Cleaning Service Business
Starting a cleaning service business from scratch is not as challenging as you think. You just need a few things, starting with unique cleaning business ideas and a cleaning service business plan. However, don’t fret because this article was designed to guide you in the right direction. It covers information ranging from how to start a cleaning service business to the right cleaning service business checklist and a list of cleaning service equipment you would need. And more importantly, you will also learn how to get clients for your cleaning service business.
Things Needed to Start a Cleaning Service Business
Below are some things needed to start a cleaning service business in order to attract clients:
#1. Do your research
A lot of the work you will put into your business happens right at the beginning. Properly research and educate yourself on how to clean correctly and avoid any form of cross-contamination from one client’s home to another.
#2. Choose a value proposition and your name
Your value proposition is the soul of your business. It helps you focus on the right customers and stand out among the competition which makes it one of the vital things needed to start a cleaning service.
Putting your company’s value proposition on paper will help you communicate to your customers what they can expect from your business. As soon as you know what your business values are, you are in a good position to create a business name. You may choose a name that depicts your values or let your creative side create something catchy.
#3. Get a business license
After creating a business name and stating what you want to offer your market, you should run your business legally. To do this, get a business license.
#4. Purchase insurance
Regarding protecting your business and your future employees, you should consider getting cleaning insurance. With cleaning insurance, you get a safety net. As a brand new entrepreneur, you don’t want to accidentally damage a new client’s home without any form of insurance, which then means that you will get yourself in debt. To avoid a situation like this, find the right insurance plan for your business among various providers in your area.
#5. Build your brand
With your value proposition, you can transform your business name into a brand. Pick your brand colors and design a company logo. You may need the help of a professional to do this. If you want a less expensive option, use free online tools like Canva. Ensure you use your logo for everything: website, estimate, vehicle wrap, uniforms, business cards, door hangers, quote, and invoice templates, and more.
#6. Do the cleaning yourself
At the beginning of your business, doing all of the cleanings yourself will help you eliminate labor costs. Organize your cleaning jobs to fit your schedule. By cleaning yourself, you can ease into your new business, focus on service quality, and build a brand reputation.
#7. Build your service list and pricing
When creating your service list, check out what your competitors offer. Use their websites as a guide to get your service list started. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for any gaps in the market. Such gaps will be an opportunity for your business to stand out.
When pricing your cleaning services, you should consider the following:
- Calculating your hourly rate
- Considering equipment, overhead, and insurance
- Making modifications for special services and materials
- Estimating profitability
- Considering taxes and fees
Through the aforementioned, you can create a better pricing plan for your cleaning business.
#8. Purchase your equipment
While starting a cleaning business is a relatively low-cost venture, you will still spend some money to make money. You will need to get your equipment and supplies.
When you want to get your equipment and supplies, split them up into two categories:
1. The items you will use up and have to purchase regularly (i.e., rags and cloths, latex gloves, mops, face masks, and all-purpose cleaners, among others)
2. The items that will last you for a very long time (i.e., a vehicle, caddies, vacuum cleaners, among others.).
#9. Market your cleaning business
To build your client list, it is crucial to market your business. Start marketing your cleaning business to friends and family. Use social media for marketing your services.
Starting a Cleaning Business Checklist
For a guide on starting a cleaning business checklist, go through everything discussed in the previous section and ensure you checklist each of the things needed to start a cleaning service business.
How to get Clients for a Cleaning Service Business
You should know how to get clients for a cleaning service business. Getting your first client may be challenging. The reason is that people will want to know about your experience and references. To help you through this challenge, leverage people you know and offer to work for them. Consider reaching out to the following sets of people:
- relatives and friends
- former co-workers and employers
- your neighbors
- religious acquaintances
- social groups and clubs
After gathering your resources, the next logical step is to approach individuals who believe in you and want to help you build your business. However, kindly note that no matter how close you are, you should act professionally.
With referrals, you will be able to build a very successful cleaning business. The cleaning service business flourishes with word-of-mouth referrals. It is not just about starting with people you already know; also, encourage them to give you reviews and spread the word about your services.
For more ways to market your cleaning business, consider the following:
- Invest in a website
- Use social media to your advantage.
