Discovering how to start a commercial cleaning business in any city opens up a world of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Regardless of location, the fundamentals of launching and scaling such a venture remain consistent.
From crafting a robust business plan to implementing effective marketing strategies and securing essential licenses, this guide will equip you with the essential knowledge to start your cleaning services commercial business journey with confidence, no matter where you’re located.
Starting a Commercial Cleaning Business
If you are considering launching a commercial cleaning business, there are several essential steps to take to kickstart your journey.
Start with a Commercial Cleaning Business Plan
Creating a good business plan is important for any commercial cleaning business, even if you’re not borrowing money. It’s like a map that helps you understand your business goals and make smart decisions every day.
Your plan should have a cover page and a table of contents to make it easy to find things. In the plan, you should explain what your business does and how much money you need. You also need to list all the services you will offer and how much you will charge for each one. Understanding your customers and what they’re willing to pay is important, too.
You will also want to look at other cleaning companies for competitor analysis to see how you can stand out from them. Then, you will also need a plan to find and keep customers, which might include things like advertising or offering special deals.
Whether you are working alone or with others, you need to figure out how many people you need and how much it will cost. Finally, you will want to make a guess about how much money you will make in your first year and how many jobs you need to keep going.
Receive Training and Develop Your Skills
Starting a commercial cleaning business doesn’t always require special training or certifications, which makes it accessible to many. However, gaining experience and skills is beneficial for running your business confidently. You can acquire cleaning skills by working with a local commercial cleaning company or taking courses at a community college.
Additionally, pursuing certifications from organizations like ISSA, OSHA, or IICRC can enhance your credibility and expertise. This training not only gives you an edge over competitors but also ensures you understand how to safely use cleaning equipment, apply chemicals, and maintain hygiene standards, which is essential for success in the industry.
Choose a Legal Business Structure
Before starting a cleaning business, make sure your business is legally prepared. This involves selecting a suitable business structure and establishing a legal entity.
If you are in the U.S. and prefer full control, a sole proprietorship is a viable option. For those partnering with others, registering as a partnership is advisable. Opting for a limited liability company (LLC) is wise if your business carries medium or high risk, or if you seek to shield your personal assets in case of legal action.
Alternatively, an S corporation can also mitigate liability concerns. Evaluate these options carefully to align with your preferences and risk tolerance, and ensure compliance with local regulations when establishing your chosen entity.
Pick Commercial Cleaning Business Names
Select a professional cleaning business name that stands out from competitors, is easy to say and remember, and isn’t already in use. For example, if you want to start commercial cleaning services in Austin, TX, then choose a name that is unique and represents your services and the area of your operations.
After finalizing your business name, it’s essential to establish your brand. Consider hiring a designer or utilizing a logo generator to create a logo. Incorporate your commercial cleaning business logo and chosen colors onto various items like uniforms, vehicles, business cards, quotes, invoices, and more to create a recognizable brand identity.
Register Business & Obtain Commercial Cleaning Business License
Once you have chosen a name for your business, it’s important to register it with your local government for tax purposes and obtain a business license. Make sure to research the specific requirements in your area to ensure compliance.
In the United States, check if anyone else is using the same name in your state and consider trademarking it. Similarly, in Canada, register your trade name and trademark to protect your brand. In the United Kingdom, register as a sole trader or business partnership, ensuring your chosen name is available and not already trademarked. In Australia, you can register your business name through various services, but it’s not necessary if you operate under your personal name.
Additionally, depending on your location, you might need an employment identification number (EIN), so be sure to look up local regulations or consult with relevant authorities for guidance.
Open Business Bank Account
Setting up a separate business bank account is important to keep your business finances separate from your personal expenses like rent and groceries. It not only makes you look more professional to clients but also simplifies your tax process.
To open a business checking account, you will typically need your
- Business’s name and address, along with your legal name
- Birth date, and address
- Business’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security Number (SSN) or Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Valid government-issued ID
Additionally, consider getting a business credit card to access startup funding and establish a credit history. Look for a card with a low interest rate and rewards for your business expenses to maximize benefits.
Choose Cleaning Services to Offer
Identify the range of cleaning services for commercial clients, including pricing for each service. Options may include:
- General commercial and office cleaning
- Janitorial service
- One-time cleaning service
- Weekly cleaning service
- Monthly cleaning service
- Floor cleaning
- Floor waxing and restoration
- Trash removal
- High dusting (vents, ceilings)
- Deep cleaning
- Carpet cleaning services
- Window cleaning
- Sanitizing and disinfecting
- Event cleanup
- Construction clean up
- Flood or fire cleanup
Set Cleaning Business Prices
Determining how much to charge for your cleaning services depends on your target market. Small businesses might have smaller budgets compared to larger ones, while homeowners in different areas may have varying expectations. Researching what other cleaning companies charge in your area is helpful for setting competitive prices.
