8 Steps to start a graffiti removal business

There may never be a lack of people or organisations that need the services of a cleaning business – specifically that of graffiti removal. Even in your community, you may notice unsightly graffiti that your neighbourhood, town council, or city will want to be removed. Cleaning and removing graffiti can be very profitable and stable, so why not try to put up your own graffiti removal business? Here’s everything you need to know about starting a graffiti removal business. 

How to start a graffiti removal business 

Take the following steps before you go ahead and put up a graffiti removal business. These tips can help you decide if a graffiti removal business is right for you. 

Step 1: Do a business plan.

You can do your own study on the viability of a graffiti removal business. If you’re unsure how to go about this process, you can hire someone to write your business plan. A professional can help you get all the essential information before you invest your time and effort into a graffiti removal business. 

Step 2: Choose a business name.

This may seem like a trivial step, but remember that once you choose a name and register it, you’ll have to use that name for tax filing and promotional materials. You’ll also be using your business name on your website domain registration, possibly for years to come. 

Keep these guidelines in mind when choosing a business name:

• Consult your state’s business naming guidelines.
• Choose a name your customers can easily pronounce, spell, and remember.
• Don’t use a name that’s identical to a competitor’s name. 
• Check the business name to ensure it isn’t already registered in the UK.
• Use a name consistent with your brand and suggests what you offer. Names like “Graffiti Kings Removal and Restoration” and “Graffiti Wizards” may suggest subtle similarities, but they can imply different offerings and hint at what sort of customers they serve.   
• Avoid adding your location to your business name, as this might limit your business. You might regret putting your state or location as part of the business name later on. (What if, in future, “London Graffiti Removers” becomes a nationwide operation?)

Step 3: Register your business name.

After choosing your business name, decide whether you want to run it as a sole trader, a business partnership, or a limited company, and then register them as such.  

Step 4: Apply and register for tax purposes.

Next, register your business for state taxation purposes. You can learn more about registering for corporate taxes and Value-Added Tax (VAT) from the UK government website. 

Step 5: Get licensed. 

Get the appropriate licences and certifications to operate in your state. Check with your village council, borough, or city clerk’s office on how to get your licence. This licence finder can help you identify the licences that apply to your business. Note that licensing requirements for graffiti removal businesses can vary from state to state. 

Step 6: Get the graffiti removal equipment. 

You’ll need a graffiti remover machine or pressure washer to do a graffiti cleaning business. If you want to get all the equipment at the start, be prepared to spend quite a lot on the machinery. But if you want to minimise your startup costs, you can rent a graffiti removal machine instead. 

Another good investment would be a service vehicle to store and transport your equipment.  

Step 7: Hire your staff.

If you plan to hire staff and operate this business part-time, you can hire workers on a part-time basis. But make sure the hours, work arrangement, and pay comply with labour laws on part-time workers. 

Step 8: Promote your graffiti removal business.

There are different ways of promoting your operation. You can pound the pavement and look for graffiti-ridden properties; Speak to the owners or go house-to-house and give out flyers and calling cards. 

Another way is to do it all online by setting up a website and finding graffiti removal jobs on Airtasker. 

Why a graffiti removal business is a good idea

There’s always a demand for graffiti removal, whether for public or private property. If any graffiti is made on public or private property, property owners and town or city councils will need someone to have it removed. So, there’s no lack of people who need the services of a graffiti removal business. 

Here are more reasons why starting a graffiti removal business can be viable:

• You can run the business part-time.
• You don’t need a large space for an office; You can base your operations in your garage or basement.
• Startup costs are relatively small.
• Costly equipment can be rented instead of purchased outright.
• Learning how to remove graffiti and train staff is relatively easy.
• You can also acquire a franchise.

With a detailed business plan, you can find out how much you need to invest to be profitable. From there, you can decide if you want to take the plunge!