Starting a Pressure Washing Company
Are you handy around the house and like to get your hands dirty? Are you a self-starter? If so, starting your own pressure washing company could prove extremely lucrative, even part-time. While start-up costs can be fairly high, once you have your business going, you should be able to cover your overhead in a short amount of time. The key to your success lies in your preparation. Before you do anything, draw up a business plan. Identifying an area that lacks good services or being able to provide even better service at great prices will help you get a foothold.
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Things You'll Need
- Business plan Cleaning Supplies Van, truck or trailer Pressure washer Safety goggles Steel Toed Boots
Instructions
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Identify your niche. Pressure washers can be used to clean decks, clean home exteriors, detail automobiles, clean commercial buildings and driveways. If one market is already saturated, consider focusing your business on another area., i.e., commercial property versus residential.
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Incorporate your business and obtain a federal tax identification number. For a small business, typically a limited liability corporation (LLC) will offer a number of advantages. The fee to register should be no more than about $300. Visit your local tax commission office to do so.
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Purchase your liability insurance. Consider purchasing liability from $100,000 to $500,000 coverage), workers compensation and equipment insurance to protect your business and yourself. Joe Walter's Insurance specializes in power washing insurance. Call (800) 878-3808 for more information. Also visit Netquote.com to compare prices.
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Purchase your equipment. The cost of a pressure washer can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on its pounds per square inch and whether it operates on gas or electricity. Many electric pressure washers aren't as powerful as their gas-powered counterparts, but using electric units means that your business won't suffer from fluctuating gas prices nearly as much. Choose a pressure washer with from 1500 to 4000 PSI and consider purchasing one with hot water. Make sure your pressure washer comes with a warranty. Other must-have supplies include a truck or van, trailer, water hoses, turbo nozzle, surface cleaner, steel toed boots, safety glasses, x-jet and cleaning supplies. Check out eBay and Northerntools.com for good deals on equipment.
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Determine what methods of payment that you will accept. At first, you may only want to accept cash or checks. As your business expands, you may want to accept credit cards. In that case, you will need to get a merchant account. Merchantexpress.com offers a number of types of merchant accounts. To determine your rates, contact other pressure washing companies in your area and get quotes.
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Get your business cards, signage and fliers. Use vinyl lettering, such as those offered at Customonlinesigns.com, to advertise your business on your truck. Advertise in homeowner's association newsletters, phone directories, local online directories, such as Craigslist, and Google Maps. Post your business cards at grocery stores and at gas stations near your home. Offer discounts to customers who are willing to post your yard signs in their front yards.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you've incorporated, contact the IRS immediately to learn about your tax responsibilities.
