How can you start your own painting business?

Answer 1

Starting a painting business can be simple, profitable, and started with few expenses. (Remember, my business plans help you start your business WITHOUT using credit cards!) This is an excellent business to start in this economy, many people are selling their homes and need homes painted inside and out. ***SIDEBAR***

A great business to go along with a painting business is one that cleans out foreclosed homes for the banks. You could get a contract with a few banks for your area, rent a dumpster and just shovel out the trash left behind by previous tenants. Then paint the entire home for them.

************* Now, you will want to start small...start by creating simple flyers on your home computer and passing them out in your neighborhood and to your friends. Send emails to local businesses (good place to find them at is your local Chamber of Commerce) and to your Home Owners Association. Talk to realtors in the area, they are always looking for people to add to their Rolodex for services to help their clients, they may even add you to their website for free. It may take some time, but keep your focus and you will find something begging to be painted. IF you have the CASH you may also want to take out an ad in the local paper. You can also have some business cards printed at places like VistaPrint.com for free (you only pay for shipping). Another inexpensive marketing method is to put your business name and phone number on your car, either with magnets or with decals on the glass. Once you have secured your inquiry, you will want to give the person a written quote or estimate, and have the customer sign it. Again you can type up a quote simply on your home computer. Be detailed about the specifics of the job. You will want to write down things about whether or not you will be moving the furniture, time frame, color/type of paint, trim, cost, and payment terms just to name a few. You may be wondering how to price your services. For painting services, my research shows that most painters charge triple the cost of paint plus 20%, you may want to charge extra for tall ceilings or precarious areas. For example, if a living room will require 4 gallons of paint at $35.00 per gallon, you would charge about $500. Now here is an important factor. To ensure that you don't have to pay out of pocket for the supplies, always have your customers pay 1/2 up front and the balance on completion of the project. This way you are never in the proverbial "hole" for your new business. In the beginning I would advise you to only purchase the stuff that you cannot rent (as in paint brushes, rollers, tape, tarps, etc.). You can rent ladders, scaffolding, paint sprayers from places like Home Depot for a very small fee. As your business grows you will be able to purchase these items and eventually purchase a small covered trailer to carry them in. ***SIDEBAR***

Another tip is to set up a contractors account at a paint store such as Sherwin Williams, you will can get special discounts and promotions!

************* Once you get a few clients under your belt, you can usually work this as a word of mouth business. If you do a great job and go above and beyond, word will get out. The key to getting referrals is doing the best possible job and having extensive knowledge about paint and painting techniques. STUDY STUDY! There are many free classes at local hardware/paint stores. For bookkeeping, you will want a folder with all of your invoices, as well as a notebook split into 2 sections, one for income and one for expenses. There are many items you can deduct in your home business, mileage on your vehicle, home office space, phone expenses, just to name a few. Talk with your tax professional for all of the qualifications. As with any business, there are regulations you must follow regarding sales tax etc. Check with your state tax offices for assistance in these areas. Good Luck! And Happy Painting! For more information on starting your own businesses visit www.home-business-resource.org!