Startup cost
$5k–$25k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Screen Business
Decision Snapshot
Screen
Idea Score
58
Profit margin
8%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Rising
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Medium
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a Screen business - Background
Screen business owners measure windows and doors and provide screens used for a variety of purposes including keeping insects out, reducing solar glare and security. Screens are made from a variety of materials such as copper, fabric mesh, and fiberglass.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Screen business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a screen business?
As with all businesses, one of the initial costs is a business license. Becoming bonded and insured is also a requirement in some states. With a small truck or van, it is possible to start a screen repair business for less than $1000. You can purchase a starter kit of materials packaged by a company called Metro Screen Works that includes all the essential items needed. You can also watch their how-to videos on YouTube to learn the basics of screen repair. As your business expands, you can purchase more tools and the materials needs to build custom screens. It’s also possible to work from a home office, where you can also store your supplies.
What are the ongoing expenses for a screen business?
Ongoing expenses for a screen business include:
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Screening materials
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Equipment maintenance
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Vehicle maintenance and fuel for deliveries
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Telephone
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Website maintenance
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Business cards
Who is the target market?
Preferred customers can be anyone with doors and windows, whether individuals or business owners. The best customers are those who oversee the construction and maintenance of a number of buildings, such as real estate developers, school superintendents and various government agencies.
How does a screen business make money?
A screen business makes money by charging for the time, labor and materials required to make and install custom screens. Most also perform needed regular repairs on screens.
How much can you charge customers?
Most screen business owners charge from five to eight times what it costs to produce the screens. The average cost of having a professional re-screen a window at their shop ranges from between $18 to $45. That price increases to between $150 and $200 if the work is performed at the customer’s home. The cost per window is usually reduced when the job entails screens for multiple windows, or the contract is for windows for multiple buildings.
How much profit can a screen business make?
An established mobile screen replacement service can earn sales of more than $100,000 per year. Some have become so successful that they now offer franchise opportunities.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Providing mobile services is one of the best ways to make your business more profitable. Providing solar screens which can absorb up to 70 percent of the sun’s rays and reduce energy costs is another. Decorative security screen doors are also becoming increasingly popular. Since many people enjoy do-it-yourself home improvement projects, you can also become a consultant that specializes in putting together kits for people to complete their own screen construction, installation or repairs themselves.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a screen business?
The daily activities of a screen business owner include:
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Scheduling appointments with customers
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Negotiating contracts with vendors
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Pricing goods and services
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Measuring doors and windows
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Purchasing supplies
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Building custom screens
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Pricing goods and services
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful screen business?
Some of the skills required to build a successful screen business include:
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The ability to perform simple mathematical calculations to determine the correct measurements
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Skill in using tools such as a miter saw, rollers, and utility knives.
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Effective communication skills for understanding the needs of customers
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Pricing and contract negotiation skills
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Bookkeeping skills
What is the growth potential for a screen business?
The growth potential for this business is limited only by the time and resources of the owner. Most buildings that aren’t completely climate controlled require screens to keep insects out and increase security.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a screen business?
There are a number of free software applications that can help reduce your startup costs as well as jumpstart your business. Project management software can help you stay organized. Accounting and invoicing software can reduce your paperwork and the time required to complete these tasks. As your business grows, if you want to hire additional employees, there is also payroll software that can help you make that transition smoothly. Passing out business cards at local community events can provide an opportunity to introduce yourself and inform people about the services you provide. People are more likely to trust someone they’ve met to perform work on their homes than someone from an anonymous website, although that personal touch can result in increased traffic on your website.
How and when to build a team
Although it is possible for one person to successfully operate a screen business, it’s a good idea to build a team from the beginning. Even if you prefer to work alone, your team should include your vendors and other screen business owners that specialize in types of screens that you don’t. Participating in a mutual referral system can increase business for everyone involved and can prevent over-scheduling or having to turn away potential customers.
Part 2 - Is a Screen business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Screen business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Screen Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Screen business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.