“Light entrepreneurship is ideal for the retired. For the very reason that there are no extra costs or paperwork. Thus, I do not have to pay employment pension contributions or other social security contributions.”
This is how Hans Herler describes working as a light entrepreneur. He has been working as a light entrepreneur pest exterminator for just over four years now. His company name is Tuholaisetvex. The company’s website is currently being updated.
“Speaking of websites, I would advise any novice entrepreneur that they immediately invest at least a thousand euros in a good website. I did not try it at first, and marketing was therefore more laborious. No longer does my own website matter so much to myself, as I do not need more work. I have enough work now.”
Prior to his own business, he worked as a pest exterminator for a large international pest control company.
“Speaking of websites, I would advise any novice entrepreneur that they immediately invest at least a thousand euros in a good website.
“When I finished there, I started doing this work under my own name. I have done this work part-time also before alongside other jobs.“
What is pest exterminator’s work like?
Herler’s customer base is diverse. The customers consist of companies, housing associations and individuals.
“I have a very comprehensive customer base because this matter affects so many. Thus, my customers can be just about anyone imaginable.”
He has gained his own customers initially through old acquaintances. Since then, information about his activities has been carried on by word of mouth, and more customers have appeared.
“If you manage to solve a problem that, for example, a competitor has not been able to solve, you will well get more customers. You have an immediately satisfied customer - and his neighbour will surely buy the service from you as well.”
“If you manage to solve a problem that, for example, a competitor has not been able to solve, you will well get more customers.”
He handles the practical work anonymously and with respect for his customer. His customers may have problems with mice, rats, bedbugs, larvae or birds, for example. Sometimes, for example, a wasp’s nest may be in a difficult place for the customer’s work. When these problems occur, Herler is alerted to the scene and the matter is referred to him.
Hans invoices all his work with Omapaja invoicing system, the features of which he considers very good.
“As a rule, I can solve the problem. Life experience in properties and various renovations has given me broad experience. If you have enough work experience, a bit in this and a bit in that, you can always figure out a solution to the problem. I am also always motivated in my work by the fact that when I succeed, I get paid for it - and everyone is satisfied.”
Omapaja invoicing system works
Herler found Omapaja online when he was looking for a new invoicing service for himself. He compared different options, and then ended up in Omapaja.
“I have tried others, but they have been rather disappointing. For example, such have been nasty experiences when some invoicing service system has not worked. The invoices have not been sent and you have not been able to be sure whether the invoice has been paid.”
He compared different options, and then ended up in Omapaja.
He has not had this problem with Omapaja. For him, Omapaja user interface and invoicing are clear, simple and functional.
“There are many good aspects to it. Not everyone has such a good system. I am completely happy with this. If I were not, I would surely express it, because everyone else would benefit from the improvement suggestions as well.”
He has been a light entrepreneur at Omapaja for a few months now. He also says he is delighted that if he has any questions, he will get an answer very quickly.
“If a customer service representative does not know the answer to my question, they promise to ask someone else, and even then the answer does not take long. It is important because you cannot move forward in your own case until you get the answer. You just have to sit and wait, so it makes it a lot easier when the answer comes quickly.”
He plans to work the same way in the future.
“Maybe it would be worthwhile to reduce work a bit and enjoy life, but working is just so much fun. If it was only about money, I would not do it. But when you get to help customers, and when you manage to solve their problems, it is always a great joy for yourself as well.”