Your questions about how to start a cleaning business

Wize Guy answers:

First you need to get bonded. Most places require you to have that. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1465287/what_does_it_mean_to_be_or_get_bonded.html

If you are going to hire people you may need work comp ins, which is expensive.

You can make a lot of money at this. We used to do apartment complexes, cleaning their common areas like windows, vacuum halls, laundry rooms, etc. We had one property that was 3 floors, 2 buildings, 225 apts and we got 1000 a month. I used to go with my teen. We had to go twice a week and with two of us doing it we got done really fast. We ould have done 4 like this but I had a full time job and he went to school. Also apartments need people to clean out apartments when people move out. Even if the residents clean it it is usually not move in clean. They usually pay a certain amount to clean an apt but if there are extra dirty things like stoves, etc you charge extra, just put extra charges in your contract and always take pictures before cleaning those for proof it was needed if they question this,.

I never used bleach products to avoid mistakes, dont want to pay for a whole carpet if you get bleach from softscrub on it etc.

What you do is just go into the offices looking professional and asking if they need anyone. They usually want you to bid for the job. So you would do a walk through with them, ask extactly what all they would want yhou to do and write it down!!!!!then you go home and type of a bid for your services. What you want to do is look online to see what the going rates are. Its best to not go so high or someone else with a lower bid will get the job. This all needs to be typed up professionally exactly what you will do and what you will charge, so they cant come back and say why arent you doing this when they have to sign the contract, so important to write down what they want when you walk through. . Also include in the bid if they will provide the vacuum, supplies, etc, because if you have to buy that you want to add that to the price.

Often times if you do well at a property and have good rates, if they own more, they will hire you for those properties too.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT010143894.aspx?av=ZWD#ai:TC030009017|

You need to get professiona business made with your bond number on it.

You also then would be ab le to give them the cards so if they decide to change they will call you.

Also make lots of professional looking fliers for cleaning and put them everywhere.

Use this site to help with all letters forms etc: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT010152732.aspx?origin=EC001022711&CTT=6&av=ZWD

Wize Guy answers:

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you’ll inevitably have as well as many you haven’t anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services: A Resource Guide to Developing and Maintaining Your Own Janitorial or Home Cleaning Business by Walter Fenix
* Start and Run a Home Cleaning Business by Susan Bewsey
* Start Your Own Cleaning Service (Entrepreneur Magazine’s Start Ups) by Jacquelyn Lynn
* How to Start a Home-Based Housecleaning Business, 2nd (Home-Based Business Series) by Laura Jorstad

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles. I also posted some links to help you with advertising.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Wize Guy answers:

Go down to your local place and with business cards start the word off, u will find it hard as im in the same boat, JUST started. i have had cards printed up and were i have a few already i have gone to neighbouring business and started the word off.

Just 1 idea why not start a website i have done that and i should help out, GOOD LUCK

Wize Guy answers:

Good For You! I wish you much success.

The first thing you must do is draft a good business plan. This will be your guide during the building phase and is a great way to get funding from investors or lenders.

Next, the most important part of your business is your marketing plan. The Internet is great, but it’s not for everyone. I recommend low cost offline advertising like postcards. They will work great for your business.

Good Luck!

Wize Guy answers:

um you could try puttind adds in newspaper and give yourself lots of references,
you could just get an application for any job and tell them you want to work in the cleaning department,
Hope this helps, it worked for me!