How do I start a housecleaning business?

Question

I am in the Louisville KY area, Iwould like to know what to charge , general guestions.

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

call a few similar businesses in the area to get an idea what they charge. Don't tell them you are planning to set up in competition, pretend you are a potential client. Then you can make sure you aren't charging too much or too little. Consider what your costs will be and how much money you need to make to make it viable.

Your biggest initial expense will probably be advertising as you can start with the materials and equipment you have at home. However when you are budgeting bear in mind that you are likely to need to replace your equipment more often. If you plan to do domestic cleaning then it is reasonable to expect the client to provide all the equipment and material necessary but for commercial you may have to provide them yourself. You could offer two price bands depending on whether you provide the materials or not. You must also consider the distance you may have to drive between jobs. Nobody pays your travel expenses and all the time you are travelling you aren't working.

Advertising needn't be that expensive either. I started with an add in a local magazine. It depends on your area what will work for you. Word of mouth is one of your best forms of advertising but be wary of working for friends or close neighbours if you are doing domestic cleaning. It's a very personal thing cleaning for somebody. You get to go in their most private spaces. It could put a strain on your friendship so consider that before taking work on from people you are close to.

Good luck, a friend of mine from the UK started a similar business a couple of years ago and she's doing really well now.

Answer 3

Go to your local SBAK or Chamber and ask for help. They more than likely will have sources for you to tap to help with your business plan. Do not go out into the business world with out a plan.

They will also help you compile competitors and prices for your services in the area. They will also help with a marketing plan and how you should develop your business for future growth.

They should also have basic business classes and show you the advantages of becoming a LLC or S-Corp. Most of these services are free or a nominal charge. Its worth it for the success of your business.

Here is Michigan's resource that I send clients to.

Good Luck.