If you want to start your own trade business, then painting and decorating could be an excellent choice. Unlike plumbing or electrical work, you do not need to spend years at college honing your skills and getting qualifications.
Many painters start by completing an apprenticeship and setting up their own business after a few years of experience but as long as you have had some experience and you have a good head for business you can set up your own company. Here is a guide to starting your own painting and decorating business.
Get Some Hands-on Experience
If you have not had traditional training, then it is a good idea to get some work experience before you go it alone. You will need to know techniques such as the correct way to paint a room, how to cut in paint and when to use a primer. Once you are confident, you can start your own business.
How to Set Up Your Business Legally
You will need to decide whether you will run your business as a sole trader, a partnership, or a limited company so that you can register your business and start trading. There are pros and cons to all three options, so it is best to take some professional advice if you are not sure how to proceed.
Get a Business License
You will need a business license if you want your company to be legal. The exact license you need may differ depending on what state you are running your business in, and the cost will vary depending on this too. The state chamber of commerce should be able to advise you on getting the correct license and keeping it up to date.
Get Insurance
Things can go wrong in any business, and this can be costly. It is imperative that you take out painters’ insurance before you take on any customers so that you are covered for any damage or if the customer decides to sue you. The cost of painter insurance can vary depending on the size of your company and its location and it will need to be renewed annually.
Attracting Customers
The wonderful thing about a painting and decorating business is that your work can advertise itself. If you do a fantastic job for your first customer, they are likely to tell their friends and family about it and invite them over to have a look. Don’t be afraid to ask satisfied customers for referrals and leave them some business cards to hand out to their nearest and dearest.
Social media is a terrific way to advertise for business. Many local social media groups will allow you to promote your business for free on certain days of the week or month so get to know when you can advertise and take pictures of your work so that you can post them online and potential customers can see how good you are.
If you have a great entrepreneurial spirit and some painting and decorating talent, then setting up your own business could be the best decision you ever make.
