How to Start a House Cleaning Business

[davidmattins]

The main reason why a person would want to start a business is to make money. Typically, persons would gain success with their careers because they love what they do. In opening a house cleaning business, it doesn't mean that you love house cleaning but of course, you must not hate it in order to gain success.

Yes, this business is profitable but it still depends on how big you would want your business to be in order to know how big your profits will be. In starting up a house cleaning business, it can be either you operate on your own by setting up at your home, or you set up a commercial office and hire assistants to work for you.

If you wish to put up your own house cleaning business, there are simple and easy steps that you can follow so you can get started with such business.

Of course, you need to decide of what kind of house cleaning services you would want to operate like vacuuming, mopping, making beds, waxing floors, dusting and a lot more. You can also specialize such as carpet cleaning, windows cleaning, and so on.

Of course, you need to do pricing. In making the pricing for your house cleaning business, you can check out your competitors and use them in making your own prices. Check out your yellow pages and contact them, pretend that you are a customers and ask for their prices and services. With all the information you gathered, you can decide the price that you will charge to your clients.

In starting your own business, you need tools, materials and equipments for it. So, you need to jot down all the tools and materials needed as sponges, rags, cleaners, carpet cleaning equipments and so on. Know the cost of each item and jot it down near the items. You need to estimate all the costs for your business. You also need transportation, if you have your own vehicle, you can just use it in transporting your equipments and materials.

Of course, in running a house cleaning business, you need customers. So, you need to advertise your business to gain lots of clients. If you are seeking for free advertising, it would be word of mouth but it is an effective way of advertising a business.

Another way of advertising is by creating flyers. In doing flyers, make sure that all the information are written in there and the flyers would be appealing enough to catch the attentions of people. Post some on notice boards.

 

[JoyDivision]

A lot of businesses that are in purely to make money fail. You have to have a lot of passion for it, otherwise when the going gets tough you will just quite.

Also remember that by the time you have paid all your taxes, business rates, public liability insurance, marketing costs, telephone bills, chemicals etc you will not make as much money as you think.

 

[officeangel]

I use an agency for my cleaner at home. I've been with the agency for a few years now and have had four cleaners in that time. If this is the sort of business you're talking about, then you have to remember that the reputation of your business rests with the people who work for you. I've had three good and one not so good, but the way in which the agency dealt with the not so good cleaner didn't damage my relationship with them.

I know from my own experience, that I expect a lot from my cleaner, probably more than I would expect from myself. But cleaners can earn a very decent hourly rate, and the good ones are worth every single penny to a busy Mum like me!

 

[daleb81]

Hi All,

I wrote about almost the exact same thing as davidmattins this morning on my blog comparing the various advertising avenues available for house cleaners.

As David mentioned, there are a number of optiosn available to those looking to start up a cleaning business - with varying costs and benefits. Rather than retyping - if anyone is interested check out my blog at cleaningplace.co.uk/blog (I won't paste as a link as I'm not posting this to generate links - just as useful info).

Cheers,
Dale

 

[tyronebean]

Hi all,

This is my first post here. I am very pleased to be a part of this community.

Thanks

Cheers
Tyrone Bean

 

[Sphinx]

I left a very well paid job, flying all over the world to scrub houses. But my company is now very sucessful and has been going over 4 years.

The main points i would make from my experience are:

1. Do not think you can ever employ people to do a job that you could not do yourself or would be willing to do yourself.

2. employing people and dealing with staff is probably the hardest part about it

3. Staff let you down ALL THE TIME

4. DOING THIS BUSINESS MEANS YOU WILL CLEAN HOMES YOURSELF. (it makes me laugh when you read 'oh and you don't even need to like cleaning because you won't be doing it)

5. You will be training people (that is if your company is going to be sucessful and bothers to train) ALL THE TIME.

Many Many points to add, but enough for now.

EDIT; impotant point. Staff work as hard as they feel that what you are paying is worth. Forget all these things about working conditions and feeling valued and big hugs. At the end of the day it all boils down to how much you pay them. The other things yes are nice, and help staff stay a bit longer, but ITS ALL ABOUT THE PAY.

