Here are a few of my thoughts on this matter:
First and foremost I wouldn't count on making a living doing this. I guess it really depends on where you are at but for most people you simply won't make enough to pay your rent/mortgage and support yourself. If you just want a little extra spending cash this is a good opportunity.
First and foremost you really need to get your name out there. Start by selling on E-Bay. I have made several repeat customers from selling on E-Bay. Start your prices a little low and keep your quality high to gather interest.
Create a website to feature your work. Pictures are worth more than words anyday. I would stay clear from labeling your skills as "level 1, level 2.5, etc." rather show the potential customer what they will get for their money.
There are usually 2 types of painters for hire - the mass painter where quantity over quality is the goal. The other is the quality over quantity guy.
As for pricing - don't sell yourself short. Your time is worth something and if you are doing things for less than you want you will start to resent it. If you offer quality work people will go with you. You can always lower your prices a little if you are not getting work or raise them a little if you are getting too much work. I myself have gone through several pricing phases to find an area where I am confortable.
Do research and see what others with similar skills are charging. This should help you build a price list and better market yourself.
Take every opportunity to freely advertise. User signature fields to link to your website. Trade links with people. Join different painting forums. keep things subtle as most people don't like things shoved down their throats. Let them come to you - just provide them with easy access.
Above all else the most important thing is provide world class customer service. People like to be treated well. Keep them up to date on how you are progressing. Let them know of problems as soon as they arise. Work out solutions with them. Get back to them as soon as you can if they contact you. Remember over deliver and under promise.
Cheers,
-Mike
First and foremost I wouldn't count on making a living doing this. I guess it really depends on where you are at but for most people you simply won't make enough to pay your rent/mortgage and support yourself. If you just want a little extra spending cash this is a good opportunity.
First and foremost you really need to get your name out there. Start by selling on E-Bay. I have made several repeat customers from selling on E-Bay. Start your prices a little low and keep your quality high to gather interest.
Create a website to feature your work. Pictures are worth more than words anyday. I would stay clear from labeling your skills as "level 1, level 2.5, etc." rather show the potential customer what they will get for their money.
There are usually 2 types of painters for hire - the mass painter where quantity over quality is the goal. The other is the quality over quantity guy.
As for pricing - don't sell yourself short. Your time is worth something and if you are doing things for less than you want you will start to resent it. If you offer quality work people will go with you. You can always lower your prices a little if you are not getting work or raise them a little if you are getting too much work. I myself have gone through several pricing phases to find an area where I am confortable.
Do research and see what others with similar skills are charging. This should help you build a price list and better market yourself.
Take every opportunity to freely advertise. User signature fields to link to your website. Trade links with people. Join different painting forums. keep things subtle as most people don't like things shoved down their throats. Let them come to you - just provide them with easy access.
Above all else the most important thing is provide world class customer service. People like to be treated well. Keep them up to date on how you are progressing. Let them know of problems as soon as they arise. Work out solutions with them. Get back to them as soon as you can if they contact you. Remember over deliver and under promise.
Cheers,
-Mike
