Graffiti may look cool to some people, but, for the most part, it’s a real nuisance. Of course, it’s also a crime. Learn how to start a graffiti removal business and you’ll have plenty of customers desperate for you to restore their properties.
How to Start a Graffiti Removal Business Step 1: Find your market
The first thing you need to do is pick your business model and match it with your market or location. Common modesl, places, and potential customers for graffiti removal include:
businesses – often businesses have to reactively call when something occurs. Usually big cities.
local governments – some have their own graffiti removal crews, others do not.
Proactive vs Reactive – one strong model is to convince businesses or governments to hire you on a monthly fee to proactively search for graffiti and remove it right away. This also makes it easier to remove.
Step 2: Choose your tools and removal process
Graffiti removal tools and process’ include:
- Paint Out
- Portable Pressure Washer
- Portable Sand Blaster
- Chemical Removal
Call your states Environmental Safety Office: Most agree that the best chemical for removing graffiti is Taginator. However, working with this product can be dangerous to the environment. This is why the next step in learning how to start a graffiti removal business is going to be calling your state’s environmental safety office and asking for the product’s VDOT number, its classification and product status. You’re also going to want to know about the disposal measures they require. Get all of this in writing, so either ask for an email or for it to be faxed to you.
Step 3: Order Your Supplies
Ordering Taginator can be done online at sites like Equipment Trade Services. You’ll also want chemical brushes, buckets, toweling cloths, gloves and safety goggles.
Portable Pressure Washers and Sand Blasters can be found from a variety of places online. Just check out these high pressure power washer reviews to give you a better idea of the sort of things that you should get. Upon finding the best pressure washer for you, and purchasing it, you need to think about how you’re going to maintain the longevity of the machine. Looking into these wagon wheels for sale, that are perfect for pressure washers, are essential to replace wheels that have become worn. This way, your cleaning business won’t be interrupted by having to take a few days off to find replacement wheels or replace the whole pressure cleaner.
Step 4: Market Your Graffiti Removal Business
A big part of learning how to start a graffiti removal business is marketing. Obviously, if you don’t handle this step, no one will know you can help them.
- Create a Website
- Create a Custom Business Card – Vistaprint.com is a good place to start
- Attend local council meetings, chamber of commerce events, Rotary meetings, and other local gatherings
- Create a Flyer – Vistaprint or other companies such as MyCreativeShop could be good options depending on your flyer requirements.
- Make Graffiti drives to see where the popular areas are and speak with businesses
This next part is pretty easy because you’ll want to drive around your town and look for any areas where graffiti artists have done their thing. Stop in and hand a flier to the owner.
It’s also not a bad idea to hand these fliers to any business owners who have properties that are in busy, urban areas. Unfortunately, it may just be a matter of time before they become a victim.
Removing graffiti is a great way to serve your local community, help business owners, and make a nice little side income at the same time.