[ChihuahuaMomma]

Hi,

I am interested in starting a cleaning company in my area. Any suggestions/advice/tips are welcome.

Thank you.

[Wondergirl]

Offices? Residential? Special situations? Helping people unclutter?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

All the above.

[Clough]

Hi, Momma!

Stringer would say that there's more money doing the commercial jobs. I've already spoken to him about this a number of times. I've thought about getting into the cleaning business myself. Just haven't acted upon it. For me, I would probably start in the residential, simply because I have more connections there and would find it easier to get work.

How much experience have you had cleaning for others in order to make a profit for yourself, please?

Thanks!

[ChihuahuaMomma]

I've been a caregiver for three years now & that's half my job. I clean my own house. I'm very meticulous and thorough when I clean.

[Wondergirl]

I've been a caregiver for three years now & that's half my job. I clean my own house. I'm very meticulous and thorough when I clean.

I bet you could get lots of cleaning jobs by posting ads in senior centers (with their permission).

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Not a bad idea. I'm brainstorming, taking notes, taking suggestions right now. When I'm healed I can start putting things into action.

[Clough]

Originally Posted by ChihuahuaMomma
I've been a caregiver for three years now & that's half my job. I clean my own house. I'm very meticulous and thorough when I clean.

I bet you could get lots of cleaning jobs by posting ads in senior centers (with their permission).

Those sort of places would definitely be one of the resources to find work.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Thanks Clough.

[Clough]

Do you already have the necessary liability insurance, Momma?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

Do you already have the necessary liability insurance, Momma?

No, like I said I'm just in the brainstorming phase right now.

[Wondergirl]

From ezinearticles.com --

The first step is to prepare a business plan. This does not have to be a long document, but should be fairly comprehensive and address the following points:

*The company name, address, phone number, owners/corporate officers and statement of purpose.

*Description of the business, products and services you intend to sell.

*The legal structure, business management, employees, support personnel, insurance and financial considerations.

*A look at your competition and your marketing plan.

*A three to five year financial plan with documentation including a cash flow worksheet, balance sheet, and income statement.

Put together a support team including an accountant, attorney and insurance agent. If you are not comfortable doing bookwork and administrative tasks you might want to also look for a part-time bookkeeper or virtual assistant who can help with these duties.

Other start up tasks include:

*After deciding on your business name do a trademark search and assumed name search to make sure the name is available. Most states have web sites that allow you to do an online search.

*Decide if you are going to work out of your home or lease office space.

*Apply for any necessary licenses, get your federal tax ID and file assumed name.

*Contact your local small business center and get a copy of your state's small business start up guide. Each state has their own individual requirements and will have fact sheets or guidebooks that will indicate if there are specific licenses, permits or forms you need to file before starting your business.

*Open bank accounts in the business name.

*Obtain the appropriate insurances.

*If necessary, secure financing.

*Set up a system for accounting and payroll.

*Obtain business tools, computer, fax machine, and office supplies.

*Purchase cleaning equipment and supplies.

*Obtain a logo.

*Order or create your business stationary - business cards, letterhead and brochures.

*Have signage created.

*Create an operations and employee manual.

*Hire employees.

*Set a start date.

*Send out press releases.

*Join trade associations, the local chamber of commerce and local networking groups.

*Check on domain names and develop a website.

Begin marketing your business. Your business plan includes a marketing plan so use this as your guide. Your initial marketing may include direct mail pieces, ads in the local paper or radio, and perhaps a banner ad on a complimentary website. Think about developing alliances with other local businesses. Make sure that everyone you know realizes that you have a new business. Send out postcards or letters announcing your new business to friends, family and business acquaintances.

Have realistic goals for the first year of your business. Do not expect that clients will come knocking at your door. You have to convince prospective clients that you provide the services they need at an acceptable price. Once you have a few clients on board, get testimonials from them that you can use to convince other prospective clients that they need your services.

[Wondergirl]

And (in case you need more ideas for start-up) ---

How to Start A Residential Cleaning Business

How to Start a Cleaning Service - Entrepreneur.com

[ChihuahuaMomma]

If anyone has ideas for a name, through it out there.

[Clough]

If you're going to be transporting any chemicals of any kind, that will affect how your liability insurance will be.

I can certainly help you and will be glad to do so with marketing on the Internet, if you would like to do that. That's how I get most of my business for the things that I do.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

If you're going to be transporting any chemicals of any kind, that will affect how your liability insurance will be.

I can certainly help you and will be glad to do so with marketing on the Internet, if you would like to do that. That's how I get most of my business for the things that I do.

Help would be great. Thank you, Clough.

[Clough]

If anyone has ideas for a name, through it out there.

Absolute Cleaning Service is one idea. Sounds professional and most likely will get you listed first on many lists.

[Wondergirl]

Absolute Cleaning Service is one idea. Sounds professional and most likely will get you listed first on many lists.

She should make sure this (or any) name is not already in use in the area.

A+ Cleaning
Attila the Cleaner
Scour Power
The Bluejeaner Cleaner

[Wondergirl]

When I started my resume business out of my home, my village wanted $40 a year for a license, but the township and the county didn't charge anything.

[Stringer]

Congratulations Momma. Starting your own business is exhilarating, challenging and can be very rewarding.

The information that Clough and WG have given you is a great start.

The key In my opinion is that you must never waver in your desire to succeed. There can be many setbacks but they are only challenges not roadblocks. Don't get discouraged, always onward and upward. There is no better feeling than controlling your own destiny.

And as WG listed in her post, you have to go after the business. Decide why you are better and promote that.

Good luck to you.

(WG no commas died in the preparation of this post. :))

Stringer