[sonnyrizo]

I was thinking of running a business straight from home, and depending on the type of business, I may need to create an office.

Would it be crazy to invite customers to a room-turned-into-an office? There's a room downstaires that would be pretty good for an office, but customers would have to come to a residential area.

I just don't want to sound ridiculous and that's why I am running this by you guys. I was thinking of an at-home consulting business, and do all the consulting in the room.

I need this room till things start moving more quickly and till have the money to move into a more professional-looking place.

[mpnetwork]

Some customers dont mind coming to a home, depends on the business. Of course you can usually meet with them at their location.

[Onyx]

This is a tricky one and depends entirely on the nature of the business that you start. In many trades most people will be pleased that you aren't inflating your prices to pay for fancy office space.

Have you considered alternatives though? Meeting clients at there place is often much better. Not only is it easier for them, but you also get to see what the company is like and get a feel for how good a customer they might be. While there you might learn things that help you in your business also.

Another option is rented meeting rooms. Many business associations have these that you can rent out when needed, which can be much cheaper if you don't expect to see many clients. Likewise there may be local businesses looking to profit from their often empty meeting rooms.

There are a few things to consider though. Does a home office match the image of the product or service you'll be offering? Do you need planning permission to make the conversion and allow clients to visit? Do you have the necessary insurance?

There are many negatives to having your office at home, but there are also ways around it. Look at the options available before you decide on the business type.

[Karen]

Why not?

I work from home, my husband works from home, many people on this forum work from home. Not everyone has a fancy office to meet clients in, and for most businesses it shouldn't matter.

Ideally, you should have a way to have your clients enter your home and go straight into the office area, without having to walk through your house. And keep all house noises quiet while you are meeting with a client.

Karen

[mxer210]

I agree with Karen. And, they'd think your saving money by using your house as an office. Your not renting a space, and even though you are buying the office furniture and stuff, you can write off that % of your home for taxes. I dont think you shoud rent a place because it looks to temporary. I have been to Barnes & Noble/Starbucks and people have met with their clients there though. Im not sure what it was though.

[bigpund]

like others said, running a business out of your home should not be that big of a deal, a lot of people do it. as well, you do have the option of going to the clients location.

and then there is the option of meeting in a public place such as a restaurant. there is a local bagel place that i like to meet with my clients to discuss the projects and sign papers. i will actually be meeting someone tomorrow there to finish up on some web design work. clients usually dont have a problem with this either as you can try and make it somewhere close to them or a equal distance for both of you to travel. as well, you can try and hit the local spots that you know the clients like to go to and that makes them feel more secure going there. ive even met with people at a wendy's fast food restaurant.

best of luck to you!

[teana]

It all depends on the type of clients you are going after and the services you are offering.

If you plan on going after high brow clients for those big projects you may want to meet in a professional setting. I know there are office spaces out there where you can rent out a conference room on an hourly basis.

You can also get on eof those virtual secretarys where your phone number gets forwarded to them, they can give aynone basic contact info or just forward the call to you.

These are just some cheap alternatives to getting an actual office space, but gives the impression of being a bigger office.

[Eric Locken]

Why not say you are in their area (tomorrow, next week etc) and agree to meet them at their offices.

Or better still agree to meet up for a coffee in a coffee shop local to them. (This depends on how high profile / complex the product or service you are offering is).

That way they get a free coffee, they are more relaxed so are more open to buying from you, you can build a stronger more friendly relationship and they may feel they owe you something.

So even if they don't give you thier business they may recommend a friend.

[sonnyrizo]

depends on the business.

Right now, I am thinking of business consultation. I wasn't sure as to what may be appropriate for that, so I had to ask.

you can usually meet with them at their location.

I don't think I am very comfortable going over to their place, espechially since it may take a while.

rented meeting rooms.

Sounds nice, but expensive. That must be at least $100 an hour or something. I'll consider that option when I have more cash in my pocket. I'd rather invest money in a home office and make it look professional.

Why not?

Gotta run this idea by others to make sure this is not unheard of, or inappropriate.

keep all house noises quiet while you are meeting with a client.

Yeah. I don't want to tell my family "SHUT UP!! I am meeting with a client."

there is the option of meeting in a public place such as a restaurant.

Never thought of that. I'll think about that. Thanks.

Thanks to everyone for all the great replies!

[mpnetwork]

Originally posted by sonnyrizo
Sounds nice, but expensive. That must be at least $100 an hour or something. I'll consider that option when I have more cash in my pocket.

In most cases the rates are quite reasonable, here they are for our local Business Advisory Centre.

http://www.bacd.ca/html/rescu.html?res_id=6&cat_id=4

I've never used them, but I'm sure they are as nice as a home office, then can fit more people, and the price is right.

If you plan on doing business consulting, I would say its best to meet them at their location, many business owners cant/wont take the time to travel to you.

Of course, one other thing, would be targeting the niche of consulting for Home based businesses, in which case a home office is 100% okay.