How to Open an Office Cleaning Business

Office cleaning is a great startup business option.

Being an entrepreneur is the dream of many people who want to control the direction of their lives. An office cleaning business can allow that dream to become reality either as a way to make supplemental income or as your primary source of revenue. You have options to open an office cleaning business as either a franchisee or as an independent operator, with as little as a two-person cleaning crew.

Things You'll Need

• Business license
• Federal tax ID number
• Business checking account
• Cleaning equipment and supplies

Instructions

1. Visit your local courthouse or city hall to apply for a business license and to process any other forms and licenses that are necessary to operate in your area. Or apply for a business license online on your state or local government website. Apply with the IRS for a Federal tax ID number to establish your business in case so you can obtain loans and insurance that may be requested by clients.

2. Get familiar with the pricing in your area for cleaning office buildings based on square footage. Contact property management companies to verify the need for your services. Obtain pertinent training for cleaning office buildings where certain types of equipment and cleaning solutions will be involved.

3. Most office cleaning is done during nonbusiness hours which means that, depending on the number and size of your clients, you might have an all-night schedule. Be prepared to adjust your sleeping habits, and it may be a benefit to assign someone to take calls during the day as well as handle paperwork while you rest.

4. Open a business banking account using your business license and other legal documents to ensure that you're keeping personal and business expenses separate. A business account adds credibility with your clients, employees and business partners.

5. You may be able to operate out of your home when running a cleaning business, because you will be working at your clients' places of business. Some cities and municipalities limit the amount of commercial business in a residential area, so be aware of your local laws.

6. Ensure you have the right equipment for your jobs such as vacuum cleaners, cleaning supplies and transportation. You may need a truck to transport your supplies and cleaning crew to the job sites. Some offices may provide supplies, but for some, you will need to bring your equipment.

7. Find your clients by networking in your neighborhood, workplace, grocery store or any other place you frequent. You will thus create an initial client base for your business to grow. Consider the image that you present, from the presentation of your crew and vehicles to the professionalism of your paperwork.

Tips & Warnings

• Networking will really help you grow your business.

• General Liability Insurance will make your business more attractive to bigger companies.

References

• entrepreneur.com: How to Start a Cleaning Business
• Business.gov