Painting Business Start-up Questions

oneelwayfan_com · 03-10-2009, 04:38 PM

I've already committed to working hard on this. So the mindset is there. My Dad made the same suggestion about hiring a professional painter (maybe him, part-time, although I haven't asked him yet). I'm thinking if I can budget it, maybe I will. Appearance and tools I will have, but truck or van?

I've said before that I have an SUV ('98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo). With the back seats folded down to make a 'bed' in the back large enough for all of my supplies, etc, wouldn't that be sufficient for a startup? If this goes somewhere, yeah, I would love to get a truck or van.

WoodShop · 03-10-2009, 05:42 PM

One- You have the attitude to blow off harsh remarks. I took a lot of words growing my business. This business is definitely not for the 'soft'. Find stuff to paint, experiment, learn from your mistakes, you will make money and lose your butt sometimes. Trust me it is not easy! Good Luck.

I always love it when a customer tells me they did the 'whole painting thing'. Ya I bet you did that's why I am here to do a 'professional' job. Don't get me wrong everyone can put paint on a wall, but there is a correct and proper way of doing it. And you pay for professional.

oneelwayfan_com · 03-10-2009, 06:29 PM

Yeah, after only one day, I'm already learning to shrug off some people. I know even people that I know won't like the idea, as well as family members and people I tell. That's ok. I just have to prove it to myself first, then everyone else.

I know I'm going to learn from my mistakes, and I'm not so naive that I don't think I'm going to make mistakes. And I know every customer won't like my job, but I'm just going to work at it.

As for contract forms, in everyones own opinion, what is your own way of making them? I've found some websites that create forms with your logo and carbon sheets, and I've seen blank ones in stores, or how about making them on your own? What's everyones personal opinion, not what you think I should do? I'm not going to ask what you think I should do anymore, just everyone elses opinions on how they do things, and take a little from each of you.

Thank you all. I'm loving all the informative posts.

Schmidt & Co · 03-10-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneelwayfan_com

I've already committed to working hard on this. So the mindset is there. My Dad made the same suggestion about hiring a professional painter (maybe him, part-time, although I haven't asked him yet). I'm thinking if I can budget it, maybe I will. Appearance and tools I will have, but truck or van?

I've said before that I have an SUV ('98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo). With the back seats folded down to make a 'bed' in the back large enough for all of my supplies, etc, wouldn't that be sufficient for a startup? If this goes somewhere, yeah, I would love to get a truck or van.

That will be fine for now.... But you need to be aware of the stigma that it will bring. You don't want to look like the guy thats painting on the side.

oneelwayfan_com · 03-10-2009, 07:20 PM

Yeah, true, maybe I will try and find a cheap truck or van that's good enough to drive to and from a job, and that's it. I'm sure in todays economy, I could find a cheap, decent running truck or van for that. If not, then I'll just deal with it until I can get something decent maybe.

I look forward to any other comments.

bwalley · 03-10-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneelwayfan_com

I found this site as I was looking for information on starting up. Here's my story and questions:

I don't have very much experience in painting, but am fairly good in the business sense. My Dad, who has no business sense, is a great painter. Here's my business idea. And my questions are at the bottom.

I have a '98 Jeep Cherokee Laredo, and will have the money to start up early this summer. Until then, I'm wanting to learn all I can about starting my business, learning what equipment I absolutely need to begin, and all the painting books, magazines, websites, experts help, that I can get. My Dad will help me learn about all the painting aspects of it as well.

I'm checking out every business website I can find to help me get ready. SBA, TN.gov, etc. I know it's going to be hard to jump in headfirst into something I'm not an expert in, but I'm 25, do not have a college degree yet, and had nothing but dead-end jobs up until now, so I'm wanting to make something of myself with a lot of hard work and dedication.

I'm going to do this myself, and hopefully my Dad's help every now and then, as a consultant maybe. I have my wifes support, which is all I need right now, and I'm not expecting to 'get rich quick', or making a killing early on.

I'm just hoping to make this a labor of love, a business I can continue on for years to come, and something I will enjoy doing, especially since I won't have a boss (except for my wife).

1. What equipment is absolutely necessary to start up for a one-man operation?

2. Without a line of credit, where would be the cheapest, but good quality, supplies? eBay, Paint Supply stores, or Home Depot/Lowes?

3. What books, magazines, articles, or websites, besides this and Painttalk.com should I get or visit to help me learn?

I'm sure I'll have more questions later, but for right now, since it's midnight, that's all I can think of.

