Focus your employment search in the next town or neighborhood, to avoid working for what will eventually be your direct competition.

In general, gas powered power washers are great for tackling fences, grills, and sidewalks. Commercial power washers are better for industrial areas or large vehicles and boats.

In addition, consider transportation. A commercial van with power washing equipment costs about $450 a month, plus about $250 for gas and maintenance. You also need to consider the costs of marketing, and this can vary greatly depending on how you want to advertise—word of mouth is free, but websites, flyers, business cards, or even TV commercials all need to be factored into your costs.

Learn the legalities and register your LLC using a service like ZenBusiness, TailorBRands, or IncFile. Alternatively, register yourself through your local government’s business office to save costs.

Taxes on small business vary by state, so also inquire about your local sales taxes and franchise taxes.

“Net 30” accounts help you build credit on a business credit account, and might be a good fit for your venture.

Also be sure your business complies with your area’s labor safety regulations, which can be reviewed at your nearest OSHA office.

A gas power washer is a great, balanced power washer for small businesses. They provide ample pressure to clean things like fences or grills. Commercial power washers, on the other hand, will enable you to clean things like driveways, boats, and industrial equipment.

As with the power washer itself, don’t skimp on price when you’re buying the peripherals. Quality matters!

Power washing a house is usually priced at $100-$300 dollars, driveways at $80-$200, and decks and patios at $250-$500. In addition, vehicles are often priced around $50-$100, and commercial properties are often charged about $0. 25-$1. 50 per square foot.

People who know you personally are often more likely to agree to do business with you, so foster and take advantage of your personal connections.

Include things like your business hours, location, and a personal introduction to give website visitors more information.

Also stay in touch with and advertise to your clients after you’ve completed a project for them. Loyal, repeat customers are important for the success of a small business.

Don’t raise your prices too quickly—customers are attentive to how much they’re being charged and why, and aren’t likely to call you again if your prices suddenly spike.

Aim to be making about $40-$60 an hour, and $28,000 a dollar a year of net income, which is the average for small businesses.