A pressure washing business is a low cost yet profitable venture. It has a high demand in the US specially from busy homeowners in the residential areas. Pressure washing companies also earn an annual average of $40,000 to $60,000 accommodating 20 to 30 customers weekly. Based on research, the industry is expected to grow in the coming years, giving aspiring entrepreneurs much encouragement to start their own. These recent statistics show that a pressure washing business is indeed worth the investment and risk.
If you are interested in taking on this challenge as a full-time opportunity or an extra source of income, you need enough determination to start, knowledge about the industry, and skills to share with your team. To skip the guessing game, this insightful article will serve as your guide on how to start a pressure washing business.
Doing thorough research is very crucial for every startup business. You cannot proceed without knowing the basics of pressure washing and its demand on your local market. The demand for pressure washing services has reportedly been increasing which is caused by the need for property maintenance, environmental reasons, and property aesthetics. It is believed that regular maintenance through pressure washing, increases a home's value by 2-5%. Aside from that, it can reduce the possibility of slips and falls by 60%. With these proven benefits, it is undeniable that the target market will gradually increase in the years to come - making it a great opportunity for business owners to start.
The pressure washing industry has recorded a market value of $1.2billion as of 2024. It also has experienced a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 0.6%. Approximately, there are 22,000 pressure washing businesses in the US signifying a very competitive market. Starting a pressure washing business costs $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the type of equipment, licenses, permits, and insurance secured to launch the business legally. A break even point is expected within one year of operations with focused execution and consistency.
There has been a steady growth in the pressure washing industry over the past years with an average yearly rate of 3.7%. Profit margins range between 20%-30% which is actually a good figure. In order to achieve a stable stream of income, it is important to develop a solid marketing strategy that will make you stand out among others. Also, focus on training your workers to provide the best service to ensure customer satisfaction.
As you go further with your research, here are a few important factors to consider:
Understanding the pressure washing industry surely saves you from a number of trial and error just to come up with the best strategy that aligns with global standards. When you learn about the complexities of the market and the preferences of the consumers, you will be able to effectively attract and retain clients. Thus, leading to business expansion and success.
Starting your own pressure washing company needs the most feasible and effective marketing strategies in order to thrive in the competitive market. It requires careful planning and timely execution. After conducting research about the pressure washing industry, it's time to make a business plan that works well in your area and your potential customers.
After identifying your target audience, it is important to look at the services they usually consider for their homes or businesses. House exterior cleaning. Window cleaning, driveway cleaning, roof soft washing, and fence washing are the most common services offered. On the other hand, commercial property owners usually demand building exterior cleaning, parking lot cleaning, sidewalk cleaning, fleet washing, and industrial equipment cleaning. Taking note of these services will help you decide.
The internet has changed the way our world evolves, including how businesses manage to operate on a daily basis. More and more businesses have embraced technology as part of their strategy. That explains why you can find almost every business having a professional website nowadays. With the help of the right SEO techniques for your blog and other content, your website will surely be on top of search engine results and it will be easier for customers to find you. This serves as an encouragement to try making your own business website through Wix or any other website maker app. Here are a few effective SEO techniques for your website:
Almost every person is already on different social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. It is helpful for business owners to utilize these platforms to reach a wider audience, share related content about pressure washing, and enhance your online visibility.
One way of promoting your pressure washing business effectively is to offer a special discount to new or repeat customers. This encourages more of your target market to avail your services and in return, increases your sales. Offering a combination of different services as packages can also help your customers understand the importance of each service while giving your business an extra boost.
By combining these helpful tips on creating your own marketing plan, it is both a feasible way to attract a potential client and encourage long-term relationships with existing ones. Carefully plan out the details of your strategy according to your ideas and the preferences of your target market to make everything work out perfectly.
Making your pressure washing business operate legally is one key to establish credibility in this industry. It usually involves securing the necessary permits and insurances depending on local or state rules and regulations. Also, complying to environmental rules regarding water usage and waste disposal saves you from penalties and damage to your business reputation. In order to be legally compliant, we've prepared significant aspects that you should consider as you go along on how to start a pressure washing business.
