Setting up Your Business Structure for A Cleaning Service
The business plan you create will help to determine the direction of your business, outline the plan of operations and many other crucial aspects. But, the next step is to put the business together to ensure that you adhere to the plan for success. Starting with the title to financials there are a lot of things to consider before you are in good shape. Each one of these is an essential step to developing a successful business by yourself.
Naming Your Business:
You’re looking for a unique company name that creates an image of positive in the mind of your customers. You can play with the words of popular phrases employ catchy rhymes or choose to stick with a basic, you want your customers to think of a hard-working and dedicated team of cleaners. The name you choose to use should be a reflection of your personality along with the products you provide to your customers, so be true to the business you run.
- Make sure it’s concise. Don’t overburden potential clients with a lengthy description of every service you provide or contains too many cutesy terms creating a long title. You may have will need to include a small description, like including “cleaning company” in the title however, you don’t have to explain every single service you provide in only the title.
- Make it simple to type. What can a prospective customer expect to locate your company online when you’ve made it impossible to enter their search terms? It is important for customers to be able to locate your business quickly.
- Beware of negative impressions. Be aware that this is the first impression you make to your customer, and it’s important to attract customers rather than repel them. Be positive and stay away from any slurs that are demeaning. The name should be memorable and stick out to the consumer’s mind.
- Do not use overly “cutesy” names if applicable. If your customer base includes commercial customers it is likely that you prefer not to use any cutesy things in your name. They will be searching for a hardworking, professional business. While you may be able provide these services regardless of the subject your name is, a sloppy or unprofessional brand could dissuade them.
- What are the best ways to locate a brand that is compatible with all the requirements above and more?
- 1. Brainstorming session: Sit down with pen and paper, and record every idea that enters your mind, regardless of how awful the ideas seem. This can get your thoughts creative and you could get a good idea amidst all the bad ones.
- 2. Test it out –Run the name in front of several of your people in your circle and observe what their initial reactions or opinions are. If you’re not sure of only one name choose some of your top choices and seek out some opinions on which one to choose.
- 3. Make sure to verify the name. Make sure that the name you’ve chosen isn’t already in use in your region! You can search online through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- A few people opt to put their own name as the name of the company however, be aware that it could make selling later slightly more complicated! If your company is personal with your personal name on it, potential buyers may not be as enthusiastic as they don’t have a initials of your name. If your goal is to sell your products in the future, you should keep this in mind when you create your company name. Consider a name that can draw buyers, the same way it will draw customers to make use of your services. Do not limit your customer base through the name. This could be a risk in the event that you develop something that has stereotypes or is too specific to an customer base.
- Licenses:
- Are you interested in learning more? What better way to learn than to take an online Start Your Own Cleaning Business course?
- It is important to verify what requirements exist in your state as well as local region. Business licenses are generally used for tax purposes as well as identification purposes. Discover what local laws may apply to your particular company, and ensure you follow the necessary steps to ensure there aren’t any related issues to be faced in the future. There might be costs that you must pay in order to get the appropriate license Be aware of this in your mind when you plan your financing and plan your budget.
- Insurance:
- Because your business operates on the property of someone else and assets, business liability insurance can be a smart choice for your business. There’s always a chance of causing damage to the property of your customer by falling off the ladder, being accused of theft and a variety of possible lawsuits. If you don’t have insurance in place you could be subject to costly legal costs that can bankrupt your business. Avoid putting yourself in this scenario, instead plan in advance and address issues before they occur.
- Commercial clients often require insurance before they are willing to hire your company, because they do not want the burden of dealing with an uninsured business in the case that any of the above risks occured. Insurance for liability protects your business for damage to property or personal injury as both can be a concern in the cleaning business. The cost of insurance annually is equal to the amount you would have paid otherwise, in the event of a lawsuit or for the event of damages. The insurance not only protects you and your company as well as the risks that your workers face.
- If you’re unsure of which insurance provider to choose you can ask your friends about other cleaning companies or look into local options that could offer a lower cost or a more personalized alternative. There are a variety of deals and bundles you can avail to make insurance a less expensive option, depending on the type of insurance you’re searching for. Find a person who is specialized in what you are doing, because they can assist you with the procedure and make it less stressful for you. They’ll know precisely what you require in an insurance plan to cover the entire spectrum and ensure your business is safe and safe.
- Legal Issues:
- Cleaning businesses have many particular legal challenges, as compared to other small-scale businesses. As we’ve mentioned that you’ll be working in the homes of other people as well as within their premises, and this places you in a distinct position from the other businesses which operate on their own property. There are some crucial things that haven’t been resolved that you be required to consider:
- health and safety Check for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to determine what regulations they have for your business idea. They have a variety of regulations for security, protection, health, working with dangerous substances, and many other regulations that could be applicable to your company. Failure to comply with these standards could result in legal issues in regards to the security of your company’s operations. It’s not that difficult to go through the checklist and determine your compliance with the laws, and that is worth the risk of any future problems.
