Income $30,000 $60,000
The range of income for the first year will depend on how much you market your services and when you begin your business. Get competitive bids so that you’ll know you’re in the ball park. House painting charges have one of the widest ranges of fee structures. You never want to be the least expensive, but always want your work to be the best.
Description
This is an easy potential job to spot as you’re driving around canvassing neighborhoods. Get your family involved by having them use some of their free time to make a list of addresses where the homes need a new paint job.
You’ll also be able to pick up additional work from the same clients as you’re painting their homes. Take a look at their fencing, siding, rain gutters and possible hauling jobs. You should develop a referral network for each of these tasks so you can respond rapidly. The more business you refer to your Power Partners, the more they will refer to you. This type of business can be created predominantly by referrals.
Clients
Your clients will be in all types of neighborhoods, especially those with older homes. New homeowners might have a need to finish their garages and then have them painted. Most new homeowners don’t have the time to do their own painting.
Marketing Plan
Create door knockers, postcards and flyers that will state clearly what types of services you provide. Put an ad in the local “rag sheets” such as Penny Savers or the Classified Flea Markets.
Look for older neighborhoods that are on their way back from aging and neglect. Most Realtors will tell you that there is a ten-year cycle. The neighborhoods fall down in value, and new homeowners come in because the homes are not as expensive. They begin to fix them up and the homes often surpass the new home developments in value.
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, 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 painting, offer to work for a company at below average wages in order to gain some experience. 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 need reliable transportation.
Personality Type: Expressive, Amiable
Total Start Up Costs: Less than $1500
(includes business cards, tools, phone and advertising)