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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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SERVICES

We are a small Events Hire service business, we hire bean bags, bouncy castles and marquee, we’ve suffered a loss this year due to Covid 19, we’ve had to be crafty and add a completely new Furniture moving service to the business. I would like to know if there is a app service that our small business can tap into? We have an awesome app concept for our Furniture moving service yet we’ve been quoted between 20k-50k for a basic designed app, is there anything out there that can help us out in this space that is not going to cost us a fortune please?

Question submitted by @shaztang 03/06/2020 @ 12:04 pm
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INTERNATIONAL

I am looking at setting up a business which imports ambient food into NZ and nothing that is in a high risk biosecurity category eg pasta, which when imported into NZ will incur a % duty for payment. If i then decide to export some of this imported food to Australia, do i have to pay any additional duty on arrival into Australia?

Question submitted by @anonymous 03/06/2020 @ 11:04 am
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BRAND & MARKETING

Hi, we are small local company who have clients in the Pacific in consumable and bio degradable products to help the island protect the beutiful ocean and land. We really need a website done and we dont have a budget for it now since our business is only a year old and with this covid19 made it worse. We are looking for anyone who can advise us on how to get this done at a low cost we dont want an ecommerce site. Just a informative site.

Question submitted by @irshaadsmartlabels-nz 03/06/2020 @ 7:18 am
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DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY

I urgently need to get a functional website up that is beautiful and creative. i do not feel I have the budget for what i need. I have a product that has had good responses.

Question submitted by @trust 02/06/2020 @ 5:37 pm
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BRAND & MARKETING

I am a small business owner. I’m a yoga teacher of approximately 11 years. I am working on building my own brand, not the studios I work for. I have created a website with streaming classes. I would like to get more involved with corporates, especially the companies who have incorporated a wellness program for their employees. Who can I contact for this, and/or what is the best way to approach this?

Question submitted by @jsutcliffe 02/06/2020 @ 11:02 am
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DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY

HiWith the help of 4 Volunteers, I am looking to set up a new website which acts like a virtual warehouse where registered charities can find and post  required pre-loved quality goods for the vulnerable people they service and the NZ public can post the goods they have to donate. The best way to understand how it works is to look at givit.org.au, which was set up 10 or so years ago and has been really successful across Australia. I have a zoom meeting with the founder this week to learn from her success at set up and over the last few years. Mine is called KiwiKindness and is purely not-for-profit. It is essentially a collaborative tool to support charities reach a wider audience and be more targeted about the goods they receive and to assist NZers easily find the charities/community groups to donate their quality pre-loved (or new) goods to.My question is around funding and where to start. I am obtaining a quote for design and development and ongoing maintenance of the website. Initial conversations indicate circa $8K.  Resourcing will be myself and Volunteers, non paid (as long as it remains manageable!). We will need funding/sponsorship for the website development and ongoing maintenance. We may also need sponsorship for assisting to transport larger items from the donor to the charity from time to time. Otherwise it is up to the charity and the donor to work out whether the item/s are dropped off, picked up or posted.I am trying to avoid becoming a charitable trust in the initial stages to keep it simple. The business model/structure may change as demand grows. I have a draft business plan if you are interested.Any help/advice is much appreciated. Many thanks Meg 

Question submitted by @meganbs 02/06/2020 @ 10:09 am
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FOOD & BEVERAGE

Hello Team,we are a new start up selling ready to eat meals through our website gourmetbrothers.co.nzwe have had virtually no orders at all while we read in media that this trend is on the up and such businesses are likely to do well in coming times. We have offered a mix of lifestyle meals like keto, vegan, gluten and dairy free, however still no luck. We invested all savings to come here and are running out of ideas. We would really appreciate if you guys can look at our website and suggest us what could we do to get going.Thanks heaps.RegardsRonnie

Question submitted by @anonymous 02/06/2020 @ 9:29 am
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MANUFACTURING

Kia Ora,I am a small baby, kids and clothing line https://nineteesbaby.com At the moment i am sourcing my bespoke design product out of America but due to Covid-19 hitting America i am stuck with huge fulfilment times and also lack of product stock with logistical breakdowns and delays. I am wanting to setup a second production line preferably in Asia so that i could try and get my product created out of there as their lockdown eases. My question is that i would love some advice on where to look for Asian Manufacturers and how to engage with one.Nga mihi nui,Kat

Question submitted by @anonymous 02/06/2020 @ 9:29 am
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START-UPS

Hi there, I am a stay-at-home mum and have decided to put some of my spare time into a small money making venture. I have created a business called Writing for Help which predominantly offers a CV and cover letter writing service. I have registered the business with the Companies Office as I wanted to do it all above board and was provided with an IRD number but am now concerned about the implications of having done this. I know absolutely nothing about bookkeeping and taxes so feel that I have done it wrong! I think I should be a sole trader, not a company. It’s a very small business as it’s only me and because of that I can only do so much work. This means the income I receive after expenses won’t be very much so I don’t think it’s worth getting some sort of accounting software like Xero, although I worry I may need this. What are my options? Can I de-register it as a company?Do I have to pay income tax? Are there thresholds for doing so?Thanks so much for your help.

Question submitted by @lesleyas 01/06/2020 @ 5:03 pm
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NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT / R&D

Hello, thanks for creating this great site! I am looking at developing a book subscription box and hoping for some advice on a few areas: How can I become a registered bookseller and access wholesale markets? Is there an umbrella membership somewhere for small scale sellers?With this kind of product start up is it reasonable to create a site for pre orders to gauge demand? Thank you!Anna

Question submitted by @anna-f 01/06/2020 @ 5:03 pm
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DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY

We’ve created an online store using your link sent to us earlier. Have uploaded few products to test the market. Able to virw initially but when all uploaded system doesn’t enable us to view. Keen to know more. 

Question submitted by @anonymous 01/06/2020 @ 6:18 am
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BUSINESS GROWTH

Selling to chain supermarkets

Question submitted by @esjay 31/05/2020 @ 7:14 pm
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BRAND & MARKETING

Hi, I would love some advice on how to market an nz made natural health product.  I have loads of ideas and have tried to get the ball rolling but it just isnt my specialty.  I am a herbalist and make the product myself but cant quite cut through the red tape and rule and regulations to hit the market.  Please connect me with someone to chat this through with thank you in advance Amanda Haskell

Question submitted by @amanda-haskell 30/05/2020 @ 6:11 pm
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DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY

I have started a new business in the travel industry using technology to access discount traveling and I am looking for some help to establish a website and other areas. Can you help me

Question submitted by @anonymous 29/05/2020 @ 12:40 pm
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how it works

1

Want to ask our business experts a question? Click 'Sign In' on the top menu to create your free account, then ask your question below.

2

Our support network of business experts and advisors will offer any advice they can.

3

Get involved: vote up relevant questions and helpful answers, and offer your own support.