How to Start a Janitorial Cleaning Service
If you enjoy working alone, like moderate physical exercise, are willing to work nights and weekends, and don't mind getting your hands dirty, you might consider starting a janitorial business. Though far from glamorous, a janitorial business allows you the freedom to be your own boss, and any commercial business that outsources its cleaning needs is a potential client. The key to reeling in your clientele is to get your business in order and your name out there.
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Things You'll Need
- Bonding coverage
- Liability insurance
- Commercial vacuum
- Carpet cleaner
- Cleaning supplies
- Commercial vehicle
Instructions
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Procure start-up funds. A janitorial business can be operated from home, as long as you have room to accommodate your supplies and equipment. Without the need to lease rental space, you can significantly reduce your expenses. Expect to spend up to $12,000 for supplies, permits and licenses, insurance, bonding, a business vehicle, gas and advertising.
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Check with your county clerk to see if you need a business license. If you will have a partner or assistant, you'll need to select a business structure, such as a limited liability company (LLC). You'll also need to obtain a federal tax ID from the IRS and liability insurance (visit Netquote.com for a quote). Finally, you'll need to purchase bonding insurance.
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Consider enrolling in a janitorial certification course. The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association offers a course online that covers cleaning techniques, carpet care, employee management, business organization and other topics, as well as how to give your business a professional image.
Another option to consider is getting a Green Clean Certification (see Resources), which will teach you how to adopt a green business model and market yourself as such. Going green is a great way to separate your business from other janitorial services in your area.
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Purchase janitorial supplies: coveralls, back support, earplugs, safety cones and signs, power tools, fire extinguishers, knee pads, ladders, ladder carts, trash bags, chemicals, squeegees, sponges, rags, commercial vacuum cleaners and carpet shampooers. Your commercial vacuum cleaner should be powerful enough to get the job done quickly, have a good-sized motor that will last through frequent use and have a long power cable and a good filtration system. Oreck vacuums are popular commercial options because they are lightweight. (The Resources contains a list of top-rated commercial vacuum cleaners.)
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Purchase a van or trailer to carry your equipment. Detail your commercial vehicle with your business name, logo and phone number, as well as your licensing and bonding information.
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Contact schools, hospitals, office buildings, and restaurants that may need your services. Also contact janitorial services in your area to find out what to charge. Create a checklist that you and your client can run through to determine what services you will provide. Janitorial duties run the gamut. You may be asked to clean windows, mow lawns, shampoo carpets, sweep the parking lot, make small repairs, or take care of plants. Then draw up a contract specifying your duties, how often you are to perform them, and your rate of pay. Note how long it takes you to complete certain tasks so that you can adjust your pricing list if necessary.
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Ensure that you have enough staff to handle each cleaning job. You may be able to clean a small office by yourself. However, as you obtain more clients, you'll need to hire help. Make sure each employee is bonded and licensed. Write up an employee manual detailing your expectations, such as timeliness, presentation, and work conduct.
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Join janitorial associations and your Chamber of Commerce to get your name out in the community. Submit your business to online directories.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Marshall Astor: Flickr.com
