Are you the one your friends call whenever it is time to redecorate? Have you found yourself more than once up to your elbows in wallpaper paste? And, admit it, didn't you kind of like it? If this describes you, put an end to your volunteering now.
Wallpaper hanging can be a profitable business for someone who knows what they're doing and does a good, clean job.
Dana Steffee has been a professional wallpaper hanger for fifteen years. Her advice to someone wanting to start this business is simple: Lean how to hang wallpaper and be professional.
If you can meet these two requirements, you are in business, so to speak. Actually, in some states, like Kansas, a person can basically put an ad in the yellow pages and call himself a professional wallpaper hanger. Other states, such as Arizona and Colorado, require certain licensing or certification. Be sure to check with your local governmental agencies before you start your business. In addition, it might be wise to invest in some liability insurance.
Dana has found that it is also a good idea to provide her own tools and products, such as paste and sealant. She knows from experience that using quality products she is familiar with saves time and frustration. She even brings her own ladders, depending on the nature of the job. Having access to special ladders, for example one that can be used on staircases, has enabled her to accept jobs other hangers have had to turn down.
If you decide to try this business, advertise your services in the yellow pages. Also, give your name and contact information to all the businesses that sell wall coverings in your community. You will probably find that most of your referrals come from these stores.
You should not charge by the hour. Instead, charge per single roll. Dana's fee is $12 per single, pre-pasted roll and $16 per single rolls that are not pre-pasted. Clients will need to pay an additional fee for services such as removing old paper or priming walls.
If you enjoy dabbling in home decor and want to set your own hours, this could be the perfect business. You might even find an interior decorator or contractor you could team up with for even more creative money-making opportunities.
So, roll up your sleeves and unroll the paper. It's time to start hanging around town and to get paid doing it.
Resources:
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html
http://www.acehardware.com/sm-hanging-wallpaper–bg-1284750.html
http://interiordec.about.com/od/wallpaperhanging/Wallpaper_Hanging_Instructions_and_Tips.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_1662_hang-wallpaper.html
http://www.repair-home.com/how_to/hang_wallpaper.htm
June 6, 2009
