How To Start A Blind Installation Business

 

Looking to use your practical skills and your creative flair? Starting your own Blind Installation business could just be the flexible, high profit business for you! 

 

1. Pros and Cons
2. Qualifications
3. How much can I earn?
4. How much does it cost to start a blind installation business?
5. Business Structure and registering your business
6. Making a business plan
7. Do your research
8. Branding and how to market your business
9. More red tape
10. Conclusion

 

Providing customers with beautiful, unique products and offering them the convenience of having their windows dressed professionally is never going to go out of style. 

Revenue in the curtains & blinds market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, primarily driven by the country’s growing demand for new housing. The rise of the Smart Home is unstoppable with technology and products becoming cheaper every year, this ties in perfectly with you starting up your own blind installation business. 

Currently in the UK there are only a few major distributors who can be very pricey, this is why an organised startup, like yourself, can compete and make a profit quickly.

• Potential Annual Revenue: £25-45,000 
• Startup Cost: £1,000-2,500
• Time To Revenue: 2-3+ months 
• Annual Market Growth Rate:     %
• Best for: Self motivated, meticulous and creative entrepreneurs

 

Blind installation goes beyond aesthetics, it’s about enhancing the comfort and privacy of a space, making your customers feel happy in their surroundings. But it takes more than just enthusiasm to get started – you need some practical steps and more than just Blind Faith!! 

 

This business can be profitable to those with a great skill set and willingness to be flexible, reliable and make customers feel comfortable about you entering their homes. 

 

 

Like all jobs there are Pros and Cons. Here are a few to consider – 

4 Great reasons to start a made-to-measure and install Blind Business

1. Growing Market Demand: There is a consistent demand as homeowners and businesses continually seek ways to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their properties.
2. Creative Expression: You have the opportunity to express your creativity by helping clients choose blinds that complement their interior design style.
3. Flexible Business Model: You can tailor your business to your preferences, whether that’s focusing on residential installations, commercial projects or specialising in specific types of blinds. The flexibility allows you to shape the business according to your expertise and interests.
4. Low Entry Barriers: With the right skills, tools and a solid business plan, you can get started without significant upfront costs.

 

4 common challenges when starting a made-to-measure and install Blind Business

1. Competition: The market can be competitive, especially in highly populated areas.
2. Supplier Relations: Establishing reliable relationships with blind manufacturers and suppliers is essential for a steady and high quality supply of products.
3. Technology Integration: Keeping up with advancements in technology, especially if you plan to offer motorised or smart blinds, can be challenging.
4. Economic Factors: Economic fluctuations can impact the demand for home improvement services, including blind installations.

 

Qualifications

You do not need any formal qualifications to start up your blind installation business. However, excellent DIY skills and an attention to detail is definitely required. 

A decent understanding of construction and experience in using power tools will be beneficial, ensuring that the design, fixtures and fitting are appropriate and safe.

Top up your knowledge with a Carpentry and Joinery qualification or an Interior Design short course. Many colleges offer vocational courses, BTEC or City and Guilds training. 

Courses run by the National Design Academy (NDA) online are excellent for those with a creative flair and would like to offer interior design advice to their customers. 

Formal training is obviously going to be preferential, showing you are competent in up to date techniques and interior design trends. This will naturally increase customer confidence. Contact your local council or colleges for details.

Some computer aided design (CAD) knowledge would be preferential to showcase your proposed ideas and quotes to your clients. 

Even if you have previously worked for a blind installation company and are now branching out on your own, on-going training is beneficial. Attend trade shows, workshops and training sessions to familiarise yourself with the latest technologies. You can then approach and collaborate with suppliers who can provide cutting edge products.

Obviously excellent communication and customer service skills are paramount.

 

How much can I earn?

How many hours, where and when you work will determine your income. 

An employed blind specialist can earn £30,000 but working as a sole trader you have the potential to earn much more once you’ve gained a good client base. 

Obviously as a sole trader you will have to cover all expenses, including van purchase and maintenance, fuel, insurance, tools, repairs, business insurance, marketing etc. 

