Are you really good at a specific portion of your industry? Do you want to help other businesses achieve phenomenal results? Then you need to learn how to start a consulting business. Ryan Gromfin was a chef at a 5-star restaurant when the constant stress got to be a bit challenging. He’d recently had a heart attack and his partnership imploded, but a colleague asked him to consult with their restaurant. That’s how Restaurant Boss came to be. We’re going to show you how to start a consulting business with advice on how Ryan went from Googling “What does a consultant do?” to making $420K per year.  You’ll be able to do it too.

What Is a Consulting Business?

You might not be wondering, “What is consulting?” but Ryan had to Google, “What does a consultant do?” when he was offered his first consulting gig. He told us: [su_quote]“I was a Chef. I’d always been a student of Tony Robbins and other consultants, but never had an idea of how I’d do it. When a partnership failed, I got an offer from a colleague to consult, and I said sure. From there, I prepped for the first meeting, did well, and they asked for a bid.”[/su_quote] So, I figured I’d include it for those of you in a similar position. A consulting business gives expert advice to other businesses. Ryan provides consulting services to restaurants, but there are 203 different reports that include the term consulting in the IBIS database pictured below. The majority fall under NAICS code 54: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services in the US. That means there are at least 10 different types of consultants for each industry segment in the NAICS. If you are an expert in something, chances are you can start a consulting business.

Defining Consulting Business Ideas

People often start a consulting business because an opportunity arises. After you successfully complete the first consulting project, take the time to develop a more structured consulting business. During the process, you’ll want to consider:

• Types of consultants
• Different business models
• Industry outlook
• Major players

Good news! We’re going to share some insights with you about consulting businesses, starting with the different types of consultants.

Types of Consulting Businesses

Fortunately, consulting services operate in almost every industry. Some of the most common include:

• IT Consultant: Focuses on improving the use of software and hardware so companies can achieve more profitable business goals. (NAICS code 54151)
• Real Estate Asset Management & Consulting: Helps people and businesses make better decisions involving real estate investments. (NAICS code 53139)
• Business Management Consulting: Advises businesses to better manage company resources including people, money, and supply chains. Typically broken down into smaller segments. (NAICS code 54161)
• Human Resource Consulting: Focuses on advising companies regarding hiring, meeting employment law, payroll management, and navigating the job market. (NAICS code 54161b)
• Marketing Consulting: Focuses on helping people attract clients through marketing campaigns, writing services, social media marketing, and brand consulting.
• Environmental Consulting: Consults on the environmental impact decisions have. These are especially common in the oil & gas industry, as well as in construction near protected habitats. (NAICS code 54162)
• Economic Consultant: Advises business owners on the industry outlook and other micro- or macro-economic issues. (NAICS code 54169)
• Sales Consultant: Helps businesses improve their sales strategy or improve the sales team’s performance.
• Tax Consultant or Financial Consultant: Helps businesses find ways to improve their financial results through accounting practices. Will normally be a Certified Financial Planner.

This is not a definitive list. There are good consultants in almost every industry. There are even gardening consultants that advise people and businesses on what plants will work best in the environment.

Which Business Model Is Best for a Consulting Business?

There are numerous business models consulting businesses use. As you choose a consulting business model, you’ll need to consider how you want to find clients, what your skills are, how many clients you want, and the revenue you want to achieve. Four of the most common consulting models are: [su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

1. Solo Consultant Model
2. Productized Consulting Model
3. Consulting Firm Model
4. Hybrid Consulting Model

[/su_note]

What is a Solo Consultant?

A solo consultant is commonly referred to as an independent business consultant. These consulting companies are focused on personal relationships with clients. It’s how most small consulting businesses will start, including Ryan. He told us: [su_quote]“I was a Chef. I’d always been a student of Tony Robbins and other consultants, but never had an idea of how I’d do it. When a partnership failed, I got an offer from a colleague to consult, and I said sure. From there, I prepped for the first meeting, did well, and they asked for a bid.”[/su_quote] Check out the rest of our interview below.

A solo consultant will normally want their consulting services to be focused on:

1. A small number of clients
2. High-value clients
3. Building personal relationships
4. Clients that need unique solutions

It’s hard to sell these businesses though because they are directly tied to the consultant. You’ll normally want to progress to other types of consulting models as time goes on.

What is a Productized Consulting Model?

A productized consulting model focuses on creating a process that the consulting service can use over and over again to create terrific results. This is common in technology consulting. Ryan also engages in productized consulting to a significant degree. He told us: [su_quote]“Many restaurants have difficulty systemizing their operations. We typically systemize these first:

• Checklist
• Prep sheet
• Recipes
• Build sheet

Then build upon them to help a restaurant start improving margins. We do this because they are easy to understand and can  generate results pretty fast.”[/su_quote] This is basically an evolution of the solo model that makes it more sellable. People who wish to build consulting firms should also use this business model to make their consulting services more consistent across consultants.  Let’s talk about the consulting firm model next.

What is a Consulting Firm Model?

A consulting firm is a natural progression from a productized model. Consulting firms focus on having a team of consultants that can help clients achieve their goals. You might see this consulting business model in major accounting firms, tech companies, and more mature consulting businesses.  These firms will be focused on getting as many potential clients as possible. Because they have other consultants to give expert advice, they are not limited by the constraints of a solo consultant. A business owner who starts a consulting firm will be more focused on managing people than serving clients. Their earnings will be based on how well employees provide results for their clients. 

Have you considered a Hybridized Model?

Most businesses will mix and match the different consulting business models to create a business that works best for them. When you start a consulting business, it makes a lot of sense to include elements of the productized business models to streamline your consulting service.

What Is the Industry Outlook?

The consulting industry has five million businesses that generate a combined $2.4 trillion of revenue in the U.S. IBIS World expects consulting business revenues to grow by 2.5% annually through 2026. The profit margin is expected to stay fairly level at 7.9% of revenue.

Who Are the Major Players in the Consulting Business?

