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Questions964

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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CREATIVE SERVICES

Kia ora,I currently have my own small business but have been approached by a contact overseas who wants to open a local office here in NZ. There is an opportunity for me to run the local operation here and help to build it from the ground up. The business is successful but will take some time to get going here locally and start bringing in revenue. I have worked for the company before and have a great relationship with the owner despite having not worked together for many years. Question: I have no idea on how I should be looking to structure the arrangement as this is all quite new and foreign to me!! I would like to be able to have an informed conversation and put forward a proposal that we can work on together. Should I be looking for salary + equity + profit share. Just equity. Hourly rate while we build it up and then share. Just salary. It’s new ground for me so really appreciate any advice and guidance around how to tackle this. Many thanks in advance Manaaki community!  

Question submitted by @elaw 18/05/2021 @ 10:03 pm
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TAX

Hi, Would someone be able to explain what I can claim at the end of the financial year and what evidence/records I need to keep? Do I need to keep receipts of absolutely all my expenses or only bigger items such as a computer etc? What do I need to claim for power and rent as I am working out of my own home (which my partner owns) ? I will be using Xero as my accounting software.

Question submitted by @josie123 18/05/2021 @ 3:43 pm
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ACCOUNTING

Hi team – I’ve made my first sale in Australia. I’m selling B2B. Ideally, I want the most seamless experience for the Australian client to pay our invoice. My research shows that I would need to visit AU to set up an Australian bank account, also register for an ABN and then be liable for tax – thus being the easiest way for the client. Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to travel to AU at short notice, nor are we selling large volumes at the moment. What work arounds are there to easily be paid from an AU business > NZ business / bank account? Thanks! 

Question submitted by @wpike 18/05/2021 @ 3:42 pm
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FOOD & BEVERAGE

I want to make and sell fresh pasta as a side hustle, maybe one day a full hustle, but I have no idea where to start. What do I need to do to get it going so I can go to markets, website etc. council approvals? I have a good hygiene cert. do I need a commercial kitchen. Eeeeeeewp help !

Question submitted by @soj1986 18/05/2021 @ 11:01 am
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SOCIAL ENTERPRISE (COMMUNITY, NOT-FOR-PROFIT, FOR PROFIT)

Kia ora We are a small theatre company that works with local community artist and supports communities who aren’t usually able to access the arts. We don’t make any money and run project to project on grants, which have no profit. We need to set up a bank account (so we don’t have to put funding through external partners), and register as a company, but have no idea where to start!Whether a non for profit, a charity, or a trust?And even if we knew this, we have no idea who to ask for advice on how to set up properly.Any advice would be gratefully received!

Question submitted by @lauraheva 17/05/2021 @ 8:40 pm
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DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY

I would love to find someone who could help me with Microsoft Word automation.  I spend hours on Client Services Agreements and know that my process would dramatically improve if I templated the agreement and could select services to insert – I am pretty sure there is a way to do this and am happy to engage the services of someone who knows how.  Thank you.

Question submitted by @megan-rosene 14/05/2021 @ 6:23 am
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ACCOUNTING

I would like to know what an hourly rate works out costing the business?For example: based on a 40 hour weekThe employees wage is $25 per hour > + 8% holiday pay,  + 4.6% statutary holidays (11 days / 240 working days = 4.6%), + 5% bereavement, sick,domestic violance leave. +  2% ACC+  3% kiwisaver,$25 * 1.08 = $27 > *1.046 = $28.24 > *1.05 = $29.65 > *1.03 = $30.54 > x 1.02 = $31.15Am I on the right track here? WHat I have worked out that every hour actually worked cost the business $31.15 (based on a $25 an hour contract). Have I included everything?Is it an easy calculation just to do the hourly wage times 1.246? Many thanks 

Question submitted by @helenbaker 13/05/2021 @ 4:28 pm
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NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT / R&D

How can I protect my product identity from being copied? i.e. I will be employing a student to work with me to develop a product not available in NZ. Later, I wish to approach a Manufacturing Company to make the product. Should I ask the student to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and regarding the Engineering Company, would a Memorandum of Understanding be sufficient enough to protect my business interests? The product needs designing first, hence it is too early for any patent issues to be helpful. Thanking you in advance for your time. Rgds Debbie Hodson

Question submitted by @debbie 12/05/2021 @ 4:36 pm
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LEGAL

Product warranty / Consumer law:Kia ora Whanau, I’m wanting to speak to someone please who can help me understand the rules and regulations in AU, NZ around product warranties. We have launched a new product in the healthcare industry. E.g. my product is a consumable item, therefore it’s hard to apply a 12 month warranty due to expected wear and tear. How do I abide by the consumer guarantees act and not get in trouble!? Is it a legal requirement to display info on warranties, returns, replacements etc. Cheers.

Question submitted by @wpike 12/05/2021 @ 4:33 pm
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DIGITAL & ONLINE MARKETING

Did you offer digital interns?

Question submitted by @lindsay 12/05/2021 @ 11:11 am
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START-UPS

Hi I’m looking to raise capital in my tech startup but I’m not sure when the time is right to bring on this capital. We have a prototype platform, have early customers but need an injection of cash to enter the market at speed. Any resources I can be pointed to or people I should talk to would be appreciated. 

Question submitted by @trent-adams 10/05/2021 @ 8:29 pm
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CREATIVE SERVICES

Hi, I would like to talk to someone regarding non-payment by a client and whether I need a debt-collector, a lawyer, or I should purse through small claims.

Question submitted by @modo 10/05/2021 @ 5:54 pm
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INTERNATIONAL

Hi, I have a small business that makes reusable food packaging. We are one year old and have been making everything by hand. We have approximately 20 stockists in NZ and are keeping up with the demand. We have recently received offers from companies overseas wanting to act as distributors in UAE, Japan and UK. We believe these are genuine as we have a product that is a world first. We have the funds to invest and grow, but currently we are super small and just working out of a garage so this is difficult for us to get our heads around as to how we will manage this. Our product is also able to be copied very easily but we do have the advantage of a strong story and brand. So essentially we are out of our depth but don’t want to miss out on these opportunities. One thing I have thought of doing next week is trying to throw together an advisory board. What advice can you offer us? Thanks in advance. 

Question submitted by @djd 10/05/2021 @ 8:24 am
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BUSINESS GROWTH

Hi,Over the past 15+ years we have developed a unique Health & Well-Being system which we took on-line approximately four years ago. This system makes use of the Neuro science facets of Memory Reconsolidation and the Incongruity Resolution theory and as such is a ‘disruptive’ approach to the way mental and physical health and well-being is currently handled.The very nature of this system means it is difficult to break through the confines of existing parameters around conventional and current practice.To date we have marketed our system via social media and word of mouth and have members across the world. In addition we have published a series of books, both ebooks and soft copy, to go with the system.We are looking for assistance to break through those existing confines in order to take our product to and benefit a wider audience.If someone is able to point us in the right direction, that would be really appreciated.

Question submitted by @brianp 10/05/2021 @ 7:52 am
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