If you're a pavement maintenance contractor who focuses solely on sealcoating, have you ever considered offering additional services like striping, hot crack filling, or installing parking lot safety devices and signage? These services go hand in hand with sealcoating and paving, and can be easily added to your service list. You've probably been asked to provide an estimate for some of these jobs, and if you don't offer them, you're giving your potential customer a reason to hire a competitor who can do it all.
It doesn't take much to get started, and expanding your service offerings can significantly boost your business. Here's everything you need to get into the game:
1. Striping
For just over a thousand dollars, you can purchase a line striper that puts down crisp, clean lines. These entry-level stripers are lightweight and perfect for smaller parking lots. Whether you're re-striping an existing lot or providing striping services for new construction, it's a simple, low-cost way to add another revenue stream. Plus, it's an easy service to upsell when you're already out there sealcoating the lot.
2. Hot Rubberized Crack Filling
Hot crack filling is an essential part of pavement maintenance. Cracks over 1/4" wide should be filled before applying sealcoat, to prevent water from penetrating and causing further damage. With a stationary 10-gallon melter (around $700), you can start offering hot crack filling. A pour pot (typically $100) will allow you to get the material into the cracks efficiently. The most popular melters, like the MA-10, cost under $1,000, making this a relatively low-cost way to add a valuable service to your portfolio. Crack filling will also increase your overall profitability by reducing the chance of callbacks due to neglected pavement damage.
3. Parking Lot Safety Devices
Installing safety devices like wheel stops, speed bumps, or speed humps is a simple addition to your service offerings. Lightweight recycled rubber products are becoming increasingly popular, and installing them is as easy as using a sledgehammer or hammer drill. Concrete wheel stops are often worn out or damaged, so offering to replace them with durable, cost-effective rubber options could be a great upsell. These devices are in demand for commercial and residential parking lots, making them a profitable addition to your business.
4. Signage
Many businesses are not up to code when it comes to their parking lot signage. Adding signage installation to your services can be an easy and profitable way to serve your customers. Depending on where the sign needs to go, you may only need a sledgehammer and a drive cap or post driver to get the post in the ground. Attaching the sign itself is a quick job. By offering this service, you’ll help your customers stay compliant with local regulations and avoid any fines. Parking lot signage is often overlooked, but it’s an easy fix that can add value for your clients.
Why Add These Services?
1. Increase Your Revenue: By adding these complementary services, you create additional streams of income from your existing customer base. A client who hires you for sealcoating might also need crack filling, striping, or signage, providing you with multiple opportunities to upsell during your visit.
2. Gain a Competitive Edge: Offering a full suite of pavement maintenance services helps differentiate you from competitors who focus on just one service. By becoming a "one-stop-shop," you'll make it easier for customers to work with you instead of juggling multiple contractors.
3. Convenience for Your Customers: Customers prefer dealing with a single contractor for all their pavement needs, making it easier for them to maintain their property and stay on top of repairs. This can lead to repeat business and referrals, boosting your long-term success.
4. Minimal Investment, Big Returns: The equipment required to get started with striping, crack filling, safety devices, and signage installation is relatively affordable. For a modest upfront investment, you can expand your service offerings and significantly increase your earning potential without adding much risk.
Ready to Get Started?
Expanding your services doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By offering striping, crack filling, parking lot safety devices, and signage, you can provide your clients with comprehensive solutions, increase your profitability, and stand out from the competition.
If you're looking for the equipment and supplies you need to get started with these services, visit Asphalt Sealcoating Supply online. We have everything you need to equip your business for growth!