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What You Need To Know To Start A Cleaning Company

What You Need To Know To Start A Cleaning Company

A cleaning business has always been around, helping the environment around us to be clean and hygienic. But post the COVID-19 pandemic, the cleaning business has been bestowed with a new found respect and demand. As several businesses and organisations gear up to start operating again, santising environments is a must precautionary measure to stay safe and to keep the dreaded virus at bay. And therefore the cleaning company is in demand. This is especially true in places, commercial or residential, where there is even a single patient suffering from COVID-19, the entire surroundings need to be deep cleaned and sanitised, thus justifying the increased popularity of a cleaning company

The cleaning business was steadily gaining popularity even before the pandemic struck, as more people realised the importance of working and living in a clean and hygienic environment. The COVID-19 pandemic gave further momentum to the business, allowing it to grow rapidly. The proof lies in the figures, where the market size of the cleaning business was valued at USD 292.6 billion in 2019, and estimated to be employing more than 1.7 million people. This cleaning services market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% to reach $74,299 million by 2022. These are global figures, while in India too a similar steady growth is being seen, where the organized cleaning industry in India has witnessed a growth rate of 30-50% in the last five years with an annual turnover of Rs.1800 crore

If you as an entrepreneur are planning to start a cleaning company then these positive numbers should give the further boost needed to start the business. However, starting any business, including the cleaning business, involves careful planning, writing a business plan, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of key activities. And the first step to achieve this is to avail business planning & idea validation service which helps check the feasibility and viability of the business idea considering the financial standing and vision of the entrepreneur. It helps the entrepreneur prepare for the business with a clearer goal in mind and a thorough business plan in place to kickoff the business. 

cleaning company

 

cleaning company

Advantages Of Starting A Cleaning Company

The statistics have displayed that the cleaning business is in demand and expected to grow further in the years to come. Apart from that, the following pointers regarding the business will help understand the benefits of starting a cleaning company and get to know more facets about the business too. 

  • High Demand

A cleaning company has very high demand, given the importance of cleanliness, whether it is a commercial space or a residential place. The demand is manifold now after the pandemic, where it is vital to sanitise and clean spaces and surfaces. 

  • Rapid Startup

A cleaning company can be set up rapidly, not requiring any specific construction. An entrepreneur can start the business any time without the need for special preparations, dedicated office space, construction activities or a specific setup.

  • Diverse Opportunities

A cleaning company can provide services to commercial spaces such as offices, large organisations, department spaces, warehouses, etc as well as residential spaces such as housing societies, bungalows and houses. The cleaning company can thus cater to diverse spaces and categories.

  • Minimal Costs

A cleaning company requires minimal investment to start. This is because the business does not require a dedicated office space, since the business involves visiting the client to clean the space. Nor does the business require any special or specific equipment or manufacturing process, thus requiring minimal startup cost.

  • Great Income Potential

A cleaning business has a great income potential given the minimal startup cost, high demand and fast startup opportunity. Considering the low investment, the comparative profitability is high for the business.

  • Specific Training Not Required

In order to start a cleaning company, there is no need to acquire specific training or to attain a degree or have special educational qualification. The business can be started by anyone, and can employ staff, without the criteria for a specific degree, where the staff can be taught about cleaning on the job too.

  • Flexible Work Hours

A cleaning company is not bound by particular work hours. The business has flexible work hours, depending on the time the clients request the service.

  • Not Place Bound

The cleaning business is not bound to an office space or particular location. It can be operated from home or from a vacant space like a garage or spare room too. However a specific office helps to store the cleaning equipment and supplies as well as to portray a professional image of the business. 

Essentials To Know When Starting A Cleaning Company

cleaning company

In order to start a cleaning company there are some essential factors that need to be considered to ensure a smooth start. First are certain attributes that businesses need to imbibe in order to grow up the ladder to success.