Your business name is the facade of your company which leaves a lasting impression to every potential customer you encounter. Make sure that it is catchy and easy to remember. Check the availability of your desired business name at your state's business registry first. If it is available, then it is time to register and trademark your desired business name through the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Getting insurance for your pressure washing business not only protects you from potential liabilities but also establishes credibility. This also gives clients more confidence to engage with your business. Other than those reasons, a general liability insurance ensures safety for your employees from the given dangers and risks of their job. Consult an insurance expert for advice regarding the special requirements for a pressure washing business.
First, research about the needed documents for you to have your business registered. Ensure your business operations are all legal and secure by obtaining all the permits and licenses needed based on your state's regulations. By simply securing these essential requirements, it is giving an assurance and a sign of reliability to your target market.
Take time to look for good brands and shop for a quality pressure washer that is durable enough to last for years. Investing in reliable equipment is crucial in enhancing the efficiency of the cleaning jobs that your workers are going to undertake. Select a model with the right gpm (gallons per minute) that can effectively clean all types of surfaces, from sidewalks to patios, and home exteriors to roofs as well. Other than a commercial-grade pressure washer, here are other tools and equipment to consider to complete your toolkit:
Without reliable pressure wash equipment and other cleaning accessories, your business won't be a success. So, go ahead and don't be afraid to invest in these high-quality tools that will make your services more efficient. It will help you save time, money, and other resources in the long run.
Setting a reasonable price for your pressure washing services is the key to earning good profit. Making your prices too low can affect overall profitability while setting it too high can drive away customers. This stage involves careful planning and understanding of various factors such as labor, equipment cost, and other overhead expenses. You should also consider the size and condition of the area, type of service needed, and competitor pricing. To give you an overview, here is an average pricing of common pressure washing services in the US:
Take note that these prices will vary depending on the factors aforementioned. It is helpful for both customers and business owners to provide a free quote of the services to be performed before anything else. This gives the customers an idea of how much budget they are going to prepare. Also, offer discounts and packages to your repeat customers to encourage brand loyalty and long-term relationships. Make sure that you are setting your pressure washing services at a cost that will reflect the quality and value of your work.
The pressure washing industry sets a record of employing 200,000 workers in the US based on a recent survey by Gitnux. It is also projected to create an estimate of 30,000 jobs by the year 2026. These figures show that the employment rate in this type of business is promising, giving opportunities to skilled individuals. For a startup entrepreneur, it is vital to find the right employee and train them with the skills and values needed to effectively perform a pressure washing job.
Customer satisfaction is the core to achieving long-term success. A perfect example on how to show great customer service is to provide services at a timely manner. To do so, some business owners use software used for schedule management. Through this pressure washing software, your workers can also see if customers cancel a service or an appointment. This fosters proper scheduling in a day and promotes productivity. Another thing to consider is to answer their questions and concerns promptly. Customers love it when their issues and concerns are addressed directly.
Most importantly, train your workers with the right skills and knowledge. When they feel confident about how they work, it boosts their morale and self-esteem which eventually leads to great workmanship and high customer satisfaction. Evaluate your workforce from time to time and hire additional employees if needed. An overworked team affects productivity. Thus, affecting the reputation of the business.
Starting your own pressure washing business may not be easy but it is a profitable and a rewarding venture once you've done it correctly. Begin by researching the market and industry trends to create a good marketing strategy. Register your business to operate legally and secure necessary insurances for added security. After that, build your online presence through creating a professional website and setting up different social media accounts to reach a broader audience. Invest in a durable pressure washer to provide services that won't disappoint your customers. Finalize everything by setting reasonable pricing that reflects the quality of services you offer. Once it's all settled, make sure to provide the best customer service through equipping your workers with the right mindset and skills.
Follow these steps on how to start a pressure washing business as you journey through creating a good reputation in the industry. Enjoy the process and the profitability a pressure washing business brings!
Ronald Osborne is an Australian entrepreneur and experienced business coach. With over ten years of business and mentoring experience, an MBA specializing in Finance, along with launching/partnering with over 10 of his own companies around the globe, he has been able to achieve his version of success. Ronald has been able to help large telecommunication companies, law firms, trade businesses, and everyday business owners improve their business and take it to the next level.
