Interested in Starting a Cleaning Business? Here Is What You Need to Know

Starting a cleaning business is such a great option for many people looking to break into entrepreneurship. There are very few startup costs. Most people – myself excluded – are born with the necessary skills. You can potentially make a really good hourly wage. Once you have one or two raving clients, you may find yourself with more work than you can handle. So, what’s the skinny?

How to Start a Cleaning Business

Skills and Mindset – I mentioned that you need a few skills to be successful in this line of work. You need the physical capabilities to clean a large area in a reasonable amount of time. You need good customer service skills, in some instances you client may be home while you are working. You need to be an honest person. Finally, you need some basic business sense. Oh! And you kind of have to like to clean. This is the skill that puts me out of the running. 😉

Pick Your Niche – You may opt to provide general household cleaning services, or you may choose to get more specialized. New Construction Cleanup or commercial cleaning would be an example of specialized niches. You can also offer add-on services such as carpet steaming or window cleaning at an additional and separate charge.

Expenses – With the exception of a few picky clients, you will likely need to supply the cleaning supplies and materials. You are likely looking at needing a vacuum, mop, broom, dust rags, cleaning agents, etc. You also may need to be licensed, bonded and insured. This may sound a bit scary, but depending on your location you may not need to invest much. Your total investment may be under $600, which averages out to $50 per month. You can earn that back in just a few hours of work. Contact your local SCORE office for local regulations and referrals.

Getting Paid – Contracts. Contracts. Contracts. You should be writing out a proposal for each potential client that outlines the scope of work, estimate and payment terms. Get that signature before you begin working. This will ensure there are no “misunderstandings” when it comes to collecting your pay. When it comes to accepting payment you have a few options; cash, checks and credit cards being the three most popular forms of payment right now. Credit card payments are easy and inexpensive to process these days. This can be done through PayPal, QuickBooks invoices or even QuickBooks Point of Service app that you can get for your smart phone.

Setting Your Rates – Now that you know your expenses – don’t forget vehicle wear-and-tear and gas – you can set your rates. Make a few calls to research the going rate in your community. You may opt to charge by the hour or by the room. Don’t under-price yourself. It is easier to sell value upfront than it is to raise rates with existing clients.

Where to Market a New Cleaning Business

Retirement Communities

Upscale Housing Developments and Apartment Complexes – You are looking for those with the disposable income to afford your services.

Realtors – This relationship can be double the referrals. They may send people getting ready to list their homes for sale. They may also refer new homebuyers your way.

Welcome Wagon – Many communities have a “welcome wagon” organization. This group introduces new homebuyers to a community. To find out if your community has a designated group, try contacting your Chamber of Commerce or a local real estate agent.

Craigslist – List your business in the Services section.

Referrals – As is the case in any business, happy customers are your best advertising. If you have existing clients, ask them for referrals. You can throw in a discount for a new signed client if needed. Another referral source can be other local service providers. Child care service providers, personal shoppers and laundry services are just a few potential partners that come to mind.

Website – Many cleaning business owners claim that the majority of their new clients come via their website. Women are at work and they are worrying about who is going to clean their home before the in-laws arrive this weekend. What do they do? They hit the search engines. Invest in a domain and hosting and make sure you use those location indicators (Ex. Omaha cleaning services, house cleaning Omaha).

Have you owned this type of service business? What advice would you give to those starting a cleaning business?