Cleaning your own house and cleaning someone else's house professionally are two completely different things. Even if you're used to cleaning your house regularly, learning to clean your house professionally takes a lot of time and effort––when clients pay for your services, they expect their house to be clean, very tidy, and smell good when they get home. However, for some, cleaning someone else's house is actually easier and more enjoyable because it doesn't involve any personal investment - but you can be proud if you do it well.
If you're considering starting this service, you'll need to be fit, dare to get dirty, and be willing to market your services to friends, family members, and others so that you can slowly begin to grow your client network. You may need to be patient before you get a solid client list, but with a good attitude, reputation, and word of mouth, your cleaning service business will eventually run smoothly.
Step
Part 1 of 6: Analyzing Your Suitability for a Cleaning Service Business
Step 1. Before you decide to start a cleaning service business, make sure this is the type of job you want
Although this business is one of the easiest types of business to start because it has minimal capital and relies heavily on personal expertise, you must be able to answer the client's needs. Cleaning the house requires you to try hard and diligently. You must be in good physical condition and able to bend, kneel, tiptoe, and perform repetitive activities for long periods of time. If you've had an injury, talk to your doctor and make sure you can pursue a career in house cleaning.
Step 2. Also consider your expertise in the office work aspect
You must master some administrative and accounting job skills. You have to get used to being tidy and running a system that keeps you tidy. Clients don't want you to forget their arrival appointments or clean up some parts of their house, especially just because your system isn't tidy.
Step 3. Be a good communicator
You need the ability to build relationships with consumers and the desire to interact with others. You can learn all of these skills if you haven't mastered them––just make sure you're open, honest, and friendly, and you'll quickly learn how to interact more confidently as time goes on.
Step 4. Consider your criminal or legal history
If you have a criminal record, many potential customers will think you shouldn't be employed in their home, office, or near their children; the same is true if you are in a legal dispute with another party. Complete all legal matters first before you work for someone else.
Step 5. Set up spare savings whenever possible
If you're planning to give up your full-time job to start a house cleaning business, make sure you have at least six months worth of savings in your income. Or, keep your full time job and start part time in this business.
Part 2 of 6: Basics of Business Planning
Step 1. Plan a house cleaning business in the same way as any other business plan
Consider these things as part of your business plan:
- What type of cleaning service business will you develop? Will the business be general or specialized, for example green cleaning (cleaning in an environmentally friendly way), cleaning at the end of one's rental period, cleaning to prepare a new residence, cleaning after the party / tidying up leftovers - residual fire, etc. The more specific the type of cleaning business you are, the more research you will have to do, study, and possibly qualify for.
- Will your business offer different types of cleaning? In light of the substeps above, it's possible that your business will grow and include other specific services over time.
- Will you be using your own products or clients' products? If you create your own products or have always believed in certain cleaning products, that could be at the core of your business. Or, you might be able to go along with the client's wishes (know that sometimes you have to be flexible even if you have your own cleaning products––after all, the house you clean isn't really yours).
- Where is the target of your operation? Investigate existing house cleaning services in and around your area. Does the market share exist for another home cleaning business you're about to set up? Or is it full?
- What type of transportation do you have? You certainly can't fill your family car with buckets, mops, and cleaning products. While you may be able to do it in the early days of your business, you certainly can't continue it forever, as this makes the car a mess and can't be used by anyone else who needs it. If you're going to clean using a client's preferred product, you might be able to take public transportation; otherwise you will have to figure out how to travel from house to house, especially if the houses are located in different areas.
- What is your price range? Look at the prices that other home cleaning service providers ask for. Can you compete with it without having to suffer a loss? See the section below to learn more information about setting rates.
Step 2. Set up your accounting system
What kind of business system do you use to record invoices, expenses, income taxes, etc.? You'll need an accounting program, an understanding of how to use it, and a separate place to keep all your business documentation. This method is necessary so that your business finances are not mixed with personal finances. If you're not sure you can figure out the right system, study some of the online courses that can help you, or ask a government organization that supports SME development.
Step 3. Set a reasonable rate for your work
Sell services based on the quality of your work, not cheap rates. If your rates are too low, clients will assume that your work is subpar and that you are inexperienced. Also, make sure you attract the attention of clients who can pay your rates. As the saying goes, "There is money there is goods". However, be aware that exorbitant rates can also cost you potential clients––most people who need housecleaning services have set limits on the fees they can pay.
