For some it is necessary, others do it because it earns better or offers more freedom: independent entrepreneurship. Whatever the reason, there is a lot involved. You will have to deal with other authorities, customs and points of attention than in paid employment. Reason enough to list the ten important tips.
1 Business plan and market research
A good start is half the work. So prepare well and immerse yourself in the market you want to focus on. By collecting information, you get a better idea of the needs of your intended target group and the possibility to meet them. So pay plenty of attention to your business plan and market research. Are you out? Then think of a good company name, choose a legal form and register with the Chamber of Commerce!
Extra tip: also use this handy step-by-step guide from ikwordzzper.nl, the platform for starting freelancers!
2 Professional requirements and zoning plan
If you want to specialize in a certain industry, pay close attention to whether you are authorized to do so and be aware of the professional requirements. Think of laws and regulations, but also required diplomas and certifications. In addition, check the zoning plan of the municipality whether you can run a business from your home.
3 Determine price
It is important to think carefully about the level of your product price or hourly rate. Take into account material costs, but also the value of your experience and skills and any business costs. Also realize that your rate is not net: taxes are still withheld on this amount. The trick is not to price yourself out of the market, but also not to sell yourself short by asking too little.
On the website of the Chamber of Commerce you will find more information and a handy calculation tool to determine your hourly rate.
4 Administration
Not everyone's favorite part, but extremely important for freelancers: administration. You are legally obliged to keep proper administration. Invoices and quotations must meet certain requirements, and you must be able to demonstrate this. You can do your administration yourself, but you can also outsource it to a bookkeeper or accountant.
5 Retirement
If you have previously worked as an employee, there is a good chance that you have accrued a pension. This is not usually the case if you start working independently. You are of course entitled to an AOW benefit when you reach a certain age, but you will have to arrange an extra pension provision yourself. You can find it on the website of the Dutch government tips on how to arrange your pension as a self-employed person.
6 Insurance
As a self-employed person you are not insured against disability. If you are unable to work due to illness, you have no income. With disability insurance (AOV) you limit this risk and create a financial safety net. You can also cover more risks with specific insurance policies, such as business liability and professional liability.
7 Tax matters
With a registration number at the Chamber of Commerce, the Tax and Customs Administration does not automatically see you as an entrepreneur – and you are therefore not immediately entitled to a starter's deduction or other tax allowances. Therefore, always check the website of the Tax Authorities to find out which you are entitled to from a tax point of view and which you must take into account.
8 Model agreement and general terms and conditions
The Deregulation Assessment of Employment Relations Act (DBA) has been in force since 2016: this obliges you and clients to check whether you are employed. You can prevent so-called bogus self-employment by drawing up a model agreement (contract agreement) or general delivery conditions. On the website of the Tax and Customs Administration you will find more information about this model agreement.
9 Networks
As a self-employed person you have to deal with fluctuating income. That's why it's always good to think long term when taking on assignments. Even if a job doesn't seem big or fun, you never know what great opportunities or contacts will result from it. Moreover: building your network and customer base is always valuable!
10 Keeping your unemployment benefit
As a self-employed person, you do not accrue unemployment benefits. But if you receive unemployment benefit if you plan to start as a self-employed person, there are some ways to keep your benefit. Of course you need permission from the UWV for this and you must meet certain conditions. You can read more about this on the website of the UWV start as a self-employed person while retaining your unemployment benefit.
Want to know more or need help
Have you drawn up an agreement and delivery conditions and do you want to have them checked by a specialist? Or do you have questions about starting as a self-employed person, your pension accrual or your unemployment benefit? Please contact us directly De Unie† Our Service Center is available every working day from 8.30 am to 17.00 pm via sc@unie.nl en (0345) 851 963.
