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People start cleaning companies all the time. The key consideration of an individual at the start of a cleaning business is deciding whether to start independently or open a franchise. It is much less expensive to start a cleaning business on your own. However, most franchise companies already have a marketing plan to help you get a quick start. However, any cleaning business owner needs certain licenses, supplies, equipment and especially a clientele to get started.
DBA and vendor license
As with any business, anyone who opens a cleaning business will have a DBA (assumed name) and the seller’s license. You can obtain a DBA by contacting the local county clerk or the administration office. Then they will mail you the request. Once you fill out the application and submit it with your application fee, your business will be registered. It is best that you think of a catchy name for your cleaning business before applying for the DBA. When you apply for your DBA, you will also receive a vendor license, which will require you to collect sales tax from your customers.
Cleaning agents
You will have to decide if you want to clean residences, businesses or both when you buy cleaning products. Consider buying cleaning products in higher volumes if clean companies. The bathrooms and office rooms are much larger than the rooms in the houses. Floor, mirror and window cleaners are the most common cleaning agents used in the cleaning business.
Cleaning articles
You will also need a number of cleaning products. The most common cleaning products include garbage bags, garbage cans, spray bottles, buckets, mops, dusters, toilet brushes, paper towels, rags and spatulas. You might take time to decide the exact amount of cleaning products you need. As you gain more experience, you will have a better idea of how much you should have at hand.
Equipment
Some larger teams are necessary to start your business. A vacuum cleaner and even a carpet cleaner are necessary, as residences or businesses could hire you to clean carpets from time to time. Check the prices of carpet cleaning products for the rate. Most carpet cleaning services charge per square foot.
Advertising
Marketing is an important aspect of starting a business – especially a cleaning service that could be handled outside your home. Start by delivering flyers to residences and businesses in your area. Also consider placing an ad in your city’s main newspaper or even in free newspapers, according to the article “Start a cleaning service at home” in The Dollar Stretcher. References are another way to gather potential customers. Start by asking residential customers if they know someone who needs their house cleaned regularly and offers discounts for a current customer if they refer a new business.