Check out some similar questions!

MrMitch · Feb 18, 2009, 06:41 PM

Hey what's going on everyone. Thanks DeeQue. Im the one looking to start my own business. I do have a couple of questions. Should I charge by the square foot? how would I go about getting incorporated in the state of Georgia? Google isn't being so helpful. When I make flyers should I put how I price the jobs on the flyer?
Thanks

MrMitch · Feb 18, 2009, 07:19 PM

And one more thing even thoe I'm cleaning empty apartments do I need some type of liability insurance, and do I need any kind of license>

Stringer · Feb 18, 2009, 08:10 PM

Go on the web for the "State of Georgia" website and search your question about requirements for incorporation.

As I stated prior, in my opinion I would price this by the hour. Is carpet cleaning and window cleaning involved?

An empty one bedroom apartment of average size, possibly 800 to 1,000 sq ft can be easily cleaned in an hour or so. This is very adequate time to detail the complete apartment of this size.

Unless you have at least 10 or more to do at the same time I believe you will have revenue/cash flow problems.

If it is furnished, that obviously will take longer. The same size furnished, possibly 2 to 2 1/2 hours or a little over $40.00 or so for each. These are competitive prices.. if you can get more... great. Carpet extraction and window cleaning would cost more for your client.

I would never put your pricing on any form of advertising. You can eliminate yourself before you even have a chance to talk to your prospects. You want to meet them one on one as sales go beyond simple pricing efforts.

And to address your last question; YES, you will need liability insurance which can be obtained through almost any insurance company.

Licensing of your business is only required if your local municipality requires it. As is bonding, required only if the client reuires it and if so I would include the pricing for bonding in your bid to cover the cost...

Hopefully I was able to be of service in some small way. If so, please rate my answer, thank you.

Stringer

MrMitch · Feb 18, 2009, 08:28 PM

Okay stringer I get what your saying about pricing but I was thinking of charging $0.25 per square foot. But I don't want to overprice, and possible turn away potential prospects. What do you think of my pricing?

Stringer · Feb 18, 2009, 09:46 PM

That's fine Mitch, the final decision whatever you decide is yours.

All I am saying is that if you can get 'time and materials' that would cover all scenarios; Furnished or unfurnished, windows, carpet cleaning, etc.

If you can get $ .25 sq ft then good for you that's a pretty decent rate for apartment cleaning in my opinion; 1,000 sq ft X$ .25 = $250/00 per apartment X 10 apartments = $2,500.00 Simple math... Does this include specialties such as wall cleaning, windows, VCT and carpets?

Have you thought how you would deal with furnished apartments @ $ .25 as you will have more time and more to do.

I would highly suggest that you have a 'sign off' sheet for each apartment. As they may possibly find reasons for you to come back and 'fix' it if they are not pleased, such as carpets, etc. And this return trip will be expected to be free. I explain up front that spots come out old stains do not. It will look better though.

Stringer

MrMitch · Feb 18, 2009, 10:01 PM

Thanks for all of the advice guys. For a slogan I was thinking of going with something along the lines of "Give Us A Call After Your Tenants Are Gone"

MrMitch · Feb 21, 2009, 07:03 PM

I'm rolling on all cylinders right now, and I have my liability insurance. I have just one more question for tax purposes what should I do. What kind of forms do I need to fill out?
Thanks

Stringer · Feb 23, 2009, 10:46 PM

Depending upon the circumstances, that works also,

Clough · Feb 28, 2009, 05:13 PM

HI, MrMitch!

I just wanted to let you know that I did get your private message. The content of it is below.

Free Advertisement

Hey what's going on Clough just wanted to know if you could help me with some free advertisement in the State of Georgia?

I didn't really notice your posts so much because they were piggybacked on the thread that someone else started. So, I moved all of your posts and Stringer's responses to you to a separate thread so that your questions will be recognized as being your own on your own thread.

I'll be glad to help you with the advertising thing! What specifically would you like to know, please?

Thanks!

lilymae1981 · May 29, 2011, 01:32 PM

If u got a books a million store in georgia. Go there and buy the book " THE SMALL BUSINESS START UP GUIDE " . And just read through this book. It gives you all the information that you need and what you need to do. As you get to the back of the book. It gives you all the information for what type of corporation you would want. And where to go to register for taxes and how to go about getting all the fiancing you need.