How to Create a Cleaning Business
Starting your own business is an exciting adventure that can be a bit overwhelming. Organizing details, funding, employees, supplies and tax preparation are questions that seem to fill the minds of those who wish to own a business. However, starting a cleaning business doesn't have to be stressful; with a little preparation you can have it up and running in no time. .
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Liability insurance
- Advertising tools
- Price list
- References
- Cleaning supplies
- Transportation
Instructions
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Preparing for owning a cleaning service
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1
Decide whether you will specialize in consumer or commercial cleaning. Commercial cleaning will consist of businesses such as offices, churches or vet clinics. Consumer cleaning will deal with family households. Both have advantages and disadvantages and it is possible to offer both services.
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2
Establish if you will have a partner, employees or venture out on your own. Your investment capital and your initial number of clients will determine the amount of employees you will hire.
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3
Decide if your cleaning service will be home-based or at a commercial location. When investing your own money, a home-based business will be the cheaper alternative.
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4
Determine a price list. To get an idea of what to charge, ask other cleaning services in your area for a price list. Educate yourself on proper bookkeeping and tax preparation.
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5
Decide how you will market your services. Business cards, flyers, and advertisement in the local newspaper all inexpensive ways to promote a new business.
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6
Purchase liability insurance. This protects you as well as your employees and is usually required when cleaning commercial businesses.
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7
Buy the cleaning supplies you will need. Not only will you need chemical cleaners, brooms and clothes. You will also need gloves, containers for carrying supplies and a vehicle for transport.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with property managers - they often have rental property that will need cleaned after tenets leave. Builders are also a good resource and often need someone to clean after construction is complete. You may be able to find discounted cleaning supplies at a janitorial supply store. If you are starting a business on a budget, look into government grants for small businesses.
Expect some households to have special requests like laundry or natural, plant based cleaners. Decide before hand what your views are on special circumstances. Many small businesses fail because of not having the proper licensing and tax information - legalizing your business makes for a strong foundation.
