A cleaning services business is a very lucrative business to start. The beauty of this business is that it is generally not capital-intensive i.e. you can start it with a low budget. With just a few hundred dollars you can start the business and of course, scale as it gains momentum. Cleaning services come in several different forms. That is why it is a good business idea to explore. In a broad sense, cleaning services involve general cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection. The cleaning services themselves can be general, mini, and deep cleaning. The cleaning services business is one where you have to determine your niche. This is because there are so many niches you can serve. The returns on investment for the cleaning services are good. Both residential and commercial demand for cleaning services are projected to continue rising. That is a good indicator that starting a cleaning services business is worthwhile. This article will outline how to start the cleaning services business, and the cleaning services business plan – PDF, Word and Excel.
Business Model
There are several options when it comes to making money from a cleaning services business. You can offer your services as packages with specific charges. Your charges could be dynamic in that you charge depending on the context. You could also charge using a retainer approach. This would be ideal for scenarios where you are expected to clean on a regular long term basis. Thus you can use different types of business model depending on a client’s circumstances.
For example, the direct to consumer is the most common business model you can use. You can also use the subscription model; especially for clients you enter a retainer agreement with. Your cleaning services business can focus on one or more of the following: domestic cleaning, commercial cleaning, laundry services, dry cleaning services, pressure washing services, and sanitization and or disinfection services. These are just classifications otherwise the possible specific cleaning services you can offer are infinite.
Market Research
You have to conduct a comprehensive market research prior to everything else. It’s important to also have a cleaning services business plan. Ascertain the availability, size and type of market so that you do not waste time building a business that will not take off. The other important element you will be looking for is the type of cleaning services that are on demand.
Current players in the cleaning business domain (who will ultimately become your competition) are major case studies in your market research. You have to find out what types of cleaning services they offer, the types of clients they serve, their business frameworks, pricing regimes, their operational and marketing strategies amongst other things. Take note of their areas of strengths and weakness and fine tune everything to put together your own business entity. You can even draw insights from noting areas that current players have not yet tapped into. Also ensure you get the licenses and permits required to start the business.
Location And Premises
The location of your cleaning services offices is essential if you want your business to be successful. You need to consider an ideal location for your offices that is close to your target market. Consider locating your offices close to the CBD, in shopping malls or shopping centres where your potential customers can find you. Since your work is done at your customer’s home or office your office space or premises should not cost you too much. A reasonably sized office space, with parking space in a location close to your target market should be good enough. Your cleaning services business plan should include costs of purchasing or renting the premises.
Competitive Analysis
The cleaning services industry is highly segmented. This is not surprising given the countless number of possible cleaning services niches. In order to better understand how to position your cleaning services business, you need to study the competition. This follows that you would have already established the niche(s) you wish to serve. That can only be possible by having a thorough understanding of the cleaning services industry. Once you have it you delve into finding out which the current cleaning services businesses are. Look into the type of cleaning services they will be offering.
Look into how big their market share is. This also includes getting to understand the clients they serve and the locations they serve. Find out their pricing and their general business operational procedures. If you intend to offer some specialist type of cleaning services, it is possible to be the pioneer in a certain niche. Anyways, in your study of competitors, find out if they have an online presence i.e. websites and social media accounts. If they do have, you will learn a lot from going through their online activity. If they do not have, that already will be a loophole you can capitalize on. Your aim is to identify market gaps or customer pain points still largely unaddressed.
Equipment For Cleaning Services Business
After you decide on providing either residential or commercial cleaning services you need to come up with a list of all the equipment that you will need for your business. Make sure you do enough research so that you buy the right equipment for the type of services you intend on providing. Common cleaning equipment includes, vacuum cleaners, sweepers, brush machines and so forth. Vehicles are also important for you to be able to travel to your customers. Your cleaning company business plan should include the costs of purchasing the equipment. You also require detergents as well as cleaning chemicals. Investing in quality equipment together with good cleaning chemicals will be ideal for you to run a successful business.
Products And Services
The products and services required for cleaning services vary with every company. Also consider your target market when you decide on the kind of products and services you will provide. You can choose to offer your cleaning services to households, corporate buildings, industrial complexes, tourist facilities, academic institutions, retail outlets and so on. The common services offered by some cleaning service companies include, regular cleaning, maintenance, outdoor cleaning and landscaping to name a few. It is always best to specialise on one or two cleaning services, but you can also add other complimentary services in order to serve a large customer base. Your cleaning services business plan should outline the services that you intend to offer.
