Business Name?

[KatieMac]

As it's the New Year I have decided to start a new business idea (hijacked from Twiglett).

I am an already a childminder (with not enough children )and I thought I could provide Ad-Hoc Childminding. You know for stay at home Mums or maybe Mums who work part-time. They don't want a regular childminder, but occasionally want to go to lunch unaccompanied, or to Dr's/Hosp without the children, or even the hairdresser or gym. so I thought I'd advertise that I would do this sort of minding.

I would charge a registration fee (to cover the contract costs) then a minimum fee and an hourly rate. But the fees would have to be paid to reserve a place (up-front),

Problem is I don't know what to call it Occasional Minding or Ad-Hoc Minding sound to casual.

Any Ideas?

Suits You

I'm halfway between Norwich and Yarmouth.

Anyway I have decided not to use a name, but advertise
'We have a range of contracts including Full-time, Part-time, School Holiday and Occasional Minding'
and to try and publicise it by word of mouth, and if that doesn't work try a heavy duty advert campaign (ie not just a poster in the PO window! )

katiemac - you should think about doing some PR too - I'm sure local paper would be interested in the story and is effectively free advertising.

There are aparently real problems for Childminders advertising. You are basically saying that you are a woman at home with children. So this may make you a target for unscrupulous people.

When I trained I was advised to trade under a different name as you can find addresses from the electoral register from your actual name.

Message withdrawn

Didn't think of that. But surely parents would like to know where you are? A vicious circle really.

Just one thing though - the word "contracts" sounds a bit odd to me in this context. At least it would sound odd in a small ad - it'd be OK in the yellow pages. Don't know why, but I think it would put me off.

Cos I live in the country, there are already C/M in the towns were dentist/Doctor etc are, so am doubly careful about treading on toes!!!

Not sure about another word for contracts...will think on it

What about....'Poppins'....if you get my drift?

I like efmach's Poppins idea - how about Katie Poppins? Or any other two-syllable girl's name ending in an 'y' sound (except Mary!) if you didn't want to use your own name.

If your business is going to spread by word of mouth, I can see people saying 'My dd's going to Katie Poppins for a couple of hours', but I don't think the same would be true of Escapaid.

oops, sorry, I've just read the bit where you say you don't want to use a name any more!

Don't use Penny Poppins, she may sue you!

Absolutly love Katie Poppins - it works on so many levels (well at least two! ) So I think I'll use it.
Also really like the options rather than contracts

SEE I knew Mumsnet would solve 'all' my problems!!!!

Thanks everyone I really appreciate it

Or even Katie Pop-Ins