Working from nine to five is no longer an interesting prospect to many.
However, in order to meet their daily needs, people have started to venture into self-employment.
Compared to working under a firm, being an entrepreneur or freelancer on the side has many benefits. These benefits are universal, even for a skilled technician.
If you are a skilled welder and the idea of working as an in-house welder is not sitting well with you, consider starting a mobile welding business.
With an opportunity to clock in whenever there is a demand and to be your own boss, this venture can help you break wage slavery.
Stepping out into the world as an entrepreneur can be daunting but with the right strategy, success is guaranteed.
Here is a guide on how to start a mobile welding business on your own.
Table of Contents
Steps to start a mobile welding business
1. Get certified
The first thing to make sure of is that you have the necessary documents and certification.
Depending on the region you live in, ensure that your equipment meets all the safety levels.
If you plan on employing a few more welders, review their certifications and licenses as well.
Do not forget to take care of taxes and insurance either.
Remember to check the paperwork regularly because failure to do so can cause trouble, especially if an accident occurs.
2. Purchase equipment
If you have been working in the welding business only recently, chances are low that you will own all the appliances and accessories needed for starting a mobile welding business.
Investing in expensive equipment can seem like a leap of faith but it is bound to pay off.
Also, make sure that you have the necessary means to store and transport the appliances. Buying a trailer and a truck can be beneficial for your venture.
3. Breaking into the market
Once you have set up your business, you need to get the ball rolling by finding clients.
Signing up on door-to-door service platforms can help you here.
At the same time, networking with clients you have worked with before can earn you more customers.
Interesting marketing strategies can be devised once you have a significant and satisfied clientele to vouch for.
4. Managing time and contracts
As you figure out how to run your mobile welding business, you might feel pressed to take on more projects and quote short durations for each.
This can spell doom for your venture because if the projects take longer than quoted, the clients will become unhappy with your service.
Too many projects can tire you out and overloading a fresh business is counterproductive.
Learn to say no to a few projects until you learn to manage the business.
The initial days might be filled with worry about whether your mobile welding business will be a success or not but don’t let it override your decision-making.
5. Taking care of the management
When you work as an in-house welder, all you need to do is the technical aspect of the job.
On the contrary, when you start a mobile welding business, you need to take care of marketing, accounting, management, maintenance, and customer relations in addition to the technical aspects.
In fact, if you ventured into self-employment because someone suggested that you are an outstanding welder, it does not necessarily guarantee success.
Running a business needs more than just technical acumen.
Summing It Up
There is no lack of opportunities for a welding expert in today’s market.
Stepping out as the owner of a mobile welding business can boost your career and profits.
However, as a beginner, pacing yourself is the key to success.
Biting off more than what you can chew will not help your welding business to flourish.