You may disagree, but most people find that cleaning their homes is stressful and sometimes painful. You can tap into a large market by starting a cleaning service, like a house-cleaning company. Home cleaning services will always be in demand, keeping you in business. Here is a guide to starting a cleaning business from scratch.
You can do the initial cleaning yourself.
You might be tempted to hire staff to get your house cleaning or maid service off the ground, but the best way to get started is to do the majority of the work. You need to understand the business first before you can run it successfully from a distance. Asking friends and family for references or cleaning their homes is a great way to get your first few customers.
By committing to work and source for your first clients yourself, you can keep your costs down. You can save money by paying yourself a fair wage instead of hiring employees while you figure out the kinks and best practices in your business.
You can also maintain your business image by taking care of the clients yourself. As soon as the business starts to grow, it can begin to hire for larger cleaning jobs. You can hire trained employees to work for you while you focus on other areas of your business.
Establish a Budget for Your Cleaning Company
Many potential cleaners ask – can I start a business with no money? Will I require a business loan? How can I reduce my costs? What is the best business structure to use for this industry sector? Does it cost a lot to start this kind of business? It will cost some money, but you may find it less costly than you think.
Budgeting is more than just how many hours of work you do. You will have to spend money on supplies to make your business successful, and you’ll also need to track and cover fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
Budget for your business. Include the cost of replacing products and equipment if necessary. If you are considering outsourcing labor, you should also consider the hiring and payroll costs. However, you must also remember that you will need money to pay taxes and for insurance.
Calculate your estimated tax and pay yourself an hourly rate. Your business budget will disappear if you fail to put money aside for tax.
Choose the right cleaning equipment to purchase
Consider the materials and products that you will need to clean clients’ homes or businesses. You will need to include cleaning products and spray bottles in your initial costs. Also, consider disposable or reusable towels, protective gloves, and other housekeeping equipment such as brooms and mops.
You should also consider the type of products you will use: Will you be using bleach or other traditional cleaners to clean clients’ homes or environmentally-friendly or “green” products instead? Plan your equipment purchases according to how you plan to prevent cross-contamination between clients’ homes, whether by using disposable products or adhering to strict sanitation practices.
Select a Brand Name For Your New Cleaning Company
A startup cleaning company must establish a name. The most fun part of running a cleaning company is choosing a name for your brand. You can choose a name that is a play on the words, the full or part of your name, or a fun or quirky nickname. It could also be based on where you live or what type of cleaning service you provide, such as residential or commercial cleaning.
Choose a business name that:
– Accurately describe the company
It is easy to remember and spell
Not already in use
It sounds good, and it reads well
Can grow with your business
It would help if you looked online for names that you like when deciding on the name of your cleaning service. You should check as soon as possible to see if another business has the same name. Even if it’s unintentional, using the name of another company can be costly.
How to Set Up Proper Licensing For Your Cleaning Business
You must register your business name once you have chosen it to stop others from using the name. Your state and local laws will determine the requirements. Check to ensure you are following your local business ordinances.
You may need it for your business and possibly permits, particularly if you choose a different name to use. You may be required to pay a fee and apply for a license, depending on the state laws and local requirements.
Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) or sole proprietorship are two popular choices for business licensing. A limited liability corporation (LLC) reduces your liability and puts company assets at risk. Typically, a sole proprietorship costs less to set up and gives you total control of your business. A sole proprietorship may put your assets in danger if it is not profitable.
You will need to submit a Doing Business As-license if you choose a brand name. This license is used to establish your fake business name, and it ensures that your company operates legally.
It is also important to check whether your local laws require you to carry business insurance, liability coverage, or any other type of protection. Business insurance is important to protect you and your client in the event of an accident.
Promote your new cleaning company.
The next step is to learn how to market your cleaning business. It’s now time to start finding clients. After deciding on the name of your cleaning company, filing all necessary permits and licenses, and purchasing your cleaning supplies, you will need to determine what your business is called. Word-of-mouth marketing can be simple or complex. You can run ads in the local newspaper or online.
Print fliers and advertise your service, launch a website or email campaign, invest in digital advertising, or place signage at your home or elsewhere (with permission). You can ask satisfied clients to refer you if you already have a few customers. Offer referral coupons or discounts as an incentive to existing clients.
Give Customer Service Priority
Cleaning is an easy job: You remove dirt and shiny surfaces. In customer service, however, it is important to prioritize the needs of clients. This means that you must be available to both existing and potential customers, respond promptly to quotes and service requests, and follow up with them to ensure they return.
You need to communicate with your customers in order to manage your cleaning business’s technical side effectively. Voice mail, email, a social media page, a website, or any combination of these can improve your business’s reach and customer satisfaction.
Cleaning Software for Smooth Operation
As a cleaning business owner, you may spend a lot of time cleaning houses, filling out paperwork, filing permits, and replenishing supplies. In addition to meeting the needs of clients and restocking supplies, you also need to manage your budget, supervise employee scheduling, record client information, and process invoices, as well as plan for taxes and business fees.
Cleaning software will help you manage and organize your cleaning business more efficiently than pen-and-paper. Imagine trying to manage your contractor or employee schedules, customer lists, account notes, and payment information in a spreadsheet. Even with systematized spreadsheets, it becomes cumbersome and confusing very quickly. An all-in-one program eliminates all of this confusion.
Cleaning business management software can also help you market your business better. It has features like marketing automation, customer surveys, and more. Your new company will benefit from streamlined branding, which includes everything from the software to the uniforms you wear.