| If you have always wanted to start your own painting | | | | contracts set up that are repeating on a monthly or |
| business and have it run smoothly and profitably right | | | | seasonal cycle could be a strong backbone for your |
| from the start..., if you would like to go home at night | | | | company's profits. This can work in commercial |
| and relax in your easy chair with a smile on your face | | | | painting where you and the customer agree on a |
| and the sweet feeling of having your entrepreneurial | | | | monthly or seasonal maintenance or touch-up painting |
| desires accomplished, below are 6 tips that can get | | | | schedule. |
| you there fast. | | | | 5.) Use referrals and other free painting business |
| 1.) Use the best paint available for residential painting - I | | | | getting secrets - Word of mouth or getting referrals is |
| use Benjamin Moore paint in people's homes. The new | | | | the strongest form of advertising. If your company |
| latex version of their famous Satin Impervo for | | | | does good work you will get a lot of referrals. These |
| woodwork and trim is outstanding. Their Regal wall | | | | referrals are people that are pre-sold on you and your |
| paint in the Matt finish is very good also, especially | | | | company by their friends and acquaintances. |
| when it comes to wash ability that doesn't leave | | | | So if you go do an estimate from a referral consider |
| burnishing marks like with cheaper paints. | | | | the fact that most of the time it will be a sure yes. |
| You just can go wrong using a high quality name like | | | | Also having good references on demand for new |
| Benjamin Moore - especially when the products are | | | | potential customers who are cold contacts is important |
| excellent and user-friendly. This brand name is always | | | | and works well also. |
| welcomed in the finest of homes (million dollar homes) | | | | 6.) Learn how to estimate - next to getting a lot of |
| as well as everywhere else! | | | | free advertising, nothing beats having a good |
| 2.) I recommend having a painting business partner - | | | | estimating system in place for maximum painting |
| this is so critical in business. There are so many | | | | business profits. New painters struggle and many times |
| reasons why it makes sense not to go it alone as a | | | | eat their jobs in the beginning. Or they will give their |
| painter. You can turn your jobs faster, the work | | | | work away just to get the job because they are so |
| becomes easier, two people can come up with good | | | | afraid the customer will reject their bid. |
| ideas, techniques, etc. | | | | When you know how to estimate correctly you will |
| 3.) Diversify your services - some painters like to offer | | | | not be afraid of your company prices because you |
| more than just painting. There are natural add-on | | | | know they are fair. Plus if the customer says no, you |
| services like power washing, window washing, light | | | | can always offer to go a bit lower or just move on to |
| carpentry, drywall/plaster repair, driveway sealing, etc. | | | | the next estimate. |
| These extra services can help keep you consistently | | | | 7.) Bonus tip: I like to work comfortable hours. I usually |
| busy and more profitable. | | | | work 9 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday. I like my |
| 4.) Strive for repeat business - many businesses | | | | weekends off. Once in a while there are exceptions |
| prosper just from repeat business alone. An example | | | | when I will work a half-day on Saturday or a |
| would be window washing. Having painting business | | | | commercial job that requires you to work nights. |