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Sally S · Feb 24, 2009, 09:23 AM

I was thinking, to get my first customers, I will call local businesses. But,I don't even know what to say to them, and what kind of bids to give them. I already have a couple of office jobs that I do for someone I know. I charge them by the job. They are small easy jobs. What do I say when I call then how do I give first bids? What kind of questions do I ask? I am a single mom and I work in a local hardware store. I live in a resort area. This is mostly seasonal work.

Clough · Feb 24, 2009, 04:04 PM

Hi, Sally S!

I can definitely help you with the advertising end of things where it won't cost you anything! If you would like to know how to do that, please let me know!

We do have a person on this site who is an Expert in the cleaning biz who goes by the name of Stringer. He'll be able to give you some excellent advice!

I'll let him know about your post!

Thanks!

Sally S · Feb 24, 2009, 05:06 PM

Thanks I needall the help I can get.

Clough · Feb 25, 2009, 01:49 AM

I did let Stringer know about your question, Sally.

Thanks!

Stringer · Feb 25, 2009, 10:38 AM

Thanks Clough.

HI Sally,

To get started may I ask; do you have any experience in business? Do you have an incorporated business now or have you had one in the past? Do you have experience in scheduling and managing personnel? Other than the cleaning that you presently do, do you have any specific experience in the residential and/or commercial cleaning industry?

Please try to answer each of my questions as thoroughly as possible and I will then have a starting point and we can proceed from there.

In the meantime, please enter; commercial cleaning, residential cleaning, cleaning, janitorial, etc, into the 'search box' above as there is a lot of information concerning this subject.

Please let me know,

Stringer

Stringer · Feb 26, 2009, 07:19 AM

Sally here is another source to get you started, there is a charge, however this is from one of the industries respected on- line magazines;

Bidding Software & Tools for Success

From Industry Expert Gary Clipperton

JanBid 2009 Software and Instructions

Just enter the customer name and address and JanBid prints out a complete bid proposal packet. JanBid calculates cleaning costs with speed and accuracy and adjusts cleaning times needed for most conditions.

Available at CMIBookstore.com

Janitorial Success Program

Take your marketing, prospecting, bidding and overall company growth to the next level. This program contains five innovative and invaluable marketing and management modules that will expand your business.

Available at CMIBookstore.com

Are you still here sally?

Stringer

Lostone8899 · Apr 3, 2011, 07:02 AM

I also have a small cleaning business in Wisconsin and I can't seem to get off the ground and if I did I do not know what to charge. I am a member of the Wisconsin Black Chamber for Commerce so what am I doing wrong?

Lostone8899 · Apr 3, 2011, 07:10 AM

Thanks that is great information I truly appreciate it.

dortiz106 · Feb 4, 2012, 12:49 PM

I just started my small cleaning business as well but I have no idea how to get going from here. Where do I find places to clean?

Stringer · Feb 4, 2012, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by dortiz106

I just started my small cleaning business as well but I have no idea how to get going from here. Where do I find places to clean?

Hi Dortiz,

This is anther's old thread. Please start your own thread in "Small Business' and I am sure that you will received a lot of information that will help you immensely.

Also, in the 'Search' button above list your inquiries and there is a ton of info. After you start your own thread I would be pleased to assist you where I can.

Stringer