How To Start A Pressure Washing Company From Scratch?

Starting a pressure washing company could be the opportunity you’ve been searching for. Many people think it’s easy and cheap to buy the necessary equipment and start washing cars or cleaning driveways. However, things are a lot different in real life. It makes more sense to work in the field first to gain experience and to learn all the details before jumping right in. 

The decision to start your own pressure washing business could change your life. Knowing the five most important steps to follow when you want to start such a business is necessary to succeed.

Get Some Pressure Washing Experience

There are multiple types of powerwashing you should be aware of. Everyone has a friend who probably owns their own power washer. You can borrow the equipment and start washing cars, patios, driveways, pavements, fences, etc., for a time. This will allow you to learn the ins and outs of how to use a pressure washer and how it works to clean different types of substances.

Alternatively, you may also ask for a pressure washing company to hire you. Many companies might be willing to bring someone on with little experience and be willing to train. Over time, you’ll get a more in-depth education about how the machines work, which soaps and detergents to use, special techniques, and even how to work in a customer-service oriented business.

Learning to deal with issues on-site is also useful if you want to pursue such a career. Within a few months, there will be very little you don’t know about the industry and how to successfully run your own business. 

Calculate Your Profits and Expenses

Everyone works to make money. When you start your own business, you might expect to be rolling in the dough. However, entrepreneurs have huge expenses to pay before they declare profits. The main expenditures include water costs, chemicals, detergents, transportation, trucks, advertisement, and so much more. Every pressure washing business also needs to pay for liability insurance. 

If you get a lot of customers calling for your services, you might decide it’s time to hire help so you can spread out your business to other towns and cities in a specific area. Then you have to know payroll and worry about things like health insurance and taxes. 

It would be useful to create a simple spreadsheet to gather all your expenses and compare them to your incoming cash flow. Assuming you have a minimum number of customers even from the first month, you can have a gross estimate of your profitability. Successful pressure washing business owners usually have a good return on their investment.

Ensure Your Business Is Licensed And Legit

Every local business needs to be registered with the State authorities. Having a tax number, paying your taxes, and getting a contractor permit would be the initial steps to found your business. Since you are dealing with water and detergents, there may be other environmental licenses and permits required in your state. 

After you have ensured these initial steps, you need to have all your vehicles insured. There is also a need to ensure your business against any liability for damages caused to customers’ property. Finally, getting insured for workers’ compensation is the right thing to do if you want to hire high-quality associates. Offering benefits and health insurance to your workers will ensure their satisfaction and improve your business image.

Buy or Leave Only High-Tech Equipment

Installing the powerwash equipment on an old and creepy van won’t get you more customers. A shiny new vehicle with a colorful logo will go a lot further in helping you advertise your services. The pressure washing equipment also needs to have high-quality standards. It may cost you more to buy or lease such equipment, but the money invested will have a better return. 

Most pressure washing equipment manufacturers offer free tutorials for your workers. They need to know how to operate the equipment securely and effectively. That could increase your profitability in the long run. High-tech equipment would also have fewer chances to break down. Some manufacturers may also replace a pressure washer, which will go a long way in keeping your business from having to shut down.

Advertise Your Pressure Washing Business

The right way to increase your business cash flow would be to advertise. A pressure washing business may face heavy competition. You’ll have to show the people in your community what your team can accomplish, why they should choose you, and convince them you have the best rates.

Since pressure washing is the latest trend, it’s also useful to make potential customers go with the flow. Offering promotions and limited-time discounts can also skyrocket your business. Ask customers if they would be willing to host a sign in their yard after a job well done. 

A pressure washing business isn’t always easy to handle and may require a moderate investment to start. Learning how to use the new equipment and how to handle customers may improve your chances of success.