Why Now Is the Best Time to Become Self-Employed in NZ: Painting & Decorating Professionals
The New Zealand housing and renovation market is thriving, making it a golden time for painting and decorating specialists to launch their own business. If you’re considering going self-employed, this guide gives practical, Kiwi-focused tips to attract local clients, navigate challenges, and build a trusted reputation.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Ride the Renovation and Build Boom
With ongoing residential and commercial building projects, demand for skilled painting and decorating services is on the rise across NZ.
Self-employed painters can offer personalised service, competitive pricing, and flexible schedules appealing to local homeowners and businesses alike.
Think of it as helping Kiwis bring fresh colour and style to their spaces while growing your business.
2. Tackle Industry-Specific Challenges
Balancing multiple projects, sourcing quality materials, and managing client expectations requires organisation and clear communication.
Weirdly enough, maintaining strong business skills alongside your trade expertise is a key to long-term success.
Being upfront about timelines, costs, and preparation steps helps clients feel confident and informed.
3. Stay Certified and Safe
Following New Zealand’s health and safety regulations and obtaining relevant certifications ensure safe and professional work.
Keeping up to date with latest painting techniques and eco-friendly products builds client trust and sets you apart.
4. List on Free Trade Directories
Websites like Builderscrack, NoCowboys, and TradeMe Services connect local clients with trusted painting professionals.
Showcasing unique specialties like heritage restoration or decorative finishes helps draw in targeted clients.
5. Use Yada for Client Connection
Yada connects you directly with clients, without commission fees, so you keep your full earnings.
Its private chat feature simplifies consultation and booking processes, while ratings help build your reputation.
The mobile-friendly platform fits busy painters working across multiple sites.
6. Leverage Testimonials and Portfolio
Sharing client reviews and before-and-after photos helps potential customers see your skills and reliability.
Real-world examples from local projects resonate strongly with Kiwi audiences.
7. Offer Flexible Packages and Services
Offering small jobs to full renovations, with clear options and pricing tiers, appeals to a wide client base.
Weirdly enough, flexible offerings increase client retention and referral opportunities.
8. Set Transparent Pricing
Providing clear, detailed quotes and open billing practices avoids confusion and builds trust.
With no commission fees on Yada, competitive but fair pricing benefits both you and your clients.
9. Build a Clean, Professional Website
A simple website or social media presence showing your services, ecommerce availability, and reviews projects professionalism.
Sharing local decorating trends and maintenance tips helps keep clients engaged and informed.
10. Partner with Local Builders
Form relationships with builders, real estate agents, and interior designers for steady referrals and team projects.
Such networking works especially well in smaller NZ towns where word-of-mouth is strong.