You may want to read through all the post in this forum before asking this question. There is so much info on this topic that will sure help you along the way:thumbsup:
Starting a Paint Business
Dyier I just sent you a private message (you should be able to read by clicking the private message link in the upper right hand corner of the forum page.
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
dyier, why do you want to have your own business? how long have you worked for other painting companies? give us some info about yourself if you don't mind
First an most importantly, identify why you want to own a business and what you want it to provide for you. That will determine a whole lot of what you do and how you do it.
Then: Read the E-Myth. Join NAPP. Read all of the posts on this forum relating to business, marketing, sales, and management. And then develop a plan. Without a plan you are simply floating in the wind and will be reactive rather than pro-active.
Marketing doesn't have to be expensive. But it should be done with focus and consistently.
Above all, have a plan and write it down. A "plan" that only exists in your head is just a fantasy.
Brian Phillips
Then: Read the E-Myth. Join NAPP. Read all of the posts on this forum relating to business, marketing, sales, and management. And then develop a plan. Without a plan you are simply floating in the wind and will be reactive rather than pro-active.
Marketing doesn't have to be expensive. But it should be done with focus and consistently.
Above all, have a plan and write it down. A "plan" that only exists in your head is just a fantasy.
Brian Phillips
I started when people kept asking me to paint for them....I wouldn't have started without any customers..that would be scary...
Is this the ******** in disguise?Well I was laid off from my white collar job, I am in my fifties so finding a new job is near to impossible with all the young bucks out there, I have painted my homes over the years and did a pretty darn good job, so I thought it might be something I can do.
owning a paint business is not a "job"
a painting business done right is not an easy business to tackle. I thought it was pretty straight foward until I really dove in and honestly if you don't dive right in and give 110%, you will be back here asking why things are slow...and then you'll be back saying you're giving up the business
are you ready to get serious, spend $$ on advertising, get your name out there, learn every aspect of paint and supplies, write proposals, estimate jobs, chase money from picky customers, keep all your expenses written down, buy equipment, not have a steady, predictable income???
depending on your answers, you may want to check a local painting company out and learn the trade and what it takes not only to paint, but to do it efficiently
we have lots of guys come in here and say they want to be in business and each guy seems to get less and less qualified/experienced to do so...no offense against you, just an observation
50's...not what I expectedWell I was laid off from my white collar job, I am in my fifties so finding a new job is near to impossible with all the young bucks out there, I have painted my homes over the years and did a pretty darn good job, so I thought it might be something I can do.
a painting business done right is not an easy business to tackle. I thought it was pretty straight foward until I really dove in and honestly if you don't dive right in and give 110%, you will be back here asking why things are slow...and then you'll be back saying you're giving up the business
are you ready to get serious, spend $$ on advertising, get your name out there, learn every aspect of paint and supplies, write proposals, estimate jobs, chase money from picky customers, keep all your expenses written down, buy equipment, not have a steady, predictable income???
depending on your answers, you may want to check a local painting company out and learn the trade and what it takes not only to paint, but to do it efficiently
we have lots of guys come in here and say they want to be in business and each guy seems to get less and less qualified/experienced to do so...no offense against you, just an observation
Where are you located? Maybe somebody here would give you a job. That way you have some income and see more of what the business is like.
Painting your own home is a whole lot different that painting for someone who is paying you.Well I was laid off from my white collar job, I am in my fifties so finding a new job is near to impossible with all the young bucks out there, I have painted my homes over the years and did a pretty darn good job, so I thought it might be something I can do.
I have changed the oil in my car many times. I wouldn't begin to think of charging people to change their oil.
I'm not saying you can't do it, and I don't mean to be discouraging. But doing something at your home doesn't mean you can make money doing it.