Lastly, I respect anyone who works hard for a living, I respect each and every one of you. Electiricians, plumbers, construction workers, painters, etc., everyone of you.

I hope I can get as much help as previous posters with similar ideas. I thank you in advance.

In your area is a license required to paint, or do you just wake up one day and decide, "I is a painter"?

Don't you think you should learn what you are doing before going into business as a painter?

There are many contractors with a lot of experience who fail, here you have little to no experience and are contemplating starting a painting business during the worst economic times in the last 50 years.

There are many well established contractors going out of business daily, what makes you tink you will be able to survive?

Pay your dues and learn what you are doing, you can't learn this by asking questions on the internet.

Steve Richards · 03-10-2009, 07:30 PM

At least now I won't be the only one on his "ignore-list".

oneelwayfan_com · 03-10-2009, 07:39 PM

I was going to reply to your post saying things I've said in this whole thread, but obviously you don't read, so I'm just going to open it up to others on here who are paying attention.

If someone doesn't want their brain picked, which is what I'm ultimately doing, why post?

Just another person on my ignore list now...

Does anyone find out with their websites, whoever has one, if it matters if you have a domain name that you own, rather than a domain that is free but has .geocities or .webs with it.? I'm going to have a website if I do indeed continue on after the family and friend work, and was thinking of getting another domain that I would own. It would look more professional obviously, and look like I mean business. So, I guess I just answered my own question, but I still would love to hear others' opinions, and what other people have for their business.

bwalley · 03-10-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneelwayfan_com

I was going to reply to your post saying things I've said in this whole thread, but obviously you don't read, so I'm just going to open it up to others on here who are paying attention.

If someone doesn't want their brain picked, which is what I'm ultimately doing, why post?

Just another person on my ignore list now...

Does anyone find out with their websites, whoever has one, if it matters if you have a domain name that you own, rather than a domain that is free but has .geocities or .webs with it.? I'm going to have a website if I do indeed continue on after the family and friend work, and was thinking of getting another domain that I would own. It would look more professional obviously, and look like I mean business. So, I guess I just answered my own question, but I still would love to hear others' opinions, and what other people have for their business.

Is a paint contractors license required, or can just any hack buy a paint brush and spray rig and start bidding work?

In Florida a competency license is required as a specialty contractor if you are not a division 1 license holder.

Steve Richards · 03-10-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneelwayfan_com

Just another person on my ignore list now...

HA! told ya.

Right now there are 80 "guests" viewing this board.

I wonder how many of them might be contemplating becoming a 'painting contractor' too.

Painting contractors that don't know what they're doing are bad for the industry. You old-er timers should know that.

Scenario:

You go give a legitimate/professional bid on a house for $10,000.

After you're gone, Mr Flybynight shows up...and because he has absolutely no idea how long the job will take, or how he'll do it..he guesses-up a bid of $2500.

The homeowners are thrilled, and tell all their friends about this painter who's so much cheaper than you are.

(you are also out of $10k worth of work BTW)

Mr Flybynight stumbles and bumbles his way through the job..and ends up netting $10 an hour for his time. Of course he's happy...because he's just starting out, and already his company's in the black!

George Z · 03-10-2009, 08:23 PM

You don't need to be a painter to be a painting contractor.
(and I have been a painter for over 20 years)

Advice:
There are hundreds maybe thousands of posts by many of us here.
You don't need one on one advice, some of us are very busy to address
every newcomer's questions individually.
We have done the work for you already, it's in the archives.
now do your work, search.

I am one of those that think that painting experience is not necessary.

Most answers are here and in Painttalk

Go for it

and good luck

oneelwayfan_com · 03-10-2009, 08:46 PM

Thank you. All I needed was to have someone point me in the right direction, and that's a great start.

I hope to get more responses, but while I'm waiting, I'm going to do just that.

And thank you for your support. It's good to hear stuff like that every now and then.

bwalley · 03-10-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Z

You don't need to be a painter to be a painting contractor.
(and I have been a painter for over 20 years)

Advice:
There are hundreds maybe thousands of posts by many of us here.
You don't need one on one advice, some of us are very busy to address
every newcomer's questions individually.
We have done the work for you already, it's in the archives.
now do your work, search.

I am one of those that think that painting experience is not necessary.

Most answers are here and in Painttalk

Go for it

and good luck

I got the impression the guy was going to be painting.