The major players in the consulting industry include:

• Accenture PLC: Market leader in most types of business consulting
• IBM: IT Consulting
• Jacobs Engineering Group: Environmental cleanup and construction
• Omnicom Group: Marketing and PR
• Kirkland & Ellis: Law firm

Small Players: You don’t have to be a multi-billion dollar corporation to make a great living. We’ve interviewed marketing consulting companies and brand consultants. Check out some of the other consultants with whom we have met:

• OnStrategy: $6 million annual revenue Strategy Consultant
• Kristin Cutura: Former Google Employee turned Google Ads Consultant
• Libby Gill: Brand and Leadership

How to Start a Consulting Business

To start a consulting business you’ll want to focus on:

1. Writing a plan for your consulting company
2. Funding your consulting
3. Naming your consulting practice
4. Meeting the legal requirements for a consulting business
5. Market your consulting business
6. Submit client proposals
7. Perform business consultation

We created a checklist for you to build your startup consulting company.

Write a Consulting Business Plan

You don’t absolutely need a business plan, but it helps keep your business on track. If you decide you want to create a business plan, consider including:

• What consulting services you will provide: HR Consultant, Accounting consultant, management consultant, marketing consultant, IT consultant, brand consultant?
• Target market for your consultant business: What size companies will you target? What industry will they be in?
• How most consultants in your industry operate: Do they use affiliate links, provide implementation, or just advise?
• Your Business Model: Will you be solo, productized, firm, or hybrid?
• A Marketing Plan: How will you market your consulting company?
• Other Expenses: What other business expenses do you expect and how will you cover them?

Check out our blog How to Write a Business Plan or watch our interview with Mike Andes below.  [su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Seac5PbUZXk"]

Funding Your Consulting Business

Whether you’re a marketing consultant, human resources, or one of the many other types of management consultants, your consulting business will need funds to keep going. The most common ways of funding a business are through personal funds or loans from family and friends, but there are a variety of other methods available to people with good credit and some assets.  Many people talk about SBA loans, but they frequently require two years in business and that all other options are exhausted. So, you can apply for them, but it would also help to check out our blog about funding options to find 17 ways to fund a business.

How much profit can a successful consultant make?

According to IBIS data, the most profitable of the top five consultants makes a 23% profit margin, which is nearly a $1.9 billion profit on $8 billion revenue. Not too bad! The average consulting business makes $466K and has an 8% profit margin. I would attribute this apparently low percentage to consultants paying themselves a salary, benefits, and tax deductions, like home offices.  If you combine the profit with a wage of $80K to $100K based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that means that a new consulting business can make around $140K. There are a ton of benefits available through starting a Limited Liability Company or S-Corporation that can reduce profit but improve quality of life. Those who are particularly good at operating lean can drive results much higher than the average. In most years, I aim for a 28% percent profit margin.

How much does it cost to start a successful consulting business?

Starting a consulting business can be fairly low in cost. IBIS World found that consultants spend approximately two cents on capital expenses for every $1 spent on wages. That means wages and other expenses should be less than 50% of revenue. This number doesn’t include taxes. Expect to need the following when starting a consultant company: [su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

1. Business Formation: Free to $1,000 annually
2. Internet: $30 to $200 monthly
3. Website, Domain, Hosting: $100 to $25,000+ monthly for lower end or one-time plus upkeep for higher end
4. Computer: $600 to $3,000
5. Software and Other Equipment: $250+ per month
6. Marketing Budget: 8% of the revenue you want to make

[/su_note] Check out our blog about business startup costs to learn more about budgeting during the startup phase. Most of the costs on the list you may already have, which is why starting a consulting business is easy to start without additional funding.

How to start a consulting business with no money?

Like many small business owners, Ryan was successful at starting a consulting business with no experience in consulting. Because his client wanted input from his success as a chef, he didn’t have any expenses before his first business consultancy. You can start your own consulting business this way too. If you want to find potential clients, try platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. We’ll dig into more ways to find consulting jobs, but both of those sites are useful if you want to know how to start a consulting business on the side.

Naming Your Own Consulting Business

Every business will need a name. You’ll want to make sure it is easy to remember and that it describes what you do. In addition, you’ll want to make sure the name is available on social media and as a website domain. Check on GoDaddy, or similar, to make sure your name is available and then purchase your domain. If you are struggling to come up with names, try the UpFlip name generator or the business name generator from Shopify.

Get a domain name

NameCheap offers domains, sometimes for less than a dollar. You can also find domains from any web builder or:

• Google Domains
• HostGator

Get ready to hear about legal requirements for consulting companies.

Meeting the Legal Requirements for Consulting Services

After you’ve come up with your business idea and chosen the name for your management consulting services, it’s a good idea to hire legal representation, which can also help get your business started quickly. Hiring a professional to help you with the legal requirements frees you to focus on strategy and operations. Each state has different permits, licenses, and tax forms to start a new business. You can find information on what is needed on the SBA website. Keep reading for information on different legal structures.

Sole Proprietor

A sole proprietor has unlimited liability, but it is the easiest business structure to create. If your business gets in a lawsuit, your personal assets are at risk. For most types of consulting, I would avoid a sole proprietorship unless you cannot afford the additional costs of an LLC or a corporation. Sole proprietors file taxes with a Schedule C. Sole proprietors can also join the American Independent Business Alliance.

Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

LLCs are common in the United States because of the liability protection. Each state has different requirements to get an LLC. Find your state’s requirements. Many business owners will opt to have their LLC file as an S-Corp with the IRS. To learn more check out our blog LLC vs S-Corp.  Stay with us for additional business structure styles consultants might use.

Partnerships and Corporations

Partnerships and corporations are common in the consulting industry, especially for accounting consultants, lawyers, and other professionals. You’ll want a partnership agreement filed with your state. Many of the largest consulting firms are corporations with stock holders. This helps them access alternative means of fundraising. Executives who want to grow their small businesses into marketing consulting firms or HR consulting empires with thousands of  HR consultants might want to start a corporation. Learn more about the different types of business structures in the industry.

Apply for an EIN

You’ll need to get an employer identification number from the IRS website. The IRS uses this number to match employee taxes to company taxes. We walk you through the process in Step 4 of how to register a business.

Sales Tax Permit

If your state has sales tax (most do), you’ll need to get the sales tax permit or license. Avalara has a guide on Sales Taxes. Check it out.

