2006-11-17 01:50:59 · 4 answers · asked by r_fazenbaker 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
My friend is starting a cleaning business and it is quite lucrative. You needed to get a business license and get insured and bonded. You should add other services such as carpet cleaning. You can rent a carpet shampoo machine until you can afford to buy on of your own. You could add window cleaning services as well. You can make a tidy income off of those services alone. Good luck.
2006-11-17 02:30:53 · answer #1 · answered by Medical and Business Information 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are entering into a very competitive market, subcontracting in the construction industry. But, congratulations, this is a business you can get started in with very little overheard.
My advice would be to position yourself as a real company and not just "a guy with a phone and some hired hands". I do not know what your resources are but you should get bonded and insured or few reputable General Contractors will touch you. Unfortunately...many non-reputable ones will LOVE to have you quote the project, do the work and not pay.
One unique thing about your "trade" will be that, unlike a cabinet installer or fixture installers, if you do not get paid, you cannot go back and reclaim anything. So...choose your clients carefully.
Next, you need to get pricing opportunities. Go to www.thebluebook.com and sign up to receive their BB-Bid system. It is a wonderful service where you will get emails or faxes from general contractors asking you to price their projects...best of all, it is FREE.
Get your company listed in The Blue Book as well. It is also FREE.
Attend a local AGC (Associated General Contractors) or ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors" meetings and start NETWORKING
www.agc.org
www.abc.org
Also, you will need a way to present your proposal in a way that the future client will not just look at "price". You have to sell VALUE because you will be working in an environment of "low bids".
Keep a database of your leads and how you work them. Each job you price will have information that will help you price your next project better.
Look professional. Spend a little money on your collateral material (Brochure, cards, letterhead, etc.) Again, you only have one chance to make a first impression and you will want to avoid making your service "all about price".
In construction, it is a common saying that "The low bidder is the guy who forgot something." Meaning, you want to sell service...not just price.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
Bobby
2006-11-17 04:54:59 · answer #2 · answered by bobbydarnell 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
where and when? haha>> Big wheel barrels,gloves and u never said how much per square don't sale yourself cheap
2006-11-17 02:04:27 · answer #3 · answered by shanedpy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure your paperworks in order!!!are you local? are you hiring? local is pa.pottstown!! good work we need more jobs GOD bless your endevears
2006-11-17 02:27:13 · answer #4 · answered by tink 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