Starting a cleaning service business is often seen as needing little or no start-up money. A few different cleaners, a few different scrub brushes, some rags, a carrying tray, a bucket or 2, and rubber gloves are often all that's needed to get started. And sometime, for those more persuasive, the cleaning supplies already in a home can be used - just bring along your own gloves.
Paperwork
Keeping clean with the IRS (and your State's small business division) right from the beginning should be a priority. Nothing kills your enthusiasm for being self employed more than being called on by the IRS for not filing the right paperwork and taxes. Sure, nobody likes taxes (or paperwork), but getting into trouble with tax and permit laws is even less fun to deal with.
Start with your State's departments of revenue and/or small business. Do an online search for something like "set up business in [your State]". If you can't find what you're looking for online go ahead and call the help line in these departments. "Hi, I'm thinking of starting a cleaning service business and wondering what kind of permits I need." There might be paperwork that needs to be filed with your county/township/parish etc. so let them know where you live and where you plan to do most of your work.
Ask a lot of questions. Keeping a spiral notebook with a record of who you called, when, and what they said might be a great way to keep track of the paper trail. This notebook could then become your record of jobs you've done, how much you were paid, and expenses you incurred along the way. Although you MUST keep receipts for any expenses you have. The IRS requires you to prove your source of expenses.
You may also want to have 2 large envelopes or manilla folders to hold your receipts for the year - one for revenue, one for expenses.
Getting Clients
Asking friends and family for anyone they know who might need household cleaning done should be your first step. Word-of-mouth networking and advertising is usually a sure route to securing new clients.
Starting with friends and acquaintances will also give you a possible source for testimonials. After you've cleaned someone's house a half dozen times, and you feel you've done a really good job, don't be afraid to ask for a testimonial or review. You can then use this in your other sources of advertising.
Another route to consider is the free advertising on craigslist.org. Describe the services you offer, have a friend take a few pictures of you cleaning and smiling and post them, and put up those testimonials you've worked hard for.
There are even places where you can set up a free website or blog. Blogger.com and Wordpress.com are 2 of the biggest ones. Maybe barter your cleaning services with someone who can set up that simple website for you.
Buying Supplies
When you start getting more clients you may want to expand the services you offer. Sometimes specialty services will be just the thing to attract a new customer. Things you may want to consider are:
- Window cleaning. A window cleaning kit can get you started and allow you to do larger windows that home and business owners don't want to deal with.
- Pet clean up. There may be pet stains that a homeowner doesn't know how to deal with. Get a pet & other stain removal package or a spotting kit and be the cleaning savior to your client. (Make sure to test any spot remover on a hidden part of the carpet or upholstery to make sure it's color-safe before treating a spot in a high traffic area.)
- Miscellaneous stain removal. Acquiring an assorted carpet chemical package will give you a cleaning arsenal that not many home cleaners have.
Get Started
When it comes down to it just make some calls and get cleaning. To entice a new client you may want to consider offering the second cleaning session for free (offering one cleaning session for free will get you a lot of un-paying looky-loos). If they hire you for the first cleaning session, you'll come back in a week or 2 for a follow up. It might be a great way to get your foot in the door.
Resources
See CleanFreak.com for more on janitorial supplies.
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