Fencing

Income                                 $40,000    $100,000

The range of income for the first year will depend upon how much you market your services and when you begin your business. Typically you can charge around three times the cost of materials.

If you’re not comfortable bidding on jobs, call a competitor and get several estimates over the phone. That will at least give you a starting point.

Description

Building fences in upscale neighborhoods can be a very lucrative business.

You’ll also be able to pick up additional types of work from the same potential clients. Take a look at their siding, gutters, painting and hauling jobs.

Most lumber yards are willing to help you figure out the materials required and should have a good system for estimating.

Clients

Your clients will be located in upscale neighborhoods, especially those who are new homeowners. Most new homeowners don’t have the time or the knowledge to put up their own fences.

Marketing Plan

Create door knockers, postcards and flyers that will state clearly what type of services you provide.  Put an ad in the local “rag sheets” such as Penny Savers or the Classified Flea Market.

Look for new track home listings in the Sunday paper. Take time on Friday afternoons to get to know the track home supervisors. Offer them a reasonable finder’s fee for referring you business.

Most grocery stores have bulletin boards where you can post your services. If you belong to a church, look to see if they have a bulletin board for members to post their services.

Power Partners

Your Power Partners will consist of Realtors, Landscapers, Gardeners, Painters, Fencers, Blacktop Pavers, Brick Layers, Tile Setters, Patio Designers, Roofers, Pool Companies and Window Replacement Specialists.

The conversations with these Power Partners should indicate your willingness to provide them with referrals, as you become aware of clients who need their services. It is important you meet with these Power Partners in person the first time, and then keep in touch with them weekly by email or by phone.

Requirements

If you haven’t had experience with fencing, offer to work for a company below the average wage to gain some experience. You should try to locate a company far enough away from where you will operate your business, so that they won’t feel threatened by your becoming their competitor. You will need to have a contractor’s license, sanders, saws and a variety of tools. You will also want to have reliable transportation.

Personality Type: Expressive, Amiable

Total Start Up Costs:            Less than $1500

(includes business cards, tools, phone and advertising)