How to Start Your Own Wallpapering Business

Business Overview:
If you like to see home decorating done right the first time and want to start your own successful business, you should look into the wallpapering business. You just need to scan the magazine covers in any home improvement store check-out line to see that the home decorating industry is still on the rise, regardless of the economy. Wallpaper is an inexpensive way for homeowners to spruce up a home to sell or simply refresh a living space. As you can see, this is the perfect time to put this business idea into practice. You don’t need to be a professional decorator to be a success in the wallpaper business. You can hire decorators to manage the wallpaper selection and assist you in working with the clients. If you would rather oversee the operation from your home office, you can. You can also go to each job site and be more hands on with the clients and your wallpapering crew. It is unlikely you would be able to hang wallpaper solo so you will need to hire professionals to do the work. In addition to residential wallpapering, you can branch out and start doing commercial jobs as well. Talk to property managers of new office buildings to see if you can get the wallpapering contract for the entire complex. Apartment and condo complexes are other good places to look for contracts. While you’re ramping up your business, hiring your workers and marketing, you can easily run this business part-time. However, once you have a few jobs under your belt, the referrals will start pouring in and you might need to devote more time to your business. But since the majority of the work will be done by your staff and crew, you can take time off when you need to.

A Day in the Life of a Wallpapering Business Owner:
Your day will begin with a check of your schedule to see what jobs are on tap for the day. You will coordinate with your decorators and your crew to make sure they are on time and have the proper instructions. When you’re not on the job site, you will spend time talking to wallpaper distributors and wholesalers and also marketing your business. You will meet with potential clients to discuss their needs. Finally, you will check your finances to ensure everything is in order.
About Your Customers:
Your customers will be homeowners, apartment/condo managers and office managers in need of high quality wallpapering services.
What You Need to Start:

• Business plan
• Marketing plan
• Wallpapering crew
• Staff of decorators (if needed)
• Vehicle(s) for transportation of crew and equipment
• Ladders and scaffolding
• Wallpapering equipment (brushes, buckets, glue, etc.)

The Good:

• Wallpapering services are in high demand.
• The startup costs for this business are low.
• You can charge top dollar for high quality wallpapering.
• You can get supplies at a discount to increase your profit.
• Your crew will do most of the work so you can simply manage and market your business from your home office.

The Bad:

• It can take some time to spread the word about your new business and get your first few clients.
• You may run into difficult customers from time to time who are displeased with even the most professional work.

Resources:

• Wallcoverings Association
• Paint and Decorators Resource Association
• Bureau of Labor Statistics on Paperhangers
• Wikipedia on Wallpaper