Starting a cleaning business can offer you a way to be your own boss while having a low start up cost. In the cleaning business there are basically two outlets: commercial and residential. You will have to decide which you want to focus on or if you will be open to doing both. However, a commercial job may require you to have more equipment and experience. If you are going small and it will be just you and a mop then be clear on the times you will work and the services you will provide.
How to Start:
Advertise: Pass out flyers, mail flyers to businesses like apartment complexes or realtors (to clean houses or empty houses for open houses), pass out business cards, tell your friends and family, and put an ad in the paper.
Offer a Coupon: To get your dust pan in the door you may want to offer a free cleaning or half off the first cleaning. Think of something that will draw in a first customer.
Market Research: Know your area. You will want to know where the potential to make the most profits will come from either by cleaning for a business, individuals, etc. Maybe your area has many elderly people who may need an extra hand so you may want to direct your business in that area. Knowing your area will give you insight on how to advertise and who to advertise to.
Niche: If you can find a niche in this field you may be able to corner the market in your niche area. You could focus on cleaning vacant apartments or getting houses “move in” ready or do promotions to husbands and fathers for gift certificates for their wives.
Essentials:
An attention to detail
Love for cleaning or at least tolerate it enough to be thorough and reliable.
Business License
Becoming Bonded and Insured
Good Vacuum and Supplies