How to Start a Successful Cleaning Service
Are you constantly cleaning up your home and after those around you? If so, you may want to consider starting a cleaning business. This is a great way to earn extra money or replace your income. Depending on the type of cleaning business you start, the start-up costs are relatively low. Before you get out there looking for places to clean, it is important to adequately plan. Many people who start cleaning businesses fail because they do not bid on jobs correctly or don't market their businesses properly. Knowing what is takes to start a cleaning business will give you the best chance at success.
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Instructions
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Choose the type of cleaning business you want to start. The most common types of cleaning businesses are maid services, janitorial businesses and carpet cleaning businesses. Some companies offer more than one type of cleaning service.
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Create a business plan for your cleaning business. A business plan will help guide you toward operating a successful cleaning service by laying out all of goals and what is needed to meet your goals. Your business plan should include your target market, marketing plan and start-up costs.
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Buy a franchise or start from scratch. Nearly every type of cleaning business has a franchise opportunity you can purchase. Some of the most popular cleaning franchises include Molly Maids and JaniKing. If you start your own cleaning business, familiarize yourself with the legal requirements within your state.
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Apply for business licenses and permits. The license requirements for a cleaning business vary per state. You should check with your secretary of state's office to inquire about the business licenses required to start and operate your cleaning business.
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Fund your cleaning business through your savings or by borrowing money from relatives, friends or private investors. The start-up cost for a cleaning business is relatively low. You can buy basic cleaning supplies to start with, and purchase more equipment as you start earning money.
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Obtain liability and bonding insurance. Liability insurance protects you if your client's property is damaged. Bonding insurance protects your in the event one of your employees steals from your one of your clients.
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Purchase cleaning supplies. The cost for cleaning supplies will depend on the type of cleaning business you start. If you are starting a house cleaning business, you can purchase household cleaning supplies for very little money. You will need to spend more money on commercial cleaning equipment, such as a commercial vacuum cleaner, commercial cleaning products, a floor buffer and commercial brooms and mops.
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Create a contract template. You should have your clients sign a contract after terms to provide your cleaning services are agreed upon. The contract will protect you and your clients' interests.
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Market you business to gain clients. Your marketing plan will depend on your target customers. If you plan to start a housecleaning business, you can pass out flyers and place ads in newspapers and on online business directories. Cold calling companies and networking are your best options for marketing your janitorial or carpet cleaning business.
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Hire cleaning staff. As your business grows, you will need to hire staff to help you with your cleaning assignments. You may want to hire employees on a part-time basis until your list of clients grows. Check the laws in your state regarding hiring employees.
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Bid on jobs. As you make connections with potential clients, you will receive requests to bid on jobs. Have a bidding strategy in place so that you don't underbid on potential jobs. You can charge by the hour or by the size of the place you are asked to clean.
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Tips & Warnings
Always deliver on your cleaning services. This makes a good impression with clients and encourages them to refer you to others.
Don't underbid in an attempt to win clients. Underbidding can reduce your profits substantially.
References
Resources
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