How to Start a Part-time Commercial Cleaning Business
If you wish to start a business for little investment, think of opening a part-time commercial cleaning service. The cleaning of offices and retail locations will normally be done during off-hours, such as evenings and weekends, which makes it easy for you to have a second -- perhaps full-time -- job.
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Instructions
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When starting a part-time office cleaning business, first check with state and local governments to determine what, if any, permits or licenses are needed. Consider utilizing your chamber of commerce as a source of information and to help guide you through the licensing and registration process.
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Once the legalities are straight, you will need to start contacting local business owners and managers in your area to offer your services. There are many ways to go about this, such as postcards and by phone, but the most effective method is to stop by the place of business. Try to visit either in the early morning or early afternoon as these are the most common down times for most businesses. Explain your services when you have a meeting.
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You may want to offer a special discount, but offer this for the third or fourth cleaning, such as if they pay for three, they'll get the fourth at half price. This, among other specials, will help you get more business without sacrificing any profit as you get your business started.
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When speaking with each potential client, find out what equipment they currently have available. For instance, if they have a vacuum cleaner in their store, there will be no need for you to bring one. Using a business's equipment will save yours the use and abuse, which saves you costs over time.
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Visit the competition to find out what other businesses provide, how they operate and what they charge. Consider filling any holes in the market. For example, if your competitors don't offer a certain service or don't provide a certain price point, consider doing so. Set pricing by doing some projections and some research. You'll be charging a set price for your services, so don't underbid or you may end up doing the work for free.
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