Gutter cleaning is a seasonal business that can make a lot of money in a short time. Although the gutter cleaning season can be short (depending on where you live), you can be busy performing this “on-demand” service for many homeowners in your community 6 or 7 days a week. ۔
Its demand is high because people will pay happily to do this painful, dangerous, and disgusting thing instead of doing themselves.
For the gutter cleaning business, if you’re prepared and have the necessary equipment, it creates a huge opportunity. By using the right techniques, you can get most of the job done in the part of the time the owner needs.
Starting a gutter cleaning business is not that cumbersome. It can be a great source of full or part-time wages. Let’s look at the positives and negatives of doing a gutter cleaning business, first.
Positive aspects of the gutter cleaning business
- Relatively low start-up costs and overheads
- Flexible schedule
- A low skill level is required.
- A great way to perform other related services like roof and gutter repair work.
- Repeat business
- The best way to get word of mouth
Negative aspects of the gutter cleaning business
- You may need to face heights, the risk of falling.
- It’s a seasonal business.
- Although the costs are lower than other companies, you will still need to invest in equipment and insurance.
Steps to start a gutter cleaning business
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to start a gutter cleaning business. Besides, it will help you how to well-planned and appropriately registered your new business.
1. Plan your business
A healthy plan is vital to make your business boost. A business plan will describe the features of your business and help you to resolve anonymities. Here are some key topics you must consider in your business plan:
- What are the start-up and running costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge clients?
- How to choose the name of the business?
Let’s talk briefly about it.
What are the costs of opening a gutter cleaning business?
This business can be started at less than $2000. Especially if business owners already have the tools and equipment. Entrepreneurs need:
- A car that can take a ladder
- Ladder (24 or 32 feet is sufficient for most jobs)
- Stair stabilizer (to keep the ladder away from gutters and for safety))
- Buckets and tarpaulins (for debris collection)
- Heavy-duty rubber gloves
- Insurance
What are the ongoing costs of a gutter cleaning company?
The enduring gutter cleaning business expenses are low. These include incentives for fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance.
Who is the target market?
Homeowners are the primary target market for the gutter cleaning business. These include middle, upper, and upper-middle-class landholders.
How companies make money through the gutter cleaning business?
Gutter cleaning companies charge homeowners to clean the gutters. Business owners often base their fees on the number of linear gutters in the home, although they can calculate a flat rate for all tasks. It is also common to charge second-story gutters cleaning more than ground floor gutters.
How much can you charge clients?
The rate of cleaning gutters varies slightly. Roofer’s Helper said they received $70 to $125 for a typical single-story house and $90 to $200 for a typical double-story house. Shoestring Profits offers $165 for a 60ft parking space (garage) and between $1,850 and $3,300 per square meter for a double-story home. Some companies charge more than it.
The best way to handle this is to ask your competitors for references. Business owners want to set prices that are alike or slightly lesser than their competitors.
How to choose the name of your business?
Choosing a unique business name is crucial and thought-provoking. If you are operating a sole proprietorship, you may want to operate under a business name other than your own.
Whatever company name you choose, it must be unique. When registering a business name, we recommend that you do some research on your business name.
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and State Trademark Registers
- Social media platform
- Availability of the web domain.
2. Make a legal entity
The most prevalent types of business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
If your gutter cleaning business is sued, creating a legal business such as an LLC or corporation saves you from personal liability.
You can set up an LLC yourself and pay only the minimum LLC costs or hire a business start-up service for a small fee.
3. Marketing your gutter cleaning business
How will people know about your gutter cleaning services? You have to be more discerning to obtain the attention of consumers by spending few bucks. Below are some marketing forms that you can use to grow your business.
Social media
With the help of Facebook and Instagram, you can reach people close to you who’re interested in gutter cleaning services. Tell them what you do, how you do it, how you get the price, are you insured.
Flyers
Print the flyers a month or two before starting the season and distributing them in your home area. Keep reminding people about the service. Once you have the numbers, you can meet them and plan with them.
How to retain customers?
Business owners who are professional and get paid at a reasonable price will see their customers coming again and again. In this industry, just working on time and doing a good job is very helpful.
4. Obtain the necessary permits and licenses
If you don’t obtain the required permits and licenses, you may face massive penalties or even your business’s closure.
Necessities for local real estate and business licenses
In most states, a seller’s license is essential for retailer businesses. The vendor’s license allows states to register and collect tax, which they gain from the sale of taxable assets and services.
5. Get business insurance
Like licenses and permits, you must have an insurance plan to run your business securely and legally. Business insurance protects the financial health of your business in the event of damage and loss.
Different types of insurance policies have been developed for different types of risky businesses. If you are uncertain of the hazards to your business, general liability insurance is suitable for you. It is the most common coverage that can accomplish small business needs.
6. Establish your web presence
The company website allows users to know about the products or services you offer. You can also use social networks to attract new users or followers.