Tax filing and withholding

You’ll need to file taxes and withhold payroll for employees. The IRS guide for employers provides guidance on payroll. 

Federal employment and labor law posters

You’ll need to get Workplace Posters plus abide by:

• A state’s New Hire Program
• Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Disability Insurance—each state is different

Unemployment Insurance

Review the U.S. Chamber of Commerce information on unemployment to comply with UI laws. Federal UI is $420 per employee plus any state expenses. We’ve covered the legal requirements for consulting businesses. Now, let's look at how to grow your consulting business through marketing.

Grow through Marketing

You can find potential clients through a variety of methods, but every good consultant will use at least some of the ideas in this section to attract small businesses looking for his or her expertise. You may want to partake in all of these as you begin marketing:

• Market research
• Marketing plan
• Launch a website
• Marketing on social media
• Growing your email list
• Tapping into and growing your network

Keep reading for more information on marketing.

Market Research

Market research is about identifying the demand for your consulting services. This includes:

• Defining the industries you want to service
• Identify the size of companies you want to service
• Establishing the best way to reach these companies
• Finding common requirements for the industry you’ll provide services.
• Identifying industry trends
• Recognizing gaps are in the market

Ryan told us market research is about: [su_quote]“Who are their ideal guests? Where do they hang out?”[/su_quote] He also advised business owners to recognize whether they are a commodity or unique entity. He told us: [su_quote]“Your menu is your product.[/su_quote] Products have to be different. If it’s the same as everyone else, you are a commodity and are competing on price. [su_quote]Unique or Commodity? Recognize what you are…”[/su_quote] Check out our blog about market research to learn more about gathering this data.

Create a marketing plan and use it

Marketing plans can be simple or elaborate, but they should be focused on providing your customers something of value. Ryan told us this is basically his marketing plan:

1. Create meaningful content on my YouTube channel.
2. Link to a free resource list or a free book to collect emails.
3. Share new content through emails.
4. Future clients can reach out for advice on their own business efforts.

“Give away the ‘WHY?’ and sell the ‘HOW?' That’s the general rule and I cross it all the time. We give away some of the how. Some people might say too much of the how, but I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through.” In your plan it is important to specify the channels you’ll use, the budget, the expectation, and create a brand guideline to help keep marketing aligned with the brands values, fonts, and colors. Ryan also advised if you really want to stand out, “Follow the influencers in your industry and do more of that.” He also reminds business owners not to forget loyalty programs. In consulting, a loyalty program can be anything from a discount after spending a certain amount to a plaque for being a preferred client––something to let them know that you appreciate them. You may want to include marketing options like the following:

• Social media marketing
• Business writing (Blogs and White Papers)
• Paid ads
• Working with editorial services
• Hiring a Public Relations Consultant

Ryan told us the restaurant industry doesn’t have much success with print except for delivery services. [su_quote]“Door hangers are still highly beneficial and trackable.” [/su_quote] This might not apply to your business, but you have to love free tips for client projects. If you’re in service business consulting, make sure to suggest door hangers too. Check out our blog about how to get cleaning clients with advice from the owner of Queen Bee Cleaning Services.  Chris has some advice and techniques that could help most industries. He’s been a keynote speaker. You can learn a bit about some improvements that he’s made in our video below. [su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Iip7BHXwg"]

Build a website

Every consulting business needs a website. You should review competitor websites and then hire a brand consultant with a developer on staff to help build your website. Make sure they have a marketing consultant with SEO credentials to help you rank faster. If you want to try building your own website as an independent consultant, check out our blog about how to build a webpage.

Marketing with Social Media

With consulting, you might have to get a little creative with how you target small businesses. Many small business owners are on LinkedIn, but is that where they are spending most of their time? As a B2B consultant, you’ll want to be where you can find people who need your help, which will typically be on the sites where their customers are. Sprout Social has a great blog about time spent on social media by channel and demographics.

Grow Your Email List

Email lists are some of the most powerful marketing tools to reach potential clients. You can use them to remind people about changes in the industry, promotions, and other information that can help your customers. I’d suggest following MailChimp’s blog to develop your mailing list.

Tap into Your Network

Networking is an essential part of every consulting agency. The more people you know, the more potential clients you will come across. Make sure to be focused on giving them value. You’ll probably always want to have business cards available to hand out in unexpected places throughout your day. Make sure to keep them in a case to keep them in good condition.

Running Your Consulting Business

Running a business in the consulting field may require: [su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

• Hiring employees and payroll
• Submitting client proposals
• Helping customers
• Accounting
• Payroll

[/su_note]

Hiring Employees and Payroll

Ryan discussed hiring in some detail. He had some great words of wisdom. [su_quote]“A great coach is strict, but you can never be mean to your team. If you aren’t getting the results you want, try being nicer but not more lenient.”[/su_quote] Most importantly he emphasized: [su_quote]“Manage systems, and develop people. People don’t want to be managed. People want to grow; they want to get better.”[/su_quote]  A good consultant will probably need some employees. If you hire, you’ll need to:

• Post job openings
• Conduct interviews
• Decide fair pay
• Manage tax filings and withholdings
• Obey labor laws

Follow along for more information on each step.

Job Posting 

A good consultant will probably want to hire people and agencies to assist with client projects on a project-by-project basis. This means businesses in the consulting field should find employees on sites like:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• LinkedIn

Interviews

During interviews, you’ll want to ask about:

1. Examples of previous work: Understand that many will be protected under a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Be willing to accept reviews.
2. Availability: Most professionals will be remote. If you want someone who is available between specific hours specify that in the job post.
3. Experience with software: You need people who know how to use the tools you use.
4. Employee values: Every company values specific traits that vary. One might be focused on growth, while another is focused on cost cutting. It doesn’t help to put people who are focused on growth in a company trying to cut costs, they won’t fit.