While you don't need to be a painter to be a paint contractor, it is a good idea to know what you are doing, so when Mrs. HO asks a question you can answer it, also if you hire a hack and he tells you how great he is, if you can't properly supervise him, you may end up witha mess.

Is a Paint Contractors license required in Tennessee?

If so, is it one you buy or is there a test involved?

Steve Richards · 03-10-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwalley

I got the impression the guy was going to be painting.

George can't read. (he's also on my ignore list now)

So don't reply, George...cuz I can't see you!

George Z · 03-10-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Richards

George can't read. (he's also on my ignore list now)

So don't reply, George...cuz I can't see you!

You have a big nose and your feet stink

Testing...

Steve Richards · 03-10-2009, 09:25 PM

huh?

Did someone say something??

chris n · 03-11-2009, 07:26 AM

One last time I am going to say

STAY in school and get a quality education,it is going to help you more than anyones information here for sure.I am hopeful that some here would agree to that,if not I am finished with my biased comments.

oneelwayfan_com · 03-11-2009, 08:56 AM

And I'm going to say, I am still in school. I never mentioned it, but I never said I was not in school, either. I'm in school, have a part time job, the wifey has a full time job and has graduated college, and now I'm doing this.

I appreciate all the comments, and hope I get more, but I'm thinking this thread is going to go dead soon. I plan on just asking any future questions on this thread, instead of creating another one. I'm sure when I get started, I'll have a lot more to ask.

WisePainter · 03-11-2009, 10:40 AM

lol, stay in school.

Seriously.

Jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down is a good way to end up in trouble...quickly.

gallerytungsten · 03-11-2009, 11:41 AM

Since you admit you don't have painting experience, why don't you get a job as a painter, and work at it for a year or two. Pay close attention to what the owners and managers of the company do, how they estimate, how they do takeoff. Since you're "good with numbers" you should start making spreadsheets for all the jobs; figure out all the materials and supplies costs, and determine the profit. Don't forget to find out all the overhead costs too, so you can determine, or at least estimate, the total cash flow and profitability of the company.

After you do that for at least a year, you'll probably know enough to start up your own painting business and maybe even succeed.

03-10-2009, 04:38 PM	#21
oneelwayfan_com View Profile oneelwayfan_com Member Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (30) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Member Trade: Painter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Murfreeboro, TN (Nashville area) Posts: 30	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions I've already committed to working hard on this. So the mindset is there. My Dad made the same suggestion about hiring a professional painter (maybe him, part-time, although I haven't asked him yet). I'm thinking if I can budget it, maybe I will. Appearance and tools I will have, but truck or van? I've said before that I have an SUV ('98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo). With the back seats folded down to make a 'bed' in the back large enough for all of my supplies, etc, wouldn't that be sufficient for a startup? If this goes somewhere, yeah, I would love to get a truck or van.

03-10-2009, 05:42 PM	#22
WoodShop View Profile WoodShop Boss-man Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (36) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Boss-man Trade: Woodwork & Coatings Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 36	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions One- You have the attitude to blow off harsh remarks. I took a lot of words growing my business. This business is definitely not for the 'soft'. Find stuff to paint, experiment, learn from your mistakes, you will make money and lose your butt sometimes. Trust me it is not easy! Good Luck. I always love it when a customer tells me they did the 'whole painting thing'. Ya I bet you did that's why I am here to do a 'professional' job. Don't get me wrong everyone can put paint on a wall, but there is a correct and proper way of doing it. And you pay for professional.

03-10-2009, 06:29 PM	#23
oneelwayfan_com View Profile oneelwayfan_com Member Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (30) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Member Trade: Painter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Murfreeboro, TN (Nashville area) Posts: 30	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions Yeah, after only one day, I'm already learning to shrug off some people. I know even people that I know won't like the idea, as well as family members and people I tell. That's ok. I just have to prove it to myself first, then everyone else. I know I'm going to learn from my mistakes, and I'm not so naive that I don't think I'm going to make mistakes. And I know every customer won't like my job, but I'm just going to work at it. As for contract forms, in everyones own opinion, what is your own way of making them? I've found some websites that create forms with your logo and carbon sheets, and I've seen blank ones in stores, or how about making them on your own? What's everyones personal opinion, not what you think I should do? I'm not going to ask what you think I should do anymore, just everyone elses opinions on how they do things, and take a little from each of you. Thank you all. I'm loving all the informative posts.

