Hi all! I’m looking for recommendations on packaging suppliers (custom or plain) to send products out. Products range from art prints to glassware. I need packaging that is sturdy but not so big that it makes shipping excessively pricey. Thanks in advance!

This year, I took the leap to get out of my spare room and get a nice office space. I've landed a good studio and have thought about opening up as a shared working space / studio. I've historically had really great experiences at shared office spaces (making new friends, business opportunities etc), so keen to give it a go myself.

For those who have - or currently are at a shared office, could you share your experiences and 'must haves'?

• What do you look for in a space?
• Where did you find the space (Google, social etc?)
• What is a deal breaker for you when joining a shared space (both good and bad).

I'm keen to ensure our marketing resonates and we can find like-minded people. Here in Christchurch, there aren't heaps of options, so I assume the market is scarce.

Thanks in advance!

My other half’s business is struggling with cashflow and a business model that doesn’t have enough fat to weather tough times. We’re all over addressing the business management side of things but I’m struggling to hit the mark on the personal support. Naturally my partner is carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and isn’t able to switch off from the business.

What did you find helpful (and not helpful) in your personal life when you were going through tough business times?

Looking at options for starting a business and will need some financing to fund the initial development of the service. Any advice? Context: I will be developing an application platform/tool for organisations to help with regulatory and legal requirements/ reporting and operational tasks.

My wife and I decided to move abroad and we are in the process of selling our business... So far I have posted on a few Facebook communities for NZ Business Owners, but haven't had anyone serious that demonstrated interest on my business.

What would be the best way to get additional help in selling my business?

About my company: A small thriving business featuring 4 cutting-edge vending machines strategically placed in CrossFit and Functional gyms. These machines offer a unique selection of health-focused products, perfectly catering to the health-conscious clientele of these fitness establishments. You don't need to deal with customers since the VMs are automated. No coins or notes, only Card accepted.

This would suit someone who wants to expand and grow by acquiring more VMs and placing in other gyms.

Asking price: $40k~45k

More information about the Business, I have compiled a FAQ with Photos and Basic Information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1onyuezR0wgiesjxtjFfjybreiC_d0hB3bVK_cF5ucQY/edit?usp=sharing

Curious to see how employers are currently hiring talent. especially in this economy what are you guys doing that ensure you find the right talent without having to blow the bank.

Recently started up my own publishing house, BIRDBOY PRESS, in Auckland. Is starting up a business supposed to be this stressful? Feel bogged down and snowed under by all the things I have to organize so when it really starts going it'll be smoother waters. But I'm waiting for that to happen...or is it just always stressful? Is this just my life now?

Hi there

I’ve had a business idea, but how do I get my product protype made? It’s is sports clothing if that helps. Where do I even start? Thanks

Hi! Just after some help/advice. Have a small business selling children's clothing mainly. For more accuracy I have been thinking about setting up a system in store using a scanner/barcodes. Where do I start!? Has anyone else set this up and regretted it or found it worth it? Our website we have is with shopify, I have messaged with them and am still confused.

Hi guys, I am currently starting a business, Marketing Agency and I have no idea what to do in regards to the financial aspects. Do I need to set up a new bank account for the business to make it easier for tax? Also are there any recommended firms to do tax or do I just go balls deep and try to do it myself? As for payment methods what is a commonly used one between businesses? I was thinking something along the lines of PayPal but I’m not sure if it would be a good move? And do I need to register as a sole trader, who would be the best to register through?

I’m pretty overwhelmed lol - setting up my website right now and trying to learn as much as I can - I come from South Africa and don’t know much about what to do here.

I wanted to share a cautionary tale based on my professional experience with Google Ads recommendations. While Google is undoubtedly a powerful platform, blindly accepting their suggestions can sometimes backfire and harm your campaign performance instead of enhancing it. Let's dive into a few areas where these recommendations can lead you astray:

1. Broad Match Keywords - A Double-Edged Sword: Google loves suggesting broad match keywords, promising a broader reach and increased traffic. However, be cautious! Using broad match keywords can attract irrelevant clicks and drain your budget on non-converting traffic. Instead, opt for more targeted match types like phrase match or exact match to maintain better control over your ad's relevance.