Ryan told us: [su_quote]“They have to want to be social. You can train the rest. Look for people who want to have fun doing it, then teach them.”[/su_quote]

Compensation

Clients pay consultants based on the project or for an ongoing service. If you are paid by the project, you’ll need to make sure that you can pay people working for you. I normally require a retainer for 20% plus any expected costs for new clients. Most consultants make between $80K to $100K for full-time work. But there are different ways to compensate for consulting in business.  Ryan told us: [su_quote]“The team has to be built and maintained. Figure out the rewards for employees. It doesn’t have to be all monetary.”[/su_quote]

Salary

Salary means they get paid the same amount no matter how much they work. Only full-time people who have not engaged in mission-critical aspects of the business really qualify for salary. Paying someone a salary can expose you to overtime liabilities if they are misclassified. Consulting salaries typically run between $80K and $100K.

Hourly

Hourly contracts make the most sense for many consultants. To convert from a salary to hourly, use the formula: Salary / (2080) = Hourly

Fixed Price or Commission

Many freelance consultants will charge a fixed price based on the project. This model is also used if a consultant uses affiliate marketing programs to increase their revenue.  The fixed price model works when it converts to a comparable or higher rate than the billable hour. To make sure you know whether you are billing correctly, you’ll probably want some kind of a time tracker. There are a variety of types based on your needs.  I’ve personally used the following, and they are listed in the order I prefer them:

1. Screenshot Monitor: Captures screenshots, time tracking, plus manual entry
2. Upwork time tracker: Only for billing on Upwork
3. ClickUp time tracker: Built into ClickUp features (I don’t love it.)

There are plenty of other options, including HR outsourcing companies (Check this out if you are going into human resources consulting. Make sure to join their affiliate programs.) and other software providers.

Submit Client Proposals

One of the most important aspects of how to be a consultant is submitting proposals. You’ll want to have the following ready to create proposals:

1. A questionnaire to establish what challenges new clients are experiencing.
2. A proposal that outlines what you will and will not be doing in the process.
3. Contract templates that should be filled out and sent with the proposal.
4. Invoicing and payment system for current and new clients to pay for their consulting.

There are plenty of tools that you can use to accomplish all of these, but we suggest Monday.com.

How to Retain Customers for Your Consulting Business

“Reputation! Reputation! Reputation!” Keeping customers happy is about providing a service that improves their bottom line. That means, with everything you do, you need to consider how it’s going to make their business more profitable. In human resources consulting there are always ways to improve retention rates, lower the cost of recruiting, and other aspects that industries hire consultants to help develop. Meanwhile, a consultant in supply chain management might create a career consulting businesses on:

• Reducing inventory
• Reducing transportation costs
• Sourcing locally

There are a ton of other ways where you can build a career in consulting, but you have to generate results to keep booking clients. Find a far more successful consultant and learn from them. Most of the best consultants will be at industry events or have massive followings. Check out some of the top influencers next.

Top Consulting Influencers

There are a ton of amazing consultants, but here are some of the best:

• Gary Vaynerchuk takes risks and shows new ways to market a business. He is a one to follow!
• Tony Robbins has helped ShakeShack, Airbnb, Salesforce, Serena Williams, and Aerosmith improve their brands.
• McKinsey & Co is considered the most prestigious consulting company by consultants.

Closing

Ryan gave a lot of great input about how to start a consulting business. You just have to decide what your expertise is and go from there. If you’d like to learn how to start a marketing consulting business, check out our podcasts, youtube, and our blog about Socialistics.  What kind of consulting business would you like to start?

When you start a pressure washing business, you need the best mobile pressure washer trailer setup you can afford.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what you need. We provide the ultimate guide to buying or building a commercial pressure washer setup. We talked to the team at Brown’s Pressure Washing business to find out what equipment they use for their pressure washer setup.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

• What is a pressure washer trailer?
  
• What are the benefits of pressure washer trailer systems?
  
  • Increase mobility
    
  • Organize better
    
  • Protect equipment
    
  • Project a professional image
    
  • Improve workflows
    
  • Scale easier
    
• Benefits of a pressure washer truck setup
  
• Best pressure washer trailer setup for under $25K
  
  • Skid frame
    
  • Pressure washers
    
  • Hoses and reels
    
  • Power source
  • Water tank
    
  • Chemical tank
    
  • Reclaim tank
    
  • Accessories and customization
    
  • Controls and safety features
    
• Get your own pressure washer trailer
  
  • Buy a mobile pressure washing trailer
    
  • Build a homemade pressure washer trailer setup
    
• What trailer setup will you get?[/su_note]

What is a pressure washer trailer?

Pressure washer trailers are single or dual-axle trailers that include:

1. A self-contained gas, electric, or diesel-powered hot or cold water pressure washer
2. Hose reels
3. Water tanks

You can add chrome fittings and other accessories to improve your workflow and make your job easier. You might also add a recovery system to your mobile wash trailer. The reclamation allows you to recover dirty water from pressure washing and safely dispose of or reuse the water.

Pro Tip: This allows you to comply with most municipal and environmental regulations that govern wash-water runoff, which is an essential part of running a successful power washing business.

Pressure washer trailers must meet requirements outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and may be certified by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM).

What are the benefits of pressure washer trailer systems?

Investing in a mobile pressure washing trailer for your pressure washing rig can offer several advantages and benefits. Here are some reasons why it might be a worthwhile investment:

1. Increase mobility
2. Organize better
3. Protect equipment
4. Project a professional image
5. Improve workflows
6. Scale easier

Let’s look at how a pressure washer trailer achieves each of these objectives.

Increase mobility

A pressure washing trailer setup provides the ability to transport your pressure washing equipment easily and efficiently. You can connect to a vehicle and take your pressure wash rig to multiple job sites or locations without disconnecting and reassembling the equipment each time.

You’ll save time, money, and effort, especially when you have multiple projects or sites daily.

Organize better

A pressure washer trailer provides dedicated space for your pressure washing equipment, accessories, and tools. You’ll benefit from having everything in one place so you’ll know exactly where to look for what you need.

You can customize the trailer with racks, shelves, and compartments to optimize storage and know your trailer-mounted equipment is secure during transportation.

Protect equipment

A commercial pressure washer trailer often provides secure weatherproof storage for your pressure washing equipment. Power washing trailers protect your investments from rain, snow, and UV exposure. You’ll reduce deterioration and damage, plus the power washing trailer locks deter theft of equipment.

