4 answers
Emily
Student
Cherokee, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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Where do I begin to start my own business #Spring25?
I want to have my own pressure washing business, but I don't know where I need to start on the business side of things.
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4 answers
NiCole Rosado, MPA
Accountant
3
Answers
Spotswood, New Jersey
Updated
NiCole’s Answer
1. Research and Planning
- Market Research: Investigate the demand for pressure washing in your area. Determine if your focus will be on homes, businesses, or both.
2. Business Plan
- Draft a clear business plan that includes your goals, target customers, services, pricing, and financial forecasts.
3. Legal Requirements
- Business Structure: Choose a structure like a sole proprietorship or LLC. An LLC is often a good choice for small businesses due to liability protection.
4. Licenses and Permits
- Secure all necessary licenses and permits for your pressure washing business, such as a business license and any required environmental permits.
5. Insurance
- Obtain liability insurance to safeguard your business against claims and damages.
6. Finances & Funding
- Startup Costs: List startup expenses like equipment, insurance, and marketing. Decide how to finance your business—options include savings, loans, or investors.
7. Accounting
- Open a business bank account and set up an accounting system. Use tools like QuickBooks or at least maintain an Excel workbook.
8. Equipment and Supplies
- Pressure Washer: Buy a reliable pressure washer for your jobs.
- Additional Equipment: Get hoses, nozzles, surface cleaners, detergents, and safety gear.
- Vehicle: Have a dependable vehicle for transporting your gear.
9. Marketing and Sales
- Branding: Create a business name, logo, and website.
- Online Presence: Build a professional website and social media profiles to attract clients.
- Local Advertising: Use flyers, business cards, and local directories. Attend community events.
- Customer Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave positive reviews online to boost your reputation.
10. Operations
- Scheduling: Use a scheduling system to organize appointments and ensure prompt service.
- Market Research: Investigate the demand for pressure washing in your area. Determine if your focus will be on homes, businesses, or both.
2. Business Plan
- Draft a clear business plan that includes your goals, target customers, services, pricing, and financial forecasts.
3. Legal Requirements
- Business Structure: Choose a structure like a sole proprietorship or LLC. An LLC is often a good choice for small businesses due to liability protection.
4. Licenses and Permits
- Secure all necessary licenses and permits for your pressure washing business, such as a business license and any required environmental permits.
5. Insurance
- Obtain liability insurance to safeguard your business against claims and damages.
6. Finances & Funding
- Startup Costs: List startup expenses like equipment, insurance, and marketing. Decide how to finance your business—options include savings, loans, or investors.
7. Accounting
- Open a business bank account and set up an accounting system. Use tools like QuickBooks or at least maintain an Excel workbook.
8. Equipment and Supplies
- Pressure Washer: Buy a reliable pressure washer for your jobs.
- Additional Equipment: Get hoses, nozzles, surface cleaners, detergents, and safety gear.
- Vehicle: Have a dependable vehicle for transporting your gear.
9. Marketing and Sales
- Branding: Create a business name, logo, and website.
- Online Presence: Build a professional website and social media profiles to attract clients.
- Local Advertising: Use flyers, business cards, and local directories. Attend community events.
- Customer Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave positive reviews online to boost your reputation.
10. Operations
- Scheduling: Use a scheduling system to organize appointments and ensure prompt service.
Tracie Archbold
Mananger
3
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Tracie’s Answer
That's a brilliant idea! It's something people always need, and you can start without spending much. Here are some helpful tips:
Learn about your business. Knowing how to pressure wash safely is key.
Get the right equipment (gas-powered washers are stronger) and always use safety gear.
Find your customers.
For managing your business:
Decide on pricing based on each job.
Keep track of supplies and costs (like gas, water, and soap).
At first, use your calendar for scheduling, but be ready to invest in good scheduling software as you grow.
Focus on branding as your business expands.
Start simple and grow as you earn. Invest in yourself. Save 10% of your earnings and use the rest to grow your business.
Congratulations on starting a business! It's exciting and full of opportunities. I wish you the best on your journey!
Learn about your business. Knowing how to pressure wash safely is key.
Get the right equipment (gas-powered washers are stronger) and always use safety gear.
Find your customers.
For managing your business:
Decide on pricing based on each job.
Keep track of supplies and costs (like gas, water, and soap).
At first, use your calendar for scheduling, but be ready to invest in good scheduling software as you grow.
Focus on branding as your business expands.
Start simple and grow as you earn. Invest in yourself. Save 10% of your earnings and use the rest to grow your business.
Congratulations on starting a business! It's exciting and full of opportunities. I wish you the best on your journey!
Rachel Zhou
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Legal Part: Consider setting up an LLC company and applying for an IRS EIN.
Business Part: Identify your target customer group and find a location where they typically go or live to operate your business. Prepare flyers to promote your services. Additionally, consider your budget by evaluating costs, expenses, and expected profits, then decide on your market pricing accordingly.
Good luck!
Business Part: Identify your target customer group and find a location where they typically go or live to operate your business. Prepare flyers to promote your services. Additionally, consider your budget by evaluating costs, expenses, and expected profits, then decide on your market pricing accordingly.
Good luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2429
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in laundry business.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Do some analysis on the industry, e.g. entry criteria, competition status, etc.
2. Attend industry related courses (e.g. textile, mechanical, etc. ) courses and management courses
3. Work in the industry some time to understand the business model and establish people network
4. Find good location and start in small scale first. Perhaps can consider buying 2nd hand equipment first to lower the initial investment cost
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Do some analysis on the industry, e.g. entry criteria, competition status, etc.
2. Attend industry related courses (e.g. textile, mechanical, etc. ) courses and management courses
3. Work in the industry some time to understand the business model and establish people network
4. Find good location and start in small scale first. Perhaps can consider buying 2nd hand equipment first to lower the initial investment cost
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!