Would a janitorial company be a good business to start in this current economy and would it be profitable?

If you have the experience, drive and ambition to succeed I would say yes.

I highly suggest that you are incorporated and insured for liability.

You have little start up costs, a lot less than some other business.

Stringer

Hi, jermaine1983!

I would also recommend diversification as to the types of places that you'll be willing to clean. For instance, at least around here, a lot of smaller office type of companies are downsizing to maintain their profits. One of things they let go of is the janitorial crews that are hired from the outside. I've seen it happen a number of times.

So, If I were you, I would allow yourself to be open to a number of types of cleaning opportunities, such as residential and construction clean-ups.

What do you think, Stringer?

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Clough

Hi, jermaine1983!

I would also recomend diversification as to the types of places that you'll be willing to clean. For instance, at least around here, a lot of smaller office type of companies are downsizing to maintain their profits. One of things they let go of is the janitorial crews that are hired from the outside. I've seen it happen a number of times.

So, If I were you, I would allow yourself to be open to a number of types of cleaning opportunities, such as residential and construction clean-ups.

What do you think, Stringer?

Thanks!

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Diversification is always good Clough. And yes this economy requires innovative means to stay good.

Stringer

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stringer

If you have the experience, drive and ambition to succeed I would say yes.

I highly suggest that you are incorporated and insured for liability.

You have little start up costs, a lot less than some other business.

Stringer

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Hi Stringer,

Well this is wear I'm at, I have about 15k to invest and I would like to rent a small office with storage space and bring in another person to help me with sales. I have everything you named (experience, drive and ambition to succeed) I guess I just really wanted to know if you think that would be a good idea (office and another sales person)

I think so, a lot of people give a lot of fuss about the economy, but the world is yours. I'm a small business owner and my hard work is paying off even in the worst of times

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jermaine1983

Hi Stringer,

Well this is wear I'm at, I have about 15k to invest and I would like to rent a small office with storage space and bring in another person to help me with sales. I have everything you named (experience, drive and ambition to succeed) I guess I just really wanted to know if you think that would be a good idea (office and another sales person)

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At start up you will want to keep your costs to a minimum until you have a steady income In my opinion. I would do as Clough advised and try to get as much business in as many areas as possible; steady nightly business, construction cleanups, etc. Also try to be as 'turn key' as possible; windows, VCT stripping/refinishing, carpet cleaning, furniture cleaning, wall cleaning, etc.

Again (IMHO) I would try to get steady small to mid sized buildings until you build up your resources to be able to finance the costs (equipment, etc) for larger jobs.

As far as hiring a salesman, I wouldn't initially. Possibly a straight commission salesman and you cover legit expenses. Again until you are financially capable. You are going to have unseen expenses.

I would not rent an office space right a way either, possibly start from your home.

Be aggressive in sales and service but be audacious.

Again, I highly suggest that you are incorporated and insured for liability.

Good luck,

Stringer

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stringer

At start up you will want to keep your costs to a minimum until you have a steady income IMHO. I would do as Clough advised and try to get as much business in as many areas as possible; steady nightly business, construction cleanups, etc. Also try to be as 'turn key' as possible; windows, VCT stripping/refinishing, carpet cleaning, furniture cleaning, wall cleaning, etc.

Again (IMHO) I would try to get steady small to mid sized buildings until you build up your resources to be able to finance the costs (equipment, etc) for larger jobs.

As far as hiring a salesman, I wouldn't initially. Possibly a straight commission salesman and you cover legit expenses. Again until your are financially capable. You are going to have unseen expenses.

I would not rent an office space right a way either, possibly start off from your home.

Be aggressive in sales and service but be audacious.

Again, I highly suggest that you are incorporated and insured for liability.

Good luck,

Stringer

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Hi Stringer,

Again thanks for all the information it really helps, and I will be incorporated and insured/bonded. I would like to start from home but it's just not feasible at this time, so I was thinking about a small office for around 500 a month I really don't want to but I might have to. I guess I have to hit the ground running and not look back

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jermaine1983

Hi Stringer,

Again thanks for all the information it really helps, and I will be incorporated and insured/bonded. I would like to start from home but it's just not feasible at this time, so I was thinking about a small office for around 500 a month I really don't want to but I might have to. I guess I have to hit the ground running and not look back

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It's funny Jermaine, those that bust their a$$es, put in the work and time... 'get lucky!' It's not really about cleaning, it's about attitude always.

You probably won't need to be bonded, the liability insurance will cover you. But don't start a job without it.

Stringer

Hey, you know Stringer? With your commission idea, that might help me to get more business myself! I've never thought of soliciting others in that way!

Thanks!