Project a professional image

A dedicated trailer for your pressure washing rig enhances how your customers view you. It conveys a more professional and organized appearance. Clients may perceive you as more reliable and serious about your work, which can improve trust, customer satisfaction, and value perception compared to other pressure washers.

Improve workflows

Optimize your business workflows and increase efficiency with a well-designed trailer. Customize your pressure washer trailer with features like water tanks, hose reels, and equipment mounting options to streamline your operations.

You’ll have easier access to water sources, more efficient hose management, and quicker setup and teardown. Each of these reduces downtime and improves productivity so you can take more jobs each day.

Scale easier

Investing in a pressure washer trailer provides flexibility for future growth and tool expansion. As your pressure washing business grows, you can easily add more equipment or upgrade your rig without worrying about storage limitations or constraints.

A power washing trailer offers the capacity and versatility to accommodate additional equipment or accessories as demand for your services increases.

It’s important to carefully assess your specific business needs, budget, and operational requirements before buying a trailer for your pressure washing rig.

Pro Tip: Measure the dimensions and weight of your machine, fuel tanks, and large water tank before choosing a pressure washer trailer.

You’ll also need to gather additional information about the capacity of the trailer, towing capacity of your vehicle, and any local regulations or permits that pertain to towing a powerwash trailer.

Next, let’s look at why Brown’s prefers a truck bed pressure washer setup.

Benefits of a pressure washer truck setup

Pressure washing trucks like the one pictured above can be a great alternative to pulling pressure washing trailers around behind your vehicles. A pressure wash truck setup serves all the same benefits as a washer trailer and has some additional advantages. You might prefer a pressure washing truck set up for these reasons:

1. More compact: Trailers can add an additional 10 to 20 feet to a vehicle, which makes it difficult to travel in congested cities. A power washing truck requires less space.
2. Less maintenance: You won’t have to replace wheels on a trailer if you get a skid for a truck, though you’ll still have to maintain your power washing trucks.
3. Less storage space: A power washer truck will fit in a single parking space, while a power washer trailer will need its own space. That means you’ll need only half the parking.

A mobile pressure washing company will probably want to consider the pros and cons of each, but the team at Brown’s considers a truck pressure washer rig better than a power washer trailer.

Want to learn more about pressure washing?

Brown's Pressure Washing share their tips and strategies about how they've reached their success in out article on starting a pressure washing business. Learn more here.

Next, let’s look at what to include in a pressure washer trailer system.

Best pressure washer trailer setup for under $25K

Brown’s Pressure Washing uses a pressure washing truck setup that includes:

• 8’ Skid
• 8 GPM @ 3500 PSI Honda Gx690 pressure washer
• 18-gallon fuel tank
• 200-gallon water tank
• 100-gallon chemical tank
• 7-gallon soap tank
• Interstate deep cycle marine battery
• 3-18” electric hose reels
• 7 GPM 12v chemical pump with metering system
• 250’ water house
• 200’ pressure hose
• 200’ chemical hose
• 20” surface cleaner
• Remotes to operate equipment
• Toolbox

Josiah Le Beau, the Operations Manager at Brown’s Pressure Washing, told us:

[su_quote]We also add some additional technology that helps us operate our equipment through remotes which increase efficiency and an overall better cleaning for the homeowner! Everything all together cost around $23,000.[/su_quote]

Check out their custom pressure washer setup for trucks in the interview below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDVizUeYuIU

Next, we discuss the elements you’ll want to include in your pressure washing rigs.

Skid frame

The skid frame is a sturdy and durable platform made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. It is where you mount the pressure washer components and accessories.

The skid frame design can easily be put in a truck bed or trailer for easy transportation and stability. If you have a big multi-day job you can even take it out and leave it on the job site. You can buy skids online but the closest option to Brown’s current pressure washer setup with add-ons is the Alumimax Pro Pressure Wash Skid.

Pressure washers

Brown’s Pressure Washing recommends the 8 GPM, 3500 PSI Honda Gx690 Pressure Washer. This gas machine is the heart of their custom rig.

You might choose an electric-powered unit instead of a gas-powered washer depending on your preferences and needs. You’ll connect the pressure washer securely to the skid frame, often with vibration-dampening mounts to reduce noise and enhance its operational stability.

Learn about some of the best pressure washers for each type of cleaning job.

Hoses and reels

You’ll need hoses for the pressure washer to be truck or trailer-mounted. Brown’s uses three color-coded hoses on electric reels. The hoses are:

• 250’ Water hose ($299)
• 200’ Pressure hose ($259)
• 200’ Chemical hose($259)

You’ll want each hose to be rated to handle a minimum of 3500 PSI (or whatever your pressure washer is rated) so that you can utilize the power washers full force on bigger jobs. Brown’s color codes their hoses and uses Kings hose reels.

You’ll notice that they have both hand crank and electrical options in the picture above.

Power source

Your power source will consist of an electrical battery or a fuel tank. If you use any electrical components with a trailer-mounted gas washer, you may need both.

Fuel tank (gas-powered only)

Your mobile power washer trailer will need fuel for the engine. Brown’s uses an 18-gallon fuel tank like the one in the picture below. We have provided one that appears to have similar features in our Amazon shop.

Battery (solar optional)

You’ll need a battery to power electric pressure washers and any other electrical equipment. Brown’s uses an Interstate deep cycle marine battery.

You’ll probably want a way to charge it, too. There are a variety of ways to charge batteries including solar, alternators, or heat reclamation turbines.

Water tank

Custom pressure washer rigs often incorporate a self-contained water tank instead of connecting a hose to the water supply at the job site. The tank is securely fastened to the skid frame and may include features like baffles for stability during transport.

The team at Brown’s suggested getting a 200-gallon-capacity tank to meet the needs of most applications, including residential, business, and small industrial jobs.

Chemical tank

You will also want a separate tank for the chemicals in your pressure washer setup. Brown’s suggests a 100-gallon chemical tank because companies will use two parts water to one part chemicals.

Reclaim tank

The pressure washing industry uses a lot of water. Brown’s 8 GPM setup uses as much water in 45 minutes as the average U.S. household uses in a whole day.

