One big mistake many start-ups make is to over spend on flashy new offices and equipment. This is an unnecessary expense in the early stages when you should be focusing on impressing customers with your product and service.
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Office space
Regus
If you can’t work from home, or if you would like a more professional environment when meeting with clients, Regus lets you rent office space. It will also save you the upfront investment needed to equip your office from scratch. You can rent ready-to-go workspaces with the widest possible range of complementary support services available on demand. You will only be charged according to your usage, or take out a short-term contract and you will have access to Regus Business Lounges, Meeting Rooms and Video Communications at preferred rates.
Get it from: Regus (www.regus.co.za)
The deal: Pay as you use (costs vary)
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A hub for productivity
The Hub
For start-ups based in Johannesburg, The Hub offers shared office space with desks and kitchen facilities. You will also have access to high-speed Internet, copy/scan/print equipment, telephone facilities and IT support. There are various membership options available to entrepreneurs ranging from Hub Connection which provides five hours of access at R120 per month to Hub Anchor, giving you unlimited
access at R2 500 per month.
Get it from: The Hub Johannesburg
Cost: Starts at R120 per month
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Virtual office
Regus
If you are on the road meeting with clients and working hard at building your business, you can make use of Regus’ Virtual Office product. A virtual office gives your business a prime business address and dedicated phone number, as well as a multilingual personal assistant to handle your calls and mail.
Get it from: Regus (www.regus.co.za)
Cost: From R399 per month
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Affordable IT rental
Spartan
If you aren’t in a position to buy the IT equipment needed, you can rent the latest hardware or software from Spartan. This will free up cash flow to develop other areas of your business. There is also an option to rent refurbished IT equipment, which will be cheaper. You can choose between a 12 or 24 month solution which includes everything from IT hardware to insurance and loan units.
Get it from: Spartan (www.spartan.co.za)
Cost: Prices vary
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Hassle-free IT rentals
Qrent
Qrent offers a range of cost-effective rental options on a variety of ICT equipment, including laptops, desktops, printers, copiers, LCDs, plasma screens and projectors. Renting is an inexpensive way to access technology over a long term or just temporarily. You can rent the equipment for any period, from one day to three years.
Get it from: Qrent (www.qrent.co.za)
Cost: Prices vary