Cleaning franchises are popular. One aspect that makes cleaning franchises appealing is they’re generally low-cost to start. Many also provide an option to start from home or part-time.
More recently, cleaning businesses are specializing in CDC-recommended procedures to kill the COVID-19 virus. If you are searching for a cleaning company franchise, you can search on a franchise search engine so that you can find a wide range of companies you can buy or collaborate with.
In this guide, we talk about low-cost strategies to get your cleaning business up and running on a budget.
1. Choose Your Type of Cleaning Business
The very first step you need to take is to determine if you’d like to create a residential or commercial cleaning business. Your decision here will affect everything else you do, from the financing to the equipment to the marketing.
Most cleaning companies don’t provide services to both residential and commercial customers. The specialization is because each provides different services and requires unique equipment. You also need to decide if you’re starting your biz from scratch or purchasing a cleaning-based franchise.
2. Write a Quick Business Plan
The next step to start a cleaning business is to create a one-page business plan. You should get your ideas out of your head and on paper. You should also research the startup costs and forecast how much money the cleaning business will earn and spend over the next two years (called financial projections).
3. Get Necessary Funds
Ideally, you’ll want to use personal funds to start the business. You want to avoid debt at all costs. That may not be possible if you’re starting a cleaning business with vehicles or a physical location. Whatever type of business you’re opening, remember that you still have to pay back the debt if the company fails.
4. File Legal Paperwork
Once you have the funds to start your cleaning business, it’s time to get your legal paperwork in order. You’ll need to get an employment identification number, register the business legal entity, and open a business bank account.
5. Get Proper Licenses & Insurance
A cleaning business is likely to need a license in the city where it’s operating. Regarding insurance, all cleaning businesses will need at least general liability insurance to cover any damages in a customer’s home. If you are hiring employees, you’ll also need workers’ compensation insurance.
6. Purchase Cleaning Equipment
You’re almost ready to accept your first customer! But first, you need to purchase the required equipment to get the job done. If you’re starting on a budget, don’t get overwhelmed with the number of cleaning supplies—and brands. Remember that when first starting out, purchase items that will get the job done. Don’t spend more money, or go into more debt, than necessary.
We’ve discussed the necessary steps and several low-cost strategies to get your cleaning business up-and-running. If you’re a first-time business owner, consider starting a low-cost franchise to get the training and support you need. Once you have your first customers, you need to do great work—a clean home or office is your best marketing