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Tips From the Pros on How to Start an Office Cleaning Business
Author: Kate Carpenter  | Posted: 02-04-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 8 | Rating: (79)  (?) 
You're looking to make a little extra cash or you need a job. Office cleaning is an easy, low-cost business that will make you more money than you ever dreamed of! In fact, many of the pros I interviewed said they started out intending to remain small, as a one or two person operation, but soon had so much business they were either farming it out or had to hire help! It's up to you what and how you want to build your office cleaning business.
To be successful as an office cleaning business, you need to start out knowing as much as you can about every aspect of running your business. It's not just going out and buying some cleaning supplies, knock on some doors, print up some flyers and away you go! There are some very important steps to take before you ever step foot into your first clients office and the pros are going to guide you through the process.
Tip #1-You need a business license or fictitious name AND be bonded
Getting a business license or fictitious name or DBA-Doing Business As (depends on where you live as to which), is relatively easy and well worth the $25 or $30. First decide on what you want to call your cleaning business, it should be short and memorable, although using your name will do nicely, too. Call either your city or county recorder's office or clerk and ask about how to apply. A lot of cities and counties have websites that will give you this information. Then, follow the procedure, and within a few days you'll have your business license or fictitious name certificate.
Next you'll need to get a bond. What is a bond? Bonding insurance is for protection of the person you clean for just in case you break something, or you hire someone - they might steal something, the insurance will pay your client back. The pros suggest you call around to various insurance agents to find the best deal. You don't need a million dollar bond, but probably a $100,000 will do. Most of the pros have say it should cost you somewhere between $100-$300 a year and if you don't find that kind of rate at first--keep calling insurance companies! Later, as you hire workers, you will, also, need liability and worker's compensation insurance. But for now, a bond will do.
By being bonded and having a certificate that shows that to potential clients, it eliminates an objection in the clients' mind. Afterall, you are going to be in the clients' business office after hours and he/she needs to feel confident you are trustworthy.
Additionally, now you can set up a business account using your business licence, fictitious name or DBA certificate. This is important for taxes and makes you more viable.
Tip #2-Getting Your Cleaning Supplies
Most of the pros recommend you purchase your cleaning supplies at a big discount store and don't forget to check the dollar stores, too! You'll need things like:
glass cleaner
furniture polish
general all purpose cleaner
trash bags-in various sizes
rags
dust cloth and/or broom
toilet bowl cleaner and brush
paper towels
vaccum-preferably a little weight or easy to carry one
and anything else you can think of.
One pro suggested that you buy several plain spray bottles to transfer your cleaning supplies so your clients won't know what products you are using. Another made a point of saying some good, solid durable cleaning equipment is a must.
Tip #3-Where and How to Find Customers
Here's what some of the pros do:
* "I have a cleaning business and i have found that profits are better to clean smaller businesses and new home construction."
* "I stopped into real estate offices with business cards, put an ad in the Yellow pages, and put flyers around. After that, all I tried to do was be as professional as possible. I think it's very important to look the part. Get a nice clean truck, get it tastfully lettered with a nice logo, and also get some shirts. When you're going around to the few accounts you get in the beginning, you'll be noticed along the way. "
* "Also, advertising is relatively inexpensive. Flyers and word of mouth seemed to be my best marketing tool. Offer a discount or free clean for new customers or as a referral bonus for your clients who refer new business. But the most important piece of advice I can give you is to get bonded/insured. It doesn't cost that much and it gives clients piece of mind."
* "no, don't hire a telemarketer. make a flyer on your computer, make a bunch of copies and post on store bulletin boards, on car windshields, doors, etc. also, you could send a business card and flyer to real estate agents in your area that could suggest your services to clients moving or for their own rental properties for move-ins/outs. another method is to browse the rentals section of the newspaper and either call or mail a flyer/card to landlords. placing a classified ad in the services section of the newspaper is good too. make sure you always carry your biz cards w/ you and hand them out at every opportunity...with tips at restaurants, when paying bills, leave them on a table in a store or bathroom."
This should give you a good start on the right foot!
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