New Painter In Need Of Some Advise

Cramerica80

Well first off im glad that i have found a site that i can reference when im in need of some good professional advise. Ive been browsing thru some of the questions asked, and have already found very useful information. I'll be honest I just started a painting business with a friend of mine and am looking for some good advise on supplies, tips, etc. I guess at this point we are not running a business, but just getting out feet wet and trying to learn the tricks of the trade so to speak. Anyone who is willing to give me some sound advise, ie pricing for a newbie would a big help. Also looking to invest in a power roller, good idea or no? If so whats a decent roller that does a good professional job? Well, i know im asking alot, but again any advise is better then none.

paint slinger

Can you define just started a painting buisness?

gcajnr21

Do A Search

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Troy McNeely

Oklahoma City Metro Area Paint Contractor
Facebook

Flawless Finish

What is your and your partner's experience in painting and running a business in general?

There are tons and tons of threads around here on pricing.

Avoid any power roller at this point. They're not all that they're cracked up to be. Unless you are doing a ton of rolling with the same color, it's not worth the clean up and cost IMO.

One tip I have is avoid buying the cheapest products/supplies and trying to be the cheapest. Also just keep reading here and other places on the internet.

slickshift

Read The E-Myth Contractor

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Signature Quote

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

Richard

ditto to not buying cheap equipment

ditto to not charging too low

dont go too long without getting a contractors license and insurance

there's a lot involved when you're ready to get real serious
*search here
*ask lots of questions
*get to know someone at a paint store (sherwin or ben moore)
*take pictures of your work
*search the net
*start investing in equipment

Where do you live? Who have you worked for? How long have you been at this? These are important to knowing what you should charge. You have to be realistic though. You cant charge what the pro's charge yet.

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Rich

Terrence

Set up a business:
Corp, LLP, sole, partner
Insurance VERY IMPORTANT
Contract Form (with your logo, lic #, contact info, and all legalese)
register / business license
talk to an accountant VERY IMPORTANT
Build up tools and equipment carefully and slowly (don't waste money)
Learn to sell your quality, not just underbid others

---
To do an estimate / presentation, you will need:
Embroidered Shirt and Lettered truck
Your logo on everything
Color Fan from SW / BM and others
Sell sheet / spec sheets from SW / BM
Strait Line Sonic Laser Tape (impresses the client)
Reference sheet copies (names and phone #'s of completed work)
How we work sheet
EPA Lead Booklet to leave with them
Blank Contract with your logo and info
Copy of Insurance Certificate
Book of photos of your work
Your Warrantee

Well, that should get you started...
There is more, though...

painterjim

All the above. Plus, before you get started.KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. Figure out immeadiatly what your overhead is....ALL your overhead. Go out and estimate jobs according to what your overhead is then add on the profit you would like to make. Dont price too high, or you'll lose jobs, dont price too low or you'll lose money.So.... you wanna be a paint contractor do ya?

kenrie

But then again, some of us are lucky enough to not have any overhead

steve-in-kville

No overhead??

Show me your secrets!!

steve

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KellyPainting

No to the power roller..... yes to everything else.
My power roller's name is justin...I pay him $9 an hour

GoodPainter

Just take it slow and it should come to ya (as long as you do good work)

I never had a power roller but, ya shouldnt waste on that yet

Tip--get some good references (could be friends) and sell your Quality--I just finish a $1400 job --I asked the HO's what they were expecting to pay --they said about $3000 (I bit my tongue)

Hand some letters out with biz card and start there, that is how i started a couple months ago $10k later and it(business and painting) comes natural--BE Prepared for pitfalls and losses though

Robert

PS Not dogging you or your partner but watch out for the partnership thingy my sis had a biz w/partner ended in a good way after 3+years She now does better on her own

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Robert Good
It's Your Life-Make Fun Of It!
http://www.robertgoodpainting.com

Cramerica80

wow thanks to everyone for your posts. please keep them coming. At this point im like a spong wanting to soak up as much info from the pro's as i can. I'm so thankful for finding this site and want to learn all i can about running a successful business. To anyone who lives close to the Toledo, OH area once i get established drinks are on me

MattCoops

The first thing is go down to city hall and get your licensing. You may need a permit to operate a business out of your residence. It's all different depending on where you are.
Go to city hall and ask them what you need to start up your contractor business, rather than searching around here.

Second, always remember that you are now a tradesman, which encompases being a "business man". You are not just "getting your feet wet". What the hell does that mean?
You are running a business. You are providing a service for a fee. Unless you plan on doing volunteer work, then I guess you are wetting your toes.

I don't like to get my feet wet, I usually try my hardest to get it in the toilet.

But seriously, always have in mind the business side. Always be thinking of new ways to gain customers, and keep them.
After you get your license and insurance. Then get thousands of business cards. I've used VistaPrint. I paid like $50 for cards to be printed on glossy stock and shipped.
Always keep these cards on you. Wherever you go. Snap those suckers out to everyone you have a conversation with. I don't suggest stacking them on counters. Get face-to-face, and get your name out.

Door Hangers / Flyers are also a great source of leads. Find a target market, and advertise to them. I've found it cheaper than newspaper ads, and far more effective. When you do an estimate or start a job, make it a point to deliver at least 100 flyers around the area.

Have a pen and pad in your truck, and when the phone rings, answer it. Get the customers name, phone number, and ask how they got your number. Then find out where they are, and get into project, not too deeply, set an appointment and SELL.

About estimates, Learn how to close. Don't oversell, know when to ask for the close.

And lastly, ALWAYS get a deposit to at least cover materials before starting work. Do quality work and it will pay. Don't underbid, it will eat at you the whole time your on the job. Always smile at the customer, build a repor with them, even on the phone.

Good luck
and godspeed

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Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

George Z

Do you use your bicycle to get to painting?
No tools?
No phone?
Do you not go to the paintstore?
No paper, no pens?
No business cards?
No whites?
Did you steal that sprayer?

Doesn't sound too lucky to me.

You have a business you have overhead.
Otherwise you have a job.

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