Reclaiming water may be required in your area, but even if it isn’t, it may reduce your long-term costs because you can filter it and reuse it.

Accessories and customization

Custom rigs on skids can be customized to include various accessories based on specific requirements. These may include surface cleaners, extension wands, nozzles, spray guns, and chemical injection systems. The accessories can be mounted on the skid frame or stored in dedicated compartments for easy access and organization.

Controls and safety features

Custom rigs on skids typically include controls and safety features for convenient and safe operation. This may include pressure control valves, thermal protection, safety switches, and pressure gauges. These components ensure optimal performance, protection against overheating, and safe use of the pressure washer system.

Custom pressure washer rigs built on skids offer flexibility, portability, and efficient organization of equipment. They are commonly used in various industries such as construction, property maintenance, agriculture, and fleet cleaning, where a self-contained and transportable pressure washing system is beneficial. The customization options allow for tailoring the rig to specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and productivity on the job.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

Take UpFlip & Brown's Pressure Washing Course

Learn everything you know about starting a pressure washing business from the amazing team at Brown's Pressure Washing. Explore this FREE masterclass to get a glimpse of what's awaiting you inside.

[/su_note]

Get your own pressure washer trailer

You have two options to get your first pressure washing trailer:

1. Buy a fully assembled pressure washer trailer.
2. Buy the components and build a pressure washer trailer.

Josiah told us:

[su_quote]I recommend that you start with a skid build-out for your pressure washing business. You can easily haul it in the bed of your truck, or if you don’t have a truck, you can haul it on a trailer until you get a truck that will fit it.[/su_quote]

Buy a mobile pressure washing trailer

When you first start a pressure washing business, you’ll probably want to buy a commercial pressure washing setup so you can start cleaning quicker.

You can find trailers and truck systems by searching terms like:

• Power wash trailer for sale
• Soft wash systems for sale
• Power wash trailers
• Soft washing trailer
• Pressure washer for trucks

Places to buy pressure washer setups

Southeast Trailer: This company offers options for a pressure washer setup. Businesses have options ranging from $1,399 to nearly $50K.

Northern Tool: Consider pressure washing setups ranging from $300 to $20K+. You can choose from softwash systems for sale, power wash trailer setups (hot water), commercial pressure washing trailer (cold) setups, and more.

Build a homemade pressure washer trailer setup

Once you develop expertise in your mobile cleaning business, it may be worth it to spend extra money on a custom wash trailer. You’ll save money by buying each piece of equipment separately, but you’ll have to perform the installation work or pay someone else to do it.

This route will require:

1. Gather all your equipment.
2. Build a complete skid.
3. Secure equipment to the skid.
4. Secure the skid to the power wash truck or softwash trailer.

What you’re saving in costs, you’ll be spending in sweat equity. Based on this setup, which is comparable to Josiah’s, it appears you can buy a similar model truck power wash unit for about $7K more than it would cost to build it yourself.

While it may be cheaper, you should decide whether the $7K is worth the time it will take to build out your rig or whether it’s better to buy a truck or trailer on the open market

What trailer setup will you get?

There are tons of options to expand your pressure washing business and improve efficiency. Making all these decision can be hard. Simplify your decision making with our Pressure Washing Class.

Will you choose a homemade trailer setup or a pre-built one? What quality and features are most important to your business?

Considering a vending machine franchise? You need to know the most lucrative program for your target market plus inside info on franchise fees and more.

We talked to Adam Hill, who started his own company, Hill Vending, which makes nearly $1M in revenue per year. He shared information on how to buy a vending business for sale. We also researched the vending machine franchise cost for some of the most popular vending machines and share all the info here.

We teach you how to pick the perfect vending franchise (and avoid scams!) so you can start making passive income ASAP.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

We’ll help you understand each of the following topics. Read it all or click a link to jump to the info that interests you most.

• What is a vending machine franchise?
• Vending Machine Industry Outlook (2023)
• Benefits of buying a vending machine business
• What are the best vending machine franchises for small business owners?
• Healthy Vending Industry
• Snack Vending Franchises
• Water and Ice Vending Machine Franchise Opportunities
• Coffee Vending Machine Franchise
• Unique Vending Franchises
• How to choose the best vending machine franchise opportunities
• Vending Machine Franchise FAQ
• Did you find a vending machine franchise for sale?[/su_note]

What is a vending machine franchise?

A vending machine franchise requires minimal investment and staff, but owning and operating a vending machine business can be perfect for entrepreneurs who want their own business that generates passive income.

A vending machine franchise comes complete with

• Standardized operating procedures that inform how you should dispense items like food, drinks, and other consumer goods
• Machines
• And potentially even locations

Watch our interview with Adam to learn about starting a vending business.

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_Y-O1nosw"]

Pro Tip: Check out the vending machine business course to learn how Adam launched a nearly $1 million vending business.

Vending Machine Industry Outlook (2023)

Adam told us:

[su_quote]I aim for $2,000+ per month from each location.[/su_quote]

As a vending machine industry business, expect 30% of your revenue to go toward wages and profits. The other 70% will go to product costs and taxes.

The more machines you own and how close they are will impact your profit margins (closer machines mean routes that are more efficient).

Next, we’ll discuss why vending machine franchise opportunities are a great strategy to use to increase your business success.

