Starting a pressure washing business requires a lot of planning, investment, and patience. But it’s worth the effort!
Upselling services to clients can be a great way to increase profits. However, it’s important to do it the right way. Show them how your services will improve their property and build trust. Read on to know more.
Costs
The upfront costs of starting a pressure washing business are fairly low. However, you will need to pay for a vehicle capable of hauling your equipment and supplies to each job. You will also need to buy cleaning chemicals, a pressure washer, and extra nozzles.
Insurance is another important expense. Accidents can happen, and liability insurance can protect your business from costly lawsuits. You will also need to have a system in place for answering phone calls throughout the day.
Lastly, you will need to make sure that your services are priced correctly. Clients want to know that they are getting value for their money. If you set your prices too high, clients will not be willing to use your services. Instead, focus on upselling your customers by showing them how their property will benefit from your services.
Equipment
If you have the right equipment, starting a pressure washing business can be a very lucrative and successful venture. Having the proper equipment can ensure safety and efficiency on each job, as well as provide the best possible service to your clients.
Another important factor to consider is registering for proper licensing and permits. This is especially true for pressure washing businesses, which may require a contractor’s license to operate in certain states.
You will also need to purchase a vehicle that is capable of transporting the equipment you need to each client’s location. This can be a significant expense upfront but will save you money on recurring expenses in the long run. In addition, you will need software to track income, expenses, and client information. We recommend using a tool like Jobber, which is designed specifically for service businesses.
Licensing
The exact licensing requirements will vary by location, but if you are going to be running a legitimate business in any area, you should have all the required permits and insurance. This can protect you in the event that you damage property or injure a customer, as well as keep you on the good side of the law.
In addition, you should consider joining an association within your industry to help build up your network and give you access to other information. Lastly, you will need to set up a system for processing payments, invoicing, and scheduling appointments. Scott mentions he uses Joist and Jobber for this purpose. These systems can be a big help, especially as your business grows. They will save you time by automating much of the process and removing many manual tasks.
Insurance
Many states require business owners to carry workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, both of which will protect you if someone is injured while working for your business. If you have any employees, this policy will cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses. Additionally, you’ll want to consider commercial auto insurance. This type of coverage will pay for damages to vehicles that are used for business purposes, such as cargo vans and box trucks.
You’ll also want to acquire business property insurance, which will cover any equipment and inventory that you have inside your workspace. This coverage will reimburse you for the costs of repairs or replacements if they are damaged by theft, fire, or natural disasters. It can be purchased as a standalone policy or included in a business owner’s policy (BOP).
Marketing
One of the most important aspects of starting a pressure washing business is marketing. There are several ways to get the word out, including cold calling and direct mail. Cold calling involves making a phone call to potential customers without a preexisting relationship. Its aim is to determine the decision maker, evaluate their requirement for your services, and schedule a pitch meeting.
Another way to promote your pressure washing business is by using social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram. Post photos of your services and testimonials from previous clients to increase engagement. You can also run low-cost Facebook ads to generate new leads and grow your client base. Alternatively, you can use digital checklists and forms to reduce friction in daily tasks and automate information flow. This helps you stay on top of things and prevent buddy-punching and time theft. Discover more interesting articles.