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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