Download [Instant Office Cleaning Kit]
How to Start a Cleaning/Housekeeping Business
ORGANIZATIONS
Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA)
CERTIFICATIONS/EDUCATION
Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
Cleaning certifications are also available for specific cleaning services, e.g. disaster restoration
TYPES OF CLEANING SERVICES
Office Cleaning
Carpet Cleaning
Home Cleaning
Window Cleaning
Dry Cleaning
Hazardous Waste Cleaning
Crime Scene Cleaning
Upholstery Cleaning
What to consider when starting your business:
* Cleaning Business Name. What's a good name to call your business? Should it include your first and last name; will your business include Inc or LLC at the end; will your business focus on a specific demographic, and should your name include details to such?
* Cleaning Business Slogan. Choose a standard slogan, such as "Your Helping Hand Cleaning Lady," or go with something a bit more fun: "From Dud to Stud --- House Cleaning that Will Do More Than Shine Your Home" When asked what you mean, you simply can say that a clean home frees up time to do other things ... and in all truths, can have a nice, positive impact on a marriage. :/
* Cleaning Business Insurance. What liability insurance is necessary? Will your policy cover accidental death? Injury? Will you need to be bonded as well?
* Start-up Supplies for a Cleaning Business. Will your customers provide supplies, or will you be required to provide your own? Will you need specific cleaning products required for specific surfaces, such as granite or stainless steel?
Introducing an Interview with Patti Page, Owner of Pages Personal Cleaning
Q: Describe the scope of your business.
A: We provide house cleaning services, spring/fall cleanings, move-in/move-out cleanings and additional services such as garage cleaning and basement cleaning.
Q: What made you choose this type of business?
A: I have always been very particular about the cleanliness of my home. I found that cleaning was something I was very good at and very efficient at.
Q: How much did it cost to start? Did you obtain a loan, grant, or use personal finances?
A: I started this business on less than $200.00. I had some business cards printed up and ran an ad in the local newspaper. I bought a few cleaning supplies and waited for the first call.
Q: During the start-up phase, what did you find particularly challenging?
A: The most challenging part of starting the cleaning business was pricing. I admit when I first started the business that I under priced my work.Q: Did/do you work part-time, or have another income stream, during the initial stages of your new business?
A: I had left a management position to start the cleaning service. I was working 60 plus hours a week. It wasn't long before I was making as much money cleaning homes as I was making in the management position but only working half the hours. I did have a little savings to pay the bills until I built up a good clientele.
Suggested topics to research: cleaning tips
Q: Have you reached the revenue level you expected?
A: Yes. I have gone beyond the expected revenue.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone interested in starting your type of business?
A: I would advise anyone considering starting a cleaning business to research the cleaning service industry thoroughly. Then decide what part of the cleaning service you want to enter (residential, new construction or office cleaning) and specialize in only one field. Don't under price your work. Cleaning is very hard, physical work. Most people don't mind paying top dollar if they are getting true professional work and someone they can trust.
Q: What credentials and education do you possess? Do you feel your background has been pivotal to your success?
A: I do have a college level education. Also I have been in management so that certainly helps with the business end of the cleaning service. Also I have experience in web design, so I am able to maintain my own website for the cleaning business which saves a great deal of money.ARTICLES RELEVANT TO CLEANING BUSINESSES/INDUSTRY
Add More Profits to your Cleaning Company by Offering Spring Cleaning Services
The Advantage of Using Teams for Residential Cleaning
How to Start a Janitorial Franchise
How to Professionally Clean a Home/Residence
Providing Exceptional Customer Service in the Cleaning Business
What makes a janitorial franchise so appealing?
Information about Cleaning SurfacesLearn How to Start a House Cleaning/Commercial Janitorial Business
"Starting a cleaning business can be started with minimal funds. Find out how with the help of Starting a Cleaning Business, A Comprehensive Start-up Guide Kit"
Armed with a couple hundred dollars, a person could start a cleaning business with limited resources and experience. Let's face it, starting a cleaning company doesn't require any special skills.
In fact, it's a perfect option for someone seeking a part-time revenue stream --- and can be turned into full-time income when you need it to.
Cleaning businesses can cater to home owners, or focus on commercial clients. You may focus your energies on securing larger offices, requiring your services a couple times a week, or work for families needing your services once per week.
Unlike other home-based businesses, a cleaning business does require you to focus on local clients. The Internet, however, can be pivotal in securing new accounts ... prospects down the street from you, or maybe across town, can check out your services with a few clicks on a their mouse.
With a cleaning business, expect to conduct an array of one-time special projects along with routine cleaning, such as dusting, vacuuming/shampooing, glass cleaning, laundry, and bathrooms.
You may specialize too! For example, you might consider only shampooing carpets or working with commercial accounts. The choice is yours.
Download: Starting a Cleaning Business Other Businesses to Consider ...
Start a Gift Basket Business * Start a Secretarial/Administrative Business * Start a Bookkeeping Business * Start a Resume Business * How to Start a Home Inspection Service * How to Start a T-Shirt BusinessCopyright 2008 Teena Rose, All Rights Reserved