- Some companies charge hourly rates, others per room, while some have flat rates per house. There are also those who calculate the tariff based on the area of their house. While all of these are good strategies, we recommend that you set your rates based on the number of houses, not the number of hours (you should also take into account the size of the house, of course). If the client knows he has to pay a certain amount of money, he won't care if you need 2 or 5 hours, as long as your work is done. Most clients are happy to know the service they will get if they pay some money, especially if they don't have to pay extra. However, there are of course some exceptions that you should make, such as when cleaning the oven or a very dirty part of the house.
- Make sure you estimate the price not only based on the size of the house, but also the number of residents, their level of cleanliness, the contents of the house, and pets. The size of the house itself cannot indicate the time it will take you to clean the house thoroughly or even regularly.
- No house will be the same, so there will be no fixed rate for each house. You have to jump right into cleaning the client's house for a while. This is important so that you gain experience and can create a system to clean the house efficiently. Only you know what you want and need to do. Determine how much you need to make per hour to cover all expenses while still making a good profit.
- Here's a little advice: make sure you start the company by determining the rates you'll charge based on the presence of the employee. Some people make the mistake of asking for too low a rate when they are just starting out (just to attract customers). Later, when their business grew and needed to add additional support personnel, they did not have enough money to hire these workers.
Step 4. Prepare warranties and guarantees
Trust grows from the guarantee of good service. Prepare guarantees and guarantees so that clients are sure.
- The rates for this coverage depend on your insurance service (if available) and the area where you live. You can contract with most local insurance companies. Be aware that the warranty must be renewed annually.
- Each additional person you hire will certainly add weight to your coverage, but the payoff will be worth it, because while you may be very thorough and trustworthy yourself, you certainly can't be sure your employee will behave the same way, especially when he or she is working outside of supervision.
- For example: if you hire an employee and cover him/her under your guarantee, he/she should be hired on a salary basis, not as a subcontractor. If you hire him as a subcontractor, your coverage may not cover him (check with your insurance service). If he is a subcontractor, he must prepare his own work guarantee.
Part 3 of 6: Preparing Equipment
Step 1. Consider the equipment you should buy
If you want to use your own equipment and products, buy them from a wholesales store so you can save some money (ask for official receipts so you can claim sales tax returns, etc.).
- Use natural cleaning products that are free of toxins. This is an important selling point, especially for clients who have small children and pets - they are usually concerned about their health. Natural products containing essential oils are also usually preferred by clients, because they smell good.
- Use trusted brands. Selling products to clients will be a more difficult thing to do if they have never heard of the product brand. If you make your own household cleaning products, be prepared to explain why they are quality, healthy, and reliable––sometimes you can prepare notes to reassure clients instead of discussing them with them.
- Many customers prefer that you bring your own cleaning equipment. That way, they don't have to buy it for you before you start cleaning. Some customers have their own cleaning kit for certain parts of their house––these customers usually have the kit ready for you, and you have to use it or you could damage the part of their house (if it breaks, you may have to pay to replace it).
- As a general rule, you can use a consumer's vacuum cleaner. This way, you don't have to carry heavy vacuums from house to house––most clients usually have their own.
Step 2. Wear the right clothes
While it's certainly not recommended that you wear the best clothes you have, you still have to look presentable and clean. Your old t-shirt won't sound professional and trustworthy––choose clothes that have been washed well, look presentable, and are very stretchy and comfortable. Keep the clothes in good condition and prepare several sets of similar clothes so you can keep changing throughout the week (and save on laundry costs).
Step 3. Prepare for transportation
As we wrote in the business plan section, you need a vehicle to go to the client's house and bring your cleaning supplies. Consider the cost of renting a car or van to clean the house, or buying a cheap car/van for you to continue using. If you're renting a car, consider adding a magnetic tag to the roof to make your business look more professional (just make sure you don't forget to take it off whenever you're not using the car). Do a cost calculation before determining the best option.
Part 4 of 6: Advice for Marketing, Advertising and Capturing Clients
Step 1. Develop your brand
This is important so that you can market your services. Before you start advertising, decide what image you want your advertising material to appear in. For brand development purposes (to get people to know him better), be consistent in all the marketing materials you intend to use.
If you have a logo, use it in all your advertising materials. Have a developed website ready before you start advertising. Continue to use the same logo and colors, both in your print ads and on your website
Step 2. Invest in creating a site
In this day and age, the internet has become the main communication medium. This is where many potential clients will find you. Websites show clients that you take your business seriously, so they can research the business when they have time. Since the client is usually busy, the website is the easiest place for him to check qualifications, appointments, service offers, etc. You––many office workers will find your site during their business hours, and these people are usually the main source of clients who need your services.
