Welp MagazineAs a self-employed individual, you may not want to pay out for additional office space. At the same time, it is entirely possible that you might not even need this space. When your role takes you to a number of different locations each day, you might instead want to work directly from your vehicle. This may especially be the case if you are a tradesperson who carries all of their tools and equipment with them at all times.
If you don’t have a specific business address, then clients might not be able to come to you to pay for their goods or services. When this is the case, you may need to consider how you will make this possible for them. Some clients may want to pay with cash. However, for larger jobs, card payments may be preferable for you both.
Looking at this guide to point of sale systems can educate you on the different models available. You might want to opt for a handheld reader, especially one that allows for number and pin entry. Alternatively, and to save you from carrying too many items, you may also be able to use smartphone apps for Android or iOS that can allow you to receive payments. When opting for a PoS system, it can be a good idea to think about how much you require for the service, such as receipt printing, as this could help to make the decision regarding model or software.
Having tools and equipment in your vehicle could increase the likelihood of theft. While it can be advisable to remove these items when you aren’t in the vehicle, this may not always be possible. Therefore, you might want to consider other ways that you can deter vandals. One solution could be to install CCTV in your vehicle. You may want to make sure that you only capture the inside of your vehicle, or directly outside. Placing stickers to warn people that recording is taking place might also make potential criminals think twice about breaking into your vehicle.
When you don’t have access to mains electricity, except for when in client buildings, you may struggle if any of your tools run out of juice. Therefore, it could be a good idea to charge any batteries before your working day begins. Depending on the make, as well as the size of the battery, a full charge could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Should you run out of power, this could put you significantly behind schedule. Carrying spare batteries may also be something you wish to consider.
Working from your vehicle can allow you to move from job to job seamlessly. You could then simply finish for the day and conduct any paperwork or financial tasks from the comfort of your home. If you do decide on this option, you may want to consider how you can protect your vehicle, as well as what can be done to make your working day easier.
