry for a long time, then a certain part of the customers can be “recaptured” from them by offering advantages.

Let's list them:

• Low prices for installation of video surveillance systems and optimization of their work.
• Warranty obligations for a period of 5 years.
• Free departure of a company employee to the facility to identify the possibilities of installing video surveillance systems.
• Bonus offer (when installing 4 cameras - the 5th is free, a mini video peephole as a gift, etc.).

Important point: The most trusted by customers are those companies that offer their customers a comprehensive product - installation and maintenance of video surveillance systems.

Search for suppliers of equipment and other equipment for video surveillance

Taking into account the fact that the video surveillance installation company plans to work for a long time, a one-time purchase of equipment is not enough. You will need to immediately reach large customers and conclude long-term cooperation agreements with them.

The best option is to organize direct supplies of equipment from China or contact suppliers through affiliate programs (for example, Aliexpress). If you focus on purchases in Russian wholesale stores, then you should immediately count on a markup on goods of 15-25%.

When purchasing video recorders, cameras, microphones, fasteners, you can choose one of two directions:

1. Acquisition of universal equipment suitable for the arrangement of small and large objects.
2. Selection of products for the needs of specific customers (delivery of equipment in batches).

Important point: You should not strive to purchase expensive equipment from the EU, Japan and America - Chinese manufacturers offer products of decent quality at an affordable price with a guarantee. About 95% of all systems of this kind that operate in Russia at the level of private and commercial facilities are made in China.

Features of recruitment for video surveillance installation

What employees may be required for a company engaged in the installation of video surveillance systems:

• Firstly , directly specialists in the installation of video recorders and intercoms, which are best recruited from among the former employees of security structures and organizations for the installation of alarm systems and private security.

Important point: It is extremely risky to recruit specialists without experience, education and experience in the field of video surveillance installation: after training, they can go to work in large companies of competitors of the same profile.

• Secondly , a security guard for an office that will store expensive equipment.
• Thirdly , a driver with a personal car for the delivery of specialists and equipment to the points of installation of video surveillance systems.
• And finally , an account manager responsible for receiving calls, e-mails, and also scheduling the execution of orders by company specialists.

It is clear that the company will also need a cleaning lady, who can be outsourced to clean the office once or twice a week.

Marketing and advertising of a company for the sale and installation of video surveillance

When a company for the installation of video surveillance systems is created, a well-founded question arises: how to attract the attention of potential customers to its services?

Ways to promote services on the market are quite commonplace, namely:

1. Distribution of leaflets in public places.
2. Announcements in print media at the regional level, as well as on forums on the Internet and electronic bulletin boards.
3. Advertising on banners and pillars in the subway and business centers.
4. Distribution of proposals for cooperation to local companies and construction firms.
5. Creation of the company's website with the placement of testimonials of grateful customers on it.

Sales market for video surveillance systems: analysis of potential customers of the company

The CCTV installation firm will offer its services in the region where it is located - moving activities to neighboring areas requires the establishment of its divisions there in order to reduce transport costs.

Who can be considered as potential clients of the company:

• Firstly , owners of private houses, mansions and cottages who seek to form a system of constant control over the adjacent territory (small orders).
• Secondly , offices, non-production establishments, small shops (average orders).
• Thirdly , medium and large production and trade facilities that are trying to protect their goods, raw materials, equipment from robbers (large orders).

Important point: It is advisable to determine in advance which of the wide range of customers are served by competitors, and then select segments with unsatisfied demand and target an advertising campaign to them.

Sample business plan for a company selling and installing video surveillance: calculation of income and expenses

In order to open even a small company for the installation of video surveillance systems, you need to invest at least $ 3,500 when it comes to focusing on small private orders. Servicing large clients will require an initial investment of at least $15,000-$20,000.

If you detail the cost items under the condition of minimal investment, you get the following picture:

1. The initial purchase of equipment is 100,000 rubles.
2. Office equipment - 10,000 rubles.
3. Room rental - 20,000 rubles.
4. Advertising campaign and website creation - 70,000 rubles.
5. Purchase of consumables - 3,000 rubles.
6. Staff salary - 50,000 rubles.

The total costs amounted to 253,000 rubles, which is more than 3,500 dollars. At the same time, the payback of the project can be achieved in 1-6 months, depending on the market capacity and the correctness of the promotional activities.

Establishing a company selling and installing video surveillance systems is an event that requires significant investment and time. However, given the presence of unsatisfied demand, one can expect high profitability and a quick payback, provided that the business is properly organized.