Because windows come in a variety of forms, patterns and sizes, so do blinds. The cost of installation is determined by the type of windows, the amount of the space that has to be covered and the difficulty of the fitting. Your pricing plan will vary depending on the job, so study what your local competitors charge and plan accordingly.

 

How much will it cost to start a Blind Installation Business?

Depending on what level you intend to set out on, your start up costs can vary.

Will you start simply with samples, window measurements, advice and a price? If you already have experience, maybe more comprehensive design advice, smart home integration? Depending on which level you initially go into will determine the type of start-up equipment you´ll require. 

Start out tools are not expensive and you probably have many of them already, tape measure, levels, ladders and power tools. Aways buy good quality tools, in the long run these will be more cost effective.

Where will you be based? You can quite feasibly run this business from your own home if you have the space to do so. If you are confident to rent/buy premises you will need to find a location that you can both work and showcase the range of blinds and window dressings you offer. 

You will need transport, so take look at the second hand market. 

As you are currently only concentrating on the installation of blinds you must research and vet your potential suppliers thoroughly. Building a  strong relationship with reputable manufacturers is critical to ensure timely and consistent delivery of your blinds. 

 

Consider

Your customer database could be varied, from residential homes, housing associations and Airbnbs to large private properties such as restaurants, shops and hotels.

Contact your area’s local landlords or the council for any work contracts in your town. 

Keep your eyes open for new build estates in your area. These areas are ripe for picking and are a great place to advertise your business and you´ll have a fresh supply of new customers who will need to window dress every room! 

 

 

Maybe you are already an experienced blind installer and have worked for a company for a number of years and have now decided to become a sole trader. Whatever experience you have, the first task is to write a business plan. 

 

Choice of business structure

Anyone who sets up a new company should have a business plan. Ask yourself “What is my ultimate goal and how am I going to achieve it? “ Think organised, efficient and productive. 

A strong plan is fundamentally important when you are setting up any business. As a solopreneur, you can start this business as either a sole trader or a limited company.

I’d also strongly consider a hybrid startup structure where you can reap the benefits of both structures with minimal cost and risk.

This could enable you to start trading with the simplicity of a sole trader but also have secured the limited company for marketing hacks and saving tax later if you decide to incorporate your business.

 Search through a database of over 5 million registered company names and more than 11 million UK domain names with our FREE Company Name Checker Tool and find and secure your memorable company name.

 

Business Plan

A well-thought-out business plan forces you to consider various aspects of your business, from target market and competition to pricing and marketing strategies. Covering many important bases, your plan will provide direction, clarity and a foundation for making informed decisions that can contribute to the long-term success of your blind installation business.

There are different types of business plans. (But you can use my 1 page business plan here) It’s designed to cut the waffle but has enough detail to make it a meaningful tool so that you remain laser focussed on what needs to be done when you set up this business.

If you are unsure what to do at this point I recommend seeking professional advice.

 

Do Your Research

To be truly successful you´ll need to do your research and decide what you’d like to concentrate on. 

Could you offer something different and exploit an untapped market? 

1. 1. As well as blind installation, you could offer a maintenance service if you have the knowledge and facilities to do so. This can include cleaning, restringing or replacing damaged parts. Providing ongoing maintenance contracts can create a steady revenue stream.
   2. Many homeowners don’t feel confident enough to install blinds they have purchased, as a DIY project. You can offer this service, charge £40 to £70 an hour, depending on where you live.
   3. Specialise solely in installing smart blinds that can be controlled through home automation systems. This can include motorised blinds with a remote control or integration with popular smart home platforms.
   4. Green and sustainable options are growing in number. Sustainable living provides an opportunity to offer eco-friendly blind options. This can attract environmentally conscious customers who appreciate the combination of style and sustainability.
   5. Up your game and offer energy efficient assessments. Educate your customers on how blinds can impact a room’s energy efficiency. Suggest and install blinds that contribute to better insulation and reduced energy consumption.
   6. Not interested in residential work? Focus on providing installation services for commercial properties such as offices, hotels or restaurants. 
   7. How about year round promotions or themed installations. A change of design/colours as and when opted for by your customer could be offered at a discount. Offer special blinds for a festive Christmas, chocolatey Easter and the fun summer holidays! Creating a sense of urgency and novelty. Neighbours will soon join in!
   8. How about partnering with a local interior designer to offer a complete design solution. Work together to give a unique service.
   9. Or collaborate with local estate agents or homeowners to stage properties for sale.  Perfectly styled windows can enhance the overall appeal of a home.

