Are you looking for a business with reliable demand, low overhead, and few operating costs? If so, opting for a cleaning business may be the perfect choice for you! People will always need this service but don’t always want to do it themselves. That’s why there’s a constant demand for cleaning services, regardless of the time of year or current economic conditions. So, if you’re interested in entering this lucrative venture but don’t know how to start a cleaning business, you’ve come to the right place!
This guide will walk you through how to start a cleaning business from scratch. We’ll cover all the necessary steps from start to finish. So whether you’re looking to start your own full-time cleaning business or want to offer freelance services on the side, this guide has got you covered!
How To Start a Cleaning Business – 10 – Step Guide
Starting a cleaning business, like every other business, requires a lot of preparation and planning to be successful. You won’t just be able to wake up one day and start cleaning houses and making a profit. Instead, you’ll need to go through several important stages to start.
To help you with this process, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to start your own cleaning business. Follow each step, and you’ll be on your way to running your business.
Step 1: Do Your Industry Research
Doing research is the first step to starting any business. When you’re starting a cleaning business, this means understanding the industry as a whole and what you’re getting yourself into. This is important for several reasons.
For one, you will need to know what types of cleaning services are in demand and how much people want to pay. This will affect what services you offer and how you price your services.
Additionally, research will help you understand the competition and what you need to do to stand out from other cleaning businesses in your area. You will also understand what permits and licenses you need to operate your business legally.
You can also look into franchising by researching popular cleaning companies like Molly Maids or Jan-Pro. This could save your precious resources by providing a ready-made business model to follow. All this research is important and will help you lay the foundation for a successful cleaning business.
Step 2: Develop Your Business Plan
Once you understand the industry well, it’s time to start developing your business plan. Outline your business goals, lay-out your strategies, and strategize on how you’ll be making money. A solid business plan is essential before starting your cleaning business.
If you’re unsure how to get started, plenty of resources and templates are available online to help you. Once you have a business plan, you’ll be one step closer to making your cleaning business a reality. In addition, many banks and financial institutions will require a business plan when applying for financing.
Step 3: Choose Your Business Structure
The next step is to choose the legal structure of your business. This step will determine how you file taxes, how much liability you have, and how much paperwork you’ll need to fill out. Small businesses’ most common business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
- Sole Proprietorship is the easiest and most straightforward business model. You are the sole owner of the business and are personally liable for all debts and liabilities.
- A partnership has all the similar qualities of a sole proprietorship, but there are two or more owners. Each partner is equally liable for the business’s debts and liabilities.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the most popular business structure for small businesses because it offers personal liability protection for the owners.
- A Corporation is more complex and is typically used by larger businesses. The business is considered a separate legal entity from the owners, who are not personally liable for the business’s debts and liabilities.
Step 4: Choose a Business Name and Register Your Business
It’s time to select the appropriate name for your business. This step is important because it will be how customers identify your business. Choose a unique, memorable, and relevant name for your services. Don’t overthink it! Choose a name that you like and that you think customers will remember.
Once you have a name, you’ll need to register your business with the state to ensure that it is legally recognized and allowed to operate in your area. The process for registering your business will vary depending on your state, so be sure to research the requirements for your specific state.
Step 5: Get All Necessary Licenses and Permits
Depending on your state, you may need a business license or permit to operate your cleaning business. This process is typically simple and straightforward, but it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary licenses and permits before beginning operation.
If you need help, you can hire a business lawyer to assist you with the process. In addition, many local Chamber of Commerce offices offer resources and assistance for businesses getting started in their area.
Step 6: Choose Your Business Location
Now it’s time to choose a proper location to run your business. If you’re planning on running a home-based business, this step does not apply to you. However, if you’re planning on opening a brick-and-mortar business, you’ll need to choose a commercial space that is suitable for your needs.
When choosing a location, there are a few things to remember:
- Ensure the space is zoned for commercial use.
- Choose a convenient location that your customers can easily access.
- Make sure you can afford the rent or mortgage payments on the property.
Step 7: Create a Marketing Plan
The next step is to formulate a marketing plan for your business. This will help you identify your target market, create a brand for your business, and develop a marketing strategy to reach your customers.
There are different methods to marketing your cleaning business effectively. Some common marketing strategies include online advertising, print advertising, flyers and brochures, word-of-mouth marketing, and networking.
Step 8: Purchase the Necessary Equipment and Supplies
Now it’s time to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies for your business. Supplies will depend on the type of cleaning services you offer, but every cleaning business needs a few essential items.
Some of the essentials that you’ll need to include are the following:
- Vacuum cleaners
- Mops and buckets
- Cleaning solutions and chemicals
- Rags and towels
- Protective gear (gloves, masks, etc.)
Step 9: Hire Employees (If Needed)
If you’re planning on hiring employees, the next step is to find the right people for the job. When hiring employees, finding reliable, hardworking, and trustworthy people is important.
The most convenient way to find qualified employees is to post job ads online or in local newspapers. You can also ask people you know if they know anyone who might be interested in working for your business.
Step 10: Set Your Prices
The final step is to set your prices. When setting your prices, you’ll need to consider the cost of your supplies and overhead and how much your competitors charge.
You don’t need to charge the lowest prices to be successful. Many customers are willing to pay a higher price for quality service.
Invoice & Bill Your Clients Using ReliaBills
Of course, you shouldn’t forget about billing your clients. With ReliaBills, you can create, customize, and send invoices and bills to your clients, track payments, and manage your finances in one convenient platform.
ReliaBills is an invoicing and payment processing system that lets you create professional-looking invoices and effective payment processing and tracking features. Our platform gives you all the sweet features you need when getting paid. After all, what’s the point of starting a business if you’re not getting paid for your efforts?
With ReliaBills, you have a comprehensive system capable of handling all your invoicing and payment processing needs. For more information about ReliaBills, visit our website now at www.reliabills.com. You can also click here to get details about our pricing and services.
Wrapping Up
With these crucial steps, you’re on your way to starting a successful cleaning business. Take things slowly, and always keep your customers’ needs in mind. Also, don’t forget to sign up for ReliaBills to streamline your invoicing and payment processing. With our platform, you’ll be able to focus on what you do best: running your business.