 

[poppydog]

Hi, thankyou for all the advice. I'm hoping to start my own home based home cleaning business with just myself to begin with but hopefully fairly quickly employing some staff. I have no experience of being an employer and any tips in this area would be hugely appreciated - hourly rates for staff, hourly rates to clients etc. Thank you .

 

[wardjon31]

Hi all, this is my first post, i hope everyones business is going from strength to strength.

I was particularly interested in Sphinx posting, i am just about to throw in a very well paid job to join my wifes cleaning business which has 10 customers so far.

I've already started going with her to see how it's done and the plan at the start is to build up enough work for both of us to clean, then we can look at taking staff on. I think this is important as shpinx says how can i expect staff to do something that i haven't.

Any tips from anyone would be gratefully received, we have advertised locally next month for the first time and over the last 3 days have leaflet dropped 400 leaflets!, how do other people find leaflet dropping?

Most of the customers so far have been word of mouth.

Anyway i hope to come back with good news soon.

 

[steve184]

I know that the barriers to entry with the commercial cleaning market are a bit higher but wouldn't this be the best area to jump into. Profit potential is greater and it sounds like office cleaning is recession proof (well to some extent anyway).

Get some experience working for an office cleaning firm, learn the ropes and then jump into your own small business.

The main challenges are finding new accounts and managing a small team to get jobs done - if you focus on these two things as well as becoming the best cleaner that you can possibly be then you should see success before too long

 

[Oconnell]

Hi there - I find the comments you have all made very interesting and I feel quite hopeful now. I have just chosen redundancy after 10 years of working, with a brilliant salary, to re-start my cleaning company. We had the cleaning company on the side line to earn extra money, but because both my husband and myself worked full time, it was difficult to maintain, so when we lost the one contract we had (with the company I worked for - due to them bringing in house cleaners in), we decided to give it a miss.

Although I have chosen redundancy, I am extremley nervous to start up again in the current climate, but have belief that I will be sucessful, and I am keen to offer the best service ever.

I have most of the equipment from the previous business, and have 2000 leaflets to target domestic houses, which I am going to send out in the local paper - I am hoping this will generate some business.

Can anybody let me know, or help me with finding out where I can get contracts from for Domestic cleaning (between company and client).

Looking forward to hearing from you and good luck to you all.

M

 

[Suziem2p]

I have owned my own domestic and commercial cleaning company for the past 4 years and it is very successful. I employ 4 full time staff to do the work whilst i concentrate on winning new contracts and marketing.

I built up my client base through royal mail door to door leaflet drops using targeted audience and through double quarter full colour ads in yellow pages.I have never used free papers as they simply do not work!!If you have any specific questions please let me know,as i am very experienced in managing a cleaning business.

 

[lady Cleaner]

Hi
I am looking for contract forms for clients and staff and any other advice regarding how to get the right staff.
Thanks
Patricia

 

[lady Cleaner]

Hi
My main concern is getting good and reliable staff.
Obviously I am aware of staff from abroad proving they have the right to work here.
My thing is - if I am to grow - is it best to employ staff or can they be self employed?
I would want them to have a police check and if self -employed also public liability where as I understand that if I employ them I then get them covered for insurance purposes.
Also what is key holding insurance?
What suggestions do you have for getting staff and what do you look for?
Thanks very much for replying,
Kind regards
Patricia

 

[Jason L]

If you have any specific questions please let me know,as i am very experienced in managing a cleaning business.

Hi Suziem2p

Not sure if you are happy to reveal this, but what do you pay your staff? Do you find that if you pay more you attract higher quality staff members or does it not make too much difference? Do you incentivise them with bonuses or anything similar?

Also, where are you based (as this will make a difference to how much you pay your staff I would imagine?)

Thanks
Jason

 

[cleaningessential]

Hi my name is Andrew i run a company called Cleaning Essential wwwcleaningessential.com, and want to expand my domestic cleaning service by bringing clients and cleaners together, can anyone help regarding these type of contracts and where i can get them.

Many thanks

Andrew

 

[dave_webb]

Offer services to your family friends and neighbours.

 

[8michael8]

Suziem2p - are we allowed to email each other on this forum ? i am just about to finish my job and would love to know how you started out in buisness.

warm regards,
Michael

 

[krispykreme]

The purpose of your cleaning service Business, or anyone else’s business for that matter, is to earn profit while fulfilling the needs or wants of its clients.

