According to estimates, home cleaning industry revenue in 2019 will hit $943 million, and the annual growth rate during the 2014-2019 period will be 2.8% because a large portion of the baby-boomer generation is retiring. It’s a great time to get into the house cleaning business if you like cleaning homes and helping others. You can learn How to start a house cleaning business in these easy steps.
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Make a Business Plan for Your Cleaning Company
You need to have a business plan that includes information about your mission, your target market, local competition, startup costs, projected revenue, marketing strategy, and business structure if you want to stand a chance at success. While it may seem tempting to just get started, creating a business plan will keep you focused and even help you obtain startup capital.
By conducting a market study, you can determine whether the business is viable in your area. If you plan to hire your company, you should find out how many homes there are in the area. Exist any other house cleaning companies nearby? When you’re in a market where franchises are a dominant force, it’s important to differentiate your business – whether that’s through cost, service quality, or even cleaning products.
You will also need to decide the area you will serve, including how far you will travel for a job and under what circumstances you will work. Are you available when the client is at home? If not, how will you access the property?
The legal side of starting a business can be intimidating for aspiring entrepreneurs. Maintaining professional credibility and satisfying tax obligations require legal business formation. A sole proprietorship is the easiest and least expensive to start, but the liability for debts, lawsuits, etc. Is still yours. It’s best to consult with a business lawyer to find out what’s best for you. LLCs provide an affordable way to protect your assets and separate yourself from the business. The legal requirements vary depending on where you plan to do business, so you need to address them locally, state-wide, and federally. Depending on where you live, you may need a business license and/or business insurance in order to sign clients.
Consider business accounting as you plan your business. It’s a good idea to open a separate bank account for handling the finances. By using this tool, you can pay any employees you hire, submit your expenses, and prepare your quarterly taxes. To set your rates, figure out your income so you can use this information along with your competitive analysis.
Figures for Startup Costs of House Cleaning Businesses
It is common for small business owners to forget to factor in all business expenses. A housecleaning business is a low barrier to entry, particularly if you already have a reliable vehicle that has plenty of room for all your cleaning supplies and equipment. It is not uncommon for you to be able to start for less than $1,000, excluding legal fees.
Certified Businesses Have a Better Reputation
Cleaning homes will be a necessity for you as a professional who owns your own business. Getting certified can help you command higher rates and build credibility with your customers, even if you don’t need formal education to start working in the industry.
Housekeepers across the country can obtain certification credentials from the International Executive Housekeepers Association. It is possible to choose between becoming a Certified Executive Housekeeper or a Registered Executive Housekeeper. Getting either certification requires that you have worked as an entry-level housekeeper in hotels, businesses, or as an independent contractor for at least one year.
Maintain a Professional Appearance to Build Trust
You must work hard to maintain the trust your customers have in you because they may have had a bad experience with a poor quality cleaning service in the past.
Wear a uniform shirt that displays your company name and logo to present yourself professionally. Mark your vehicle with signage. By doing these two things, you increase your professionalism and also ease your neighbors’ concerns about why you are going into their home without their permission.
