r/smallbusiness

Owner-operators asking the questions every small business hits in year one through five.

• Posted by u/solo_shop_owner_84

  How do I know when to hire my first employee?

  I have been running solo for two years. Turning down work most weeks. Every time I think about hiring I freeze because the extra payroll feels terrifying.

• Posted by u/roofing_llc_ohio

  Customer refuses to pay the final invoice, what do I do?

  Finished a $12k roof. Customer is happy, no complaints, but keeps dodging the final invoice. It has been 45 days. Do I lien?

• Posted by u/confused_founder

  How much should I pay myself?

  Doing about $30k/mo revenue, S-corp, one employee. I take random draws when the account looks fat. Feels reckless. What is the right way?

• Posted by u/cleaning_biz_owner

  Everyone says raise prices. How much and how do I tell customers?

  Been at the same rate 3 years. Costs went up. Terrified of losing regulars.

• Posted by u/first_time_boss

  How do I actually fire someone without it turning ugly?

  Never had to do this. Guy is not working out. Been coasting for 3 months and I have documented. Need to end it this week.

• Posted by u/hvac_hopeful

  What percent of revenue should marketing be?

  I keep hearing 5, 8, 12 percent. What do you actually spend?

• Posted by u/growing_pains_llc

  Bank offered me a $75k line of credit. Should I take it?

  Don't need it right now but growth is coming. Terms are fine. Feels smart to have it before I need it.

• Posted by u/hiring_dry_spell

  How do I write a job ad that actually gets applicants?

  Nobody is applying. My ad is standard, duties, requirements, pay range. Where am I losing them?

• Posted by u/sole_prop_confused

  LLC or S-corp, which and when?

  Been sole prop for a year. Making about $70k net. Time to change?

• Posted by u/review_scarce

  Best way to ask for Google reviews?

  Only have 12 reviews after 4 years. Competitor has 400. Help.

• Posted by u/always_on_phone

  Should I still answer my own phone at $500k revenue?

  I answer every call. Missed calls hurt. But I am on the phone all day and not doing the work.

• Posted by u/cabinet_shop_mike

  How much cash should a small business keep in reserve?

  Bank account swings wildly. What is the right operating reserve for a shop under $2M revenue?

• Posted by u/solo_landscaper_nc

  LLC or S-corp for a service business doing $180k profit?

  CPA says elect S-corp. Buddy says stay LLC. What actually changes?

• Posted by u/detailer_atlanta

  Lost 8 Google reviews overnight, what happened?

  Was at 47 reviews yesterday, 39 today. No warning. Are they gone forever?

• Posted by u/boutique_owner_kc

  How do I fire a bad customer without a nasty review?

  One customer eats up 30% of my time, complains about every order, always wants a discount. I want out but I am scared of the review.

• Posted by u/hvac_solo_oregon

  Should I answer the phone after hours?

  Getting calls at 9pm. If I do not answer they go to a competitor. If I do I never sleep.