Do you love landscaping and design or do you already dabble in it by working under somebody else? Do you know what it takes to make the entrance or backyard of a home a masterpiece by shaping shrubs, trees, gardens and installing lights? If you know your way around the outskirts of a home, and […]
Do you love landscaping and design or do you already dabble in it by working under somebody else?
Do you know what it takes to make the entrance or backyard of a home a masterpiece by shaping shrubs, trees, gardens and installing lights?
If you know your way around the outskirts of a home, and find it rewarding to embellish it, then starting an outdoor lighting business would be a great idea  — it will prove to be extremely profitable.
The outdoor lighting business is nearly a multi-million dollar industry.
Many people who live in homes or have businesses want to do little things that make the outside of them look more attractive and “pop.”
According to the Department of Energy, about 25% of all electricity produced in the US is used specifically for lighting purposes.
Another 10% is reserved to generate power for the outdoors and landscaping.
Although the number does not seem like a lot, the need for lighting homes is high.
People want to be able to see at night and enjoy the functionality purposes.
The right type of lighting can decrease energy consumption while reducing maintenance and costs as well.
Just decades ago, high-intensity discharge or HID, lamp technology completely dominated the outdoor marketing industry.
Today a newer technology called LEDs, or light emitting diodes, has been made to improve one’s lighting experience.
Where they used to be used mostly for colored lighting effects, its usage has evolved.
It has become attractive because of its lower costs and with the advancements in thermal managements, optics, chip technology and controls, it is the perfect choice for outdoor lighting.
The professional lighting industry has grown nearly three times as much today compared to 2012, and it is expected to go up from there.
You will need to invest in a couple thousand dollars if you are serious about starting the business.
If you are in a low budget, you will need to have at least $5,000-$10,000.
Ideally, if you can afford it, you will want to have between $15,000-$40,000 for your initial investment toward the business.
There will be a tremendous gap regarding how much you make your first year and beyond that, but the average outdoor lighting business owner can expect to bring in $50,000 annually.
Pricing is extremely individualistic, and you do not want to undercharge nor overcharge the clients you work for when operating your business.
There are two sets of prices you must know about: prices for outlining a home and prices for outlining trees.
You can get the most accurate prices to use by comparing it to other outdoor lighting business, but costs will consist of the following:
– Charge per Square Foot (size) and location of project
-Labor Costs
-Supplies and Material
-Job Cleanup
-Adding Fixtures/Fencing/Pavement
Can I start from home?: No
Average startup cost: $5,000 – $50,000
How many people work in the industry (US): 1 Million
Average earnings: $10,000 – $50,000 1st year/ $150,000 – $250,000 after
What skills are required?: A love to be outdoors, a knack for designing, an understanding of electrical systems and landscaping.
How do outdoor lighting landscapers find customers?:Â Commercial companies, people who live in residences, and industrial venues well be your primary customers.
You may also be working on garages, roadway and street lighting, and several public areas where lighting and landscaping is needed.
Equipment: $1,000 – $12,000
Inventory Fees: $2,000 – $10,000
Marketing and Advertising Costs: $300 – $3,000
Labor Fees: $200 – $5,000
Franchise Fees (Only if you choose to franchise): $8,000 – $15,000
License/Permit: $200 – $500
While it will be your job to listen to your client’s wants and needs, it is also your job to inform them with ideas that would bring about the best results for what they want.
The best way to promote your business will be enlighten your clients and tell them ideas they would not have otherwise thought of.
For example, other than being attractive, you may want to promote the security of a product.
LED lights are often not on the list for clients with a smaller budget, but inform them that it lowers the cost of their electricity bill while they are more green and environmently friendly.
Instead of just explaining your layout design, you want to always show your customers a rough sketch of the plan so there are no surprises and they are happy.
-Do not be “kute” or clever with names
-No abbreviations
– Use words that reflect your identity
Simple Life Outdoor Landscaping                           Rain or Shine Landscaping
Tom’s Outdoor Landscaping Business             Rose Outdoor Landscape Services LLC
Green Thumb Outdoor Landscaping                Brilliant Outdoor Landscape Designs
Joe’s Outdoor Garden Landscaping               Budget Outdoor Landscaping Services
Plant the Seed Outdoor Landscapers                Lawn and Lighting Landscaping LLC
Garden Outdoor Landscaping
Youtube Videos
References
http://home.costhelper.com/landscape-design.html
http://www.ecmag.com/section/lighting/glowing-outside-outdoor-and-landscape-lighting
http://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_install_outdoor_landscape_lighting.html
http://hubpages.com/living/landscaping-company-names
http://www.wikihow.com/Price-Landscaping-Jobs
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