Among the biggest difficulties business owners face is the temptation to leap in without a plan. To increase business they dabble in ideas. Never really embracing a solid strategy, they simply trust one of their endeavors will eventually pay off and cause their business to soar to new heights. In most cases this is a recipe for failure.

Among the biggest difficulties cleaning service business owner’s face is the temptation to leap in without a plan. To increase business they dabble in ideas. Never really embracing a solid strategy, they simply trust one of their endeavors will eventually pay off and cause their business to soar to new heights. In most cases this is a recipe for failure.

http://www.startacleaningservices.com/1

 

[Franny7]

[FONT=&quot]There are alot of talk about starting up domestic cleaning business BUT lets not continue to start businesses just because of the sake of it... Find out the need and meet that need!!! Theres enough "rubbish" cleaning businesses out that have no interest for the clients or the cleaners already!
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Despite the influx of people starting domestic cleaning businesses, there remains a huge service gap within the industry. Those that survive and are successful will have addressed the issues listed below:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]1. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Lack of Training:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Only a few cleaning businesses offer training to their cleaners and this reflects professionalism and how the cleaners conduct themselves in the homes of clients.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]2. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]No Consultation:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Not many businesses offers consultation and this is a great service that not only enables you to offer a better service but it develops the rapport between your company and its customers.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]3. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Non Payment of Tax:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Not many businesses equip their cleaners to deal with their tax affairs and so many believe that domestic cleaners are operating illegally.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]4. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Lack of Follow-up:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] This is a major complaint from many customers of cleaning businesses and a major reason why many clients cancel their arrangement with their service provider. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Now that you can identify the gaps within the industry, what steps will you take to bridge them? [/FONT]

 

[solopreneur]

I have some experience of purchasing cleaning services- from a retailers perspective, and for office cleaning.

I would recommend that you target households, where you will be able to charge a good premium, and hopefully minimise travel. You will find hotspots where you can charge more, and may need to pay more. The flyers that you (OP) have mentioned will do well for this. Set your fee at a sensible rate, and I am sure that you will find clients easily enough. If you try to pick up larger contracts- offices and stores, you will be squeezed very heavily on margin- if you can get above £9 per hour including materials and machinery, you will be doing extremely well. To top this, the cleaners will then leave to get paid £10 per hour by local households wanting a few hours a week, and you may get lumbered with an outgoing companies poorly performing staff under TUPE. You may then have to replace them, still charging £9 per hour and take pot luck from the job centre. Bearing in mind that you are paying minimum wage of nearly £6 per hour, there is not a great deal of room for profit in retail cleaning or office cleaning, unless you can target small businesses and/or do it on a large scale. That brings with it its own issues!

I think that a domestic cleaning business, if done well, has the potential to prosper. People have less time, and are increasingly outsourcing the tasks that they do not enjoy doing.

Finally, I would recommend that you do not waste money on template business plans/letter templates etc. A business plan template can be found from 1001 places online, and template letters look just that- they can be spotted a mile away and just get binned.

 

[9ice]

it looks to me that we've all be inspired by "Joanna" the cleaner from this year's the apprentice, well I have!

Cleanupoffices is in the process of Launching. specialist in office cleaning at the moment.

wish you all the best!!

 

[ClaireL]

Hi

Ive aways thought that a domestic cleaning company with the ability to fix a light blub or put up some shelves etc or pick up the dry cleaning would be a good idea sort of 75% basic domestic cleaning services and 25% personal assistant services

 

[Parthelan]

it looks to me that we've all be inspired by "Joanna" the cleaner from this year's the apprentice, well I have!

Cleanupoffices is in the process of Launching. specialist in office cleaning at the moment.

wish you all the best!!

Can I just make an observation? You say youre just launching but your website says youve been going for years?

And the photos on the home page need to be sorted out. The two of the cleaners are distorted and repeating the same office pic at the top doesnt look great to be honest.

 

[BizGurl]

it looks to me that we've all be inspired by "Joanna" the cleaner from this year's the apprentice, well I have!

