What to Do When Inspection Finds Defects

The hardest part of the first SOHO year is surviving no-order periods. Cultivate 3-5 potential clients before leaving your job. Save 6 months of expenses. Your first order doesn't need to be big — complete the cycle.

Where do SOHO traders find first clients? Referrals from former colleagues, LinkedIn targeting, small orders on Alibaba, and industry exhibitions. Develop multiple sources simultaneously.

When to hire? When you're turning away orders and leads go cold. Start with a part-time assistant. Build to a full team gradually. Hire slowly and invest in training.