I am launching a web/development company

[atonecreative]

I just launched the new portfolio at atonecreative.com Maryland Website and Graphic Design Firm | Atone Creative[/url] . I have had a great response to the new site, a bunch of new working coming in but now I am faced with a few decisions.

1. Whether to move into an office space or continue working from home? People that aren't in the design industry, how would you feel about meeting your designer at his home? Would it be a possible turn off?

2. LLC or SP - I don't have many assets, but I will inherit quite a bit in real estate from my dad in a few years, Should i keep my start up costs low and go with the next to free Sole Proprietorship of shell out the money from the gate to build my LLC?

[tycoonlogan]

To answer your first question: I'd say stick where you are. That's what I do. Whenever I meet my clients, I normally meet them at their office or a restaurant near their office. It's more convenient to them.

To answer your second question: Keep all your businesses separate. Puts less liability on a single company. I own a few companies, each of which are separately incorporated by wholly owned by my main corporation. And, personally, I chose to form corporations. LLCs and such allow too much liability, in my opinion.

Just my two cents! =]
- Logan

[ale]

Stay home, make a nice office and clean room for more productivity and Inspiration.


When you make 3 000$/per month recurrently (each month ) ...get a small Office outside.


minimize cost to "start up". Dont worry, i've signed contracts sitting in a McDonald with clients.
I've also met them at their house.

No problem there. As long as the client decide the meeting-place.

[millionaire]

if you don't mind, i would like to ask first, because that is important to you. how much capital do you have now?

[EC44]

Hello,

I will offer some insight - I too am currently in the processes of developing a IT Consultation business; though, I will not be doing so much the design aspect of web development but more pertaining to Network/Server Administration and Web Application development - I am more technical than creative and I won't even bother trying to fool my customers into believing that I am. In due time, with enough assets attained I will likely hire a graphic designer and then likely start offering further services.

But on to your questions, first of all you must assess your total income versus total expenditure and see if you are really looking to take the risk of getting your own space. What happens if it gets slow? The market is in rough shape right now, but at the same time in this kind of market is the best time to offer economical services and perhaps prosper. I am not sure if you want to get into a technical nature of Web Development, Networking Administration and even Technical Support - though if you do and you're not in any geographical location to conflict with my plans I may have some ideas to plant in your mind.

Second question, I will not even begin to answer - Canada is different as per business structure and well I am just learning..so...we won't go there.

[kimbeckers]

To answer your first question I would not invest in the office space as it will just be another added expense. I currently work form home as well but do most of my work virtually. If I have to meet a client in person we usually meet at their office, Starbucks or something to that nature. Many of clients operate in a similar fashion and some of them even "rent" office space so to speak from another business owner for when they need in person meetings. They simply just use their office or conference room when need be.

Regardless of how many assets you currently have should not be your only concern regarding LLC or SP. You need to make sure your butt is covered but you also want to consider the tax issue as well. Personally, I like to form corporations instead of LLC's as I think they offer more protection, if you form an S corp instead of a C you will also be able to avoid the whole "double taxation" issue as well. You may want to consult an accountant or lawyer for more information. The cost for incorporating or forming an LLC is well worth the protection is gives as well as the tax breaks.