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!
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
Growing Market Demand: There is a consistent demand as homeowners and businesses continually seek ways to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their properties.
Creative Expression: You have the opportunity to express your creativity by helping clients choose blinds that complement their interior design style.
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.
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
Competition: The market can be competitive, especially in highly populated areas.
Supplier Relations: Establishing reliable relationships with blind manufacturers and suppliers is essential for a steady and high quality supply of products.
Technology Integration: Keeping up with advancements in technology, especially if you plan to offer motorised or smart blinds, can be challenging.
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 orCity 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!