I absolutely agree with this. I can give a mega long list of all the people who I know are planning to start a cleaning company now. Most people have been hooked on the 'rags to riches' story from Joanna and are keen to jump on the bandwagon, thinking its going to be an easy ride. If theres no genuine interest there except making lots of money, then it won't work, especially as lots of people are suddenly deciding to do the same right now. A friend started a cleaning comapany earlier this year and it's really not as simple as turning up and polishing a few tables. Thats a myth! It's still hard work like any other business, and most of the money made is swallowed up in expenses. About 3 local cleaning companies have already been 'launched' in the last few weeks, it's getting ridiculous now! Why don't people do what they actually want to do and stop trying to copy 'Joanna from The Apprentice'?!

Anyhow, since your already in the process of starting (or already have?), good luck with it!

 

[olivia]

I absolutely agree with this. I can give a mega long list of all the people who I know are planning to start a cleaning company now. Most people have been hooked on the 'rags to riches' story from Joanna and are keen to jump on the bandwagon, thinking its going to be an easy ride. If theres no genuine interest there except making lots of money, then it won't work, especially as lots of people are suddenly deciding to do the same right now. A friend started a cleaning comapany earlier this year and it's really not as simple as turning up and polishing a few tables. Thats a myth! It's still hard work like any other business, and most of the money made is swallowed up in expenses. About 3 local cleaning companies have already been 'launched' in the last few weeks, it's getting ridiculous now! Why don't people do what they actually want to do and stop trying to copy 'Joanna from The Apprentice'?!

Anyhow, since your already in the process of starting (or already have?), good luck with it!

There are many more web designers and "SEO'ers" opening everyday and there were none of them on Apprentice.....

 

[9ice]

Can I just make an observation? You say youre just launching but your website says youve been going for years?

And the photos on the home page need to be sorted out. The two of the cleaners are distorted and repeating the same office pic at the top doesnt look great to be honest.

hi all, Having read all your comments: i would like to clarify: the Website is being Lauched, but i have been doing some office/domestic cleaning here and there to generate a 2nd income.

I have been inspired(by Joanna) to work on turning this into a viable business in addition my current one.

We've all been inspired by someone in our lives?

 

[Parthelan]

hi all, Having read all your comments: i would like to clarify: the Website is being Lauched, but i have been doing some office/domestic cleaning here and there to generate a 2nd income.

I have been inspired(by Joanna) to work on turning this into a viable business in addition my current one.

We've all been inspired by someone in our lives?

Your website has photographs lifted directly from at least two other websites.

Your website also plagaerised text from these two websites including almost word for word the quality section from this site here:

http://www.countryofficecleaning.com/80508/info.php?p=3&pno=0

Im also not sure how you can be Milton Keynes leading cleaning company as your website claims when in fact up intil now you've been cleaning as a side line on and off.

Customers like honesty and tranparency.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Good spot Tom.

 

[9ice]

Your website has photographs lifted directly from at least two other websites.

Your website also plagaerised text from these two websites including almost word for word the quality section from this site here:

http://www.countryofficecleaning.com/80508/info.php?p=3&pno=0

Im also not sure how you can be Milton Keynes leading cleaning company as your website claims when in fact up intil now you've been cleaning as a side line on and off.

Customers like honesty and tranparency.

Well Spoted!! but haven't we all done that b4 in our lives?????

 

[Parthelan]

Well Spoted!! but haven't we all done that b4 in our lives?????

No.

Stealing other peoples pictures that they paid a licence fee to use is theft plain and simple and it can get you into very serious trouble. Check out the ghetty/picscout thread for a welcome to the real world eye opener.

Stealing other peoples content reflects incredibly badly on you. It tells me your service is so exciting, so reliable, so innovative, so flexible, and of such guaranteed quality that you cant think of a word to say about it yourself, you have to steal someone elses text and work.
It doesnt reflect well on you at all, not to mention that some website owers get mighty miffed and publicly shame plagaerizers.

I also have to ask myself, if this person cant be ar$ed to even communicate with me in their own words, but resorts to stealing other peoples work - am I really going to let them lose in my company premises or offices?

No, it doesnt reflect well on you.

I seriously do wish you every success, but for heavens sake make it your own work, not nicking someone elses.

Find your own voice. You'll probably be even more successful that way.

 

[Deleted member 91528]

Hi, I stumbled accross this thread today whilst researching for my new business. It is very interesting and helpful, although I do feel like I am doing enough research that none of this is particularly new info to me, but how great it is to hear some real life back up on the research I am doing!

