Pressure washing business by the numbers

Hey there!

Ever thought about turning your power washing know-how into a booming business? We've got something special for you. It's not just hearsay; it's real data you can use to make smart decisions about your (potential) venture. Today, we're focusing on the world of pressure washing services!

Industry spotlight: Pressure washing services

What's it all about? Pressure washing is like giving buildings and homes a deep clean makeover! It includes everything from blasting away grime to sandblasting surfaces for a fresh look.

Let’s jump right into the numbers…

• Industry revenue: $1.2 billion (That's a lot of cleaning power!)

• Number of businesses (in the U.S.): 546

• Number of workers (in the U.S.): 32,193

• Average revenue per business (in the U.S.): $2.3 million

• Profit margin: 4.7%

• Average profit per business: $108,100

Market expansion year over year

• 2019-2024: Revenue grew by 0.6% per year on average

• 2024-2029: Expected to grow by 0.9% per year

Let’s look at some cool trends…

• Eco-friendly pressure washing—which uses less water—and greener detergents are gaining traction.

• Franchising is becoming popular, meaning successful power washing companies are becoming brand names (that you could buy into!).

Noteworthy facts and figures

• The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the industry. Residential demand increased while commercial demand declined.

• Low interest rates in 2020 and 2021 drove demand for home improvements, benefiting pressure washers.

Quiz time!

Who’s buying?

1. Residential customers: 50% of the market

2. Commercial clients: 30% of the market

3. Government and institutions: 20% of the market

Pressure washing is just the beginning! We're committed to sending data-driven info about specific businesses and industries at regular intervals and would love to know what you want to learn about. Reply to this email to tell us exactly what info you need!

Where's the action?

The top 5 states for pressure washing businesses are

1. Florida (13.6% of businesses)

2. California (11.5%)

3. Texas (7.3%)

4. New York (4.7%)

5. Arizona (3.7%)

What you'll need

• Basic equipment: Pressure washer, nozzles, cleaning solutions, protective gear

• A reliable vehicle to transport your equipment

• A can-do attitude and a love for cleaning!

Challenges to be mindful of

• Seasonal work (winter can be slow)

• Rising fuel costs for trucks and equipment

• Competition from do-it-yourself pressure washers

Silver linings

• Low startup costs

• Steady demand (buildings always get dirty!)

• Growing demand from the residential market

• Opportunity to be eco-friendly and efficient

Big players

• Mostly small businesses and non-employers (sole proprietors)

• Plenty of room for new entrepreneurs to make a splash!

Average prices for services

Prices can vary based on location and job specifics, but here are some general ranges:

• Residential pressure washing: $130 to $650 per job

• Commercial pressure washing: $500 to $2,000 per job

• Sandblasting: $200 to $500 per hour

3 simple steps to start your pressure washing business

1. Plan and research

   • Choose your services (residential, commercial, or both).

   • Research local competition and pricing.

   • Create a basic business plan.

2. Get set up

   • Register your business (sole proprietorship or LLC).

   • Invest in quality equipment and insurance.

   • Obtain necessary licenses and permits.

3. Find your first clients

   • Start with friends, family, and neighbors.

   • Create a simple website or straightforward social media presence.

   • Offer introductory rates to build your customer base.

Certifications and training

While not always required, certain certifications can set you apart from other pressure washing providers:

• Pressure Washing Certification (offered by the Power Washers of North America)

• Eco-friendly pressure washing certification (offered by various organizations)

• OSHA Safety Certification (for a safe work environment)

Remember, you can start small and grow as you gain experience and happy customers!

Want to learn more? Check out the Power Washers of North America website.

UpFlip has you covered!

As you probably already know, we have a number of courses available inside the UpFlip Academy to help you launch your power washing business—or any other entrepreneurial endeavor you decide to dive into!

Maybe you just need a blueprint for starting a business? We have a course for that, too.

We'd love to hear from you!

Have you ever tried pressure washing (as a homeowner or business owner)? What was your experience? Reply to this email and let us know!

That's all for now, future pressure washing pro! Remember, even the biggest businesses started small. Who knows? Your favorite weekend chore could turn into the next big thing!

Stay curious and keep it clean!
Your friends at UpFlip

P.S. Tell us which industry you'd like us to feature next by replying to this email.