There is no need to get an office in an expensive location, as customers will expect you to travel to them; this helps to keep your costs down. You will need transport to carry your equipment to the customer’s house or building; a small van is likely to be the most appropriate option.
There are a number of possible qualifications for painting and decorating, the most common are NVQ or City and Guilds qualifications. You will need at least a basic qualification before most customers will trust your ability; and the better qualified you (and your employees) are, the more you can potentially charge for your services.
One opportunity is to have an employee who specialises (and is qualified) in room design and decoration planning; you can then offer a more complete service to customers, and justify a higher price for this extra service.
Painting and decorating services are usually charged for by the hour, plus the costs of products such as paint and wallpaper (unless already supplied by the customer). Painting and decorating services can bring in good money, especially if your business can offer a range of services, and your employees are thoroughly qualified and experienced.
Decorating service businesses usually gain customers though word of mouth and local business directories. Advertising in local newspapers and magazines can also help to attract new business; you may even be able to work in partnership with a business interior design company to bring each other business. If you are aiming at business customers, then you may need to consider areas such as trade magazine.
Pro:
There are lots of potential customers.
Operating out of an office implies a better quality of service than a home business equivalent.
Specialist jobs are likely to bring in more money per visit than common jobs.
Con:
There is lots of competition in the majority of areas.
The potential costs of an office may reduce profits on lower cost services.
Skill Level = Low to Medium
Start up Costs = Low to Medium
Training = Long or short courses available
Experience = The more the better
Equipment Costs = Low to Medium
Location/Office Costs = Low
Transport Required = Yes
No of Staff (incl. you) = 1-4