- Many website creation services at very affordable prices. If you use the services of a website designer and hosting package, this will help your company look more professional. The more information you can include the better - including recommendations from clients.
- In addition to your website, place an ad on Craigslist, and, if you can, Angie's List (or wherever it's free). Free advertising is as good an option as paid advertising!
- Create Facebook and Google+ business pages. You can do fun things to get clients to visit your site, participate in competitions and quizzes, and leave recommendations. You just need a little effort.
Step 3. Place an ad
Advertising your company and logo is important to make your business known and known to many people.
- Place a classified ad in the local newspaper. Try setting up an attention-grabbing ad. Don't sell your services for a low price–– advertise your services based on the quality of your work and what you can do for the client, which other competitors can't. There are many competitors in the house cleaning service, but while maintaining the quality to continue to be the best, your business will stand out from the competition.
- Setting up a business name and contact information on the vehicle is a good way to advertise. It is recommended that you use letters made of vinyl. These letters look more professional than magnetic ads.
- Print brochure. You can print brochures from your home computer or pay for professional services. Distribute flyers at salons, laundries, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, etc. Tuck flyers in the windows of parked cars in supermarkets or business areas. You can even share it door-to-door, in the neighborhood your business targets.
- Make a door hanger. When people get a brochure in the mailbox, they usually throw it away immediately. Door hangers might be a good way for them to see your ad. Choose the environment you work in and install a door hanger on the doorknob of each occupant's house.
Step 4. Print business cards and documents
Give your business cards to friends and family members, people you meet, post them on public bulletin boards, or wherever you can. You can also ask local businesses in your area to ask if you can leave your business cards there, especially places that have to do with cleanliness: laundries, daycare centers (parents want a clean home for their kids, of course!), supermarkets, and other similar places. Make sure you are always ready with contracts and bills.
Step 5. Run the referral program
A good way to get new clients is through a referral program. Offer discounts to existing clients when they can bring in new clients. For example, you can give the client a discount when his new friend has used your services three times.
Part 5 of 6: Catching the First Clients
Step 1. Get the first clients
The hardest part of starting a cleaning service business is getting the first clients. Most clients want to know how long you've been in business, and since they trust you with their stuff and personal affairs, they'll want references that can also be trusted. Since you're new to the business, you probably won't have a list of references (though you'll need one anyway). So, try offering your services to friends and family members, and then ask permission so you can use their names as a reference list. Not only will they be able to provide honest references, but you should also be as clean as possible to thank them.
- Tell the client that you are new to the field, but that you have thoroughly researched all aspects of the house cleaning service business, received the necessary training, and are up to date with the latest cleaning needs, including the more challenging ones, such as allergy or eco-friendly cleaning.. Things like this may require you to do some research beforehand, but the end result will be worth the research effort you put in.
- Assure clients that you know what you are doing, and that you can clean the house to their specifications. Be confident––this is very important, because clients will value and trust confidence. Confidence takes away the client's worries, and they will know that their home is being cared for by a truly competent person.
- Also ask for character references to convince clients that you are a good person to rely on. Police certificates can also be a wise option; in some places, this letter is even a legal obligation.
- Consider offering a discount on the first cleaning. You may lose a bit, but this way, you can prove how good your house cleaning service is.
Step 2. Aim for quality
When you clean the homes of the first clients, put in your best effort. It's not about how fast you can clean the house. Cleaning efficiently takes a long time, but you'll eventually find the right work rhythm and be able to clean thoroughly in no time. At first, you may have to spend a little extra time trying to find an efficient system, but stick with it: you'll get used to it pretty soon.
After cleaning, double check all the rooms to make sure nothing has been missed. Make a good impression on the first clients and soon word of mouth will follow
Step 3. You shouldn't be shy about telling a client that you're looking for another client
Tell them about your hopes for growing the business. Be enthusiastic without appearing desperate, and clients will be happy to tell others about your good service. However, reassure your current clients that you won't forget them––some of them won't promote you if they fear your services will be stolen and you don't want to clean their house anymore.
Part 6 of 6: Growing Your Business
Step 1. As the number of clients increases, you may be able to hire freelancers
Eventually, you'll be able to stop cleaning yourself and concentrate fully on growing your business. This is the only way for you to grow it.
- Start with one casual employee. Train this person and have him take your place once a week. Then, prepare him to jump into the field two days a week, three days, and so on.
- When training new employees, make sure you always train them yourself or ask a supervisor for help. You should always have a supervisor on hand for every house cleaning order––some employees may be lazy when working alone.
