ToneanJen

We bought our digi-camera from www.topachat.com . After a lot of research, both on the internet & high-street, I found they were cheapest when comparing like-with-like. This is a French, internet based company, who we use for most PC, audio & elctrical goods. We've found them well priced, well stocked & very quick at sending the goods out. Just have a quick look on their site & see if they have what you need. I don't always assume they will be the cheapest, but each time I research buying a 'major purchase' they keep coming up in the top of the results. In case anybody suggests it, I have no relationship with the above company, other than being a very satisfied customer. Best wishes Tony

I know these threads can sometimes get out of hand but I am genuinely interested in your situation Phil, so I have to ask the question, which is in no way intended to be provocative! - are you registered to work in France? If so how can you afford to work only part-time & cover all the costs involved? I was in the building game in the UK & have been living here for 7 months now. We have enough to do just now with our own renovations, but eventually I'm going to have to work & the apparent costs involved really worry me. If you're not a registered artisan do you know of a cheaper way of setting your self up in business, which allows people to work part-time & still keep the authorities happy. I presume, like me, you'll be doing multi-trade jobs. thanks for any help you can give best wishes Tony

we had the same paint effect but on a stone fire-surround. An electric hot air stripper won't work - the stone seems to absorb all the heat before the paint is hot enough to strip. I would suggest that a sand-blaster is really the only effective method in this case. Use a professional as these tools are incredibly destructive in the wrong hands. There are many grits of sand available & a pro' would know the best for your situation. best wishes Tony

Can anyone confirm that the self-employed in France are asked for a payment of what used to be approximately 20,000ff after their first year of work, regardless of whether they've even made a profit of any amount? Future years contributions are then based on a sliding scale which is related to earnings. I've signed a contract but my 'employer' says can't actually allow me to work until I've received my cds (application currently with prefecture) and then he applies for my Carte Professionale. What counts as the start of this first year? Receiving the CP? Final question: I've been told that my E106 cover can continue even after I start working, until the expiry date. This sounds a bit odd to me. Surely I'll need to enter the 'system' (whatever that is) and arrange whatever independant health insurance is appropriate. Any words of wisdom gratefully received.