Are you ready to take the plunge into the asphalt sealcoating industry? Whether you’re looking for a side hustle that pays or a full-time business with significant growth potential, sealcoating can be an incredibly profitable venture.
But let’s be real—it’s not just about spraying blacktop and collecting checks. You need the right equipment, a solid business plan, a pricing strategy that makes money, and marketing that gets you noticed to succeed.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to start and grow a profitable asphalt sealcoating business from scratch—and how Seal-Rite can be your go-to partner at every stage of your journey.
Why Sealcoating Is a Smart Business Opportunity
There are a few reasons sealcoating continues to attract entrepreneurs and contractors year after year:
- Low startup costs compared to many trades
- High demand—everyone from homeowners to municipalities needs it
- Repeat business every 2–4 years
- Scalability—start small and grow fast
You don’t need a huge crew or a massive warehouse to get started. A pickup truck, quality equipment, and a solid plan can go a long way.
Step 1: Invest in the Right Equipment
Let’s start with the most critical piece of the puzzle: your sealcoating system.
When you’re new to the industry, you need equipment that’s:
- Easy to operate
- Built to last
- Efficient enough to make money on every job
Enter the SR-300 Pickup Unit
One of the best entry points into sealcoating is the SR-300 Pickup Unit. Designed to fit in the bed of a standard pickup, this unit gives you all the functionality to start sealing driveways and small lots, without requiring a trailer.
You’ll get:
- A 300-gallon steel tank
- Durable hydraulic agitation
- Honda GX390 engine powering a Jenny air compressor and high-flow pump
- A 100-foot hose and spray wand for smooth application
And as your business grows? You can upgrade to larger skid units, trailers, or even bulk tanks—all built by Seal-Rite and designed to scale with you.
Pro tip: Don’t be tempted by cheap, unreliable equipment. Your tools are the backbone of your business. Start with something proven, like the SR-300, and you’ll avoid costly downtime and bad reviews.
Step 2: Learn to Price Jobs for Profit
Next up: pricing. This is where many new business owners get tripped up. Charge too little, and you won’t make a profit. Charge too much, and you lose the job.
Here’s how to strike the right balance.
Know Your Numbers
Start by calculating your cost per job, including:
- Sealer and additives
- Fuel and transportation
- Labor (even if you’re the only worker)
- Equipment wear and tear
- Insurance, marketing, and admin costs
Once you have your costs, add your desired profit margin. A 40–50% markup is standard in the industry.
And remember: Not every customer wants the cheapest job—they want the best value. Be confident in your pricing when you’re delivering professional-grade work.
Step 3: Build a Brand That Gets Noticed
You’ve got the equipment. You know how to price. Now, how do you find customers?
Start Local
The best marketing when you’re starting is hyper-local. Focus on the area where you live or work and build visibility through:
- Yard signs on completed jobs
- Branded shirts, hats, and decals
Create a Professional Online Presence
People WILL search for you online. Make sure they find a clean, trustworthy business:
- Build a simple website with your services and a contact form
- Get listed on Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Nextdoor
- Post before/after photos on Facebook and Instagram
Bonus tip: Ask every happy customer for a review. Social proof goes a long way.
Consider Strategic Ads
If you want to grow faster, run a few low-cost ads:
- Facebook ads targeting homeowners in your ZIP code
- Google Ads for search terms like “sealcoating near me”
- Local newspaper or digital classifieds
Step 4: Deliver Professional Results Every Time
Once you land a job, it’s showtime. What you do on-site will determine if you get repeat customers and referrals or get ignored.
Best Practices to Follow:
- Thorough prep: Blow off debris, clean oil spots, fill cracks
- Proper mixing: Agitate your material thoroughly
- Even application: Avoid streaks or puddles
- Clean site: Don’t leave a mess—leave a remarkable impression
With high-quality equipment from Seal-Rite, your jobs will look professional, and customers will take notice.
Step 5: Expand at Your Own Pace
Once your schedule starts filling up, you can start scaling. Here’s how:
Upgrade Equipment
Outgrowing the SR-300? Seal-Rite has a complete line of:
- SR skid units (for more gallons and faster agitation)
- Trailer-mounted systems (for easier maneuverability)
- Bulk storage tanks (for high-volume operations)
Everything is built tough, easy to maintain, and designed for serious contractors.
Add Services
Want to boost your ticket size? Offer:
- Crack filling
- Line striping
- Parking lot sweeping
- Patching and repairs
With the right add-ons, your revenue per job can double, without doubling your labor.
Grow Your Crew
When the time comes, hire and train a team that shares your work ethic. Standardize your process so every crew delivers the same high-quality results.
Seal-Rite: Your Partner from Day One
Starting a business can be intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Seal-Rite has helped thousands of contractors get their start in the asphalt maintenance industry. We’ve been building best-in-class sealcoating systems, trailers, and bulk tanks for decades, and we back it up with fast shipping, complete parts availability, and expert support.
When you buy from Seal-Rite, you’re getting more than a machine—you’re gaining a growth partner.
We’re here to help with:
- Equipment recommendations
- Setup and operation advice
- Replacement parts
- Marketing materials
- Business tips and training
And we ship across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and more.
Ready to Start Your Sealcoating Business?
If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to help you make it count.
Check out our complete line of sealcoating equipment, starting with the SR-300 Pickup Unit, and contact us to discuss your business goals. Whether sealing driveways on weekends or scaling a full-time crew, Seal-Rite has the necessary equipment and knowledge for you to succeed. Contact Seal-Rite at 573-387-4491today or visit us online for more information!
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