Brian Phillips
all I can say Is good luck, I've been in business 3 years and I had to get another job I still have the painting going but im not working it full time any more...it wasn't cutting the bills...but I must say It does work out for me having a full time job and me having people I can trust work my jobs....like FREE money..lol
Hey dyier, you do leave out a lot of pertinent info. Sometimes it is good to work into painting by going part-time and then after getting some jobs lined up, taking the plunge, so to speak. Do you enjoy painting? How do you handle uncertainty? Do you have a partner who will help you through the lean times until you are better established?
What kind of "white collar job " were you doing? Are you getting unemployment benefits? If so it will be easier to make the transition.
Sometimes the "white collar" jobs are not as rewarding as people might think. If you like working with your hands, enjoy seeing the improvements that you can make in a customer's home, and take satisfaction in a job well done, you can make it. It is not easy, but this forum has TONS of information, and many folks that have successfully operated their own businesses.
Take a look at my avatar. That is me. I worked for a university for years, painting, plastering, and doing dry wall repair. Went back to the same university and EARNED a BS in Agriculture Econ. Went to work for Wal-Mart for 5 years, and then I decided that retail was not for me. I returned to doing what I like to do, what I do well, and above all what people appreciate. I have had the support of my wife, and have learned a lot from the folks here. My advice, go for it, but be warned, it might be a bumpy ride!
Happy painting, Paul
What kind of "white collar job " were you doing? Are you getting unemployment benefits? If so it will be easier to make the transition.
Sometimes the "white collar" jobs are not as rewarding as people might think. If you like working with your hands, enjoy seeing the improvements that you can make in a customer's home, and take satisfaction in a job well done, you can make it. It is not easy, but this forum has TONS of information, and many folks that have successfully operated their own businesses.
Take a look at my avatar. That is me. I worked for a university for years, painting, plastering, and doing dry wall repair. Went back to the same university and EARNED a BS in Agriculture Econ. Went to work for Wal-Mart for 5 years, and then I decided that retail was not for me. I returned to doing what I like to do, what I do well, and above all what people appreciate. I have had the support of my wife, and have learned a lot from the folks here. My advice, go for it, but be warned, it might be a bumpy ride!
Happy painting, Paul
You will know when it's time to come back. May the force be with you.....oh...and don't let the door hit ya in the A$$I guess I best leave the painting Gods forum and crawl back to the DIY forum where I belong with my people. Take care and wish you continued success!
:notworthy:
you cant get mad at us cause we cant tell you what to charge.. you have to know your market in which you live. and most of all be competitive dont low ball just to get a job all your gonna do is hurt your self in the long run...Painting is like a good truck you have to make a name for your self once you do that the customers will come....But thats the hardest partI guess I best leave the painting Gods forum and crawl back to the DIY forum where I belong with my people. Take care and wish you continued success!
:notworthy:
Off Topic:
Paul R, have to ask, no one else has, what's up with the flowers on your face?
Paul R, have to ask, no one else has, what's up with the flowers on your face?
If uglyjoe was here he could have you on the path to riches in no time!I want to start a small one man (myself) interior re-paint business. Finding customers seems to be a daunting task since I do not have the funds for advertising or references to give potential customers. Also I am clueless to what to charge or how to estimate.
Any tips on how to get this old horse out of the barn?
:thumbup:
http://www.painttalk.com/showthread.php?t=816 try that ********, you will find your answer here.Off Topic:
Paul R, have to ask, no one else has, what's up with the flowers on your face?
tried posting it in the other one...sorry
What's your day job now Nu View to pay the bills?
NuView, OH to be young again! Hot women and really cool toys!
********, this is a picture of me when we had a birthday party for my 4 year old grand son. He wanted to decorate me up with the zinnias that my wife planted in our garden. I do like to "ham it up" as my wife says, and I thought that it might soften my hard image from posts regarding eco matters, I really am a nice guy.
Just miss understood, Paul.
********, this is a picture of me when we had a birthday party for my 4 year old grand son. He wanted to decorate me up with the zinnias that my wife planted in our garden. I do like to "ham it up" as my wife says, and I thought that it might soften my hard image from posts regarding eco matters, I really am a nice guy.
Just miss understood, Paul.
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
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