 

How to market a blind installation business.

This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.

Most potential clients for this service are going to find a blind installation business using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but MOST will look on Google.

Google knows that when someone is looking for a trade service, they want to see results close to where they are located.

This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below.

If your business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find a measure and install blinds business asap.

For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this, I describe these businesses as having “high local marketability”.

High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.

So if potential customers can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you. And guess what? That means someone else is picking up that paintbrush or screwdriver you’re missing out!

 

How do you do that? 

 Follow these 10 simple steps to marketing a blind installation business:

• Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines.
• Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU.
• Provide LOCAL PROOF. Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business.
• Provide SOCIAL PROOF. Show reviews from real customers on your site. This is called “social proof” and turns browsers into buyers!
• Use LANDING PAGES. A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to buy your service now. They show the client what they want to see.
• Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you.
• Share FEEDBACK. Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new customer.
• AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business. 
• PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge.
• MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.

 Most local businesses in the home furnishing sector DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing  strategy. This  provides you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.

The Live Chat Function

This is great as it gives your customers a “one click method” to message you straight from your website – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you. 

 

 

Here are 8 more great tips to help you market your blind installation business effectively:

Promoting your business is crucial to attract new customers and grow your business. 

• Do your research

The home furnishings industry is competitive, so it’s important to thoroughly research your competitors in the local area and identify what you can offer that others don’t. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more customers.

• Create a great company and domain name for your website 

Choose a name that is related to you and your business and is memorable for your potential customers. 

Ensure that you steer well clear of similar sounding company names by using our Company Name Search so confusion does not occur with other companies.

 

We can quickly and easily help you get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers.

So, instead of emailing from an @gmail or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look better? 

 

You will then have to register a domain name for your new website. We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs  which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running. 

Try a business name idea here and we can quickly register it for you. 

 

Not thought of a company name yet? Take a look at our inspirational tips and ideas

 

• Create an eye catching website

We all know a fast, inspiring, easy to use website is essential for any business today!

But can you design and maintain one? Can you create the content that actually guides a customer through your site and attracts them to book in a time to talk business with you?

We can create a personal website for you to get you off to the best start. 

 

Photos and videos of your work, especially before and after ones, are fantastic for showcasing your skills. They also create talking points when you and first engage with your customer. 

Give lots more information about your business and any unique services you offer, such as blind cleaning plus accurate contact details. Also, you can introduce yourself and give your experience and qualifications. A little information about yourself can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence. 

 

 

And then we come to the crucial References and Reviews on your website. 

Start with your friends and family if they have used your services. Also give special offers, ask your clients to introduce friends and family and they´ll receive a discount for a set period on your next job with them. 

Google reviews, testimonials and recommendations are essential. Potential customers WILL check for reviews when they are searching for a service, product or trade. 

This is difficult when you first start out and asking can be uncomfortable but a happy client will want to help you up the ladder every time. 

 

 

• Word of mouth

relies on the credibility and trust built among individuals and is probably the most powerful and effective marketing tool and should never be underestimated! Always make sure you ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and family…..in fact anyone they know! Peer recommendations are especially valuable as we trust our friends and family above anyone else. 

A satisfied, happy customer is the golden ticket to your success. Always remain professional and approachable, make sure you leave the job finished to the absolute best of your ability. They´ll thank you for it by singing your praises.

  

• Design an eye-catching logo

When you start a blind installation business, your logo is a very important aspect of your brand identity.. It’s essential to design a logo that represents you and your business and can be used for example on your work uniform, car/van stickers, business cards and leaflets etc.

