What You Should Know Before Starting a Janitorial Company

 

Are you great at time and money management? Are you a self-starter? These are just some of the skills you'll need to launch a successful start-up.

A cleaning business is a lucrative venture, but, like any small business, it's not always easy. Here's what you should know before opening a janitorial company.

Business Essentials

Consult with a CPA or a business lawyer before you do anything else. Know state and federal government requirements.

Do you want a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, or LLC (Limited Liability Company)? Does your state have laws surrounding sales tax and what is subject to it? Find out about payment amounts, deadlines, etc.

Business Plan

This will include how much money you want/need to invest, where you'll conduct business, and do thorough market research. Include services and prices. Here are some business plan templates.

Basics Services to Offer

A "Deluxe Deep Clean" is a comprehensive, top to bottom seasonal cleaning. This might be recurring if it's a home that's never been professionally cleaned.

A "General Clean" is thorough but not as detailed as a "Deep Cleaning". These are best for after a home has already had a deep cleaning.

An "Empty Home Clean" is essential for moving in/out of a home. It's the cleaning of an empty home and is the most thorough of all the options.

Other popular services offered include vacation rental, office (commercial), post-remodel, and "green" or eco-friendly cleanings.

What Are You Going to Charge?

How will you give bids/quotes? Will you visit the home or make offers on the phone?

It might be best to offer in-home or virtual estimates in the beginning. You'll eventually need to give quotes based on the number of floors, square footage, etc.

Name Your Janitorial Company

Whatever name you may choose, make sure you look to see if it's already being used. Think of something memorable. Check Godaddy or Namecheap to see if the domain name is already taken.

Equipment and Supplies

Buy enough for the whole staff and make sure you have everything you'll need before you start a janitorial business:

• Mops
• Vacuums
• Garbage bags
• Dusters
• Floor/Glass Cleaners
• Spray bottles
• Cloths
  
  

Will you be cleaning carpets or polishing floors? You'll need to figure out the costs of those special machines as well, so consider buying from a wholesale club.

Scheduling/Accounting Systems

Keep track of everything so you can maximize growth and profits. Track expenses, income, time, etc. Try Quickbooks for accounting and Google Calendar for your schedule, at least at first.

Insurance

Talk to your CPA or lawyer about what type(s) to carry to protect your business and yourself. Get yourself some good janitorial insurance.

Get yourself some small business insurance. This service is important when just starting out.

Advertising

Advertise without spending too much money. Utilize social media and community boards. Use your money to focus on the target market at first.

Employees

Have an idea of how many you need. What are you going to pay them hourly? What is the normal rate around town?

Are You Ready?

Once all of these factors are taken care of, you can start your janitorial company and be the entrepreneur you always knew you were! What you need most is persistence, hard work, and a lot of grit (and grime).

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