When going self employed, do you think age is an issue?

[chris.v]

What do people think about self employed vs age?

Im 24 now so this may effect me in a year or so and it may not depending what happens in the foreseeable future but for younger tilers looking to go self employed, will it be more of a struggle?

If i was to get a few quotes for a job and say one of them turned up and only looked about 20, then the next turned up but they were in there mid 40s and they quoted me the same amount for the job, both looked respectable etc... You would lean towards the person in there mid 40s right?. Could argue the case that the older of the two would prob be better due to experience and knowlege. But it might not be the case, the young lad could be very good and been doing it from 16 or younger working for someone very good and the man in his 40s could of learned a little over a short time but be useless.

So do you think age is a factor when getting self employed jobs at a young age?

[david campbell]

i don't think it is that much of an issue but when i was younger i did get the feeling a few people dimissed me because of my age and opted for an older tiler(very occasionally i must add)

[Stewart]

I don't think there's an age issue any more. It's all about selling your skills and getting that across to the customer. When you go self employed..... you're not only a tiler, but a businessman too. Which means selling your skills is as important as having the skills to leave a first class job.

[Dan]

I think very few look for grey hair. But all want to know your experienced and can do the job with the right products. And then of course you get plenty that are just price concious.

[Wingn]

23 here myself, have had quite a few people asking me if I'm a tiler or how long I've been at it. Hardest part is getting the job, if you're good at your work then they won't have any problem.

[Bri]

Some very good points made above being confident and easy to talk to are 2 essential qualities when meeting new people/customers. Make sure you go with loads of ammo such as knowledge of all aspects of the job, the addy and grout you use and your methods. My biggest weapon is my portfolio, people really like to see past work. Take really close up photos of tricky cuts etc and also if you can get your customers to write a letter or note to say how happy they were with your work and keep all of these in your portfolio to back your pictures up. ( I was 26 when I first went self employed)

[mikethetile]

your never the right age, so stop worrying and go for it

its your skills that count and the way you treat your clients

whatever your age it takes time to build a reputation but thats the only way to succeed

be the best in every way

[Bathfix Bob]

Yes, I couldn't agree more Brian, I have a portfolio of pictures and testimonials and it secures me nearly every job I quote for.

I'm 32 but I've been told many times I look younger (mid 20's), I was told my a customer last year "you don't look old enough to be running your own business".

Took it as a compliment!!

[TF Ed]

hi chris,

i personally believe people buy people..if you are polite, know your stuff and present yourself in a professional manner then you stand as much chance as anybody...... if you are 24 and been tiling since 16, then thats a decent amount ot time to have been in a trade.. you can be a doctor or solictor at that age, so why not a creditable tradesman ;0)

ed

[united]

hi chris,

i personally believe people buy people..if you are polite, know your stuff and present yourself in a professional manner then you stand as much chance as anybody...... if you are 24 and been tiling since 16, then thats a decent amount ot time to have been in a trade.. you can be a doctor or solictor at that age, so why not a creditable tradesman ;0)

ed

That's so true Ed. I have been on many sales training courses and the phrase 'people buy people' is always the most important lesson to learn

[doug boardley]

I think as long as you know your work, age isn't a barrier, if you feel you can succeed and be prepared for some hard graft, then you're neithr too old or too young.

[faithhealer]

good point Chris and I agree with the above, friendly, polite, courteous etc all go a long way

[SandyFloor]

Chris, you may be young but you're not exactly a boy. Know your stuff, get your confidence up and you'll do fine

[whitebeam]

I was self employed at 25, don't worry about it just do it

[Dan]

I too have been self-employed for a good while now and I'm 28. Customers who pay me are the likes of Rubi, 365Drills, Worcester BOSCH, Mapei and whatnot. Though it's not exactly the same, I don't think they'd work with me if I couldn't deliver. I think it's mainly about the skills and the quote process, and then pulling it off, and if you want to profit, you need to do it in good time too (but not rush!). I can imagine some school headmaster type people considering a 20 year old a risk, but I think if you've been passed the work by a tile shop or previous customer who's trusted and trusts you, then you just need to give the customer what they want but explaining what they need to do all that, and then how much and now long.

Waffle waffle waffle.