Tom Boyle, I think you are so right and don't see how anyone can go into business without thinking like you - how can you succeed without doing everything for your business yourself and with enough knowledge to know how to do it yourself? If you start out unprofessionally, how can you ever expect people to respect your business enough to trust your services?

My business is going to be along the lines of what ClaireL has suggested, a concierge/domestic services company, I will have domestic cleaners/maids working for me directly but I will also subcontract carpet cleaners, oven cleaners, all sorts of household services. From my office (which is centrally based in the very affluant area I am targeting), I will be offering services including holiday services (getting any of the services my company offer done while clients are on holiday and housesitting/checks/cat feeding etc), personal services, making reservations, grocery shopping, alarm call outs etc etc. This of course means TONNES of research which is what I'm spending all of my time on now.
The office I am hoping to have is strangely enough an office I have worked in for a good 10 years of my life when it was an Independant Travel Agency (now closed down due to retirement) so I know the area and activities of the local people well. I also grew up in the area. I have not signed for the shop yet, but when I am fully confident in all areas of my business - I hope to do so. I think that with the nature of the business, bearing in mind the services we will offer, a central office is necessary so the customers have a sense of trust, and an easy place to discuss the work that has been/will be carried out at their homes. If I am going to hold people's house keys, I feel that people are more likely to know they can trust us - if they know where I am based and that I am a REAL company. I have looked heavily into the competition and my business is currently looking quite fantastic in comparison - although my prices are going to be very slightly higher...

There are millions more ins and outs but I have talked enough already - maybe any of the people 'who know' out there could let me have an advice, recommendations etc - ANYTHING will go into my research so I am very grateful for anything anyone can offer. I am a little confused about the contracts I will need to have written up, manuals, client agreement forms etc.

and NO, I wasn't spurred on by the apprentice - this is something I have been thinking of doing for a very long time, and it's not just the services I have a passion for, it is also having and succeeding in business. I am so determined to make it work and I WILL not go into it without being fully confident that it is going to work, and work well.

Blimey, you must be bored by now!

 

[BizGurl]

Blimey, you must be bored by now!

You said it!

 

[UFOnaut]

I agree with Officeangel. Think about giving your services in your local area. Earn perfect reputation and then you don't need to search customers, then will search you.

 

[Dave JL]

Hi
I would first like to wish you all the luck in the world. Your business strategy and concept seems to cover everything and you have some great ideas for your business.
I am seriously thinking of starting my own 'one man band' domestic cleaning business and all information and advice will be gratefully welcome.
However, like your good self, I have had some great ideas in the past varying from writing lyrics, music, poems, down pipe painting service and posted them on forums. It is only natural to feel pride in our own achievments to let people know about them. The only problem being is that any good original idea or concept will be stolen oe copied if not protected. Obviously the ideas you have can not be protected but my advice is to keep some back from peering eyes. You have some great ideas and the only people to know all what you offer should be your customers or potential customers and not the general public who are not always as honest as the rest of us..

I have learned the hard way being the victim of a great idea and concept to only have it nicked by a big company..

Cheers

Dave JL

Hi, I stumbled accross this thread today whilst researching for my new business. It is very interesting and helpful, although I do feel like I am doing enough research that none of this is particularly new info to me, but how great it is to hear some real life back up on the research I am doing!

Tom Boyle, I think you are so right and don't see how anyone can go into business without thinking like you - how can you succeed without doing everything for your business yourself and with enough knowledge to know how to do it yourself? If you start out unprofessionally, how can you ever expect people to respect your business enough to trust your services?

My business is going to be along the lines of what ClaireL has suggested, a concierge/domestic services company, I will have domestic cleaners/maids working for me directly but I will also subcontract carpet cleaners, oven cleaners, all sorts of household services. From my office (which is centrally based in the very affluant area I am targeting), I will be offering services including holiday services (getting any of the services my company offer done while clients are on holiday and housesitting/checks/cat feeding etc), personal services, making reservations, grocery shopping, alarm call outs etc etc. This of course means TONNES of research which is what I'm spending all of my time on now.
The office I am hoping to have is strangely enough an office I have worked in for a good 10 years of my life when it was an Independant Travel Agency (now closed down due to retirement) so I know the area and activities of the local people well. I also grew up in the area. I have not signed for the shop yet, but when I am fully confident in all areas of my business - I hope to do so. I think that with the nature of the business, bearing in mind the services we will offer, a central office is necessary so the customers have a sense of trust, and an easy place to discuss the work that has been/will be carried out at their homes. If I am going to hold people's house keys, I feel that people are more likely to know they can trust us - if they know where I am based and that I am a REAL company. I have looked heavily into the competition and my business is currently looking quite fantastic in comparison - although my prices are going to be very slightly higher...

