How to Start Line Striping Business

Do you want to become your own boss? Parking lot striping can be a fantastic option for many out there.

Whether you want to start or grow line striping business part time or full-time work,  there's always going to be a need to keep parking lot lines fresh and crisp.  And when you are your own boss, you can choose your own hours. It has the potential to be a very profitable business, and it is not too difficult to start. However, it's not as simple as buying a little bit of equipment and starting. You want to know how to start a striping business the right way.

Let’s look at some of the most important elements you will need to consider.

Choose a Business Type

One of the first things you will want to do is determine what type of business you want to create in terms of limited liability, S Corporation, and other options. You will find that many of the striping businesses use S Corp or limited liability because they can provide some advantages when it comes to taxes, and they can limit the liability of your company.

Choose a Name and Start Buying Equipment

You will also have to come up with a good and unique name for your business. You want something that is memorable, and that you can use for your website, social media, and more.

Before you can get to work, you need to start buying the linestriping equipment you will need to do the work. There are many different types of machines and pieces of equipment on the market today that are used for parking line painting machine. Before you make a purchase, it is in your best interest to know how to choose the right line striper, read reviews of the various types of equipment, watch videos about the equipment, and make sure it is the right solution for your job and the size of the business you are developing. Also, learn to use the equipment before you take a job.

At a minimum, you'll want:

• A parking lot striper.  The new PowrLiner 3500 is a great starting machine that has contractors raving.
• A selection of stencils to mark handicapped zones, no parking, reserved spots, and so on.
• Chalk and a plumb line to ensure your lines are straight
• Bonus upgrade - a laser line guide to allow you to quickly restripe old lines and stay on track.

If you've never linestriped before, our Parking Lot Lines Striping Guide is the next click you need to make.  It explains exactly how to choose paint and lay out a parking lot.

Understand the Pricing and Start to Market the Business

When you are developing your pricing strategy, consider just how long it will take you to paint parking lots of different sizes, along with how much the materials will cost. Also, consider what others charge for these types of jobs. You want to keep your prices around the same, so it will make you competitive. Then, you can start to market your services to companies in the area that have parking lots that need striping, or that could use some restriping.

How to Price a Linestriping Job Profitably

• What tools & equipment you should start with
• How to determine difficulty level of the job
• How to estimate prep work
• The best traffic paint to use

Get the Video Now

Of course, it takes more than that to make your business successful. This is a good primer to put you on the right course, though. 

Want expert business advice? Check out our Asphalt Coaching

If you want a more in-depth guide to starting your business, then sign up to the Asphalt Kingdom Build Your Own Business Blueprint. This is a comprehensive and instructive course on how to build your asphalt business from the ground up. Full of practical advice, insights, and tips so you can navigate the journey successfully.

For help selecting equipment and supplies, call us today at 1-866-399-5562.