- Perform regular quality checks on employees' work to ensure your standards are maintained by them.
Step 2. Leave the hard work and move on to business management
You will eventually get to the point where there are enough employees able to quit your job and concentrate on running the business. In the end, you will be overwhelmed trying to clean the house every day while offering prices, answering phone calls, managing schedules, keeping the books, finding new clients, etc. It's time for you to consider a new base outside the home (if you don't already have your own office). You can also consider marketing your business in the form of a franchise if you are really successful in marketing your niche.
Tips
- Most important is positive word of mouth promotion from clients. Your business can grow as you wish as long as your clients are willing to tell others about the quality of your work.
- Contact clients regularly to make sure your staff is doing well, even if these clients have previously told you that they are happy with your work. The company's work standards may change or decline, and this could cost you clients.
- Don't take on more workloads than you can handle. Start slowly and gradually.
- Let clients know they can contact you if they want a change in the way things work or want to make a complaint. Some clients will be very chatty, while others will not. The most important thing here is that you know your client and are never bothered by his input.
- Put yourself in the client's place at least once, before you ask for someone else's opinion. Measure your working time, see what products you use, and critique yourself. Or, ask a friend to act like a client and provide a report card on your work.
- Use an online text reminder service (eg AppointmentSMS.com) to send appointment reminders to customers the day before.
- Be friendly and punctual. Both of these will greatly impact the development of long-term trust.
- Make sure you always carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently when cleaning the house. Wear gloves when cleaning the bathroom. You will be exposed to a lot of germs in the client's house. Don't clean the counter immediately after you've cleaned the toilet––change your gloves for things like this!
- If you are planning to grow this business, study the relevant licensing and/or laws where you live. Also, consider making it a company (PT/CV) to help protect you and your business.
- If you need to clean a new place, you'll need to prepare more equipment. You will need a ladder, window cleaning equipment with a long stick, a vacuum cleaner, etc. This type of work usually has to be done by two to three people. The new place needs more thorough cleaning. You may have to remove stickers and labels from windows and showers, sinks, and toilets. You may also need to clean the vents to remove any remaining dust from building the housing. You should also clean the ceiling fan, brush the floor, and any wooden objects. The cost of cleaning a new premises depends on the area you live in. Usually this rate ranges from IDR 1,600, 00- IDR 3,200, 00/0, 1 square meter.
- Bring a music player so you can listen to songs, podcasts, or learn a foreign language while you work.
- Rent expensive cleaning supplies instead of buying them for special jobs. Save money first before you buy to grow your business.
Warning
- Don't touch things in the client's home without permission––avoid things like food, toiletries, books, magazines, and other small things. If it's lunch time while you're cleaning a client's house, bring your own lunch and never eat at the time the client pays by the hour.
- Be prepared to respond to an unsafe work environment. This aspect of being insecure can range from anything from broken stairs, finding weapons or drugs, to working at home or a private business that could threaten your safety. Think beforehand about the risks you don't want to face in your work environment.
- You should do further research on the type of product you are using on each surface. Don't destroy your client's new granite countertop, or stainless steel tableware. Do as much research as you can before you start work. Remember, cleaning a client's house is very different than cleaning your own house. Clients can hold you accountable if something breaks.
- Remember that one of the most important qualifications in a house cleaning service business is trust. Clients need to know that they can trust you who are left alone in their home. Once you have a few regular clients, ask for their permission to be used as reference material. Usually they will gladly give permission. From here you can grow your business and get new clients. Make sure you are reliable. Most clients want a fixed schedule once or twice a week. Try to stick to this schedule, unless the client asks you to change the day. If you must cancel a day, make sure you try to reschedule as soon as possible. Also, know that the world of online appraisals can greatly determine the fate of your business. Ask clients to give honest assessments of business websites. Reply to all feedback and thank those who provide positive feedback, then respond professionally to those who provide negative feedback. In general, people will appreciate this and turn their bad feedback into positive or at least neutral after a while.
- Make sure you always carry a mobile phone with you in case of danger. This way, you can always get in touch with someone right away if you need help. Sew the phone pocket on your uniform. Make a pocket with a seal or zipper to keep your phone from falling while you work.
- Set up a service agreement to state what you can and cannot do in each cleaning session. This service agreement must include warranties and exclusions. Many people will try to claim coverage for damages you've made, last-minute cancellations, your work when people are sick at home, and the loss of things while you're at work. You must determine beforehand how you will handle situations like this.
- Don't invest too much money in the beginning. Minimize your capital as much as possible until you start growing and getting more clients and growing.
