How to Start a Home Cleaning Business
You have a love for cleaning away grime and a lifelong dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Decide to combine these two aspects into one. You can invest the time, hard work and resources into starting a home cleaning business. Specialize in a certain aspect of home cleaning, such as upholstery or rugs, or offer a full service schedule. Whatever you decide, focus on the needs of starting your business and finding clientele in your locale.
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Instructions
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1
Visit your city clerk's office or zoning board. Review the zoning laws in your area regarding operating a home business. Some communities prohibit home-based businesses, but you may be able to apply for an exception, or variance. Also inquire about other local licensing regulations to make sure you're in full compliance.
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2
Set up a business plan --- ideally a written one. Determine which cleaning services you will offer: maid service, upholstery and rug cleaning or waxing floors. Check out the local competition services in the telephone book's yellow pages or service fliers hung on bulletin boards. Pick a service that is in demand but that is not abundantly offered to customers. Develop a price list for your services.
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Create a list of equipment and tools you will need based on the type of services you will offer. Buy the necessary transportation, such as a van, to carry all the equipment and tools to each client's house. The big-name services may have private-label cleaning supplies; the point is, cleaning services always buy their own and never use the client's.
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Decide on the size of the business: whether you will be the only person involved or will have employees. If you are hiring employees, you may choose to rent a commercial office as the business location. Pick a space --- it doesn't have to be on the pricey main drag since you aren't retailing anything --- that allows for equipment and vehicle storage.
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Develop an itemized list of all costs for the business. Estimate certain costs, such as marketing costs and gas and maintenance for vehicles, and nail down a budget for readying any space you rent. Total all amounts to get your start-up costs. Acquire the resources to fund this business with your own money, by taking out a loan with the bank or by filing a small-business grant application. That's why writing a business plan (Step 1) is so important; prospective lenders and investors always want to see one.
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Pick a name for your business. Choose an advertising strategy. Create business cards and promotional fliers to market your services. Develop a Web page and place ads in the newspaper to attract more customers. Obtain referrals through friends, social clubs and former co-workers.
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Log in all transactions in bookkeeping records. Retain all receipts and statements in both electronic and paper-based form. Perform a self-audit on accounts every six months. Use the financial information for tax purposes. Inexpensive, easy-to-use software can help.
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Tips & Warnings
Maintain a clean image when working the business. Have extra uniforms --- they can be as simple as a smock in the start-up phase --- or a change of clothes in the van. Your clean and professional appearance affects a client's opinion in a positive manner, especially during that first visit.
Obtain the necessary business insurance. This includes liability and worker's compensation if hiring employees.
Set your prices to be competitive. But bear in mind that your expenses for equipment, transportation and promotion will cut into your overall revenue. You must account for those overhead costs while still bringing in a profit.
References
Resources
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Comments
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Pamela Rappaport
Jan 13, 2009
Good article. Thanks!
