How to Launch Your Own Pest Control Business in 2019
The pest control industry has the potential to provide you with a healthy return on your investment. But that doesn’t mean building a successful pest control business on your own is going to be easy. In fact, the self-starter process is fraught with difficulty, even for pest control veterans. Starting a pest control business franchise might be a better option.
With that in mind, today’s post compares what’s involved in launching a pest control business franchise to the conventional start-up process, as described in Ron Dicker’s The Balance: Small Business article, “How to launch your own pest control business.”
Read on to find out which route is right for you!
Starting a home-based pest control business on your own
For self-starters, home-based businesses are recommended, since you can cut out the rent and overhead needed to open a brick-and-mortar office.
As Dicker (2018) writes, “going the freelance route takes commitment and marketing know-how.” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In his list of “Things You’ll Need to Start a Pest Control Business,” Dicker includes:
Pest control knowledge and experience. This means newcomers and first-time investors are out, unless they’re willing to invest time and money in their education.
Insurance. When you start solo, the onus is on you acquire all necessary insurance and paperwork.
A website, vehicle signage, business cards, and print and online advertising materials to promote your business. Dicker rolls a lot into a single bullet point–acquiring all your signage, advertising materials, and website is no small task. It involves a ton of market research, technical learning (e.g. backend website management skills), and ad design. And of course, that all costs money.
Strong networking skills to develop relationships with suppliers. As an independent, the first step involves locating suppliers online via directories or through ground-level networking. This can take a considerable amount of time–especially if you’re trying to find vendors willing to give you a deal–and the process will vary depending on your region and local vendor network.
Certification. Pest control is regulated, so you need to contact your state pest control board for certification information and to find out what’s required in your local area. The National Pest Management Association is a good place to find certification classes and tips.
Acquiring these skills, materials, and certifications could take years. And all the while, you’re stuck spending money instead of making it.
The self-starter model might pay off over the long haul for those who already have pest control business experience, but there’s a better option.
A smarter alternative: Launching a pest control business franchise
There are many advantages to starting a pest control business franchise.
“Buying into a pest control services franchise gives you immediate name recognition and resources not otherwise at your disposal,” Dicker writes. Pestmaster is a “Top 100” pest control company with nearly 40 years of experience in the industry and national brand recognition.
Pestmaster also offers:
Access to a proven system with systems and procedures in place from day-one to ensure profit, growth, and success;
Top-tier training, which includes operational training, marketing and web management, pest control certifications, human resources assistance and mentoring, assistance with state licensing, and more;
Discounted supplies via GSA schedules;
Protected territories with First RIght of Refusal for surrounding locations;
Major networking opportunities at our annual meetings with industry professionals;
You get all this support for a surprisingly low start-up price. According to Dicker (2018), the average pest control business franchise start-up will cost about $200,000, but the Pestmaster pest control business franchise opportunity is available for $30,000 to $85,000, which includes the Franchise Fee and a big chunk of working capital that you retain to cover shortfalls and emergencies in the early goings.
Learn more about starting a pest control business franchise
Visit https://www.pestmasterfranchise.com to browse free informational resources or book a consultation with a member of our team.
References
Dicker, R. (2018, August 29). How to launch your own pest control business. The Balance: Small Business. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/start-pest-control-business-4045989
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