How to Start a Cleaning Franchise in Michigan

Build a reputation of excellence and other entrepreneurs will want an opportunity to franchise with your cleaning company.

The state of Michigan makes starting a janitorial service a moderately easy field in which to enter. Janitorial companies in Michigan are not required to purchase any state licensing or obtain bonding insurance, according to the Michigan Department of Labor Customer Service Information Center.



Surprisingly enough, a janitorial business offers variety and flexibility. According to “Entrepreneur” magazine, owning a janitorial business can be done part time or full time, utilizing a niche or offering a full- scale cleaning service. Balancing administrative duties with rolling up your sleeves and completing hands- on tasks is key to being a successful commercial cleaning business owner and franchiser.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning equipment
• Commercial-grade cleaning solutions
• Employees
• Brochures
• Business cards
• Franchise marketing budget

Instructions

1. Educate yourself on Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. After purchasing all of your commercial cleaning equipment and cleaning solutions, create Material Safety Data Sheets. Outline the name of each chemical, the possible risks and steps to take if an emergency occurs with the chemical.

2. Obtain training on Blood Born Pathogens from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. You will in turn educate your staff after receiving this training.

3. Market your company. Trademark your name, so that as the franchise grows, others cannot copy it. Have all employees wear a distinguishing uniform. Approach clients with brochures and a sales presentation.

4. Grow your name recognition throughout Michigan. Join Chamber of Commerce associations in the key cities of Michigan in which you would like to offer a franchise. Also sponsor events and non-profit groups in these Michigan cities, again for name recognition.

5. Perfect your customer service and cleaning techniques at your home base. Only after building a reputation of excellence will others want to use your trademark.

6. Compile a manual of your company’s “trade secrets”. After one to two years of trial and error, you will be ready to offer your trademark for franchising purposes.

7. Advertise your franchise opportunity in franchise books and magazines such as “Entrepreneur” magazine. Charge an initial fee for the company to carry your logo and receive your manual and trade secrets. After that point you should charge a percentage based upon quarterly sales.

8. Offer benefits to franchisees who carry your trademark. As you increase franchises throughout Michigan cities, benefits to owners should also increase. Offer free local television ads and other marketing services to help your franchises be successful.

References

• DLEG: Blood Born Pathogens
• IFMA: As Washington Heats up Congress Turns Focus to Energy Policy
• Ref 3: “Entrepreneur”: How to Start a Cleaning Service

Resources

• DLEG: State of Michigan Hazard Communication