There are millions more ins and outs but I have talked enough already - maybe any of the people 'who know' out there could let me have an advice, recommendations etc - ANYTHING will go into my research so I am very grateful for anything anyone can offer. I am a little confused about the contracts I will need to have written up, manuals, client agreement forms etc.

and NO, I wasn't spurred on by the apprentice - this is something I have been thinking of doing for a very long time, and it's not just the services I have a passion for, it is also having and succeeding in business. I am so determined to make it work and I WILL not go into it without being fully confident that it is going to work, and work well.

Blimey, you must be bored by now!

 

[caryrobert11]

Hi,
In my opinion if you want to start your own business than it is better to take franchise. Franchise has lot of advantages first it gave you brand name of already established business, equipment for working and training how to do business.


Thanks!

 

[Mangotree]

Hi everybody – just registered.
I came here to look for ideas, get feedback and chat with other business people, but I feel I can contribute something to this thread as it’s the type of business I am in.
I joined quite a well known domestic cleaning franchise around 2 ½ years ago. I remember wanting something, which I thought was reasonably recession proof and something I could manage as oppose to ‘do’.
After the initial meetings and so forth, I eventually signed up. The franchisee had a big smile on his face and said to me ‘I thought you’d be the tricky on to convince’. This should have set alarm bells ringing. I thought it was meant to be a meeting, to establish if I was right for them and they were for me, not a sales spiel, but it look like I had been sold.
The training was a joke to be fair. Poor presentation, misspelled power point presentation, lunch was a hastily made tuna sandwich and a bag of crisps. I was disappointed – I had already parted with my cash and the training and business model were poor and antiquated.
Moving on as I am boring most people, I made a massive effort with every aspect of the business. Leafleting in the snow, cold calling etc, etc. I picked up one client. I asked for support – didn’t get any. I said I was following the model without success. A meeting was arranged – the answer was ‘drop your price’ (which they had apparently checked my region to find a suitable pricing before I started – using their business so-called nous).
Didn’t get any clients. Asked for support. No support given. I then said I would not continue paying the license fee if I wasn’t supported as per the original promise (as all franchisors should do).
I stopped paying the fee – he cancelled the agreement and kept my money. Nothing I could do about it.
If anybody is still reading this! The moral is – before parting with your cash for any business or franchise – do your homework. I have learnt by my mistake and a costly one it is too.
On a positive note. I started from scratch. I re-wrote my rulebook. Designed my own website, logo’s motif’s, pricing, diary system, etc etc and I wish I had done it before I franchised.
I have been running my own successful domestic cleaning business for a year and half now with great success. I have just started to franchise too. I didn’t want to price people out of the market so I have kept my franchise and license fee at what I feel is the best in the UK. A franchisor should be passionate about his business – I just feel, watching all these videos and sales pitches that people want to make cash quick. It should be about partnerships and growing a business.

 

[Franny7]

(Put together this article a few years ago and thought I would share here)


If cleaning is your passion; you may have considered setting up and running your very own Cleaning Service. There is a substantial amount of money that can be made from an efficient cleaning business as there are always clients that are looking to change or to utilise a good service. This guide will explain some of the things that you may wish to consider if you would like to venture into setting up and running your own cleaning business.


Many guides on the topic may be misleading as they claim to have an easy and fast way of doing so; however while a cleaning company may be easier to set-up in terms of the initial cost; a good quality of work must be anticipated for the initial stages of the business.

Areas that must be considered are as follows:
Vetting and Recruitment of Cleaners: In the initial stages of business, you may be able to cover all the work yourself. However, as your client base grows there is a chance that you may need staff to assist you in covering these jobs. It may be that you would prefer to employ a team of 2 or 3 person to start with. Whatever the case may be; you need to make sure that you carry out the right checks.


