1. Become a licensed plumber
If you are going to start a plumbing business, it's important to have the required plumbing skills. If you don't already have the appropriate licenses and certifications, you need to do that first. You might need to attend a trade school, take a course, or become an apprentice under a more experienced plumber.
2. Write a business plan
It's important to put all of your ideas on paper. What type of services will you provide? What equipment will you need? Can you afford the startup costs? You may want to meet with an accountant who can help you understand all of the expenses associated with running a successful plumbing business. He or she can help you determine a budget and stay on track. If you're not sure how to put together a business plan, you can find some pretty good examples online.
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3. Consider franchising
Starting a plumbing business from scratch can be difficult. To ease this process, you may want to consider opening a franchise of a larger plumbing company. One of the major benefits of opening a franchise is brand recognition. People may already be familiar with the name of your company the day on your first day of business.
4. Come up with a name and logo
This is the fun part! When naming your company, you want to come up with something that is memorable and unique. Make sure it's not too similar to another local plumbing business.
5. Form a company
How do you plan to structure your company? Will this be a sole proprietorship, an LLC, S-Corp, or a C-Corp? You may want to consult with a lawyer before choosing which business entity is right for you. Many small plumbing businesses begin as an LLC (or limited-liability corporation).
6. Find a good contract template
Every plumber needs a contract in order to do business. The contract should include both parties' contact information, project details, and pricing information. In the event that something goes wrong, you want to ensure that you are protected. One of the easiest ways to do this is to find a good contract template online that you can customize for your plumbing business.
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7. Establish a price list
You need to decide how much you are going to charge for your services. Don't forget to account for travel time and overhead when putting together your pricing list.
8. Get a license
All businesses must be licensed. Licensing requirements for plumbing companies can vary by state, city, or county.
9. Secure office space
Where are you going to work out of? Do you want to rent an office or buy property? Talk to a real estate agent and find out what space costs in your area. You may find that it is cheaper than you think.
10. Buy tools and equipment you'll need
Next, you will need to secure the right plumbing tools and supplies. You will also need a van or a truck to get you around town. If a new truck is not in the budget, used vehicles are a great option.
11. Find your first customer
To find your first customers, try marketing to local general contractors, HVAC companies that do not provide plumbing services, and to real estate agents. If you are interested in pay-per-lead marketing,
join ProMatcher to find a lead service that fits your needs. It is also a good idea to get some business cards printed up for yourself and hand them out to people you know. In the end, word of mouth advertising is still king.