House cleaning business is a very rewarding business. One can have lots of opportunities and a big turnover when you are successful in the cleaning business field. What's good about this business is that you can start on a limited budget. You do not need to hire a lot of staff at first. If you are an experienced cleaner, you could actually start the business on your own. Here are a few pointers on how you could start in this type of business.
* On acquiring your first few clients
1. This might be the hardest part when you start with a business. It's quite hard when you look for people that will try your service especially if there are a few established companies around your area already. Most customers want to know how long you have been in the business. It is normal for them to seek references. But it is important to say the truth to your clients. Inform them that you are new to this business. Be confident to say that you have researched on all the aspects of this business and that you assure them you could give them satisfactory service according to their needs. Clients will trust you more if you show them that you are confident.
2. A great tip on how to get references: You could talk to your relatives or friends and ask them if you could clean their houses for a discounted rate, or much better for free. Be sure to put in mind that quality is more important than quantity. How fast you finish cleaning is not as important as how great you've done the job. It takes time to clean efficiently but soon when you get used to it you could finish the job in a faster rate. Double check the rooms that you've cleaned and be sure that you do not miss any spot. This way, when you satisfy your clients you could definitely get some good testimonials and soon word of mouth will spread.
3. A referral program is also a good idea to get new clients. You could offer to give discounts on clients that could refer you to a friend or other people that they know or when their friends seek your service for at least three times.
o Advertise Your Business
Advertising is important to let people know that your business exists. But before you proceed in advertising, you should carefully plan what image you would want for the company. Image is very important because people will remember you through it.
1. Creating a logo is one thing that you could do. Be consistent with your ads, be sure to always include the logo and stick with the same colors that you've chosen. You could advertise in newspapers but be sure that it is an eye catching ad. It needs to stand out among other competitors.
2. Magnetic signs and lettering of your business name and contact information for your vehicles is also a great way to attract people's attention.
3. You could also use some flyers for advertisement. You could print nice and colorful flyers in your own home but it is best if you invest on professional flyers. They could be given out on grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, laundromats, hair dressers, and other places where many people go or pass by. You could even do some door to door visit in various neighborhoods.
4. Business cards are a more formal approach on advertising your business. You could give them out to friends and family members. Asking some business establishments if you could leave a couple of cards on their counters is also possible.
5. Having a website is also helpful. Since almost everybody uses the internet for things like shopping for their personal needs, this is a great medium for potential clients to know about your business.
o Cleaning Products and Equipment
1. Find alternatives to chemical cleaners. There are some natural cleaning products with essential oils that you could use. This is good because you could offer a healthy cleaning experience to your clients. They will surely like it, especially for those sensitive persons and environment lovers.
2. Always bring a hand sanitizer with you. In cleaning a house you'll get exposed to different kinds of germs so it is important to protect yourself from these or you might get sick. Wear gloves when you clean the bathrooms.
3. You should also invest in your own cleaning utensils. Customers prefer if you would use your own materials. Always ask if the customers use some special cleaners for their appliances and floors. Most of the time, they have these cleaners on hand and will let you use them.
o Prices of your Services
You should be careful in pricing your services. If the prices that are too low, your customers might think that you are not experienced and your service is sub-standard. It is important to create prices that reflect the quality of your work.
1. You could choose to charge by the hour, by room, or by square foot. Other companies have flat rates per home. But it is better if you charge by home. The client will pay for a set fee and will not care if it took you 2 hours or 5 hours to finish.
2. There is never a chance that you'll be cleaning two identical houses. You need to get as much experience to be able to set an amount that you need to make hourly. One that will cover all the expenses and still allow you to earn good profit.
o Hiring Employees
The business will come to a point where in it needs to expand. You have been receiving more than enough job requests and it is hard if you do it on your own. You could hire even inexperienced persons but it will require you to train them first. So your best bet will be hiring already trained and skilled personnel.
o Insurance and Bonding
Your business should be fully insured and bonded. This way the clients will trust you more. It is hard for them to just let anybody inside their homes. But if you have liability insurance, then they'll feel more secure.
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