Carly

Isn't there a rule that you can do three or so markets a year without registering, or have I imagined that? I'd like to do a couple of craft markets before Christmas (as a hobby I make silver jewellery)... would I have to go through all the rigmarole and expense of registering as a trader and a business just to do a couple of markets? Any advice gratefully received! Carly

Thanks Ron. Off to the Hotel des Impots now to have my homework marked.... fingers crossed! (Gosh, I'll be glad when this is all over with). Merci encore, Caroline

Thanks Barry. Appreciate your help.  

...the deadline looms and I'm nearly there (I hope!) One finally question of your collective, considerable, and highly-appreciated brainpower: am I right in thinking that I should enter my french bank account interest (miniscule though it is) in box TS (2042)? Sincere thanks, Carly

Many thanks for your reply, Will. Paperwork at the ready.

Please excuse what is - almost certainly - a very stupid question. Since I arrived in France a year ago I have been picking up part-time work via Manpower and being paid by them on a contract basis. I'd assumed that, as I'm not self-employed, I wouldn't have to complete a tax return, but doubt has just crept up on me... Could someone kindly clarify, should I be expecting to receive, and complete, a tax form? Many thanks, Caroline

A very big thanks to all of you for taking the time to reply to my question. I think that we reached a consensus. The reason that I ask is that I am thinking of offering a domestic cleaning service in this area (there seems to be an un-met demand), and I wanted to ascertain what would be a reasonable rate to charge. I don't expect to make much of a living (before you say it!) - but I am an odd fish that actually thoroughly enjoys cleaning and figure that this would be a good way to get to know people. My experience is similar to yours, Smiley: since we have lived here we have encountered a couple of workmen that have tried it on, but the positive experiences vastly outweigh the negative. THANKS AGAIN, Carly

Good afternoon folks,   I hope that you don’t mind me picking your brains (there is an awful lot of collective brain power on this site), but I’m interested in what the average hourly going rates are in the SW for cleaning/garden maintenance/ gite changeovers (esp 46/24)   Any advice would be very gratefully received.   THANKS in advance, Carly

Good morning, I wonder if you might be able to help?  I'm a 31 year-old ex-corporate treasurer, and have recently moved to the northern Lot (Dordogne border) with my family.  I am extremely keen to learn a trade and would be happy to (legally) accept a minimum wage in return for experience and the opportunity to learn. In return, I can offer you enthusiasm, energy, dedication and a strong pair of arms! I am a keen DIY-er and have experience and good-amateur skills in construction, plumbing, electrics, carpentry, plastering, tiling and decorating.  If you would like a keen and able apprentice, please send me an email at [email protected] MANY THANKS, Paul

Hegs, you are a star! Thanks ever so much.

I wonder if anyone might be able to help? Could you tell me - are there any retail chains in France that sell bicycles? I'm wanting (as a surprise present) to buy a bike for my father who lives in France (SW) and so wondered whether I might be able to buy one on line from a retail chain??? Any advice would be greatfully received. Thanks a lot, Carly

... yes, I'd wondered about that one too. And do you have to have a license to trade? And, if so, where do you apply for such things? Any advice would be greatfully received!

Can anyone recommend a UK lawyer to give a translation of / opinion on a compromis? I can translate the document literally (with lots of help from a dictionary) myself, but am concerned that I might maybe be missing out on some of the more treacherous subtleties! Many thanks, Carly

Is it standard, do you know, for a compromis on a pre-1948 house to have a large section (4 pages, in my case) regarding lead-poisoning related public health codes. I know that it is standard to have lead searches on older properties now, but the detail that my compromis goes into on these matters makes me slightly nervous (albeit this all seems to be generic with no specific references to this particular house). Is this normal? Many thanks, Carly

Can anyone recommend somewhere to purchase white-goods (we need a cooker, fridge and washing machine) in the Lot? Ideally reasonably priced and good choice. Many thanks! Carly