Starting a cleaning business is an attractive venture for many because of the low overhead expenses, flexible schedule, and growing demand. The cleaning industry is expected to grow to $46.3 billion by 2020 according to Statista, making now a prime opportunity to get on board. However, starting your cleaning business from scratch isn’t always easy and requires more than getting your hands dirty.
Just like starting any business, launching a cleaning business requires planning, a solid marketing strategy, and knowledge of industry standards. With more than 875,000 cleaning businesses in the United States, success won’t happen by taking shortcuts.
Here are our best tips on how to start a cleaning business in 2019:
Decide on Funding
While the startup costs for a cleaning business are relatively low (unless you plan to purchase property), it is still important to have a funding plan. Start by contacting local banks or investors to discuss your options for financing, line of credit, or small business loans.
Pick a Niche
Don’t be quick to think that cleaning is cleaning. There are many options and specializing in something is important to your long term success. Do you want to clean residential or commercial? Are you planning on offering carpet cleaning or not? Will window cleaning be a service you offer? Having these planned out ahead will prevent wasted time later.
Establish a Budget
A budget should estimate expected expenses as well as income projections. This is also the time to decide on how to charge clients: hourly or project-based. The two biggest expenses to consider include supplies and transportation. If you plan to hire employees, you should also consider wages, insurance, and taxes in the budget.
Don’t Skip the Legal Stuff
Deciding on a business structure, registering a business name, and requesting an EIN from the IRS are critical in running a cleaning business legally.
Purchase Business Insurance
Buying business insurance for a cleaning business is also important to do prior to the first cleaning job. Every time you enter a client’s house or office, there is a risk something will get broken or go wrong. General liability, professional liability, worker’s compensation, and janitorial bonds are three types of insurance to consider.
Purchase Equipment and Supplies
Many cleaning businesses provide supplies as an added benefit to their clients. Brainstorm a list of supplies needed to complete the services you plan on offering including gloves, cleaning products, towels, aprons or uniform, vacuum, dusters, and squeegees.
Invest in Technology
The right technology saves businesses a lot of time in the long run and programs such as Quickbooks, estimating software, and payroll services are a great place to start. Quickbooks and payroll services help owners streamline and organize billing, payroll, and invoicing. And estimating software, like Compass Wave, allows you to quickly provide cleaning quotes to potential clients online.
Market the Cleaning Business
Marketing is vital to the longevity and profitability of any new business. Building a website, creating social media profiles, and attending networking events are just a few ways to spread the word about your new cleaning business.
In today’s fast-paced society, more and more individuals and families are relying on cleaning services to help them in their daily lives. Now is a great time to start your own cleaning business. Follow these guidelines on how to start
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