In this post, we explain how to start a pressure washing business and how to get it off the ground. We also discuss how to build a strong business foundation, what to look for in a good pressure washing business and more. We also discuss how to manage your finances so you can keep your pressure washing business going for years to come. Here is what you’ll learn.
Pressure washing is one of those things that people just assume is a job that someone else should do. However, there are plenty of small businesses that can make a good living from this kind of work. In fact, if you do a bit of research, you’ll find that the pressure washing industry has a lot of room for growth. If you want to learn how to start a pressure washing business, then you’re going to need to do a bit of research to find out where you can get a good price for the equipment that you need. Once you’ve found your equipment, you’ll also need to do a bit of research to find out how to get the most out of your equipment.
Pressure washing is a service that’s often needed in the commercial and residential areas. But if you want to make money doing it, there are a few things you need to know. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start a pressure washing business.
Five steps to start a pressure washing business
If you’re looking to start a new business and have no experience, this article is for you. We’ll take you step by step through the process of starting a pressure washing business, so you can do it yourself without having to spend thousands of dollars.
Step 1: Set up a business structure to start
Selecting a business structure and submitting the proper papers to legally provide services in your location are the first steps in launching a business. You can decide between a single proprietorship, a corporation, or an LLC as your business structure. A sole proprietorship uses your personal social security number with a DBA (“doing business as”) name. Legal professionals advise against using this structure since it could expose you to personal liability in your company.
To minimize personal liability, most people opt for a corporation or an LLC as their company entity. To make sure your desired business name is not already being used by another company, you should first conduct a name search with the office of the secretary of state. Then you’ll submit the necessary documentation to the state, which includes a list of the entity’s owners, the name of the firm, and any relevant contact details. You should prepare between $200 and $700, depending on the state in which you reside, to set up your business entity.
Step 2: Purchase your supplies and equipment
For your firm to get off the ground, you’ll need the right tools and supplies. Pick a pressure washer first: gas or electric. If you opt for an electric pressure washer, remember that you’ll need customers to provide the electricity to power it. Additionally, decide to choose among a heavy-duty, medium-duty, or light-duty pressure washer.
A light-duty pressure washer will cost you no more than $200, whereas a heavy-duty one could cost you $400. Instead of purchasing all the washers right away, consider renting the equipment at the beginning to save costs and make sure what your business requires whenever you need it.
Other recommended tools and equipment besides the pressure washer are:
Transportation is important since you need to transfer your equipment to and from tasks on a daily basis, so don’t forget about it. Consider renting a truck or work van to store everything. Putting your business name and phone number on the truck so that people can contact you as they see you driving around neighborhoods could be effective advertising. A truck leasing should cost at least $350 each month.
Step 3: Establish Your Pricing
When you first start out, you may not know exactly what to charge. However, if you want to stay in business, you need to establish your prices as soon as possible. Remember that you will be competing with other businesses in your area. If you set your prices too high, they will prevent you from getting enough customers. On the other hand, if you price yourself too low, you won’t get enough clients.
Given the fact that most jobs cost customers between $192 and $401, you should consider whether you want to go with the high end or the low end of the range because the majority of jobs cost consumers between $192 and $401. Lower rates might attract more customers, but you must decide if it is worth your time and energy. Doing some covert research to find out what other pressure washers in your neighborhood are charging can help you stay competitive.
When establishing your rates, consider if you will charge on an hourly basis or per project. Remember that if you bill by the project, you must be aware of how much time each project will require. Test your skills to determine how long pressure washing takes:
- An entryway
- Windows on a typical-sized house
- Walls and fences
- Sidewalks
Consider the amount of gas required to run the pressure washer and the number of tools required to complete a job when determining prices. Make sure your prices are high enough to cover everything while still generating a profit.
Step 4: Establish Your Bank Account
Accepting payments and depositing money into a bank account is necessary if you want to earn a profit from your business. Contact the IRS to complete Form W-7 and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) with your LLC or corporate information. This is a business-specific version of a social security number. After that, you can bring your business papers to the bank to open a bank account.
You can deposit money orders and checks into the bank account, but a payment gateway is required to accept credit card payments. There are numerous choices for payment gateways. Be sure to include the gateway fee in your price since you can expect to pay up to 3% of the amount.
Step 5: Create Marketing Channels
The final step in starting a pressure washing business is to create marketing channels. This is where you’ll begin selling your services to potential customers. There are many ways to market your business, and it depends on your personal preferences. You could advertise your services on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, or you could start an email list. You can also hire a digital marketing agency to do it for you.
Everything in your marketing, from internet listings to word-of-mouth discussions, counts as marketing. Create business cards with your company’s name and contact details on them. You can use these while you knock on doors to introduce yourself and your new company. Additionally, you might want to create a website that displays some of your work along with “before and after” images.
Get featured on internet service listing pages like Google business pages, Facebook, and Yelp even if you don’t own a website. Some companies have also achieved success by advertising on TikTok or Instagram Reels, where viewers enjoy the rewarding process of seeing a dingy facade transform into something lovely.
Begin with that first client
Getting your first customer is one of the hardest things to do when starting a new business. Ask your friends, relatives, and neighbors if they might be interested in your services. If you’re unable to attract your first customer through these intimate ties, consider providing your services to several clients for free in exchange for internet testimonials. This will enable you to construct your web reputation favorably and assist you in demonstrating the caliber of your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will cover the most commonly asked questions about How To Start A Pressure Washing Business. Pressure washing businesses are easy to start, but it takes time and hard work to build a successful one.
1. How does a pressure washing business get clients?
Going door to door and introducing yourself is one way to gain customers for your pressure washing business. Other methods include placing an advertisement in the newspaper or a mailer, as well as advertising online. Each marketing strategy has its own time and financial requirements.
2. What are the things that require pressure washing?
Potential customers may ask you to pressure wash items such as sidewalks, driveways, decks, fences, brick, siding, and other construction materials, as well as solar panels, porches, and pools.
3. What’s the difference between power washing and pressure washing?
The temperature of the water is what distinguishes pressure washing from power washing. Normal water temperature and pressure are used in pressure washing to clean objects. Power washing is useful for difficult situations that require further sanitation because it uses hot water under less pressure.
