Does anyone have any tips for starting my own houskeeping business?

Question

I have just ventured on my own, doing houskeeping, and I just need some ideas on how to make a succesful company.

Answer 1

In any business you start you might consider going to the county clerk office and file for titleship of your business. They will be able to help and answer any questions. They will also give you paperwork and information to file for a tax number.

Also Get bonded and Insured. You never know what might happen if you are in someones home or business. Something may get broken or other issues may arise. Contact an Insurance agent. Please price check multiple agency's .

Start out with basic business cards. Try to keep your cost down.

Make sure you have supplies available.

Remember that word of mouth is your best advertisement.

So always strive to please a customer.Do try to do something extra when cleaning. To show your detailablity and that you go to take care of your client.

Always smile.

Beware that if you hire some one they may not be as they appear. You never know what the intention of others are (Remember to be bonded and insured). and if they quit you as an owner of a business may have to take on more responsibility .

Hope you the best and good luck.

Answer 2

I've done this more than once, and have some suggestions.

Start, and stay small, as long as what you contract to do is managable, you can maintain a higher level of credibility.

Be honest, in all things, even the shortcuts you might feel ok with, in cleaning.

Know the products, and the environments where they will be used,,,IE: High traffic, large/small families, etc.

Consider small businesses, offices, as opposed to residential, Usually the standards should be as high, but less personal, and often without the opinions of the woman of the house,,,NO offense at all meant to women,,,You do manage life extremely well. I mean that in a business atmosphere its less personal, and certainly more public.

Network, through your very first client, to build a base that calls you back, or sets up a regular schedule. Referrals will be one of your best tools.

Have decent equipment, but realize that depreciation takes effect and can be counted.

Treat any place you work, not as if it were your own, but in the highest standards of excellence possible for you.

Do little extras, just because, to show the client that it's more than just a custodial job.

Etc. Etc. Etc.

Rev. Steven

Finally, believe that there is nothing demeaning about what you do.

Answer 3

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!