There is an opinion that a good sales manager does not care what to sell. Can this rule be applied to starting your own business? IQR found those who followed this principle in practice. Today's business story is about entrepreneurs who decide to take on any home renovation job they can find. What came of it - read below. The author asked not to be named.

How I decided to start a business in the field of sale and installation of plastic windows

Samples of plastic windows

I want to tell the story of my sales and installation business metal-plastic windows, entrance and interior doors, blinds, shutters, air conditioners, stretch ceilings in the beautiful city of Donetsk. Now I am 29 years old, I have experience, I know how to do business and what not to do. Perhaps, after reading this story, you will learn some useful lessons for yourself or take note of the necessary information.

So, initially the idea of ​​​​a business for the sale and installation of plastic windows appeared in 2012. At that time I was 26 years old, I was on maternity leave, the child was two years old, and I was thinking about going to my main job. Somehow, having gathered with friends, we raised this topic and, unexpectedly for ourselves, caught fire with the desire to open a common business. I decided to postpone the exit from the decree. It all started with plastic windows, we chose them, as it was a profitable business that did not require large financial investments. And what is also important is that in our area there was not a single outlet selling plastic windows.

My friend is an excellent master who can do everything. He has, which for many years has been building houses, renovating apartments, installing stretch ceilings, installing and maintaining air conditioners, installing metal-plastic windows and other things. Also, plus everything, he already had a patent for private enterprise. The next day, we held a meeting, distributed responsibilities - and began.

On his part, it was necessary to measure, deliver and install structures, he also had a financial side (rent and running costs). My duties included:

• supplier search;
• taking orders;
• work with manufacturers;
• advertising;
• full-time job as a salesperson.

Advertising and customer search

We rented a small room, set up a table, a chair, a printer and a laptop with internet. We brought our own laptop and printer from home. I ordered outdoor advertising, flyers with the opening date and business cards. I advertised in the local newspaper and posted our page on the Internet with the address and types of services. I hired leaflet peddlers who went around the whole area. Contacted local manufacturers metal-plastic structures, has entered into cooperation agreements as their regional dealers. I studied all the technical information about enterprises, products, characteristics and types of profiles, brands of fittings and much more.

Business plan for organizing a point of sale metal-plastic structures

window installation

Current costs are:

1. Place rental — 500 hryvnia per month (the current hryvnia exchange rate is 3.2 rubles - ed.).
2. The fee for the Internet and the starter communication package is 100 hryvnia.
3. Advertising, flyers and business cards - 1000 hryvnia.

Representatives of factories brought me free samples of goods and installed their own special calculation programs, which calculate prices for metal-plastic designs. They explained in detail how to place an order, taking into account all the nuances.

The main thing that I understood is that if I make a mistake, then the entire expensive structure that was made goes to my home, and I accept claims from the customer in full. This is a great responsibility. And it was very easy to make a mistake.

In a word, I was mentally prepared for the arrival of the first client. This is probably the most exciting moment for every entrepreneur. When you prepare for a long time and do a lot of work - and here he is, the long-awaited buyer. I will omit the description of all the curious, onlookers, secret visits of competitors to “sniff out” prices, and so on. Yes, and I will add, we made a tempting promotion. A mosquito net for a standard window was a gift. This also played a certain role in luring customers, and at the same time we lost only UAH 50 on an order.

I will describe in detail the algorithm of work on the example of the first order. The first client ordered six plastic windows for glazing two apartments. My companion made a measurement, I made an order, coordinated everything with the managers, took the payment, sent it to work and paid the order to the manufacturer. Let me clarify that it works only on a prepaid basis. Two weeks later, they said that you can pick up. We agreed with the customer on the date of installation and at the same time they took the finished windows from the factory. The guys quickly put everything in one day. The customer was very pleased with our work.

Profit amounted to 30% of the order value. That is, from 10,000 UAH. - this is 3000 UAH. From here we subtract the expenses of 1000 hryvnias to the rest of the guys for help in the installation, plus transport. This was followed by the second, third orders.

The most profitable positions were orders for glazing balconies, or when ordering a complete replacement of windows in an apartment or house. There were savings on delivery, installation time, and a significant profit was immediately obtained on one order. We had about thirty different orders per month with a total value of about UAH 50,000.