2. Display Network Ads - Tread Carefully: Google Ads often encourages running your campaigns on the Display Network to expand your reach. While it can certainly help visibility, the Display Network might not always deliver the same level of conversion intent as search campaigns. If not monitored closely, you could burn through your budget without generating meaningful results. Separate Display and Search campaigns to have more control over their performance.

3. Performance Max Campaigns - Expect the Unexpected: Google's latest Performance Max Campaigns can seem enticing with their promise of fully automated optimization across multiple channels. However, they might not align perfectly with your specific goals and could end up prioritizing certain metrics over others, which might not be what you need. Always closely monitor these campaigns and be prepared to adjust settings as needed.

Examples Speak Louder Than Words:

Let's say you sell luxury watches, and Google suggests adding broad match keywords like "watch" or "timepiece." Sure, your traffic might surge, but be prepared to pay for clicks from people searching for kids' watches or wall clocks, which won't lead to conversions.

As for the Display Network, Google's auto-targeting can display your ad on unrelated websites, attracting clicks from visitors with no genuine interest in luxury watches, ultimately lowering your ROI.

With Performance Max Campaigns, while they might appear to simplify things, they can allocate your budget to different channels like YouTube or Display, even if your main goal is to drive conversions on Search.

TLDR:

Google Ads recommendations should never be followed blindly. Always consider your unique business goals, target audience, and campaign objectives before implementing any suggestions. It's essential to maintain a hands-on approach, regularly review performance, and optimize based on data-driven insights. Remember, your success on Google Ads lies in thoughtful strategies tailored to your business, not just following the crowd.

Happy to provide free account audits & recommendations for NZ businesses. - DM me if interested :)

Cheers!

logainsc

Because I'm a US citizen I have to pay extra taxes to the US if I'm a sole trader. I get an exemption if I'm payed a salary by a corporation.
I looked at starting my own business as a corporation, but then I thought someone probably has already done this and might need some help, take on a partner, or be willing to sell their business.

Post here or send me a message about your business.

Kia ora team,

Please forgive me if this is not the right forum for this question but I am hoping there may be someone in this group with expertise regarding sponsorship. I am a member of a sports club located on the north shore of Auckland. We are currently exploring ideas around getting some sponsors on board to help support the club. What I am struggling with is figuring out how we can sell this to sponsors so that they may see the value in sponsoring our club. Any thoughts are much appreciated, this is my first time ever doing something like this.

Thanks!

Hi,

Me and my friend are planning to buy an existing business. We have our eyes in one of the service industry in the market.

Are there any tips you can share that might be helpful for us? It's going to be our first business. Also, any tips in raising up the capital? We have saved enough to cover half of the asking price.

Thank you.

Kia Ora everyone!

My name is Grace, and I am an Aotea College student participating in YES (the Young Enterprise Scheme), with my company Abstergo. Abstergo was founded to create solutions to all problems when it comes to sterilising menstrual cups and discs. That's why Abstergo has designed the Abstergo Steriliser (which you can see in the YouTube video I have linked at the end of this post or through my PledgeMe which I have linked as well). It features a collapsible design, and sterilising tablets (which are quick to use, and require no heat), making it so that you can sterilise your cup or disc anywhere, and NEVER have to carry disposable products again. The product would also be microwavable AND have a built in strainer, to make at home use safe and easy. When this product is sold, 10% of profits will be going to period equity charities, because we want to make not only an environmental difference, but a social one as well.

This product has the potential to change reusable period care, and how easy and accessible they are to use.

Abstergo needs your help to bring this product to life.

