Employee Leasing
Start-up Cost:$15,000-$35,000
Potential Earnings:$60,000-$80,000
Typical Fees:Mark up the going rates by 40 to 50 percent
Advertising:Direct mail, networking in business and trade associations, publishing a newsletter
Qualifications:Knowledge of and contacts in a specific field, excellent organizational skills
Equipment Needed:Office furniture, computer, printer, fax, telephone headset, business card, letterhead, envelopes, brochure
Potential Home Business:Yes
Staff Required:No
Handicapped opportunity:Yes
Hidden Costs:Liability insurance against employee misconduct
Lowdown:
While you may not be able to compete with the big general help agencies, a small employee leasing agency can provide workers with specialized skills who cannot be reached through the traditional temp services. This business produces good earnings relative to time and materials: you're not doing the actual work-just the organization. Build your database of specialists in a field you have experience with, then begin direct mail to your prospective clients.
Start-up:
Although the cost of building your initial database and center of operations is not high, you will need a sizable initial investment ($20,000) to cover the delays in cash flow between your clients and your employees. You could see at least $60,000 at the end of your first year.
Bottomline:
You may need to consult an attorney to stay abreast of the laws regarding taxes, workers' compensation, and employment. Some types of temps will need to be bonded, and you will need to measure the advantages of incorporation over the extra costs and red tape involved.