03-10-2009, 07:20 PM	#25
oneelwayfan_com View Profile oneelwayfan_com Member Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (30) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Member Trade: Painter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Murfreeboro, TN (Nashville area) Posts: 30	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions Yeah, true, maybe I will try and find a cheap truck or van that's good enough to drive to and from a job, and that's it. I'm sure in todays economy, I could find a cheap, decent running truck or van for that. If not, then I'll just deal with it until I can get something decent maybe. I look forward to any other comments.

03-10-2009, 07:30 PM	#27
Steve Richards View Profile Steve Richards Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,606) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: hack painting Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,606	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions At least now I won't be the only one on his "ignore-list".

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03-10-2009, 07:39 PM	#28
oneelwayfan_com View Profile oneelwayfan_com Member Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (30) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Member Trade: Painter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Murfreeboro, TN (Nashville area) Posts: 30	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions I was going to reply to your post saying things I've said in this whole thread, but obviously you don't read, so I'm just going to open it up to others on here who are paying attention. If someone doesn't want their brain picked, which is what I'm ultimately doing, why post? Just another person on my ignore list now... Does anyone find out with their websites, whoever has one, if it matters if you have a domain name that you own, rather than a domain that is free but has .geocities or .webs with it.? I'm going to have a website if I do indeed continue on after the family and friend work, and was thinking of getting another domain that I would own. It would look more professional obviously, and look like I mean business. So, I guess I just answered my own question, but I still would love to hear others' opinions, and what other people have for their business.

03-10-2009, 08:23 PM	#31
George Z View Profile George Z Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,836) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Painting Contractor Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,836	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions You don't need to be a painter to be a painting contractor. (and I have been a painter for over 20 years) Advice: There are hundreds maybe thousands of posts by many of us here. You don't need one on one advice, some of us are very busy to address every newcomer's questions individually. We have done the work for you already, it's in the archives. now do your work, search. I am one of those that think that painting experience is not necessary. Most answers are here and in Painttalk Go for it and good luck __________________ Toronto Painters Commercial Painting Commercial Painting Toronto Toronto Office Painters Painting Toronto Blog

03-10-2009, 08:46 PM	#32
oneelwayfan_com View Profile oneelwayfan_com Member Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (30) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Member Trade: Painter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Murfreeboro, TN (Nashville area) Posts: 30	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions Thank you. All I needed was to have someone point me in the right direction, and that's a great start. I hope to get more responses, but while I'm waiting, I'm going to do just that. And thank you for your support. It's good to hear stuff like that every now and then.

03-10-2009, 09:25 PM	#36
Steve Richards View Profile Steve Richards Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,606) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: hack painting Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,606	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions huh? Did someone say something??

03-11-2009, 07:26 AM	#37
chris n View Profile chris n paper hanger,painter Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (904) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity paper hanger,painter Trade: wallpaper hanger,painter Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hagerstown MD Posts: 904	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions One last time I am going to say STAY in school and get a quality education,it is going to help you more than anyones information here for sure.I am hopeful that some here would agree to that,if not I am finished with my biased comments.

03-11-2009, 08:56 AM	#38
oneelwayfan_com View Profile oneelwayfan_com Member Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (30) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Member Trade: Painter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Murfreeboro, TN (Nashville area) Posts: 30	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions And I'm going to say, I am still in school. I never mentioned it, but I never said I was not in school, either. I'm in school, have a part time job, the wifey has a full time job and has graduated college, and now I'm doing this. I appreciate all the comments, and hope I get more, but I'm thinking this thread is going to go dead soon. I plan on just asking any future questions on this thread, instead of creating another one. I'm sure when I get started, I'll have a lot more to ask.

03-11-2009, 10:40 AM	#39
WisePainter View Profile WisePainter A bit abrasive. Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,529) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity A bit abrasive. Trade: Painting Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: KC KS/MO Posts: 1,529	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions lol, stay in school. Seriously. Jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down is a good way to end up in trouble...quickly.

03-11-2009, 11:41 AM	#40
gallerytungsten View Profile gallerytungsten Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (260) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Design Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 260	Re: Painting Business Start-up Questions Since you admit you don't have painting experience, why don't you get a job as a painter, and work at it for a year or two. Pay close attention to what the owners and managers of the company do, how they estimate, how they do takeoff. Since you're "good with numbers" you should start making spreadsheets for all the jobs; figure out all the materials and supplies costs, and determine the profit. Don't forget to find out all the overhead costs too, so you can determine, or at least estimate, the total cash flow and profitability of the company. After you do that for at least a year, you'll probably know enough to start up your own painting business and maybe even succeed.

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