While it is possible to start a cleaning business with almost no money at all, if you are serious about starting a professional company in the long term then you will have to spend some money to get started right and put a solid structure in place upon which you can grow.
It is important to forecast your startup costs fairly accurately so that you will be able to ensure that you have access to sufficient funding to see you through the startup phase. In this article we look at some of the startup costs that you would expect to face if you were to start a house cleaning business.
Legal Fees and Licensing Costs
First you will have to set up an appropriate company structure and to decide if you want to operate as a company, a sole proprietorship or a partnership. You will also need to apply for a business license and will require the services of a lawyer if you want to put together an agreement that you can enter into with clients. These costs can exceed $ 500.
Marketing Costs
Marketing costs will be incurred as you establish your brand and go about promoting your new business. Taking into account logo design, business cards, advertising materials, Yellow Pages listing, advertising campaigns, website set up and even branded uniforms it is not unrealistic for an operation with professional aspirations to chew through a few thousand dollars fairly quickly.
Administration
Business administration costs can also be considerable. To stay on top of the day-to-day management of your cleaning business you will need a computer and an answering machine for taking calls from customers at any time of day. A digital camera is also useful for taking photos of rooms in clients homes when required. You will also need a full set of business forms such as receipts, invoices and paperwork for dealing with staff once you take them on. Rent and utility expenses can be eliminated at first by operating out of a home office.
Insurance
Liability insurance will cost you at least $ 600 for the first year and really is essential if you are to ensure that you are covered in cases where one of your clients suffers loss or damage as a result of your actions.
Equipment and Cleaning Products
Lastly, you will need to purchase a variety of cleaning equipment and products to get started. Some cleaners rely on their clients for heavier equipment such as vacuum cleaners but to be flexible with your clients you really have to have your own cleaning tools and equipment for when you need them. It is easy to spend over $ 500 on buckets, scrub pads, mops and cleaning products if you buy a variety and go for quality. If you don’t have your own vehicle then you will also have to figure in the cost of something suitable to get you around to your cleaning jobs.
While you can start a cleaning business for almost no startup cost at all by getting clients through personal connections, using clients equipment and taking on jobs close to home if you want to start something more professional you will find that you do need at least a few thousand dollars to get going.
Don’t make the mistake of underestimating startup costs but rather overestimate to allow yourself some leeway when unforeseen expenses come along. Get your cleaning business off to the best possible start by understanding your startup costs so that you can plan and budget accordingly.
To find out more about how you can start a cleaning company and make a six figure annual salary visit –