How to Start a Professional Carpet Cleaning Business
A professional carpet cleaning business cleans rugs and carpets for residential homes and commercial businesses. They use special equipment and cleaning solutions, and some businesses also handle delicate Persian and Oriental rugs. They travel to homes and businesses and often have repeat customers. To start the business, you should have some experience in carpet cleaning, write a business plan and have a marketing strategy.
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Instructions
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Take the courses needed to become a carpet cleaning technician. The IICRC (The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) offers a list of recommended courses. Learn about carpets, area rugs, cleaning equipment and cleaning solutions. Learn how to remove stains, spots, dry carpets, carpet repair and use deodorizers. Become an expert in all aspects of carpet cleaning.
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Decide if you plan to work in residential homes, commercial business or both.
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Apply for permits and licenses that are needed by your local and state governments. Visit www.business.gov to find the type of permits and licenses needed. Check with your local government for any regulations, zoning or requirements that your business will need to follow.
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Choose the products and equipment to use in the business. Study online sites that provide information on carpet-cleaning equipment. Make a list of all the equipment and cleaning solutions that you will need to get started.
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Choose a vehicle for your business. Use a cargo van that has plenty of space to store the carpet-cleaning equipment and hoses. Insure the van for business use.
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Insure your business and employees. Work with an insurance agent to cover your insurance needs.
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Hire employees to help run and manage the business. Start with one or two employees and expand as the business grows.
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Create a spreadsheet with the equipment, vehicle, insurance, permits, cleaning solutions and advertising costs that will be needed to start the business. Analyze the costs and secure a loan or out-of-pocket funds for the business startup.
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Advertise your business. Send out flyers to residents or businesses that are in your local area. Offer discount coupons for new customers. Offer rewards for customers referrals. Pass out business cards to everyone you meet.
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Create a web presence to advertise the carpet cleaning business. List the area that you service, references and contact information.
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Tips & Warnings
Work for a carpet cleaning business before starting your own business. Use green cleaning solutions for your business. Expand the business by offering drapery cleaning, upholstery cleaning, restoration services, deodorizing or fine Oriental and Persian rug cleaning.