Benefits of buying a vending machine business

Buying a vending machine franchise opportunity is a great option for a small business owner looking for new business opportunities. The benefits of opening a vending machine franchise include:

• Proven Business Model: Vending machine franchises come with a well-established and tested business model, reducing the risk associated with starting a business from scratch.
• Brand Recognition: Joining a reputable franchise offers the benefit of leveraging an established brand name and logo, which can attract customers and build trust.
• Training and Support: Franchise owners often receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from the franchisor, helping them navigate challenges and operate the business successfully.
• Access to Products: Franchises often have negotiated deals with suppliers, granting franchisees access to a wide range of products at competitive prices.
• Economies of Scale: Being part of a franchise network allows franchisees to benefit from economies of scale, which can lead to reduced costs for equipment, supplies, and advertising.
• Marketing Assistance: Franchisors usually provide marketing and advertising support at both the national and local levels, aiding in attracting customers and increasing sales.
• Streamlined Operations: Franchises typically provide standardized operating procedures, simplifying business management and ensuring consistency across locations.
• Minimal Experience Required: Vending machine franchises are suitable for individuals with varying levels of business experience, making entrepreneurship accessible to a wider range of people.
• Flexibility: Running a vending machine business can offer flexibility in terms of working hours and location, allowing franchisees to adapt their schedule to their personal preferences.
• Potential for Passive Income: Once set up, vending machines can generate income with limited direct involvement, making it an option for those seeking supplementary or passive income streams.
• Diverse Locations: Vending machines can be placed in various locations, including offices, schools, hospitals, and public spaces, diversifying potential customer bases.
• Low Workforce Requirements: Operating vending machines typically requires minimal staffing, reducing labor-related costs and complexities.
• Scalability: As the business grows, franchisees can expand their vending machine network to increase revenue and market reach.

It's important to conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing in any franchise opportunity to ensure it aligns with your goals, skills, and financial capacity. This guide will help you get started.

🚨 Warning About Vending Systems 🚨

While doing research about vending machine franchises, I came across numerous franchise opportunities whose validity I couldn’t confirm. Unfortunately, the vending industry is ripe with scams.

Make sure to do thorough research on any vending business before contacting them. Some red flags include:

• Not including the company name on franchise listing sites
• Lack of a legitimate website
• Email address using any free email account

What are the best vending machine franchises for small business owners?

A vending machine business is a low-cost franchise with flexible hours. Find some of the best vending machine franchise opportunities.

Healthy Vending Industry

If you want to enter the healthy vending concept, consider a healthy vending machine franchise from the list below:

1. Healthier4U Vending
2. HealthyYOU Vending
3. Naturals2Go
4. Power Locker

Get ready to start a successful healthy vending business and help health-conscious consumers snack better.

Healthier4U Vending

• Founded in: 2011
• Franchising since: 2011
• Franchise units: 3,000
• Initial investment: $30K-$160K
• Franchise Fee: None
• Royalty Fees: None

Healthier4U Vending was started to provide healthy food in vending machines. You can get into vending machine routes with approximately $50K. Learn more about how to buy a vending machine route from Healthier4U.

HealthyYOU Vending

• Founded in: 1999
• Franchising since: 1999
• Franchise units: 1,800
• Initial investment: $50K-$225K
• Franchise Fee: None
• Royalty Fees: None

HealthyYOU Vending has helped more than 1,000 franchises vend healthy food and medicines in offices, gyms, and hotels. You can add a wellness (medicine) vending machine to the unit to expand your offerings in a HealthyYOU Vending machine.

Franchisees will get onboarding training, coaching, and a support center to help them make a great profit on the difference between wholesale and retail prices.

Naturals2Go

• Founded in: 1986
• Franchising since: 1987
• Franchises: 10,000
• Initial investment: $50K-$250K
• Franchise Fee: $26K
• Royalty Fees: None

Naturals2Go has been a successful vending machine company since 1987. The company helps you find places for high-tech vending machines serving healthy snacks and drinks.

Power Locker

• Founded in: 2020
• Franchising since: 2020
• Franchise units: Undisclosed
• Initial investment: $30K to $150K
• Franchise Fee: None
• Royalty Fees: None

Power Locker focuses on serving convenient healthy foods through their healthy vending machines. They partner with unique drink and snack brands to deliver healthy food to busy people on the go.

Snack Vending Franchises

These vending opportunities focus on providing snacks consumers are familiar with and will get excited about.

Reis & Irvy’s

• Founded in: 1988
• Franchising since: 1988
• Franchise units: 5,000
• Initial investment: $160,950 to $593,900
• Franchise Fee: $15,000 to $60,000
• Royalty Fees: 12%

Reis & Irvy’s offers a robotic frozen yogurt vending machine opportunity. For a franchise fee of $15,000 to $60,000 and a royalty fee of 12%, you can become a part of this rapidly growing industry.

The total investment for a Reis & Irvy’s franchise is $160,950 to $593,900. Some of the key requirements for this franchise opportunity include a net worth of at least $250,000 and liquid assets of $120,000.

UTurn

• Founded in: 1987
• Franchising since: 1987
• Franchise units: Undisclosed
• Initial investment: $20,000
• Franchise Fee: $20,000
• Royalty Fees: N/A

UTurn helps people start and grow their own snack vending businesses. They walk you through the entire process, starting with in-­person training, providing a business plan, and helping you find the best locations.

Water and Ice Vending Machine Franchise Opportunities

The growing ice vending niche has the potential to make real money, but the costs to start are higher than many of the other companies on this list. That said, if you want to vend water or ice, check out:

1. Twice the Ice
2. Ice House America (IceBorn)
3. Pure Water Technology
4. Watermill Express
5. Water Station Technology

Twice the Ice

• Founded in: 2003
• Franchising since: 2003
• Franchises: 3,300
• Initial investment: $60K to $145K
• Franchise Fee: $26K
• Royalty Fees: None

The Twice the Ice opportunity is a great investment for those interested in starting their own ice and water vending enterprise. Your total investment will range from $60,000 to $135,000+, depending on the type of machine you purchase.

Ice House America (IceBorn)

• Founded in: 2003
• Franchising since: 2012
• Franchise units: 4,000
• Initial investment: $111,550-$242,845
• Franchise Fee: $7,000
• Royalty Fees: 6%

Provide water and ice vending through Ice House America. Their machines run 24/7 without employees. Get unlimited earning potential when you buy a vending machine business through Ice House.

Pure Water Technology

• Founded in: 1996
• Franchising since: 2014
• Franchise units: 500
• Initial investment: $50K-$100K
• Franchise Fee: $2,500
• Royalty Fees: None

Pure Water Technology was founded in 1996 because of a concern about deteriorating drinking water quality. Today it has more than 500 franchise units.

