How to Turn Your Skill Into a Painting & Decorating Business in NZ (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Starting a painting and decorating business in New Zealand is an exciting opportunity, but juggling the hands-on work with managing the business can get overwhelming fast. Whether you specialize in residential or commercial projects, these tips will help you attract local clients and run your business smoothly.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Gain Quality Local Training
Getting certified through New Zealand trade courses or apprenticeships ensures you have the skills and know-how trusted by Kiwi clients. Local training also helps you understand NZ-specific building standards and materials.
For example, a Christchurch painter boosted her business by completing a local decorating qualification tailored to regional building codes.
2. Keep Up with NZ Regulations
Compliance with NZ health and safety laws and building codes is essential. Having valid licenses and insurance builds confidence and keeps your business legit.
One Auckland decorator shared how strict compliance helped him win large commercial projects.
3. Maintain a Neat Worksite
A tidy and professional worksite impresses clients and protects your reputation. Kiwis appreciate tradespeople who respect their home and workspace.
Setting boundaries, using drop sheets, and cleaning daily can boost client satisfaction and referrals.
David from Tauranga found that spotless sites helped him secure return business and word-of-mouth recommendations.
4. Build Good Supplier Partnerships
Reliable local suppliers like Resene or Dulux deliver quality paint and materials suited to NZ conditions, ensuring your jobs run smoothly.
Good supplier relationships often bring discounts and expert advice, helping keep costs down and quality up.
Emma, a Nelson decorator, credits supplier trust with timely project completion and client satisfaction.
5. Create a Mobile-Friendly Website
Kiwis commonly search online for painters. A sleek website with clear service listings, photos, and client testimonials strengthens trust.
Adding real project photos and client stories invites more inquiries and bookings.
Wellington decorator Mike saw a rise in bookings after upgrading his website with client reviews.
6. Use Yada for Client Connections
Yada helps painting professionals connect directly with local clients, without lead or success fees, allowing more competitive pricing and better client engagement.
The internal chat feature simplifies communications and scheduling, perfect for busy pros.
James in Hamilton appreciates Yada’s mobile interface for managing client jobs efficiently.
7. List on Trusted NZ Directories
TradeMe Services, NoCowboys, and Localist are popular places for locals to find painting professionals. Listing here boosts visibility and provides client review platforms.
Active engagement on these platforms brings consistent enquiries.
Christchurch painter Liam credits directory listings for steady job flow.
8. Collect and Display Client Testimonials
Word-of-mouth is powerful in NZ. After jobs, ask clients to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yada to build credibility.
Sharing testimonials and before-and-after photos online makes your business more relatable and trustworthy.
Emma saw referrals soar after consistently promoting client feedback.
9. Manage Time and Admin Wisely
Balancing painting work with admin duties is key. Use scheduling tools or Yada to organise appointments and reduce stress.
Batching invoicing, supplies, and marketing tasks can improve focus and work-life balance.
David from Nelson credits effective time management with sustainable business growth.
10. Keep Skills Updated
Stay current with painting techniques, products, and regulations through NZ workshops and courses.
Continuous learning helps reduce overwhelm and prepares you for new challenges.
Tauranga decorator Sarah grew her business by mastering trendy eco-friendly paints.