The pressure washing business is an ideal choice for someone with low capital because the overhead is low compared to most other businesses. If you know where to look and what to look for you can buy all the equipment you need to get started with your own pressure washing business for under $1500.
I don't recommend buying a pressure washer from retail giants such as Wal-Mart, Sam's Club or Home Depot because those pressure washers will not last long enough on the job. The water pumps on those machines will burn out quickly because of the heat and a new water pump can set you back $400-$500 dollars.
You need a commercial grade unit, with a commercial grade water pump for your pressure washing business. I've seen these units on craigslist.com in used condition for under $500 dollars, and if you look in your local paper you should be able to find some great deals on used commercial grade pressure washers.
Also keep in mind you are going to need a truck and a trailer to carry your equipment. To save on expenses look for a smaller, used trailer that will suite your business needs.
After that the only recurring expenses you will have is your business insurance which you can procure for around $100-150 dollars a month. You will also have equipment maintenance expenses, but that is inexpensive if you know the right equipment to buy in the first place and you take care of your equipment when out on the job.
You may be thinking, well what about marketing expenses? There are many ways you can advertise your pressure washing business for free or for a low cost. Simply by putting your business cards in local businesses and distributing flyers around the neighborhood should result in some calls from new clients. There are also a myriad of different ways you can advertise online for free.
Let's say, you get a call from someone needing their home pressure washed. The average price charged for pressure washing is around $350-400 dollars per home. Many times prices can range up to $600-800 if they want their driveway or patio done or a roof cleaning. Many of these jobs you can finish in 4-6 hours after you have had the experience of completing a few of these jobs on your own. This is residential work we are talking about here; the commercial work is even far more profitable.
What about the learning curve? Anyone with a physically able body and some common sense can do pressure washing work. It's not that hard and it's not rocket science, however there are ways you can make mistakes costing thousands of dollars and it helps to have someone that's been through the trenches show you what to do.
1) Be certain you enjoy the work. You are going to be devoting a lot of time and energy to starting your new pressure washing business and building it into a successful venture, so it's vital that you truly enjoy the work. Whether you'll be doing the physical labor yourself or just running the business end of the company, you better be sure you enjoy it or you'll be burned out before you even get started.
2) Have your personal finances in check. Starting a new power washing business can be tough. Being realistic in your expectations means you should not expect to make a profit for awhile. Make sure you are financially ready because the lack of finances will put strain on your family and your new pressure washing company.
3) Don't do it alone. It's imperative and usually overlooked, that you have a support system while you're starting a business (and afterwards). A family member or friend can be someone to bounce ideas off but be sure they give you positive feedback; some people will actually drag you down and tell you that you're idea is crazy. Find a successful business owner that can serve as a mentor, someone whom has what you want. Talk with other contractors in the pressure washing industry for support.
4) Get some customers first. No business can survive without a good customer base so don't wait until you have officially started your company to start looking for clients. Do the networking, make the contacts, sell, or even volunteer your services just to get things rolling and to give you some practice. You can't start marketing too soon. The phone is not going to start ringing just because you bought $10,000 worth of power wash equipment.
5) Write a business plan. The main reason for writing a business plan first is that it can help you to avoid wasting your time and money on starting a business that will NOT succeed. Your business plan should contain your company's purpose, goals, budgets, projected income, customer demographics, market analysis, advertising and marketing plans.
6) Do extensive research. You'll do a lot of research while writing a business plan, but that's just a start. Unless you are already an expert, you need to become one in the pressure washing industry, cleaning products, equipment, services as well as the techniques and methods for doing the work. Joining related message boards, forums, and attending networking events are great ideas.
7) Hire professional help. Furthermore, you do not have to be an expert on everything, just because you run a small business. If you're not good at accounting or bookkeeping, hire one (or both). As a new pressure washing contractor you'll be tempted to wear many hats but you'll waste more time and money in the long run by trying to do things yourself that you're not qualified to do.
8) Have some capitol lined up. Save up if you have to or approach potential investors and lenders. Figure out your financial safety net plan. Don't expect to start a professional pressure washing company on a shoe string budget. Fly by night companies do this all the time and that's why they are gone as fast as they came. Plan to spend some money initially because you must do this professionally to look professional.
9) Be professional from the get-go. The way your company operates and the way you do business creates an image in the minds of the people you serve so make sure they know you're a professional contractor by presenting your service seriously. That means getting all the trimmings such as professional business cards, a business phone, a professionally designed logo, matching paper work, lettered vehicle, insurance, and treating people in a professional, courteous manner.
10) Get the legal and tax issues right the first time. It's much more difficult and expensive to detangle a mess afterwards. Register your company with your State. Find out about licensing. Make sure you have the proper amount of general liability, commercial auto, and workmen's compensation insurance. How will the entity of your business affect your income tax situation? Consult with an accountant or lawyer as to what business formation you should set up. Learn what your legal and tax responsibilities are before you start your pressure washing business and operate within the law.
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