How to Set Up an Office Cleaning Business
There is always a need for office buildings to be cleaned. Depending on the area where you live, the cleaning business can be quite competitive. There may be a number of janitorial companies offering the same services as you. This business requires not only the right equipment, but strength, stamina and attention to detail to get the job done right. You can start a cleaning business with one or two people and add on additional staff as your company expands.
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Instructions
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Gain experience working for a janitorial service. This experience allows you to see how a cleaning business is managed and if it's a career you want to do long-term.
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Contact your state or local county clerk's office to find out which licenses and permits are required to set up an office cleaning business. Also, find out what documentation is required if you would like to start a cleaning business out of your home. Verify with state agencies if you would be permitted to house cleaning chemicals, supplies and equipment at your residence.
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Determine the cleaning services you'll offer to your office clients. Services may include washing windows, vacuuming, dusting, picking up trash and cleaning bathrooms or all of these tasks. You'll need speciality equipment if you shampoo upholstery and carpets and wax floors.
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Rent or buy your cleaning equipment. Many offices have basic cleaning supplies such as mops and brooms, but most professionals provide their own. You'll need to purchase a good-quality vacuum cleaner with attachments, dusters, cleaning rags, plastic gloves, cleaning solutions and so on.
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Buy insurance. Most offices won't hire outside cleaning companies without insurance. Insurance protects you if an accident occurs while cleaning an office. In addition, you'll need worker's compensation insurance if you hire staff. Talk to your insurance agent about these types of policies before starting your cleaning business.
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Set up appointments with local business offices. Talk with them briefly about your services. Prepare a professionally typed cost-estimate sheet and present it to the business owners. You may charge by the job or hour, depending on the rates for the industry in your area. Call competing cleaning business and find how much they charge on average for a job, and set your prices accordingly.
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Promote your business in the newspaper and phone book advertisements when finances allow. Create your own business cards, T-shirts and flyers to market your cleaning business.
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Tips & Warnings
Build a website for your cleaning business if you want to expand your services to other locations.
Know how to properly use all cleaning chemicals. Some chemicals may damage surfaces or make people sick when mixed incorrectly.
