How to start a cleaning company is a good question, and one that a lot of people are seeking the answer too. After all, people always need their homes cleaned, restaurants and stores always need a cleaning team, and public areas will always be kept clean. Like many other businesses that you may think about setting up, a cleaning business is one that won’t ever go out of fashion.
So, you presume that just because people always need cleaners, starting a cleaning company will be easy and you will be a success in an instant. Unfortunately, this is not the case. To be successful as a cleaner, you need the same assets as you would for any other business. These include initiative, the willingness to work hard, and the understanding that it will not be an easy road to success.
How to Start a Cleaning Company: Research your Competitors
Before setting up a cleaning company, you need to do sufficient research to ensure that there is a gap in the market for you. Although you may have convinced yourself that you can do a better cleaning job than your competitors, it is not you that you need to convince. If there are already a lot of cleaning companies in your local area, then there is no point setting up another one. To stand out from the crowd, you need to be original and offer your potential client base something that your competitors.
Be Original
You may think that simply offering lower prices will lure customers away from their current cleaning company. This is where you would be wrong. If someone is happy with their current company, they will not switch to you just because you are marginally cheaper. They will switch however if you offer a service that your competitor does not. This could include weekend cleaning at no added cost, out of hours cleaning during the week, or special deals such as a free window clean with each upholstery clean they pay for. The most original ideas are the best, and even coming up with an original name can help you stand out from the crowd.
Advertising
When setting up any type of business, you will need to advertise your service. Of course, as a new company you cannot afford big adverts in the newspaper or a TV commercial. So, you need to find ways to advertise that are cost-effective. Social media channels are an excellent place to start, as are simple flyers that cost little to print.
Remember however, that flyers need to look professional, so paying a little extra can be extremely effective. When it comes to social media campaigns, you need to remember that your social media page will be a business page and not a personal page. This means keeping your two accounts separate, and only posting professional things. Do not simply invite all your friends to like your new page. What you need to look into is networking with other small businesses in your area. This can include liking and connecting with competitors.
How to Start a Cleaning Company : Do’s and Don’ts
When setting up your company, do not rush into things. Plan your business in the same way you would any other, and ensure you are fully prepared to start trading before you hand out your flyers or open your new business page. Ensure you invest in professional cleaning equipment, and where possible a simple uniform that will allow people to see that you are serious about what you are doing.
There are hundreds of fly-by-night companies that simply never get off the ground. Don’t give up your day job until you can financially support yourself. If you are currently employed, then you will have to be prepared to work extra hours, and long days. Only once you have built up a steady client base can you afford to cut your losses and resign from your current employment.
Lastly, when setting up a business in the UK, you will need to register your activity within the first three months. This means keeping track of your expenses, keeping your books in order, and submitting tax returns. This side of your business can be taken care of by a sole-trader accountant for a small monthly fee. If you want to set up a professional company, remember that it will take time, dedication, a lot of overtime, and the ability to not give in when the going gets tough.