- Build a reliable brand (professional logo, tagline, business name, and the like)
- Produce flyers and posters for offline marketing
- Talk about your business during social and religious gatherings
Unique Cleaning Business Ideas
The cleaning business has two main market groups: consumer (residential) and commercial. The consumer market group consists of residential maid services, carpet cleaners, window cleaners, and other cleaning services needed on a less-frequent basis. The commercial market group is dominated by janitorial services, which typically provide a more comprehensive range of services than maid services, alongside other cleaning companies, such as carpet and window cleaners, that target businesses rather than individual consumers. While it is recommended that you decide on a niche and focus on building a business that will serve your target market, it is solely realistic to expect to serve more markets successfully.
The good thing about this business is that you can build an extremely profitable business that will generate good revenue. You can run your cleaning service business on either a part-time or full-time basis, either from home or a commercial location.
Over time, you can build a cleaning business that suits your style and skills. Remember to start small by doing the work yourself. However, you don’t have to stay small as your client list expands. If you have good administrative skills, you can build and manage a team to do the job for you. Explore various service areas, such as window cleaning and pressure washing. Residential services offer relatively predictable hours; disaster restoration and cleanup can mean calls at all hours of the day or night. With a reliable team, you can expand your cleaning business fully.
Cleaning Service Business Plan in Nigeria
You should have a good cleaning service business plan. To get a cleaning service business plan in Nigeria, kindly click on this. You can also contact us for consultation. A good cleaning service business plan will help you access grants, bank loans, and other (funding) benefits tailored to entrepreneurs.
Cleaning Service Equipment
Since different jobs need different equipment, it would not be easy to expect and buy everything you need. However, it would help if you had some essential home cleaning equipment to start with. You can purchase other things when the need arises.
Some essential equipment you will need are listed below:
1. Mops
2. Water (lots of water)
3. Brooms (long, short, hard, and soft)
4. Buckets of various sizes
5. Brushes (same as brooms)
6. Window trigger spray mop (For windows where your hands can’t reach)
7. Sponges
8. Liquid soap and detergent
9. Feather duster
10. Air freshener
11. Coverall, safety boots, nose mask, hand gloves, helmet (if you need to climb)
12. Vacuum cleaner.
As much as possible, unless they are not available, use natural cleaning products instead of chemicals. You will get more jobs if people know you use organic products instead of chemicals. Also, do not use chemicals on your client’s furniture. Only use chemicals for the floor tiles. Remember that the equipment you will need will depend on your niche.
Is cleaning a good business?
It’s a good idea to start a cleaning business if you have a solid business plan and are prepared to cover an untapped market segment. Because cleaning services are both popular and necessary, you can expect consistent revenue.
What’s the best way to charge for cleaning?
Jobs like house cleaning can be priced by the hour. Research what other businesses are charging and use that as a starting point for your own pricing strategy. To get the cleanest cost estimate possible, it’s best to divide the total area by the price per square foot.
How do I succeed in cleaning business?
To succeed in the cleaning business you plan on starting, you can try these few steps below:
- Acquire the ability to clean
- Find a specific market to offer your service.
- Promote your house cleaning service.
- Give your customers individualized attention.
- Create a crack-cleaning crew.
- Develop a streamlined process for keeping the house clean.
- Take control of daily operations.
Do I need qualifications to be a cleaner?
It is not compulsory, but you can decide to seek employment with cleaning companies or any organization that employs its own cleaners. There are no entry requirements, but you must demonstrate to employers that you are dependable and qualified for the position. Particularly if you’re looking for specialized cleaning work, the experience can be beneficial.
Is a cleaning business profitable?
A residential cleaning business can be very lucrative. For well over a decade, the cleaning industry has experienced continuous growth. Even with its massive growth and industry worth millions, it is still safe to say that its potential for expansion is more significant than ever before.
What are the threats of a cleaning company?
Some of the common threats and occupational hazards that most cleaners face include:
- Biological Hazards
- Chemical Perils
- Physical Risks
- Stress
Do you tip cleaning ladies every time?
You are not required to tip your housekeeper, regardless of whether they are employed by a service or did an exceptional job. It is simply a way to express appreciation and acknowledgment for their work.
Conclusion
Running a cleaning business requires less capital when compared to most other kinds of businesses. Ensure you build a brand that people can trust, as one of the most critical catalysts for this business is trust. For anyone to let you into their home, they have to trust you. Promote an aura of trust and credibility around yourself and your brand. Also, ensure you seek your client’s permission before you rush to take before and after pictures of the home.
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