Also, consider the value of your services and your expenses when deciding on rates, whether you opt for an hourly rate or a per-job rate. Using a professional invoice template ensures you get paid quickly for your cleaning services. It’s essential to keep a balance between affordability for your clients and covering your costs to ensure a sustainable business model.
Get Commercial Cleaning Business Insurance
It’s important to protect your cleaning business from unexpected situations and commercial cleaning business insurance is like a safety net that helps you if something goes wrong. It covers you if there is property damage, someone gets hurt, or if you are sued.
For small businesses. general liability insurance and workers’ compensation are usually needed to cover basic things like accidents and injuries. You might also want extra coverage like commercial auto insurance if you use vehicles for your business, or inland marine insurance to protect your equipment while it’s being transported. Don’t take chances with all the hard work you have put into your business and get your commercial cleaning business insured to avoid any unforeseen situations.
Purchase Commercial Cleaning Business Supplies and Equipment
When starting a commercial business cleaning services, getting the right supplies and equipment is essential for delivering high-quality services. Some essential supplies include various types of cleaning solutions, disinfectants, and sanitizers suitable for different surfaces.
Furthermore, you will need cleaning tools for effective cleaning. Different equipment is necessary for tackling larger spaces and different flooring types. Don’t forget to invest in safety gear to protect yourself and your employees while on the job.
Finally, consider purchasing storage and organization solutions to keep your supplies and equipment neat and accessible. Here’s a list of essential supplies and equipment for a commercial cleaning business:
- Cleaning solutions (multi-surface cleaners, disinfectants, sanitizers)
- Mops
- Brooms
- Brushes
- Scrubbers
- Vacuum cleaners
- Floor buffers
- Carpet extractors
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, aprons)
- Storage and organization solutions
Market Your Commercial Cleaning Business
Once you have defined your services, target audience, prices, and preferred service area, it’s time to attract your first clients with a solid marketing strategy. Understanding where potential clients search for cleaning services and what they prioritize in hiring is crucial. Consider various marketing methods to reach your audience effectively:
Referrals: Reach out to friends and family for referrals and consider offering incentives for each referral or discounted rates to early customers.
Facebook: Create a Facebook page for your business to engage with potential customers organically by sharing valuable content and directing them to inquire about your services.
Google: Utilize Google My Business to enhance visibility in local searches for cleaning services. Consider creating a website and employing SEO tactics to attract clients through online searches.
Paid Ads: Invest in Google, Facebook, or Instagram ads to generate leads and attract new customers. Be prepared to pay a specific cost per click for each lead generated.
Networking: Attend local community events to build connections and potentially gain clients. Bring along business cards to exchange contact information with potential leads.
Hire Help to Grow Your Business
When launching a cleaning business, handling all cleaning tasks yourself initially can be cost-effective. Yet, as your operations grow, hiring extra help becomes essential, though it adds to expenses. Therefore, proper budgeting is crucial to accommodate these changes. When bringing new team members on board, prioritize qualities like professionalism, friendliness, and a diligent work ethic, as they directly influence how your company is perceived by clients and ensure quality service delivery.
FAQs
What type of cleaning business makes the most money?
Commercial cleaning is the best bet for making money in the cleaning industry. There’s always a high demand for it, and if you land a contract, you can earn a lot. Commercial jobs usually pay well because they need thorough cleaning.
Is cleaning a good business to start?
Having a good business plan and being prepared to enter a new market niche makes starting a cleaning business a valuable venture. Since cleaning services are always needed and in high demand, you can expect a consistent flow of income for your business.
Are cleaning businesses worth it?
Both commercial and residential cleaning services present excellent opportunities to establish either a limited company or as a sole trader. These projects offer the potential for significant profits and a reliable income stream. Moreover, they afford the chance to contribute to people’s health and safety by maintaining clean environments.
Conclusion
Launching a successful commercial cleaning business requires planning and dedication. By following these steps, from securing licenses and insurance to crafting a marketing strategy and building a strong team, you will be well-equipped to tackle any city’s cleaning needs. Remember, prioritize exceptional service and building trust with clients to establish a thriving business that keeps your city sparkling.