The basic checks that are needed are as follows:
1. A persons right to work in the UK
2. Proof of address
3. References
4. Next to Kin Details (optional)
5. Preferably a face to face interview

Insurance: If you start a cleaning service, insurance must be mandatory. When a client comes to a cleaning agency, they do so with the intention that they will get the benefits of vetted and insured cleaners. A good insurance should not cost more that £50 and this should be well worth it as you will find that you may need to provide your insurance certificate to clients. You may need to get an insurance that covers against Loss/Damage of property, Employers Liability, Public product liability, Lock replace and telephone misuse.


Marketing: In order to run must any successful business; effective marketing must be a key factor. Most cleaning agencies uses Google AdWord to market their services and this proves to be very effective to attract clients. However, there are other methods of marketing that can be use such as flyer distribution, posting an ad in the local paper and on Gumtree. You will need a good quality website to market your services and this again does not have to be costly.


Get your Terms Right: It is important that you get your terms correct in the early stages of your business. You will need to set the appropriate prices and a good idea would be to look at companies in your area and come to a reasonable balance. Please remember that you cannot make your prices too low as you will not be able to cover your running cost and make a profit. At the same time you do not want to make your rates too expensive. You will also need to draft up a terms and conditions of service, some companies offers a minimum term contract while some do not.
Some points to note are as follows:


* Always pay your cleaner at a good rate; a suggestion is at least £6.00 an hour for regular clean and £7.00 onwards for other cleans.
* Also a minimum term contract will mean that you will enhance the security of your company and job satisfaction for cleaners
You also need to get your hands on:
* Cleaning checklist for the cleans that are offered.
* Key Holders Form
* Standing Order Forms
* Stationary e.g. letterheads


With the right attitude you will be able to run a great cleaning business and its a great feeling to know that you can also do it from home and still be professional.

Original Article Source (same author): http://EzineArticles.com/1139784
Author of DCASSS - Domestic Cleaning Business Start-up Solution

 

[Lasting Impressions]

Hi

I have only registered today so am finding my feet, I am in the process of starting a domestic cleaning company and have spent weeks researching the market but would welcome any advice from people who have already started the same business.

Thanks

Kirsty

 

[Franny7]

Hi Kirsty,

I ran my own domestic cleaning business for years and now I help others to do the same. Its important that you get the planning right and heres a 10 point CL that I normally share with others 10 Points Pre-Opening Checklist

[FONT=&quot]1[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Complete Company Business Plan:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Your business plan will serve as the tool that will bring your business ideas together. Without you business plan, it will be extremely difficult to bring out the best out of your business. The business plan template provided is tailor-made to the domestic cleaning industry and have the relevant signpost to completing an highly effective plan[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Company Registration: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It is the resounding hint in this manual that it is best toset-up a private limited company. It adds to your professionalism and sets you apart from your competitors. This is what you get when you register:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Company Number[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Registered Address[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Bank Account: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]The next stage is a bank account and you will need your business plan and company registered details to open your bank account. You should obtain the following when you open the bank account:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Online banking[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Paying in book[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Account management software[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Insurance: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]At this stage you must start requesting quotation for insurancecoverage and should buy the coverage before you start carrying out any form of work for clients.You should obtain:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Insurance certificate[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]5[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Office Space: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Whether your office space in within your home or at a commercial premises, you must ensure thatit is set-up with all the necessaryall the tools that you need to get started.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Computer[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Software[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]6[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Stationary: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]At this stage you should have all your personalised stationary and templates in your office.You should have already planned your logo, name colour scheme and so from your business plan.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]7[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Website: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Please complete the website design form provided and website will be ready in 7-14 days.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]8[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Marketing and Advertising: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Get ready to launch your marketing and advertising campaign that you would have planned using your business plan and the information provided.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]9[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Recruitment and Interview: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Start thinking about getting a few cleaners on your books to cover the job that comes in.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]10[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Create a System: [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Create a system to drive referral, repeat business, testimonials and other continuous business your way[/FONT]


Source
Taken from my comprehensive Start-up Manual
at http://www.dcasss.co.uk

 

[anahita]

which type of documents do i need in order to start the cleaning business? should i register a company? Do i need a specific qualification?