Start-Over Success Business Under $500 - Painting

It doesn’t take much money to start a painting business.

Do you know how to paint well enough to do work for pay? If not, I hate to say it, but it would be good for you to work for someone else to build your skills. Sure, pay will be low, but consider that as the cost of your painting business education. 

Once you start your own painting business, you’ll. be able to make good money and grow to make really good money! 

What's Legal in Your State for Solo Painters?

Thirty-five states do NOT have significant requirements. But, in some of those states, local municipalities do. 

Most states do require general liability and (if you have employees) worker’s compensation insurance. 

With the experience needed and other requirements, you may find that painting is more costly and takes longer than you expected.  

The goal is for you to build your best life. Check out the other Start-Over Success Businesses. 

EXAMPLES

Painting for Under $500

Can a Solo Painter Make Good Money? Yep!

Learn and follow good business practices. That’s what separates a successful business owner from a worker struggling to make ends meet. 

  • Especially in the beginning, focus on costs you NEED to spend on versus WANTS.
  • Start with recordkeeping with a notebook and pencil.
  • Spend $20 printing flyers four-up on a colored page with black ink. You reach 800.  prospects.
  • Always be networking. Give referrals to others and they will reciprocate!

Where & How to Offer Your Painting Services

Consider how far you will travel to do your jobs. Time is money and there is wear and tear on your vehicle, not to mention gas. Look for areas to focus on that have a budget and inclination for doing home maintenance and remodeling. 

INTERIOR
When first starting your solo painting business, interior jobs can be better. The ladders you need are not as tall as for external work. 

EXTERIOR 
Odds are you’ll spend time on a ladder.  Later, you may want to get scaffolding if you’re doing lots of second-story-and-above work. 

The good news with outside work is, you’re in a perfect position for upselling to window cleaning!  

What Do You NEED to Start Painting?

When it comes to painting jobs, the first step is an assessment of the client’s space. All you need for that is a tape measure. With measurements and the scope of work, you can make your estimate. 

When the client has signed your agreement/contract, take an up-front deposit. That covers all the costs of materials and job-specific equipment. Hence, the need for you to have a ladder. Everything else is for the homeowner’s one-time use: paint, brushes, rollers and pans, masking tape, spackle, drop cloths, and anything else the job calls for. . 

BEYOND GEAR – You need stuff like license and insurance, as well as a legally-binding agreement/contract that spells out the specifics of what a client can expect from you and vice versa. Your work order will be generated in your quoting process. 

As a Painter, What Services Can You Add to Make More $$$?

Painting work is all about fulfilling needs for your clients. 

TURN YOUR MARKETING INTO MORE $$$. Acquiring clients is expensive in time and/or money.. Optimize your income per job, and be ready with “upsells” to additional work. You can add hundreds of dollars per job. 

WINDOW CLEANING requires inexpensive supplies. 

DECK STAINING requires special knowledge and products. 

PRESSURE WASHING can be good for preparing surfaces before external painting. The equipment is pretty affordable. 

Best Apps For Painting Contractors

  • Jobber: Painting management and estimator app
  • QuickBooks Online: Accounting for painting professionals
  • FleetSharp: GPS and mileage tracker
  • Google Workspace: Cloud file storage and collaboration
  • Profit Margin Calculator
  • ColorSnap: Room visualizer
  • Paint Tester: Room visualizer
  • Nix Paint: Paint matcher
  • Mailchimp: Email marketing software
  • Nextdoor: Social network for local communities

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