People are busy all the time, and that means there will be more homes and offices in need of cleaning services. If you are planning to start a business, cleaning might be the niche you are looking for. In fact, this is one of the few industries, where you can get started for a lot less money. Below is a quick guide to the basic aspects you need to know about starting a cleaning business.
Decide your niche
First and foremost, decide if you want to focus on domestic or commercial cleaning. For the uninitiated, a domestic cleaning service focuses on homes and residences, while commercial cleaners work for offices and commercial premises. If you know your niche, it would be easier to decide other aspects. There are companies that deal in both, but we recommend that you start with one initially and if your business manages to stand out, you can expand later.
Find more on the service industry requirements
While this can vary from state to state, but cleaning businesses must procure necessary licenses and papers before they start operating. This is also where costs come in the picture, because licenses, permits and other things come for a cost. Also, it is a good idea to consider insurance costs. Keep in mind that customers are smart, so they would want to work with a company that has both workers’ compensation and general liability insurances.
Set a budget
Besides the licenses and permits, you will also have to pay for additional things such as supplies, equipment, tools, advertising and labor. The insurance costs also depend largely on the number of employees you have, and limited liability businesses in this industry have to pay more on licenses and permits. Some of the expenses are recurring in nature, such as cleaning supplies, while others are more of a capital expenditure, such as licenses and equipment. Consider setting a budget aside and make sure that you have at least 10% of that aside for possible contingencies.
Make a list and get a place
You need a good number of products and tools, so make a list of the requirements. There are many handy lists online that can be helpful. Don’t buy too much at once, and make sure that you have a place to store everything. Having a physical office may seem like an expensive affair, but clients, especially commercial clients, will ask for it. Get a small office with an attached storeroom.
Don’t compromise on cleaners and workers
Eventually, it’s the work of the cleaners that can make or break a business, and you would want to hire people with some sort of experience in the industry. Don’t shy away from asking questions, discuss your requirements, and don’t hesitate in negotiating the salaries.
Right after you have everything, start by offering small discounts and spend some money on promotions. Don’t take more requests than the number of clients you can handle, because a cleaning business is all about good work and great services.
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