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If you're thinking of setting up your own curtains or blinds business, there are several paths you can take. Do you want to go custom, franchise or wholesale? We'll show you how to get started, give you tips on how to grow your customer base and where to find legal advice.
You don't need a degree to start a curtains and blinds company, you just need a little business savvy and a passion for window treatments. Possessing the know-how to size up a job and choose the right curtains or blinds for a window will prove an advantage and give you the competitive edge.
Before you do anything, it's a good idea to do some market research online to see if it's the right fit for you. Checking out the competition will give you lots of ideas for forming your business plan. For example, it will help narrow down your search for types of blinds and curtains to sell and give you an idea of how much to charge.
Running your own business requires two fundamental skill sets: the technical skills necessary for the blinds or curtains business and a working knowledge of managing your own business. You can find lots of special interest courses in business management on sites like Udemy.
If you want to learn more about the blinds and curtains trade, Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles (MSF30919 ) is available. This 4-year (apprenticeship) course teaches you the necessary skills to estimate, fabricate, assemble and install blinds, awnings, shade sails, shutters, and screens and grilles. You will also gain knowledge on a wide range of materials, fixtures and fittings. This course costs around $12,000.
The MSF30919 Certificate is for people who are currently working in the building and construction industry for at least the past 3 years. Anyone with 5 or more years of industry experience can join the program. If you're new to the trade, you must first complete a building and construction certificate or equivalent.
Some restrictions and licensing requirements apply to different states and territories.
Access thousands of courses from some of Australia's leading providers.
You will need basic tools to install and repair blinds and curtains. For the business side of the venture, some office equipment such as a computer and smartphone with reliable internet connection is necessary. In addition, some office software will help you to manage and grow your business:
Business structures form the basis of your working operations and are necessary for taxation purposes. There are three business structures to consider:
When you're first starting out and as your business develops, it might also be useful to consult with a lawyer about your legal obligations. There are now many online legal services which provide affordable legal advice which you can compare below.
From trade shows to social media campaigns and Google ads, there are multiple ways you can boost your customer base.
One way to start is by searching for online marketplaces where you can set up a profile to advertise your services, browse other contractors in your area and research customer reviews. Some marketplaces include:
Signing up to business directories such as White Pages and TrueLocal is another great way to advertise your services.
You can also set up your own website and then use search engine optimisation (SEO) best practices and advertising to attract potential customers.
Coming up with a pricing plan involves weighing your expenses against your profits. Before you can do that, you need to decide what kind of blinds and curtains business you're going to run:
Other factors will be the size of the job, the kind of blinds and curtains and the materials used. Here are some average price ranges from Service.com.au for installing curtains and blinds to an average sized window:
For installation, an average hourly fee ranges from $20-$45 per hour.
Do I need a retail outlet for my curtains and blinds business?
Unless you're opening up a franchise, you can easily set up your operation at home. You will need minimal storage space as most blinds and curtains are made to order. Use your website to showcase your inventory.
How can I gain the competitive edge?
Consider specialising in interior and exterior wooden window shutters and blinds. There's a large market for these kinds of blinds and the competition is relatively low. You can manufacture your own or order wholesale and sell directly to home owners and national home improvement stores.
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