- Policies Policies Since you’ll encounter many different customers, you’ll encounter a variety of expectations for your company. It is possible to post your policies for customers on your website, however it is important to consider there are some customers who have access to or go to your site. Before you agree to clean for a client give them a copy of your policy so customers get a better understanding of what they can expect from your company. This includes things such as who is going to purchase cleaning supplies as well as the conditions for the space offered (heating or cooling, and ventilation) as well as rules regarding the operation of the items of the customer (washing machines dryers, dishwashers, etc.) as well as the privacy of the customer’s personal information and any other pertinent details.
- Contracts If you sign a contract with a commercial customer for an ongoing cleaning service it is important to have a contract in place. It will aid in ensuring that you are paid and prevent various legal issues from occurring. The same can be done with homeowners as well as smaller clients, however it is recommended for clients of larger size that will require your services for longer than one calendar year. 2 A contract should include the guidelines that were mentioned earlier and how they relate to the relation between the client and your client. If any of you are in violation of the above rules, consider what effect this has on the contract or whether it is a reason to terminate the contract.
- Employees – A crucial step in covering all legal concerns is to ensure that you conduct an extensive background check for each employee you employ. Customers will allow the employees to enter their businesses and homes by trusting their word, therefore you must be certain that they’re trustworthy and do not have any background that could lead to an eventual legal matter. All of this has to be done without violating privacy laws, or asking questions that aren’t legally permissible. Examine the requirements for employees in your field including minimum wage, documents required and a classification system for your employees.
- On the other hand of the issue, ensure that you’re equally treating your employees and legally. Examine what the legally required minimal wage for your employees is. Also, research at benefits for full-time employees and adhere to the promises you give your employees regarding hours and pay. Fairness to your employees and adhering to the law will protect your company from being the victim of a costly lawsuit.
- Start-Up Funds:
- Where do you find the capital needed to start your business? There are many things to consider in terms of finances, and it could take a while before you can begin to make money, therefore it isn’t a good idea to be lazy on the financial side of business. Consider all the things that need to be paid for and financed right from the beginning of your venture:
- Equipment
- Office set-up
- Business license for business
- Insurance
- The wages of employees
- Company car/uniforms
- Marketing
- Training
- If you’re launching this business by yourself and are just starting out, it’s probably prudent to consider that you will not be able to pay for all of these expenses from your own pockets. If that’s the scenario then the good news is you have choices available. There are several ways to get the money for your business, such as borrowing, investing or obtaining the funds via other ways. Check out all the possibilities that are available to you, and decide which one you envision your business going in:
- Crowdfunding – This is an extremely well-known method to raise money for new businesses because it permits an opportunity for small-scale investments instead of the need for a single investment. This kind of financing can be found online since a community of people put their resources and funds together to support the work of other people similar to you. This method requires planning, since you need to make sure that you promote your company ahead of time so that people are aware to support you. The more people you’ve met with and talked to about your venture more chance you will be able to achieve your goals. Get started in advance of time and accumulating email addresses so that when you begin your crowdfunding campaign there is already a database of investors that could assist you.
- Plan your business prior to requesting money so that the investors realize that they’re not throwing their money into an unsustainable. Make a business plan and then present the plans to investors who are hesitant in case you have be convincing that you’re the one to be successful. All you require is funds to start. If you opt to use an online platform for the crowdfunding, be certain to go over the fine print as many of them offer the “all-or-nothing” type approach. This means that you either meet the amount of money or you don’t get none in the first place. If that’s the case then set your budget to a minimum that’s feasible for you to meet. Don’t be stingy to your supporters and reward them, if you are able to with discounts or thank-you gifts. Inform them about the development of your company and how you’re using the money they have donated to good use.
- Family and Friends – This might seem like an awkward decision However, getting loans from your friends and family will help you skip all the legal hurdles you’d otherwise have to go through. Make sure you are professional and treat it as an official contract, and it shouldn’t be an arduous procedure. Before you speak to anyone, figure out the amount you will require to launch and sustain your company until the first profits begin arriving. You can create a projection of the time it will be to repay the loan and offer this to your relatives and friends you talk to.
- Let them know that you’re dedicated to your company and have a plan to help it grow. Be clear and communicate the progress you make as you go and clearly explain the way you put the money they have invested into your business. Note down the transaction even if it’s the loan between two friends, as an agreement that is verbal is usually not enough when conflicts be a problem.
- Loans and Grants – Go to go to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s web site for information on the types of grants and loans that could be appropriate for your business. To be eligible for the loan, you’ll be required to fill out an application form as well as an outline of your business plan for your new business. This is something every loan program requires so that they are able to see the potential for your business and the way you intend to put the funds to good use. If you aren’t able to demonstrate how you intend to grow and expand your business, the loan application might be rejected.
- When you’re approved for the loan, there could be additional documents you must submit in accordance with your particular circumstance. Tax returns for income, financial statements, credit reports for business as well as others are required in the review process. The SBA website contains an application checklist for loans which is free to help you figure out if this is best option for you.
- Bootstrapping Quite simple, it’s an example of the “do it yourself” approach where you establish your company with personal money. You can use your savings accounts as well as credit cards that are low-interest to get this done so long as you’re confident in the growth of your business. It’s not a good idea to put all your savings in your own company, but it could be worth it in the end in the event that you don’t have to pay back the loan or paying interest.