Advice for starting my business out of my home - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[DJHollingsworth]

Hello, my name is Dan and I'm new to the forum.

I am considering a career switch, but I want to test things out slowly. My plan is to conduct personal training sessions out of my house in the afternoons and on weekends. If my business plan seems to have legs then I would move into my own facility in a couple of years. What factors do I have to consider to make sure that I have all of my bases covered in terms of liability.

I'm sure I will have to check with the HOA to see if there any rules against a home business, so I'll check that. Although, is it really that much different than doing Tupperware or Avon out of your house?

[Christina]

Hi Dan and welcome. It sounds like you have a very sensible approach. At one point I was going to train out of my home so we contacted the company we had our homeowners insurance through and they told us what we needed to do. (That was several years ago and we ended up moving before I had a chance to begin training so I cannot remember what they told us.) I would start by doing this. Also, contact a company that sells liability insurance to personal trainers and see what they say. Here is a list to get you started:
http://www.fitnessthinktank.com/foru...ers-vt159.html

Please let us know what you find out because other trainers on the forum have asked similar questions.

I'm sure I will have to check with the HOA to see if there any rules against a home business, so I'll check that. Although, is it really that much different than doing Tupperware or Avon out of your house?

Those were my thoughts exactly when I wanted to train out of my home. Stay in good with your neighbors (make sure clients park in your driveway as opposed to the street where it would be more obvious, etc.). I do not see how training out of your home would disturb anyone. I had really fantastic neighbors so that was never going to be an issue. Hopefully you do too!

[megfit]

Hi Dan,

Yes, actually having paying clients come to your home will be different than if you went to THEIR home, so make sure you do all the necessary due diligence. I see clients in their own homes and this eliminates a lot of what you would need, but if you set things up properly, you shouldn't have any problems.

Contact your local county and ask them questions; they should be very helpful in telling you what you need, such as the different business licenses for working out of your home. Definitely liability insurance will be in order. And a good emergency/accident plan ( as everyone needs, actually, but more important when clients come to you).

What type of business structure do you plan to develop? When clients will be coming to your home, this may be more important than in other settings, where liability may be less of an issue. It's also important to consider your business structure when considering the type of growth you envision.

Margie
check it out: http://www.websitesmade-easy.com

[DJHollingsworth]

Sorry for the delayed reply. Poor forum etiquette, I know, sorry. Anyway, thank you both for the advice and insight.

Margie -
As I get things more solidified and come up with a good business plan, I may be looking you up for some business consulting. I'll definitely keep your contact info handy.

Regards,
Dan

[megfit]

Grin. Thanks, Dan. I'll be here when/if you need me.

Margie

Check it out: http://www.websitesmade-easy.com

[trainwithjuliet]

im new to this site and I am also trying to transfer my 5 year practice to a home based one. the advice about neighbors parking etc... all very helpful. Thanks!

[Fawkes]

I know this is an old post, but I thought that I'd throw in my two cents.

If you are really serious about having clients come to your home, I would strongly suggest looking at incorporating your business. This will help protect your home and other personal assets in case somebody decides to come after you through the courts.

A good friend was operating his landscape design business out of his home as a sole proprietor. A client came to see him one afternoon, which was super rare, was injured on the property. After the dust settled, the house was gone, as was his business.

On a positive note, after all of the financial mess was dealt with, his new business is doing better than the old one. And yes, it is incorporated.

[DJHollingsworth]

Todd,

That's definitely a good point. A corporation is always a good way to go to protect your personal assets.

As it turns out, I'm not going to do the home business thing. I'm definitely looking at making the switch to a fitness related business in the next year or two though.

Thanks for your important input.

Dan