starting my own cleaning service, i have contracts in the north carolina area, what's important in getting off to a good start!
2006-09-04 08:21:17 · 10 answers · asked by freddy m 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Referrals are more powerful than advertisement in the yellow pages. How to get referral? You need to make sure that you get the customers' house clean with a competitive fee, show up on time, finish your work on time, and with a big smile on your face.
2006-09-05 12:32:46 · answer #1 · answered by Big Flower 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do your five-year plan from the sba.gov website and take one of their courses (the start-up course is a short one). You can get some good ideas there as well as on entrepreneur.com.
Your biggest challenge will be coordinating and setting appointments as people like to change them around, so you need someone to take your messages. Remember to allow for fluction in gas rates. Your customers should be within a 15 mile radius otherwise you will lose money. Do services at a 4-hour minimum. You can probably do 2 or more a day. And remember to get your license.
2006-09-04 15:28:23 · answer #2 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do the cleaning yourself or if you choose to hire workers for you spend the capital to do FULL background checks. Get licenced and bonded as well. Those words in your advertisment will make potentail homeowners feel comfortable having your company in their home and rifling through their homes.
Also ask for spacific details on what your homeowner wants cleaned, they may not want the laundry done.
Treat the new homeowner like they are going to accuse you of steeling something. That way you dont get sloppy in the way things are done.
Good luck.
2006-09-04 15:30:48 · answer #3 · answered by JOEYSMOM2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
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!
2006-09-05 16:51:05 · answer #4 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi, freddy m. and congratulations on your new endeavor. if you already have contracts, you undoubtedly have employees. you have to remember that your company is only as good as the jobs you complete. try not to skimp on your cleaning products. one of my favorites is a product called "simple green". i buy it at Lowe's because that is where i can get it the cheapest. it is a great all purpose cleaner, that is environmentally safe, has a fresh light mint scent, and will clean almost anything. it comes concentrated so don't be afraid to dilute. use a good furniture polish. that way you are not called back to retouch what cheap polish does to wood. have reliable employees. it is advantageous to pay a little more than your competitors to get and keep competent help. also, if you don't buy heavy duty vacuum cleaners, you will be replacing them often. it is worth it to spend a little more in the beginning, instead of replacing your vacuum. most of all, enjoy your work, and good luck!
2006-09-04 15:30:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honesty. Build a good reputation. Advertisement. Prices.
Good catchy slogan, so people remember your business.
Remember, in business you may have thousands or millions of good & happy customers. However, it is the one or two unhappy customers, who will destroy your business.
Be sure to value the customers and keep them happy. Word of mouth, is still the best form of advertisement!
Best of success to you!
2006-09-04 15:24:55 · answer #6 · answered by Shayna 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One way to a successful and profitable business venture is good customer service. This may sound cliche but this is how it works in real life.
Once you have build your reputation as a customer-oriented business establishment, you can now watch your business grow.
http://www.prosper.com
Good luck to you!!!
2006-09-04 15:31:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local SCORE office for good assistance starting any business.
2006-09-04 15:23:02 · answer #8 · answered by kearneyconsulting 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do good work for a resonable fee and make some money for yourself.
2006-09-04 15:23:09 · answer #9 · answered by Jet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good customer service..
2006-09-04 15:23:09 · answer #10 · answered by tednugentshotmydog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