This is a needed business because companies and individuals often don’t have the resources to perform their own security detail. Security guard services usually charge hourly fees for the services being provided. The prices charged will increase based on the number of security guards provided for the clients.
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Start a security guard company by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Security Guard Company
- Form your Security Guard Company into a Legal Entity
- Register your Security Guard Company for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Security Guard Company
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Security Guard Company
- Get Security Guard Company Insurance
- Define your Security Guard Company Brand
- Create your Security Guard Company Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your security guard company. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Security Guard Company Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a security guard company?
Costs for starting a security guard business are minimal. The largest cost is insurance, which can be up to $3,000 for a 6-month term. Legal and regulatory costs will run about $500. The cost for basic equipment and uniforms varies. If guards have their own firearms or force equipment, then the cost will be minimal. If not, they can range from just a couple hundred dollars for a used handgun to several thousand dollars.
Uniforms will run about $100 per guard or officer.
Some local and state laws require security companies to maintain an office. Minimize these costs by using shared-space small offices. A shared office will cost several hundred dollars per month, depending on where you live. Dedicated offices can run several thousand per month.
This is a business where having a large office isn’t important. Only get as much office space as you absolutely need.
Marketing materials for the new business will likely run $1,000 to $2,000.
Websites are another cost you should consider. They will run you between $300 and $500 for a basic website. Hosting should cost no more than $100 per year. In many cases, you can find hosting for much less.
What are the ongoing expenses for a security guard company?
Normal ongoing expenses for this business are minimal. Mostly, you’re paying for insurance, an office, a security team’s salary (and related expenses).
Who is the target market?
Security companies typically work with wealthier clients who have valuable property to protect. These clients are usually businesses that guard valuable information, tangible items, or individuals within their premises.
On rare occasions, a company might be hired to protect an individual, like a local or national celebrity, a political figure, or CEO of a large company.
How does a security guard company make money?
Most security companies charge clients an hourly rate or flat fee for services. Larger security guard companies have corporate or commercial clients. The ideal client is one who signs a multi-year service contract. However, when you’re just starting out, these types of clients are hard to get.
How much can you charge customers?
Security guard companies tend to have a range of prices, depending on the services they’re offering. For unarmed security, you can charge between $10 and $25 per hour. For armed security, you can charge from $35, up to even $100, if it’s a special or high-risk event.
However, this is not the only way to charge clients. Security contracts, including both short and long-term contracts, can fetch a much higher total fee for services. Some companies will charge “by the job,” in which case the company is charging a contract fee. These fees can amount to several thousand dollars per contract.
In some cases, a client pays monthly, semi-annually, or annually for services and renews the contract for many years. This is an ideal scenario, and produces stable long-term income for the business.
Per-contract fees are usually reserved for established clients, however.
Another factor affecting what you can charge clients is the number of security personnel on-site for a job. Most companies charge more if there are more guards on-site.
How much profit can a security guard company make?
Security companies can generate approximately $40,000-$60,000 per security guard, per year. If you hire a team of 5 security guards at startup, then you may be able to clear $300,000 in revenue. Net profits vary based on your insurance costs, labor costs, and regulatory costs in your state.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Most security businesses could benefit from specialization and charging higher prices. Closing higher-paying clients will also bring in more money.
For example, instead of offering generic security services to a local business, try specializing in bodyguard services, mall services, or catered event services for politicians. If your company becomes known for providing security for high-profile clients, you’ll have very little competition.
Also, a security guard typically has all the skills necessary to provide bodyguard services as well. However, the term “bodyguard” typically connotes a larger, muscular person who is capable of intimidating potential threats to the client’s person. If you feel as though you can provide these services–which typically involve protection of individual people–this is an effective way to increase clientele.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your security guard company is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your security guard company were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
In most states, it is necessary to obtain a license to work as a security guard. Certain other state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a security guard business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Service Contract
Security guard businesses should require clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, and service level expectations.
Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your security guard business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.
Certificate of Occupancy
A security guard business typically features an office from which clerical operations are carried out. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a security guard business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your security guard business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
Miscellaneous Considerations
Here is a list of relevant considerations when starting a security guard service from Cornell University Law School’s website.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Security Guard Company needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Security Guard Company.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a security guard company
Many security companies rely on direct mail, social media, and referrals for business. Contact your local mailing list broker and ask about lists of businesses that have hired security companies in the past. Mail these companies with your offer. You can also try sending out fliers and handing out business cards to local companies.
How to keep customers coming back
Specialization is a great way to stand out from the crowd. How many companies do special events in your area? If you’re the only one, then you’ll get all the business in that niche.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
This business is suitable for individuals who are passionate about personal security and want to help others feel more secure in their homes and businesses. It may require working long hours or unusual schedules, like nights and weekends. Because of this, the business may not be suitable for individuals with family commitments or other obligations that fall outside of traditional 9-5 work days.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a security guard company?
Day-to-day activities of a security company include preparing security-related documents like incident reports and proposals, strategic or tactical initiatives and reviewing these documents. Management also needs to provide ongoing training and education for subordinates, plan security detail for special and high-risk events, and review financial reports to make sure security operations are never in jeopardy.
A security company’s management also needs to maintain its budget for security operations, order security-related supplies and equipment, coordinate operations and activities with law enforcement (and other agencies), and attend meetings and professional seminars. In rare circumstances, you may also have to coordinate and provide support during emergencies.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful security guard company?
Security guards typically have some form of formal training from combat fields such as policing, military service, etc. In addition to this, security professionals should a have a private patrol operator’s license and extensive knowledge of law enforcement techniques.
What is the growth potential for a security guard company?
These businesses can be run at a small or large scale. A small security business can be run by just a handful of individuals. When operating a small company, the biggest concern is usually cost control and recouping the startup costs, like insurance, office space, and equipment.
All other things being equal, it’s easier to recoup these costs with a minimum staff of 5 people than with 3. The more guards you can hire, the better.
Large operations are more expensive to run, but also tend to have more stable income and more lucrative service contracts because they are more likely to land large multi-year corporate contracts.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a security guard company?
Partnering with local HOAs, landlords, and local businesses could help you secure your initial security contracts. Try to keep costs associated with office space to a minimum. In most cases, you won’t need a large office when you’re just starting out.
How and when to build a team
In most cases, it makes sense to take on a team of 3 to 5 security professionals when you’re first starting out. Not only does this help you recover the initial startup costs, it helps build your revenue stream faster, since you can take on more work. As your company grows and becomes more well-known, you can hire additional security guards as finances allow.