When you started thinking of starting a seal coating business you probably began to notice all the guys in trucks with plastic tanks or buckets of sealer in the back.
I'm sure you probably also noticed that there were two groups or classes ofasphalt sealing companies.
The clean crisp professional looking crew or rig, and the "fly-by-night" looking crew or rig.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to generalize or point any fingers.
We all had to start somewhere.
C'mon now, does the image of a sealer splattered plastic tank, sitting in the back of beat up Ford pickup, evoke an image of "a professional asphalt sealer"? No, I don't think so.
But even if t you start that way you have to be determined not to stay in that situation.
There will always be driveway sealers, who don't really care to become "professionals" in the field.
This applies to a lot of business.
It just seems to be glaringly visible in the driveway sealing business.
A great number of these operators, will be able to charge substantially less than you because they don't carry any insurance, they may not be paying for their portion of employees social security and tax deposits.
They operate in the "gray area" and as such will NEVER be your competition.
Why? because I am sure, you, are committed to be a top quality asphalt maintenance contractor.
These "fly-by-nighters" will not be able to bid on many office buildings, apartment complexes, town home communities, etc.
because they do not meet the many requirements of these clients.
Some of them appear very professional and actually take great pride in their work, but there are those who just do not have the experience and know-how and equipment to complete a high quality job.
There are at least three sources for property owners finding a qualified driveway sealing contractor in your area: word-of-mouth references from people that have recently had a similar project done, local yellow pages, and Internet web sites that make referrals.
Informed homeowners will take the time to check references on other projects you have completed.
The best way for a property owner to find a qualified driveway sealing contractor in their area, is from references from people they know.
Satisfied customers bring you more satisfied customers.
A good asphalt maintenance contractor will guarantee his work, so the client have some insurance that the finished product will last.
Develop references from your satisfied customers and you will have an advantage no "fly by nighter" can ever hope to have.
A owner of a commercial property or of an officeor apartment complex will require you to have valid liability insurance, and probably a good reputation and references.
These are the clients who pay for professionalism.
They demand it.
These are the clients who will make it possible for you to earn a $110,000 a year.
Look professional, be professional and your business will flourish.