Watermill Express

• Founded in: 1984
• Franchising since: 1994
• Franchise units: 1,301
• Initial investment: $460K
• Franchise Fee: $25K
• Royalty Fees: Up to 7%

Lani and Don Dolifka started Watermill Express because they lived near a Superfund that had unsafe drinking water. They created a purification system and encouraged reusable containers to help stay environmentally friendly.

Now, there are over 1,300 locations. All you need is a plot of land to get started.

Water Station Technology

• Founded in: 2010
• Franchising since: 2010
• Franchise units: 500
• Initial investment: $25K-$400K
• Franchise Fee: $25K
• Royalty Fees: Up to 7%

Water Station Technology focuses on providing tech to make water vending more efficient. Join the most innovative company in water vending.

Coffee Vending Machine Franchise

Xpresso Delight

• Founded in: 2003
• Franchising since: 2004
• Franchise units: 180
• Initial investment: $$67,900-$115,000
• Franchise Fee: $37,500
• Royalty Fees: $0.11-$0.15 per cup

Xpresso Delight was started in 2004 to provide coffee vending in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. These vending solutions target office break rooms and charge businesses based on per-cup pricing. Learn more about the Xpresso Delight franchising.

Unique Vending Franchises

These vending machine franchises span industries from healthcare to clothes bins and CBD.

Pharmabox

• Founded in: 2014
• Franchising since: 2018
• Franchise units: 47
• Initial investment: $195,700-$216,800
• Franchise Fee: $36K
• Royalty Fees: 6%

The automated pharmacy, Pharmabox carries 140 of the top-selling over-the-counter (OTC) medications. They help with securing a vending machine location and even provide the products to you at wholesale pricing.

You’ll get access to:

• Allergy and cold medicines
• Batteries
• Cleansers
• Contraceptives
• Digestive and stomach medications
• Facial products
• Hair care
• Male and female health products
• Moisturizers
• Pediatric medication
• Soap
• Suntan lotion
• Vitamins

The vending machine routes for sale are on the pricier side of vending machine franchises, but any retail store or pharmacy that doesn’t have one outside needs a Pharmabox franchise.

Clothes Bin

• Founded in: 2014
• Franchising since: 2015
• Franchise units: 38
• Initial investment: $129K-$186K
• Franchise Fee: $40,000
• Royalty Fees: $6 per bin, per week

Clothes Bin franchises place clothing bins on site that encourage people to recycle their clothing. When the bin is full, you pick it up and ship it to their sorters, who sell the clothes or repurpose them. Learn more about Clothes Bin.

ATM Together

• Founded in: 2021
• Franchising since: 2021
• Franchise units: 2,600
• Initial investment: $6.5K-$10K
• Franchise Fee: N/A
• Royalty Fees: Not Disclosed

ATM Together is an ATM automation service that helps people find profitable locations, provides cash and Bitcoin ATMs, and connects you with the vendors you need for ATMs. Check out our blog and interview with the owner below.

Other ATM franchises to consider include:

• ATM Trailer
• ACFN, the ATM Franchise Business

CBD Vending

• Founded in: 2014
• Franchising since: 2014
• Franchise units: Undisclosed
• Initial investment: $55K
• Franchise Fee: $55K
• Royalty Fees: Undisclosed

CBD is a chemical extracted from cannabis that helps with anxiety, pain relief, sleep, stress, and other ailments. CBD Vending claims franchises make up to $50K profit annually in residual income.

How to choose the best vending machine franchise opportunities

Before you go into business with any vending machine franchise opportunity, you’ll want to verify:

1. Franchisor reputation
2. Business model
3. Startup costs
4. Business locations

Franchisor reputation

Check reviews, talk to other franchisees, and make sure the vending machine franchise has a good reputation. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on vending machine locations for sale just to find out there’s no traffic at the location.

Business model

Franchising is a great business model, but the processes set forth by the franchisor impact franchisee success. Ask for average earning documentation and franchisee satisfaction statistics. Any reputable franchise should have these in their franchise disclosure documents. Learn how to buy a franchise.

Startup costs

A successful vending machine business will normally make enough that every machine can buy another machine each year. If the franchise model is expensive enough that you can’t buy at least another franchise vending machine annually, you’ll have a hard time maximizing profits.

Good location

The vending machine’s location will impact your success. Look for a location with high visibility and good foot traffic. Learn how to place a vending machine.

Vending Machine Franchise FAQ

How much does it cost to open a vending machine franchise?

Opening a franchise will cost different amounts based on the franchisor you choose and your location. Some franchises require an investment of only $7K, while others may cost more than $250K. Ask the franchisor about royalty fees and advertising expenses to accurately estimate your startup costs and potential profits.

Is a vending machine franchise profitable?

When you buy a vending machine franchise, you should be looking for ones that return your investment capital in a year. Adam Hill told us that you should make at least 50 cents profit on each item sold and that he aims to make at least $2,000 monthly from each vending machine.

How to start a vending machine business

You should follow the steps below to start a vending company:

1. Understand the vending industry
2. Research vending machine prices
3. Write a vending machine business plan
4. Form your vending machine business
5. Buy a vending machine
6. Get products for your vending machine
7. Find a location for your vending machine
8. Store additional products for the vending machines business
9. Maintain your vending machine
10. Collect money and refill vending machines

Check out our vending machine business course for more information.

How much does a vending machine cost?

You can buy vending machines for between $50 and $20,000 depending on the type of vending machine, technology integration, and condition of the machine.

When you want to find a vending machine route for sale, you’ll normally pay more because the vending machine business for sale already has revenue, which makes it more valuable.

How much does it cost to start a vending machine business?

To start a vending machine business, you should expect to pay at least $3,000, which includes:

• The cost of the machines
• Business formation
• Business licenses
• Products
• Transportation costs
• Accounting software

The more machines you buy, the more you should expect to spend. Depending on your business goals and the business opportunity, you may spend up to $250K when buying vending machine routes.

Did you find a vending machine franchise for sale?

We’ve covered where to buy vending machine franchise options. You should consider whether a vending machine franchise for sale seems legit. Scams are increasing along with people’s growing awareness of passive income and ability to control their own schedules.

Despite the hustlers trying to pull one over on people, vending machines can be a profitable source of passive income.

What vending machine business interests you?