Home Based Bookkeeping Vs Office

Trying to decide whether to operate a home based bookkeeping business? Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of home bookkeeping versus working out of an office.

At a Glance

At first, home based bookkeeping might seem like a no-brainier. All you really need, after-all, is a desk, a computer, and a few other bookkeeping supplies that you probably already have in your home.

In addition, the idea of being able to go to work whenever you like, work for a few hours, take a break and go eat some lunch or spend some time with your kids and then get back to work whenever it's convenient for you, without having to commute, is quite enticing.

Believe me, I know. I thought I had hit the lottery when I was able to negotiate with my clients to work from my home instead of out of their office.

However, home based bookkeeping is not for the unorganized or those looking to have less work. In today's economy, it can be done, and is often necessary in order to cut costs, but here are some things you need to consider if you plan on working from home.

Organization a Must

It is a big must to be just as organized when working form home as if you were working out of an office. Keep your office space separate from the rest of your home and keep a schedule when you work. Otherwise, work tends to take over, and 30-hous a week can turn into a never ending job.

Where Will You Meet Your Clients?

Another thing to consider if you're building a home based bookkeeping business is where you will meet your clients. Meeting them at their office or meeting at a common place like a restaurant for a business lunch are some options.

In fact, these options will make you look even more professional and courteous, because you are making an effort to meet them. However, you will have to plan these commutes into your schedule.

Having strangers come to your home, especially if you have kids, is just probably not something you want to do, though. In addition, you might think of getting a post office box instead of giving out your home address. If you plan to go this route, one great option to check out is the UPS Store.

Social Interaction

One thing I certainly didn't think about when I first started working from home was how much I would miss the social interaction of working in an office. With chat features, Facebook, Cafemom, scheduled play-dates and my son quickly learning to talk, I'm getting used to it now.

But it is something to consider. If nothing else, be prepared for the adjustment of working home alone.

Work from Home Moms

If you are a work form home mom, it is very important that your partner understands that you are still working even though you are doing it from home. Being a SAHM in and of itself is a full time job, so if you are working as a WAHM, you are doing two full time jobs at once.

So make sure your partner understands and respects this and that you get help. Here are some more tips on how to successfully operate your home based bookkeeping business as a work-from-home mom.

Other Options

Rent a Cubicle or Room in a Larger Office

If getting your own office is not something you can afford but you need to be out of your home, you might consider renting a cubicle instead. Many rented cubicles share a conference area and other benefits such as a kitchen.

Work from the Client's Office

Another option is to work from your client's office. In this case, you would probably bill your client by the hour.

Some things to think about if you are working from your client's office is to make sure that your client respects your space and doesn't try to share the computer with you while you're working.

If you are using QuickBooks from your client's office, I recommend putting a password on it so that they can only use certain features, like look up stuff. You don't want to give them the option of being able to change things in QuickBooks that they don't understand, thereby making a mess of all your hard work.

Return from Home Based Bookkeeping to Stress-Free-Bookkeeping HomePage