How to Start Your Own Office Cleaning Service

Starting a successful business typically requires you to identify a need and find a way to fill it. Often, office managers and business owners are in need of cleaning services, and you can fill this need by starting an office cleaning business. This business usually requires only a modest startup investment and can be built gradually. Though you may start out small, you may eventually expand your office cleaning business to serve more clients and include several teams of workers.

1. Determine services you will offer. You may provide basic office cleaning services, such as vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms and dusting surfaces. Clients may also ask you to empty trash cans, power-wash floors and clean their carpets.

2. Create a business plan that includes the services you will offer and details how you will find new customers. List your startup costs and marketing expenses. Since it may take a while for your office cleaning business to earn a significant profit, plan how you will keep your business afloat while you wait. You may even include goals for the eventual expansion of your business.

3. Secure a business license. You may contact the business licensing or registration department in your area to learn the application requirements.

4. Obtain insurance for your office cleaning business. You will typically need liability insurance to cover any damage or loss caused by your business.

5. Purchase supplies and equipment for your office cleaning business. You will likely need a vacuum cleaner, mop, broom and bucket with a wringer. You may also need sponges, dusting cloths, and various types of cleaners and disinfectants. If you will power-wash floors or clean carpets for your clients, you will also need a power-washer and carpet cleaner.

6. Set general prices or an hourly rate for your office cleaning service. You will likely provide each potential customer with a unique estimate, but this will give you a starting guideline.

7. Let potential customers know you are available for office cleaning. You may visit office buildings and provide office managers with information about your business. You may also send advertisements via the mail. Ads in newspapers and local phone directories may help you to gain exposure as well. Even creating a website for your office cleaning business may help you to attract new customers.

8. Hire employees on an as-need basis. When you initially start an office cleaning business, you may do most of the work yourself or a hire one person to help you. As your business grows, however, you may need a team of cleaners.

Tips

• If power-washers and carpet cleaners are out of the range of your startup budget, consider renting this equipment on an as-needed basis until you can afford to buy it.
• Call existing office cleaners and inquire about their rates. This may help you to price your services competitively.
• Consider getting bonded. Some potential clients may be unwilling to hire a cleaning service that isn't bonded while others may hire you as long as you are insured.