How To Start An Office Cleaning Business - Background About This Business:
The owner of an office cleaning business must first assess the damage by visiting the office they are to clean to get an overview of the job.
Often the business owner will have a list tasks that they want the office cleaning business to complete.
If such a list is not offered, the office cleaner will begin with the toughest tasks that take up the most time in order to get the most out of time spent.
An office cleaner will usually begin by emptying all of the trash cans and replacing trash bags throughout the office. In the bathrooms, the cleaner washes and rinses sinks, counters, tubs.
The mirrors are cleaned with glass cleaner and a rag. Toilets are typically scrubbed with a toilet brush and the outside wiped with a rag. The office cleaner also dusts all of the surfaces, and vacuums or mops all of the floors.
Before leaving for the day, the cleaner puts all of the cleaning supplies away and takes all the collected trash out to the outside cans or dumpster. After one more look around to make sure all tasks were completed, the office cleaner moves on to another job or to the office to take care of administrative and managerial tasks.
How To Start An Office Cleaning Business - Tasks And Skills Needed:
Business Specific Tasks:
If you are planning to do all the business tasks or hiring or subcontracting tasks, here's a list of tasks that need to be attended to when it comes to the business side of running an office cleaning business:
- Bookkeeping - you must keep excellent records, for tax purposes - This task is Performed Daily/Weekly
- You must know how to schedule, allowing for time to get to the site plus the cleaning work
- You must be good with managing money and cash flow
- You must deal with cleaning solution and equipment suppliers
- You must make sure everything is done in lawful and ethical manner
- You must know how to properly market and promote your office cleaning business
Industry Specific Tasks:
Same as above if you plan to do everything yourself or get help, here are some of the tasks necessary to operate a dog-breeding business.
- Dispose of garbage and other waste lawfully
This task is Performed Daily
- You must make sure you have all necessary supplies (inventory)
This task is Performed Daily/Weekly
- You must be able to sometimes lift heavy items
This task is Performed Daily at Varying Hours
- Ability to handle supplies and equipment
- Ability and know-how to bid on jobs
This task is Performed as Needed
How To Start An Office Cleaning Business - Approximate Daily Hours Needed:
General Hours of Operation: - When your business is open - You're looking at 9:00 to 5:00 or evening hours (after hours).
Hours Needed to Prepare - Before Opening and After Hours Activities - 1-2 hours to load and unload equipment unless you have a designated vehicle. Additional time for travel to an from sites and trash disposal.
Number of Employees Needed To Run This Business:
 Minimum Number of Employees - During the Start Up Phase - You can run this business by yourself
Number of Employees - Once Your Business is Up and Running Successfully
- Additional cleaning personnel
- Webmaster
- Bookkeeper/Scheduler
Skill Requirements for This Business:
Use of correct cleaning solutions and proper use of chemicals
General housecleaning
Janitorial services including stain removal on surfaces and furniture and steam cleaning of carpets
Licenses:
Though each state/province city and town have different laws, you must contact your local office to get the proper permits to operate a commercial cleaning business.
Approximate Minimum Start up Cost:
Bare essential: - To start this type of business you'll need approximately $1,000 to $10,000 to purchase cleaning supplies, equipment, vehicle maintenance, gasoline
Minimal exposure - If you want to expand your business, you are looking at $10,000 - $100,000. With this amount of funding, you'll be off to a good start with better equipment, hire a crew, a better equipped main facility, purchase trucks or vans, and some operating money to run and market your business.
Necessary Equipment to Run this Business:
 Necessary Start-Up Equipment:
- Website/computer
- Cell phone
- Trash cans and liners
- Mops and brooms
- Cleaning solutions
- Rags and towels
- Vacuum cleaner
- Vehicle
Supplementary Equipment: - Equipment that you can acquire to once your business is off and running:
- Dedicated van(s) or truck(s)
- Steam cleaners for carpets and drapes
- Filing cabinet
- Printer
- Fax
- Bid software
Monthly Expenses To Consider:
- Water
- Rent
- Phone (some prefer a toll-free number for business-only)
- Internet access
- Business insurance
- Advertising, including website design and hosting
- Vehicle insurance
- Gasoline/fuel
- Cleaning products and disposable gloves and paper towels
- Professional Fees - accountant
Special Requirements For This Business:
Consider becoming bonded as well as having your business licensed and insured.
Pros And Cons:
 The Pros of Running an Office Cleaning Business
- You can work in solitude
- You set your daily, weekly, and monthly work schedule
- You can offer additional services such as before- and after-party clean-up
- One of the lowest-cost businesses to start
- Supplies and mileage are tax deductible
- A highly demanded service
The Cons of running an Office Cleaning Business
- Clients can hover over you as you work if during regular business hours
- You need to have a good customer base or you'll find yourself broke
- You can be held liable for stolen or broken items (hence being bonded and insured).
- Wear and tear on your vehicle and tires
- Physically demanding work
Type of Customers You Need to Attract
The types of customers you will want to attract are small to large business owners who also have the ability to spread the news about your business to others in their network and other local network groups. Also consider passing out cards to commercial builders, new home builders, and shopping malls.
Statistics
The office cleaning business provides services that continue to be in demand. For a variety of statistical information, go to Valuation Services.
Revenue
Office cleaning can be quite lucrative. Depending on how much and for whom you work, monthly income can start as high as $2,000 per month.
Resources
Industry Specific Websites and Guides:
Cleaning for Profit
Start a Cleaning Business Guide
Manual for Cleaning Companies
Equipment:
Clean Freak
Janitorial Supplies Co., Inc.
Supplies:
The Janitorial Store
Monster Janitorial
Forums:
Janitorial Cleaning Business
Associations:
International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association | Janitor's Edge
Related Businesses
- Party planning
- Catering
- Party setup and take down
- Write and sell ebooks on cleaning techniques
- Making your own, natural cleaning solutions
See Also:
 Starting A Business Checklist: This section helps you cover all bases when you are getting in to your own business.
 Complete List of Business Ideas - A list of all our business ideas that you can use to stimulate your entrepreneurial spirit. Choose from over a hundred detailed pages.
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