Worked example 1: I run a small landscaping company. Should I hire a part-time bookkeeper or outsource it?
about four hours a week nowOption A
Hire a part-time bookkeeper
Someone who learns your jobs and suppliers and is there when invoices pile up. You take on a fixed wage, holiday cover and the work of managing them.
Option B
Outsource to a bookkeeping firm
Specialist skills and capacity that grows with you. They will know less about your business, replies can take days, and the monthly fee stays the same in quiet months.
Option C
Accounting software with a quarterly accountant review
The lowest cost and you keep full visibility. The data entry still lands on you, usually late at night.
Recommended first step:For the next two weeks, note every bookkeeping task and how long it takes, then mark the ones you dread.
Worked example 2: My design studio is busy but margins are thin. Do I raise my prices or add a cheaper plan?
most clients are repeat clientsOption A
Raise prices for new clients
Improves margin straight away without upsetting loyal clients. Some new enquiries will go elsewhere, and two price lists need careful handling.
Option B
Add a cheaper, smaller package
Opens the door to clients who could not afford you. Existing clients may move down, and small jobs can fill the calendar you wanted to protect.
Option C
Raise prices and add value to the top tier
A clearer reason to pay more, such as faster turnaround. It asks more of your team, so check capacity first.
Recommended first step:Look at your last five lost or stalled enquiries and note whether price was the reason given.
Worked example 3: Our bakery has a queue on weekends. Do we open a second location or grow online first?
lease offer expires next monthOption A
Sign the lease for a second shop
Doubles your local presence while demand is strong. It is a multi-year commitment, needs a second trusted lead, and splits your attention.
Option B
Grow online orders and delivery first
Lower fixed cost and a test of demand beyond your street. Packaging, delivery and online marketing are new skills, and margins can be thinner.
Option C
Run a three-month pop-up
Tests a new area with a limited downside. It can feel temporary to customers and the setup effort is real.
Recommended first step:Before the lease decision, map where your weekend customers travel from using postcodes from the last three months of orders.
Worked example 4: A key supplier keeps delivering late. Do I keep them or replace them?
they have good payment termsOption A
Keep them, with written expectations
Protects a relationship and terms you value. Nothing may change, and you carry the risk of the next late delivery.
Option B
Replace them
Solves the problem if the new supplier is better. Switching takes time, terms may be worse, and the new risks are unknown.
Option C
Split orders with a second supplier
Lets you compare reliability in practice. Smaller volumes can raise unit prices with both.
Recommended first step:Write down the late deliveries from the last quarter with dates and the cost to you, and share it with the supplier before deciding.