First, a comfortable desk chair that’s easy to get up from and sit in is important. You will be spending a lot of time sitting so get a good chair for yourself.

At the start, purchase enough supplies, recommended in bulk, so you can save money and time, and so you won’t need to run repeat trips to the office store. Needed are the following: pens, pencils, paper clips, rubber bands, staplers, staples, index cards, scissors, legal pads, a time clock (will discuss below why this is helpful), wastepaper basket and recycle basket, a ledge notebook and/or computer software to record your revenue and expenses.

Next,rofessional touch, you may want to work with a graphic artist for a business log you need to order business cards, and matching business stationary and envelopes. For these, to add a po. The initial order for business cards and stationary from a printers shop may be high, but follow up orders with the same printer should be less. Ordering your marketing materials online is an option as well. For affordable printing we recommend Vista Print.

You need an organized phone and message system set up. One idea is to have a punch time clock to punch your incoming phone messages. You can also punch the message again when you’ve completed the return call. Always have a phone message pad and pens near your desk phone. Also, you need a filing system for your clients’ messages. You may want to maintain client information on index cards from information your clients have provided you, next to this system. This can be helpful when you’re communicating with your clients on the phone.

Today you need a computer or laptop, a printer, copier, fax capability, and a shredder for your home office. Your work at home office space should be away from household noise of your family and pets so you can concentrate on your work, and you are professional.

Make sure you have the right structure for you business. Research incorporation, sole proprietorships, and partnerships and discuss these with an attorney or lawyer. They can help you look at the advantages and disadvantages for your business model. Make sure your business name is descriptive, but not limiting so you can still use it if your business service expands.

Formally, have a standard contract for your work at home services. You can look on the internet or go to your local library for various customer contract form options that you can adapt for your business. It is a good idea for the contract to have a minimal length of time, if applicable, like 6 to 12 months, with a renew option.

Finally, when pricing your services, price competitively and look at your own monthly expenses. Add up all your expenses annually and divide by 12 (12 months) to figure out your overhead. If you outgrow your home office, make sure your monthly revenues can more than cover your monthly expenses (again by adding up annually and dividing by 12), before you move. If this is met, look for an office in a good location and consider sharing an office space with other professionals in an office complex to save money and share resources.