You're here:
How To Start A Housecleaning Business
Author: Angel Ford
Do you have what it takes to run a clean, organized, and efficient home? Do you enjoy a clean environment so much that cleaning is a joy; not a burden? Then you may have what it takes to become a paid housekeeper or cleaning service.
In our fast paced society, people are just as stressed out about time as they are about money. With our ever-growing "to do" lists, there just never seems to be enough time to get everything done; especially when it comes to housework. It's those people you want to cater your services to. It's those people who are willing to pay someone to clean their homes so that they have more time in their days.
No one wants a dirty house, but time constraints often keep people from living in "clean" homes. Many times, dishes sit for days in the sink, clothes pile up in the bathroom, floors get swept but not washed, and bathroom germs grow and fester as the home owner pushes those tasks aside for more "important" tasks.
But you can change all that!
When you enter someone’s house with all the necessary supplies and tools to free up their time while leaving them with a clean, sanitary environment you offer them a service that is priceless. You give home owners back some of their time, you give them a safe place to raise their families, and you offer them peace-of-mind.
Below are several tips to help you build a successful cleaning business; whether you're entering a home to merely clean the kitchen or bathrooms or you're offering a full-service complete with trash removal and laundry service.
5 Quick Steps To Getting Started
Select a business name
Choose a name that reflects who you are and what you are trying to accomplish.Get legal
File for a business license, obtain business liability insurance, and set up a business account.Set your fees
Your cleaning service fees are what keep your business afloat and pays your salary. Your fees can be based on an hourly rate or per job/task.Set up your bookkeeping
You want a system that is easy to use and keeps track of all your outgoing expenses and income. If you're not good with numbers, hire an accountant. If you can't afford an accountant, barter services.Find clients
Start with word of mouth advertising. Tell everyone you know (friends, family, church members, co-workers, etc.) about your new business venture. Pass out flyers and discount coupons. And don't give up. Getting the first client will be the most challenging part of your business, but once you get that client, you can ask for a written recommendation and referral to draw in more clients.
Take Business Classes
If you've never taken a business course before, sign up for one at your local college or Small Business Association. As your business grows you will have to face some tough decisions, not knowing how to handle them properly could cause you to shut down before you've had a chance to succeed.
Some of the things you'll face over the course of your business are: how many hours to put in each day, when to hire office staff, when to hire more cleaning staff, how much supplies to keep on hand, how to collect from deadbeat clients, when to turn down a customer, when to fire problematic customers, when to refer potential clients to other companies, and when to pay your estimated taxes. Business courses and workshops can help you find answers to these tough questions.
Make Your Cleaning Business Stand Out
Be flexible
It's important that you work with the person who hired you. If the home owner has a few quirks, don't shrug them off as inconsequential. You offer a personal service and that means meeting the "needs of your clients.Let your clients get involved
In the beginning, it's important to understand the needs of the home owner, which may mean that she (or he) shadows you around on the first day, pointing out what needs to be done and where things need to be returned.Pay attention to detail
Take notes regarding things your clients struggle with, then come prepared on the next visit. If the "new" service is labor intensive, or requires special cleaning materials, provide your clients with estimates on those "new" services.Provide free and paid training
Keep a running list of issues that constantly come up, then provide workshops in your area offering "tips and tricks" of the trade, such as getting stains out of furniture or odors out of the fabrics.Offer special services
Special services could range from cleaning up after holiday parties to spring cleaning before holiday guests arrive.
Pick Up More Business
While you may start out cleaning personal homes, there's nothing wrong with branching out into other areas. Just make sure that you have the time, the supplies, and the staff to do a good job. Below are a few ideas for picking up more clients:
- Apartment buildings
- New home construction
- Office buildings
- Realtors and Home Staging services
- Small businesses
In the end, remember that you are offering a wonderful service that improves the quality of life for others; don't take your role lightly and don't be afraid to command respect or demand to be paid in a timely fashion.
Want to tell us what you think about this article?
Email Us | Tweet Us | Comment on FB
Share this page with a friend.