How to Start a Maid Service Company
Unlike janitors, who clean commercial buildings, schools or medical clinics, maids work in residential homes. A maid business is fairly inexpensive to start, since you can handle administration and store supplies in your home. You will need, however, a vehicle large enough to transport cleaning supplies and equipment to and from cleaning jobs. If your business grows, you'll also have to hire maids.
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Instructions
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Come up with a list of services you'll offer. Most maids perform all basic housekeeping services from dusting to vacuuming to cleaning bathrooms. Decide if you also want to do steam cleaning, window cleaning or other services.
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Price your services. Charge by the hour or by the service. Check out what the competition is charging online or by calling other maid services. Stay ahead of the competition by offering clients a free cleaning to let them decide if you're the right match for them.
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Set up your business structure. If you're a sole proprietor, most states don't require you to file any special paperwork. Set up as a corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) if you want to protect your personal assets, or a partnership if you're going into business with someone else. Contact the U.S. Small Business Association for help on how to set up or make an appointment with a tax professional. File the relevant paperwork with your county clerk's office for all business structures except sole proprietorship.
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Check local zoning laws for restrictions on home businesses. In some residential areas, you can't operate a home business, while in others, you can. Zoning laws may forbid signs on your property or parking commercial vehicles in front of your home. In some areas, you can't park a commercial vehicle in your driveway.
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Buy cleaning products and equipment. These can include vacuums, steam cleaners, mops and brooms and cleaning chemicals. Pick up a caddy with a handle or a rolling cart to bring supplies from your vehicle to clients' houses.
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Designate an area of your home as storage space for your business products and supplies.
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Advertise your business. Tell others about your service and ask if they know anyone who needs a maid. Run ads in local papers or on Craigslist. Distribute flyers in your area or display them on public spaces at grocery stores, libraries or other buildings. Have a professional sign painter paint your name and phone number on the side of your car or van.
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Tips & Warnings
Your best source of new customers is through referrals from customers. As them to tell their friends about you.
Give discounts to customers who hire you on a regular basis.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Cleaning materials image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
