Thinking of pivoting into the garage door industry in 2024? You’re not alone. With a booming manufacturing scene and a myriad of new tech, there’s plenty of potential for growth. But, it can be tricky to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to getting started in the garage door industry. Read on to find out:
- Why now is a good time to get into the garage door industry.
- New tech driving growth in the industry.
- The five key steps to take to get started in the industry.
Why get into the garage door industry?
Despite concerns about inflation, the garage door installation sector in the US shows a steady progression. And the next five years are on the same track. According to Business Research Insights, the industry is forecast for a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%.
However, there are still challenges for garage door companies. Supply chain issues that started during the pandemic haven’t been completely resolved. This has resulted in long lead times for garage door manufacturers. For installers, this means long waits for products.
As well as this, the cost of raw materials has seen a huge spike due to inflation. Steel prices, in particular, have driven up the cost of parts for garage door installers.
Despite this, the industry is still experiencing growth. Firstly, smart openers and smart switch garage door systems are predicted to continue growing at a CAGR of 9.4%. Allowing users to lock, open, and access their garage remotely, these smart garage doors are changing the industry. Especially those that can be integrated with voice control assistants and CCTV to increase security. As well as smart systems, sustainably focused design with energy-saving insulated doors and sectional design is expected to grow through 2024.
So, how do you get started in the garage door industry?
1. Research your local garage door industry
Firstly you should assess how much demand there is for garage door fitting within your local area. For example, if you live within a large city, with a high concentration of apartment buildings, your demand might be more limited than a suburban area with plenty of houses. If you feel like there’s enough potential for growth in your area, your next step would be to research the competition. Look at how much they’re charging for projects and what area they cover.
Once you’ve decided if there is a viable opportunity there, it’s essential that you check what qualifications you might need. While the requirements for becoming a garage door technician vary by state, you’ll typically need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A criminal background check
- Competency in using diagnostic and repair equipment
- Competency in basic electrical equipment
- You may need a driving license to visit different clients
You will also be expected to have public liability insurance and if you plan to hire employees – employee liability insurance.
2. Conduct market research
Once you’ve researched demand and figured out if there’s enough room for your business to grow, it’s worth looking at current industry trends. For example, a garage door business that specializes in offering sustainable and energy-efficient garage doors could have more growth potential than a more general garage door offering.
To feel confident in your business, you can always survey your local area and understand what residents really want from your garage door business. You can do this using a market research agency – which will conduct the research for you or through your own network.
3. Establish your garage door brand
You’ve finally finished researching your business, you know who your customers are and what they want. So, what’s next? Building a brand. A brand is more than a logo and a name. It’s your story, and what people will say about you when you’re not there. Take some time to think this through. It’s your brand that will set you apart from the competition and win you jobs. You should also buy your website domain and secure the social media handles.
Once you’ve got a name you’re happy with and can use online, you’ll need to register your businesses. Make sure you do this according to the process for your State.
4. Buy your tools and balance your budget
The next step is to purchase or rent your tools. When you’re starting out a new business, it can be easy to go for the cheapest equipment, but it’s important to balance this with quality. Look at product warranties and take the time to check reviews. You should also consider storage. Have you got a base where you can store your equipment? Or will it stay in your van? Have you added your tools to your insurance in case of a break-in?
Once you’ve stocked up on equipment it’s also worth looking at how you’re going to manage the day-to-day admin of your business. Do you have invoicing software set up and ready to use? If not, you should ensure that you have everything you need to schedule customers and take payments.
5. Start marketing your garage door business.
It’s finally time to market your business. Start by building your website. As you build it, remember to focus on making it as clear and simple as possible for your customers to understand what you do, who you are, and how to contact you.
Next, get your business on Google My Business and local trade sites. This will help your business improve its online search presence. You should also invest in SEO (search engine optimization) which is how sites like Google and Bing share your business with customers. You can also invest in your social presence. Create accounts on the platforms that your customers will be on and promote yourself there. In-person marketing is just as important as what you do online. Take the time to brand your van, hand out flyers, and get involved in your community.
You’re now ready to launch your garage door installation company and start booking jobs. If you find that you’re struggling to keep up with your business admin, AnswerForce can support you.
Looking to open up your garage door business to new opportunities? Check out our list of services to discover how we help growing garage door businesses answer every call.