Our monthly income was:

50 000 UAH - 30% = 35000 UAH.
We take away the installation fee for the guys, taxes, transport, rent, advertising, communications, etc.: 35,000 - 10% - 500 UAH. - 100 UAH. - 2400 UAH - 2500 UAH = 26,000 hryvnia per month (over 80 thousand rubles).
Each gets 13,000 UAH, but this average profit came out in the so-called “season”. In winter, things were much worse. In January, for example, my earnings were about UAH 4,000.

Business expansion: doors, shutters, air conditioners

Then the business slowly began to develop, and six months later we decided to add another sale of entrance and interior doors. Expanded retail space. I contacted the suppliers and agreed to purchase samples for the stand. I had to purchase two entrance and three interior rooms, this is the minimum, but at a discount. Plus a bunch of samples of coating materials for these doors and catalogs.

We spent 13,000 hryvnias on this:

• Two entrance doors for 3 000 UAH. = 6 000 UAH.
• Three interior fully assembled with a box, fittings and platbands 5 000 hryvnia.
• Any samples of cuts of corners and accessories - 2 000 UAH.

Work, I'll tell you, increased after that. I had to thoroughly understand the fittings, awnings, veneered and laminated coatings, extensions, planks and more. Now I had to quickly switch from one client to another, and tell everyone in detail about the benefits of our product. But after the first order for interior doors, I realized what a nightmare it was. If, moreover, these are old houses in which all doorways are crooked in any plane, then it’s generally terrible. Doors, on the other hand, were supplied in standard sizes, and they could be modified only slightly. It's only in workshops for the production of doors that you can order any size, but people did not understand this.

The main problem is maintaining the declared level of work quality

Plus, there were delays with installation due to the large amount of work on installing windows and balconies. A friend made the customer wait with the installation, and every day I had to listen to nervous demands. There were scandals. But somehow we managed and got out. The amount of net profit (approximately UAH 20,000) from the sale of doors was added to the main income from the sale of windows.

Then profitable suppliers of window blinds and protective roller shutters turned up. Stretch ceilings and air conditioners were added. Gritting her teeth, she agreed to this. There is also a huge amount of technical information, which had to be dealt with in detail.

I even went to numerous seminars, consultations and exhibitions. I had to work for three. And besides, a small child was waiting for me at home, who demanded my attention.

Problems with delivery and installation arose more and more often. Having decided that this would not work, they hired another installer, but he turned out to be an unreliable and unprofessional person, another one followed him. It turns out that it is very difficult to find a universal person, and besides, a professional master for such work.

And in the end, as they say: “If you chase two hares, you won’t catch one.” More and more customers were dissatisfied with the quality of services, I was torn between orders, agreeing on delivery dates, monitoring prices, agreeing on the availability of goods and consultations. Income was falling. We held out like this with varying success for two years, on the third we no longer had the strength to continue everything.

What this business has taught me

After another order with a "fun" installation, we decided that it was time to end this business. Sold at a discount exhibition samples and dispersed. The good news is that they stayed with their money, and this business was not driven into large debts. But now I know absolutely everything about air conditioners, plastic windows, roller shutters, stretch ceilings, entrance and interior doors. Which ones are good, how they are installed, and which ones are not even worth looking at. And also it was a huge experience of working with suppliers, principles and fundamentals of trade and invaluable experience of working with clients. I will have fond memories of them for a long time.

Now I'm thinking of starting my own business, but without partners. So, only I will decide how and what to do, calculate my strength and make decisions.

From advice to beginners, I would like to note the following points:

1. Don't take on multiple tasks at the same time. Do not scatter in pursuit of profit. It’s better to do one thing, but it’s good, than to grab onto a bunch of small ones and not finish them.
2. Believe in yourself, if you believe in yourself, then everything will definitely work out.
3. Before starting your business, consult with specialists in terms of bookkeeping and accounting of goods turnover. It will be very helpful.
4. Be sure to purchase exhibition samples of the proposed goods. Then the client will be able to see everything clearly, and you won’t have to tell everything “on your fingers”. The presence of samples disposes the client to cooperate with you.
5. Don't start a business with friends you don't want to lose. Not only my example proves that conflicts and grievances are inevitable. They can happen on any issue. Money and friendship should exist separately.
6. No need to spontaneously rush into the pool of your ideas, sit down and calmly calculate the planned income, take into account possible expenses. Make a business plan.
7. Work with two or three suppliers. This makes it easier to monitor prices, control the availability of goods in the warehouse and make purchases. Plus, the supplier for large quantities can increase the discount.

Windows business (video)