Cleaning is something everyone has to deal with, but few people truly enjoy. For those who do enjoy it, working as a cleaner can be a lucrative way of earning a living. The benefits of cleaning for a living include the freedom to set your own hours and work with clients you like, an opportunity to escape a desk or hard labor job, and plenty of exercise. Cleaners also typically earn more than minimum wage, with excellent cleaners able to set much higher rates once they’ve built a strong reputation. Whether you’re thinking of working as a sole trader, or starting a business employing several cleaners, it’s an industry that’s always in demand.
How to start a cleaning business from scratch
Starting any business from nothing is a daunting task. How much do you need to invest? What if something goes wrong? How do you find your first customers and/or employees? At Pro Housekeepers, we’re experts in setting up successful cleaning companies, growing them from nothing to become the top-rated cleaning businesses in their areas. In this post we’re going to share the benefit of our experience so you can launch your cleaning business and make it a success.
The first thing to consider when founding any business is how big (or small) you want to start. Many cleaners start out as sole traders with a handful of clients, and build up their businesses through hard work until they’re able to expand. That doesn’t mean you can’t set up a larger cleaning enterprise immediately, although you will have more upfront costs to consider. Employee wages, advertising costs, equipment purchases and rentals, and taxes and insurance, all require consideration. Starting a solo cleaning business is cheaper in the beginning, but might be more difficult to scale as the company grows.
Before starting your cleaning business, take a look at the competition. How many cleaners are already in operation in your area? How many commercial and residential properties? Decide in advance what market you intend to target. While cleaning companies often have a combination of residential and commercial clients, specializing may give you an edge over the competition. Some industries require cleaners to use specific solutions or equipment that require training. This adds an upfront cost to starting your business, but allows you to charge a higher price for your services.
Once you have a business idea for your cleaning company, you can take steps toward becoming established. A good place to start is by gaining industry certifications that demonstrate your abilities. The American House Cleaners Association offers certification courses for cleaners. While we all know the basics of cleaning, as a Pro you (or your staff) will be expected to know how to clean a variety of surfaces and stains in the most effective way. Getting certified is a good way of improving your cleaning skills, and building trust with your clients.