How to Start an Office Cleaning Business?

Have you been thinking of how to start an office cleaning business but don’t know how to go about it? Owning an office cleaning business can be rewarding and lucrative if done correctly. 

Here are some basic steps to an office cleaning business:

• Step 1: Acquire office cleaning skills
• Step 2: Prepare a business plan
• Step 3: Register your business name
• Step 4: Register your business
• Step 5: Acquire necessary licenses and insurance
• Step 6: Purchase cleaning equipment
• Step 7: Sell your business to the world

In this article, I will teach you how to start an office cleaning business from scratch. We will also detail important tools that you will need to, not only start your office cleaning business but to succeed as well. Continue reading for the full breakdown.

Do you wish to be your own boss and start your business from scratch? Or would you prefer to buy into an established company to get your start? Both are great ways to get your foot in the door, but of course, both have their pros and cons. Below, we compare and contrast the two start-up styles. 

Buying A Franchise 

There are a lot of established cleaning franchises out there, so, buying one makes it easy to break into the industry. You also won’t have to go through the rigor of starting a new business, but instead will have an established template to follow for your business. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of buying. 

Pros

• Easy to start
• Established brand identity
• Training and Mentorship
• Mistakes are unlikely to occur since the franchise is already established and successful

Cons

• The franchise’s decisions supersede yours
• Limited personal branding
• Whatever happens to the franchise happens to you
• Not having total control of your business

Building A Business From Scratch

If you are keen on having total control over your business, this is the best way to go, however, you will have to face the difficulties associated with a new start-up business. Listed below are the pros and cons of starting your cleaning business from scratch. 

Pros 

• Personal branding
• Total control over the business
• Diversification is possible
• You are your own boss

Cons

• A lot of hurdles
• No pre-existing success
• No support from an established corporate structure

If you intend to start your business from scratch, continue reading to find my seven steps to start your new business. 

Start you cleaning business in Georgia by checking out this article first.

Step 1: Acquire office cleaning skills 

Since this cleaning business focuses on office cleaning alone, there is an implied expectation that you will have the prerequisite knowledge specifically related to office cleaning in particular. This calls for special training which can be formal or informal. Businesses love to hire experts, so, getting trained as a specialist will help improve your skills and help you secure and retain clients. If possible, go for certificate programs and make sure you learn from those that are already successful in the business!  

Step 2: Plan your business 

Let’s quickly explore some things you must work on in your business plan.

Research your niche

Office cleaning is a viable niche in the commercial cleaning industry. But you’ve got to do thorough research in your location. Here are the parameters you’ve to take into consideration. 

1. Competition
2. Regulations
3. Business volume
4. Viability test

Plan your budget

On average, opening a cleaning business requires $2000 – $6000. It varies depending on how you want to start. Do you want to rent a company office? How many employees do you need? These are the crucial questions you need to answer. 

Unique selling point (USP) 

To be successful in this business, you need to distinguish yourself; you’ve got to have a unique selling point. What sets you apart from your competitors? What exceptional services do you render that your competitors do not render? That’s your unique selling point. You need an outstanding USP to be successful.  

Set your cleaning rates

Your rates will be dependent on many factors, many of which are not in your direct view from the start. However, doing detailed research will help you come up with appropriate rates. Location, competition, clientele, and other conditions will also affect your rates. Let’s look at three different pricing models to consider. 

Hourly Rate

Find out the hourly rate that other cleaning businesses charge in your area/location. $30 – $90 per hour is a realistic range for you to set your prices initially. 

Per Square Foot

Charging per square foot rate is a standard way of setting your rate in this industry. $0.05 – $0.20 per square foot is a feasible range to begin. 

Flat Rate

Clients prefer this model because they know the amount to pay every month. 

Determine the pricing model that best suits your location.

Find Clients 

One of your most crucial tasks in starting your business is to seek out clientele. You will need to quickly establish a small client base in order to begin generating revenue to continue to grow and gain a foothold in your market. I advise you to have a viable marketing plan on the table before getting your business up and running. As a small business, conducting a social media campaign can pay dividends in attracting potential clients to your brand. 

There are six stages of cleaning. Check out this article to those six.

Step 3: Choose a business name

Your name says a lot about your business and its identity. To build a great brand, you must choose a name that showcases the services that you render. The name chosen must:

Reflect your business

The business name should draw people’s attention and inform them of what you’re offering.

Be easy to remember

Use names that can be pronounced easily and are memorable.

Leave room for expansion

Use a name that leaves room for expansion as you might have to add some services to what you are already offering. So, don’t choose a name that makes growth difficult. Once you get a proper name, proceed to register it with the appropriate authority.

Step 4: Register your business  

Registering a business in the United States has many different regulations and it varies from one state to another. 

Depending on your state, this might cost anywhere from $40 to $500. Establishing a legal entity, such as an LLC, will save you from personal liability as well. There are many business structures including sole proprietorship, LLC, C corporation, and S corporation available to start up. Choose the one that suits you. Make sure you consult experts in that field or a lawyer before picking a structure. An online legal service can also help you get this done.

Step 5: Acquire necessary licenses and insurance

Your business will undoubtedly need a license. Company regulations vary from state to state, so, be sure to check your state’s business regulation website. Some states may not specifically require a license for an office cleaner; usually, a general business license is required in this case. Make sure to obtain all necessary licenses before you open your business.

Insurance 

There are several different packages to choose from and different types that you will need to operate your cleaning business. Listed below are a few ideas to get you started.

General Liability Insurance

This covers bodily and property damage in the case of an accident. It is typically the cheapest insurance option but offers the least coverage. This is the minimum liability insurance required to open your business 

Janitorial Bond

This is also known as a surety bond and it protects the office owner’s assets in the case of theft.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

This type of insurance package provides compensation for employees who get injured while working. You’ll need this insurance if you plan to hire employees.

Step Six: Purchase cleaning equipment 

You are almost there! The final step is to begin purchasing the necessary equipment that you’ll need to begin working. Below is a list of the most crucial items needed to start cleaning. 

• Scrubbing Brushes
• Mop
• Buckets
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Tile Cleaner
• Disinfectants
• Gloves
• Protective Clothes
• Toilet Brush
• Detergent
• Towels

You might be worried about the long list of items; don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything at once! 

Step Seven: Market your business to the world  

There are many proven ways to market your business. Let’s explore some of them below. 

Send proposals to offices 

With offline and online directories, you can submit proposals to businesses in your location. It will help you get your foot in the door with local businesses. 

Use marketing materials  

 Use tools like flyers, business cards, postcards, etc. 

Word of Mouth 

As simple as it sounds. Tell your family and friends about your business in order to build a buzz through referrals. 

Online Marketing  

Create a business website and, if possible, a blog. Utilize social media platforms effectively

List your business on Google My Business (GMB)

Enlist your company in local business directories.

With all this information, I am sure you can successfully start your office cleaning business with little or no issue. See you at the top!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to purchase cleaning equipment? 

Whole-sale distribution centers are the best option overall. 

Do I need a business office? 

As a beginner, it’s not necessary, but you will eventually need one as your business grows. 

To learn more on how to start your own cleaning business, check out my startup documents here.

Please note that the contents of this blog are for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Any action taken based on the information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Additionally, all images used in this blog are generated under the CC0 license of Creative Commons, which means they are free to use for any purpose without attribution.