Starting a Paint Business

dyier

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?

sirwired

Try the "contractortalk.com" website associated with this one... they should have tons of advice.

SirWired

dyier

They tell noobs like me who ask these type of questions to come to this forum.

Nathan

No, we tell homeowners who ask DIY questions to come over here. That forum is more of a business forum. If your getting into the business then your welcome.

Your also welcome to try www.PaintTalk.com. Once again it's a business forum and not a how to forum

__________________
Nathan

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

Sammy

Finding customers is easy!

Try contacting some local realtors that focus on rentals. They always need painting.

Maybe even talk to some local painters and see if they have overflow work that you can do as a sub or maybe with some kind of referral agreement where they get a percentage.

Being a one person operation you wont be able to do larger jobs, but let that be your specialty for the smaller jobs larger companies dont want to mess with.

Advertising is costly and has a low return. Work more on the face to face relationships.

Price you'll have to check what other like people charge..

References you'll have to build over time... First few jobs til you get established could be sold on "If you dont like it its free or I'll repaint it"

Workaholic

I don't see Nathan show up on this forum very often. Good to know he looks out for everyone.
Contractor talk is a good place to go, lots of friendly ppl there. You can rub people the wrong way if you come across like you are wanting their help for pricing.
Easiest way to learn how to estimate is knowing how long the task will take you in man hours, then you can figure out what your time is worth.

__________________
Sean

dyier

Thanks for the great ideas Sammy.

Sammy

Your welcome.

Let me know how it turns out..

Building a business is easy if your not afraid of wearing out some shoe leather, talking to customers, and being true to your word on the job.