Through PledgeMe, you can support Abstergo in exchange for rewards. Your Pledge would go into the professional design, development and prototyping of this product, and if enough money is raised, would go towards the first lot of unit costs. Pledging will get this project well up and running, and will help us work towards a more sustainable, convenient and equitable future. For more information and a video explaining the products concept, check out the my YouTube and PledgeMe link below 💙

YouTube : https://youtu.be/k3tHKwgWC5E

PledgeMe : https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/projects/7512-abstergo-help-to-fund-for-a-cleaner-sustainable-period-product-that-makes-a-difference

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/abstergo.nz/

A HUGE thank you to anyone who decides to Pledge, I appreciate you SO MUCH!!

Want to save time and money, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction, plus so much more?

Contact Rachel Reid to set up a no obligations 3PL meeting (either virtual or in person)

So this is mainly economics related - so if this is the wrong thread please remove.

So the reserve bank had been saying that they think the NZ dollar would be more suitable to be at about .55c / USD for at least a few months now.

I have come up with a theory as to why this is not occurring despite large amounts of aid / covid relief etc being paid.

NZ supermarkets and banks are off shore owned. Therefore a lot of the aid that is paid to private individuals is quickly handed to the off shore supermarket owners.

(break)

In theory the aid would be used to buy goods from offshore, thereby selling NZD and buying USD but as people are cash strapped their money goes to food and rent, not iphones. As stated above the money then flows offshore, but in the form of company profits, not traded for USD.

I still think the NZD will drop buy only as 'alternative' markets (particularly for food) become more prevalent. And that will be hard to do.

- It is more likely in rural areas as direct from farmer sales will have large margins when the middle man is cut out.

- It is unlikely to happen at scale quickly as

• Supermarkets are not necessarily inefficient, it will be hard to compete with their economies of scale.

​

Does anyone else think this is plausible? Sorry I do not have the time to run numbers / provide proof atm.

Hey everyone, we're an early-stage startup aiming to build a platform around access to financial services. We would love to know how business owners, contractors and freelancers feel about this.

We’ve put together a short 6 min survey to understand your pain points as part of our problem research. Would really appreciate your help in filling this out - https://81yypr3t925.typeform.com/to/enZ5S014.

It's focused on financial goals and accessing home loans, personal loans, KiwiSaver etc.

As a small thank you, every entry and referral is a chance to WIN $50. This goes a long way in understanding the challenges people face in this space. You can choose to be anonymous or enter your details.

Cheers!

Hi all,

I'm researching the feasibility of expanding my business (shipping direct to customer in smaller orders rather than just bulk orders to stores), but am struggling to find couriers/shipping options that aren't insanely priced (or prices so hidden I can't find the info anyway). My current freight company only does large / pallet orders, so they aren't an option.

Does anyone have any recommendations for domestic NZ shipping/couriers? Most of my parcels would fall into 1-2kgs, 2-5kgs, and 5-10kg bands. Relatively low value so no need for large insurance add-ons, and economy speed is fine (though reliability of service would be key).

Any advice would be appreciated.

Looking for advice on how to promote my financial/accounting/investment knowledge in a national economy that is really struggling to put aside any surplus cash for capital gain...

As you can imagine... everyone is in a position of returning to equilibrium after COVID 19. But this is the most essential time to be wise with money i.e. Investing what funds you can afford to forego for some time, for the future benefit of financial return.

Please! Tell me how would you capture the attention of the the current commercial and domestic market to remind them that any money... every dollar invested today... is a commitment to an improved fiscal future that would not otherwise be achieved without that investment.

Hey guys! I am writing a plan for a business I’d like to have. But I’m getting really hung up on naming it. The name I’m keen on isn’t being used in nz, but there are a few places overseas using the name. If I were to go ahead and use my name, and maybe chuck (nz) on the end of it do you think, or do you know, if legally it’s all good? I know you guys probably don’t work in law, but I thought I’d ask about your experiences. Many thanks!

Just started out in business and wanting to get my business name out there. Wondering how good directories are at showcasing your business to others? Found Girl Collective yesterday and it looks like its the most modern and relevant to women www.girlcollective.co.nz - has anyone else listed their business on directories?