how can i open my own cleaning service>?

Question

i need help ,i want to open my own cleaning servive ,i have a certificate on homemaking ,caring for the elderly,cleaning their homes! i like to clean ,but i dont have a lot of money! how can i start? how much to charge ,i no that somepeople charge today 10 dollars an hour ,

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. 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

You need a place of business. Check with your county clerk to see if you can run your business out of your home. Then apply for a business license in the town you will be doing business. To check what other cleaning businesses are charging call some of them up and ask for a quote. that will give you a good idea of what to charge. Look up the Small Busniess Administration on the internet. They have a great packet for starting a business. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Start with friends and ask them to refer you . Also you could maybe post an ad in the local newspaper or put up some flyers. Since you work with the elderly you could put up flyers at the local senior center. I really don't know how much you should charge, wouldn't that depend on the mess.

Answer 4

http://www.smallbizbooks.com/cgi-bin/SmallBizBooks/00049.html

I helped a client start a small cleaning biz and she said this book was a Godsend.

Slainte,

-D