Your chosen suppliers for the chemicals and tools you will use is very important. Select affordable suppliers for your inputs but do not compromise on quality because it will negatively affect your services. Ensure that your cleaning company business plan has a clear list of all the products and services you plan on providing together with their associated costs. There are also several approaches to adopt in your working agreements with different types of clients. For example, some clients might want to enter into contractual agreements so that you become their resident cleaners. Some other clients can just require cleaning services once-off, maybe after an event, for instance. So there are many different and diverse approaches to take in how you will build and conduct your cleaning business.
Permits/Licenses, Insurance & Business Bank Account
Permits Or Licenses
Come up with a business name and logo for your cleaning services business. Then get it registered formally as a business or company. Apply to get an operating license from the relevant authorities. That is the municipal or local authority in most cases. In some cases there might be need to have the requisite permits or licenses to handle certain substances or processes. There are some cleaning substances or processes that one has to be certified to use or do. Before you start your cleaning services business operations find out if you need any. It is also wise to have professionally skilled and certified cleaning staff.
Insurance & Business Bank Account
There are many risk factors involved in the cleaning services business. It is mainly for that reason why you should get insurance for the business. Deal with reputable insurance providers only. For effective business financial management, do not involve your personal finances. Finances for your cleaning services business must be standalone. This is best achieved by opening a business bank account for your cleaning services business. It is all about making the business a separate entity liable for itself. If you mix up the finances, you will personally be financially liable for your cleaning services business.
Staff & Management
Your staff and management is crucial when it comes to a cleaning services business. You should hire people that are efficient and who know how to communicate with your customers. Also, your staff members should be experienced and love their jobs. It is best to hire people that already have experience in this kind of industry so that they can help you run your business successfully. Any inexperienced staff members should undergo training before being given important tasks. After all cleaning chemicals or detergents as well as the equipment can be dangerous that is why it is important to hire people who know how to use those tools. The size of your business will determine the number of people you will hire. You may need cleaners, gardeners, general hands, security as well as management among other people. Your cleaning services business plan should also clearly outline the staff you need to hire, their job description together with their salaries.
The day to day operations of a cleaning services business may include;
- Looking for clients,
- Traveling and attending to various cleaning jobs,
- Staff management,
- Advertisements
Processes are important for a cleaning services business to be successful. It is even better to set up operating procedures when it comes to cleaning certain premises, furniture, delicate materials and the outdoors. This way you can ensure that your staff members do the right job. If cleaning jobs are not done well this will be detrimental for your business.
Another important factor to consider is following industry standards relating to health and safety such as the cleanliness of your environment, how your staff should approach their jobs and what they are supposed to wear. If regulations are not observed you risk getting in trouble with the law.
Marketing And Sales Strategies
Build a multipurpose website and social media accounts. Be it to explore your services, to make enquiries, to book cleaning services, or make payment; it should all be possible online. This alone can cater for all your marketing needs and generate sales. The idea is to get the details of anyone you engage with. Find additional ways for people to provide their contact details. Your goal should be to build an email list for your cleaning services business. Emails are more personal and conversational.
In fact, the open rate and conversion rate from email marketing is higher than from social media marketing. Social marketing must be a tool you use to drive prospects to your website. Work out some arrangements with social media influencers as well. Buttress all this with other marketing strategies e.g. the use of print and other electronic media. Branding your vehicles, equipment, work wear, and the like also contributes to brand awareness. Do not forget to invest in signage such as billboards, banners, and posters.
Market
There is a ready market when it comes to cleaning services. More women are beginning to enter the workforce and a large number of organisations including schools and corporates have started outsourcing cleaning services. Many families, and organisations require the help of cleaners to keep their homes and workplaces clean. Students, singles parents, married couples, schools, hospitals, and companies all require the help of cleaning services. There is an increasing demand for cleaning services and the industry continues to grow. Your cleaning services business plan should have a proper marketing strategy.