If you belong to a trade, being a member of a trade association is always an excellent way to show your professionalism. Make sure this is shown on ALL your marketing materials. 

Have you thought about adding QR codes to your marketing material? 

With a click of their mobile phone, customers can make an appointment, fill out a request form or write a review by using a QR code. Add a QR code to your work vehicle, magnetic signs are perfect for this. Potential consumers passing by can immediately scan for further information about your services. 

QR codes are perfect for business cards, giving website links, tips or how to find us instructions. They are also an easy way to get that all-important customer feedback and can be added to invoices and receipts that go directly to your review page.

Go back to basics! Print flyers and distribute them around your local area, post in shops and pin onto notice boards. Maybe add in an introductory offer to get the ball rolling! 

 

• Use social media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be powerful marketing tools for your blinds business. 

What are your USP´s, your unique selling points, that will set your blind installation business apart from the other local firms. Whether it´s integrating blinds into a smart home system or giving superb design advice shout it out loud! Whatever if it is, make sure you are getting the word out there, posting regularly with photos, videos and promotions to attract more customers.

Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your business and connect with potential customers. 

Create relationships with other businesses, maybe a painter and decorator or a window fitting business. This would be mutually beneficial. 

Contact your local newspaper and radio station, maybe you can advertise or offer advice on them.

 

• Use apps

There are many apps available that can help you manage your business more efficiently. They can be used for booking appointments, saving customer details and receiving payment.  

• SEO

Search engine optimization is the art of getting your blind installation website to the top of the local search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business.

If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.

We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.

 

By implementing these simple marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your brand identity, and grow your business. 

 

Other formalities when starting a blind installation business.

 There are other formalities that you will need to complete before you can start trading successfully.

Open a business bank account

You need a separate business bank account for your business whether it’s a sole trader or limited company.

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income, and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes.

How about a  contactless card payment machine? No carrying lots of change around with you all day. There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. 

 

 You will need Insurance.

SMEs can be especially vulnerable against potential risks and unforeseen events, this is why insurance is vital. There are lots of companies offering their services so have a good look around and take their advice. 

Public liability insurance covers the cost of claims made by members of the public for incidents that occur in connection with your business activities.

If you employ someone you are legally obliged to have employers’ liability insurance. You can be fined up to £2,500 for every day you do not have appropriate insurance. It is essential to cover any injury and illness sustained whilst whilst being employed by you. 

Then there is insurance for your equipment and tools, protecting you from theft, damage and loss. PLus building insurance if you have premises.

Make sure your insurance company knows your vehicle is a works vehicle. Theft of tools from vans averages out at 20,000 cases  being reported to police each year so make sure you´re covered.

 

Extras! 

Belonging to a trade association is always an excellent way to show your professionalism. Make sure this is shown on ALL your marketing materials.  

The BBSA (British Blind and Shutter Association) is the only national trade association for companies that manufacture, supply and install interior and exterior blinds, awnings, security grilles and shutters and associated motor and control systems. If you become a member, make sure it is shown on your website and all marketing materials.

 

Conclusion

Starting your own blind installation business can be a profitable and rewarding venture. It is a low start up cost, great way to meet new people, blending skill and creativity with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

With property development continuing to grow, residential clients will always want to create their perfect surroundings which nowadays can be changed throughout the year. Blinds for the summer months, special solar control coatings that reflect more heat then traditional fabrics or thermal blinds to hold the heat in during the cold winter months. Educate your customers, they will thank you for it! 

The home furnishing industry is constantly evolving with new materials and technologies. Sustainable and eco-materials and are becoming increasing important due to the rise of the ideas of sustainability, energy efficiency and respect for the environment. So, make sure you stay up to date with these new technologies as they can certainly enhance your efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

This business is full of opportunities, so remember that the key to lasting success lies in continuous learning, adaptability and a genuine passion for creating beautiful, functional environments.

 

Every window is an opportunity!!

Contact us via our website . 

Let’s get this new business started.