Can anyone give me tips/information/etc on starting my own cleaning business?

Question

I would like to start a cleaning business as cheap as possible.

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

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.

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

Answer 2

That depends on the type of cleaning business your referring too.

If it's just general cleaning, Go to High rise apartment buildings and speak with the leasing agent advising them of what you want to do. Then put a sign up on there community affairs board.
You will get the most clients in one place that way.

Also go to the Grocery stores in your area and post signs with tear off phone numbers for yourself.

My girl friend does that and makes great money !!!.

Good luck

Answer 3

My advice is for you to read more of the business, so you can determine what you think you want and can given your present resources. The book "101 Best Businesses to Start" estimates that first year potential earnings for this business can be $40,000, while startup expenses can be $5,000 or even lower. Industry experts, however, recommend raising $50,000 for a startup capital in order to be able to invest in heavy duty cleaning equipment and have more resources to spend in marketing the business.

You can start by reading the article "Starting a Janitorial and Cleaning Service Business" at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol95/janito... . The article contains information on startup strategies, operational considerations (prices, manpower, finding suppliers), and marketing the business.

From the article, here are some tips to help market your business:

1. The first step to marketing your business is deciding who your potential customers are and determining the types of services you could offer.

2. The best way to market this business is through cold calling. Drive through the area to look for newly opened businesses, buildings or facilities. Then introduce yourself to the landlords ­ your potential clients ­ and request for an opportunity to bid on their cleaning contract.

3. Draw up a better and more professional proposal by learning firsthand the needs of the potential customer, as well as the layout of the facility (e.g. type of carpeting, etc.)

4. Networking is another effective strategy to get ahead in the janitorial business. Aside from newly opened buildings, get a list of companies that are downsizing or laying off cleaning staffs.

5. Word of mouth is another effective form of advertising a janitorial service. It can be generated through favorable feedback from your existing clients that will hopefully filter to other building owners or entrepreneurs in your area.

6. If you decide to embark on advertising, you can try placing an ad in newspapers or trade journals in your area.

7. You can also try direct mailing to potential customers, sending them information and brochures about your business.

For more in-depth information about the business, we have compiled a list of books on the topic and you can either purchase the book or borrow them from your library. The list of recommended books on starting a cleaning business can be found at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/bookstore/ho...

- Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services: A Resource Guide to Developing and Maintaining Your Own Janitorial or Home Cleaning Business (Author: Walter Fenix)
- Janitorial Service Businesses : Strategies for Promoting, Estimating, and Bidding Cleaning Services
- The Janitorial Contractors Bible
- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business
- Cleaning Up for a Living: Everything You Need to Know to Become a Successful Building Service Contractor
- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business

Answer 4

Go to the links below.

Totally free help for new cleaning business owners. No memberships, no dues, no expensive forms/books/videos/cd's to buy.

Some of the best experts in the industry created these places.

Answer 5

get bonded - it's not cheap but it will go a long way towards people actually letting you in their house or business