  • Build a customer relationship
  • Arrive at client’s site completely equipped and prepared
  • Maintain punctuality
  • Practice integrity
  • Keep meticulous record of purchases and prices
  • Schedule same area visits together to save petrol
  • Provide facility for card payments by investing in a card swipe machine

Along with these pointers, the following essentials need to be kept in mind to successfully start a cleaning company

Select Niche Market

A cleaning company can further be divided into two broad categories- one that services commercial organisations such as offices, factories, godowns, warehouses, shops, department stores and other commercial establishments and the second that serves direct consumers or residential spaces. Ideally it would be best if the business can have the expertise and employees to cater to both the segments, but  if the business chooses a niche segment to specialise in it can create a brand image and name for itself in that particular category. So the first step to know when starting a cleaning company is to decide which segment to specialise in or to cater to both.

  • Obtain Material And Equipment

The second point to consider while starting a cleaning company is to obtain the necessary materials and equipment. 

  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Pressure washers/hoses
  • Mop and buckets
  • Dustpan and brush
  • Sponges
  • Scourers
  • Cleaning brushes
  • Yellow dusters/microfibre cloths
  • Glass polishing cloths
  • Spray bottles
  • Laundry bags 
  • Trash bags
  • Paper towels
  • Protective gloves and shoe covers
  • Plastic caddy to carry the essentials

Along with these the cleaning supplies needed for the business include- 

  • Multi-purpose cleaner suitable for appliances and different hard surfaces like walls, counters, desks, and floors
  • Disinfectant 
  • Glass and window cleaner
  • Air freshener
  • Heavy-duty detergent/degreaser
  • Furniture polish
  • Oven cleaner
  • Stainless steel cleaner
  • Toilet and shower cleaner
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Descaling agent or chemical descaler
  • Carpet cleaner
  • Laundry detergent
  • Stain remover
  • Wood cleaner 

These are the most basic supplies and equipment needed in order to start a cleaning company. Along with these a van needs to be purchased to reach the designated job site along with the equipment and materials. The backend office might need a computer, and printer.

  • Hire Staff

It is important to hire staff for a cleaning business because it is possible to carry out all the cleaning alone, especially in the case of a commercial space. A few cleaners can help divide the load as well as attend to multiple clients simultaneously. While hiring staff, degrees or training should not be a lookout. Instead the quality of the staff is vital, as they must be sincere, dedicated, hardworking, and reliable too. Since homeowners leave the house on the trust of the cleaners, the staff must be trustworthy and honest to prevent thefts or other untoward incidents. A cleaning company works on goodwill and building up a relationship of trust with the clients is of utmost importance to create a brand value for the business. 

  • Acquire Licences

Every business, including a cleaning company requires certain licences in order to be recognised and to operate legally. The common registrations include a business incorporation registration, such as for a Company or LLP etc. Others include a GST registration in order to comply with the uniform taxation structure of the country.

  • Arrange  Capital Required

Starting a cleaning company does not require a huge investment. However it does require purchasing of the minimal cleaning supplies and equipment needed to start the business. Also a vehicle needs to be purchased for carrying the necessary equipment to the client’s site. A computer and printer are also needed for the business and require capital. Other expenses include the salaries of the staff, registration fees for the various licences, marketing and advertising costs and other miscellaneous expenses such as fuel, repair or upkeep of equipment, etc. A detailed list of all the necessary purchases and expenses need to be made and records maintained to keep track of the overheads and to stick to a budget.

  • Devise Marketing Plan

A marketing plan is often neglected but is crucial for the success of every business, including the cleaning company. In today’s times where everything is carried out online, having an online presence and marketing via online mediums such as social media marketing is apt. Entrepreneurs can download social media marketing checklist to ensure that they have everything in place and are ready to tap the exponential potential of marketing via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. A website would be an added advantage for the business as nowadays the first place people search for a business is by using a search engine and looking for a website. A blog can also act as a great marketing tool to spread awareness about cleaning and to share tips on cleaning.

cleaning company

Additionally, entrepreneurs can offer a yearly cleaning and maintenance service to ensure repeat customers. Also enticing discount offers or package deals can also be offered as part of the marketing plan. For eg: if you start a laundry business, you need to figure out a laundry business plan. 

Traditional advertising methods such as flyers, print ads and brochures can also be used as these methods are appropriate for reaching out to the local people who are the target audience.

These are just some of the essential details and factors to keep in mind when starting a cleaning company. For any other business related queries, entrepreneurs can approach deAsra for their expert guidance and support. 

 

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