With the widespread buzz about green products it is important that you take heed of that in the cleaning products that you use. It is recommendable to use natural or eco-friendly products that do not pose harm to both humans and the environment. In conducting a cleaning business, particularly for those doing the direct cleaning, safeguards must be put in place to avoid health issues. Protective clothing and the use of disinfectants after cleaning must be thoroughly exercised. Impeccable attention to detail and overall diligence is necessary for your business to grow. This is a business whose growth and sustainability heavily relies on getting positive reviews borne out of excellent service. So do not compromise and do not do shaddy work; be exceptional, be trustworthy! Another important consideration to make is the need to have insurance cover for your business. Especially when offering cleaning services to commercial entities (even households) incidentals such as accidental breakages can occur.
Keys To Profitability
Leverage on the use of technology. This applies to so many things involved in your cleaning services business. For instance, using tech-based cleaning tools or machinery makes you more efficient. You can use customer relationship management (CRM) software to handle your customers optimally. Use digital marketing to push your cleaning services brand. Even in handling customer payments use tech-based solutions e.g. electronic point of sale (EPOS), ecommerce-enabled website, and so on. All these tools and more will help your cleaning services business deliver value, quality, and convenience. Plus you get to easily collect and analyse data. That will all culminate in increased profitability.
The cleaning services business offers lots of business opportunities. There are still many untapped clients who are considering paying for cleaning services. Do your research and position yourself rightly; cleaning services opportunities are plenteous.
Pre-Written Cleaning Services Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel): Comprehensive Version, Short Funding/Bank Loan Version and Automated Financial Statements
For an in-depth analysis of the cleaning services business, we encourage you to purchase our well-researched and comprehensive cleaning company business plan. We introduced the business plans after discovering that many were venturing into the cleaning services business without enough knowledge and understanding of how to run the business, lack of understanding of the financial side of the business, lack of understanding of : the industry, the risks involved , costs and profitability of the business; which often leads to disastrous losses.
The StartupBiz Global cleaning services business plan will make it easier for you to launch and run your cleaning business successfully, fully knowing what you are going into, and what’s needed to succeed in the business. This is a complete business plan for cleaning services. It will be easier to plan and budget as you will be aware of all the costs involved in setting up and running the cleaning business.
Uses of the Cleaning Services Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)
The cleaning company business plan can be used for many purposes including:
- Raising capital from investors/friends/relatives
- Applying for a bank loan
- Start-up guide to launch your cleaning services business
- As a cleaning company business proposal
- Assessing profitability of the cleaning services business
- Finding a business partner
- Assessing the initial start-up costs so that you know how much to save
- Manual for current business owners to help in business and strategy formulation
Contents of the Cleaning Services Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)
The business plan for cleaning services includes, but not limited to:
- Marketing Strategy
- Financial Statements (monthly cash flow projections, income statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, break even analysis, payback period analysis, start-up costs, financial graphs, revenue and expenses, Bank Loan Amortization)
- Industry Analysis
- Market Analysis
- Risk Analysis
- SWOT & PEST Analysis
- Operational Requirements
- Operational Strategy
- Why some people in the cleaning services business fail, so that you can avoid their mistakes
- Ways to raise capital to start your cleaning company business
The cleaning services business plan package consists of 4 files
- Cleaning Services Business Plan – PDF file (Comprehensive Version – 77 Pages)
- Cleaning Services Business Plan – Editable Word File (Comprehensive Version – 77 Pages)
- Cleaning Services Business Plan Funding/Bank Loan Version- Editable Word File (Short version for applying for a loan/funding – 43 pages)
- Cleaning Services Business Plan Automated Financial Statements – (Editable Excel File)
The business plan can be used in any country and can be easily edited. The financial statements are automated. This implies that you can change eg the costs, salaries etc, and all the other financial statements will automatically adjust to reflect the change.
Click below to download the Contents Page of the Cleaning Services Business Plan (PDF)
Get the Cleaning Services Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)
Click Buy Now below to purchase using Paypal, Credit Card, or Debit Card. After you have purchased, you will immediately see the download link for the business plan package on the screen. You will also immediately get an email with the business plan download link.
The Pre-written business plan package (PDF, Word, and Excel) costs $30 only!
If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once then click here: Business Plans Store.
The business plan package is a zipped compressed file containing the PDF, Word and Excel documents. To open the package after downloading it, just right click, and select Extract All. If you have any problems in downloading and opening the files, email us on shop@startupbizglobal.com and we will assist you.
We wish you the best in your cleaning services business! Check out our collection of business plans , and more business ideas.
