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	<title>Start a Cleaning Business &#187; house</title>
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	<description>Information on Starting a Cleaning Business</description>
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		<title>More Tips For Your House Cleaning Service</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/more-tips-for-your-house-cleaning-service-2</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/more-tips-for-your-house-cleaning-service-2#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:21:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff W</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[more]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=224</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
If you are really interested in engaging in a house cleaning service business, there are some things that you must know of and must do. It is necessary for you to know the basics of your business before you enter and invest in it. Here are some fundamental guidelines that you should bear in mind [...]]]></description>
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<p>If you are really interested in engaging in a house cleaning service business, there are some things that you must know of and must do. It is necessary for you to know the basics of your business before you enter and invest in it. Here are some fundamental guidelines that you should bear in mind before entering this kind of enterprise.<br />
<span id="more-224"></span><br />
Market Research<br />
It is very essential for you to know the basics in business. First, you should have your target market and be able to identify their necessities. Then you should be able to know your competitors and market patterns. Being aware of these things helps you determine whether or not the market can still have room for your business. In addition to these, you should also be familiar with the current rates and investment options in the market. This ensures you that you will have a continuous business operation.</p>
<p>Capital and Investment<br />
If you are still starting your house cleaning business, it is suggested that you do not buy expensive equipment. Find places wherein you can buy your items at a lesser cost. It is suggested that you buy your cleaning items in bulk to reduce the cost. Remember that you do not need to shell out money for very expensive and luxurious cleaning equipment. But if you want to buy the fancy or expensive cleaning machine, do so when your business is already running smoothly. Always be patient. Your business will become successful as time passes. Getting the investment back through your business profit needs time.</p>
<p>Work Schedule<br />
If your are really interested in operating a house cleaning service business, you need to choose whether or not you will do it as a part time or a full time job. Entering a house cleaning service is quite time consuming. If you really want to venture in it, you need to set out your priorities. If you have a current job, decide whether or not you will resign. It will be very embarrassing if you will have an appointment with your customers and you need to cancel it because you have another work that you need to attend to. </p>
<p>Legality and Paperwork<br />
To be able to manage a business, it is necessary for you to get a business permit and a license. You can inquire about the requirements in your local community office and accomplish these requirements immediately. This will make your business legal, thus, avoiding problems concerning legal issues. In addition to the license and permit, it is also suggested that you acquire insurance. This is beneficial for your business and for your employees as well. This will serve as protection for you, your business and your employees when accidents or any unpleasant event may occur</p>
<p>Marketing<br />
At the start of your business, you need to establish your clients. You can get clients from your family, friends and people that you know. Usually these people will lend a hand in your young business. After some time, you will be able to spread your contacts and increase your network from these people. In some events, people just come and enter your store unexpectedly. When this happens, always welcome them and enumerate the services that your business tenders. </p>
<p>Advertising<br />
Another way to obtain clients in your cleaning business is through effective advertising. Advertising has a very wide range. You can start by giving out fliers, putting an ad in the daily newspaper or in the internet. Make sure that when you make an ad, a picture or a logo of your business should be included aside from the name of your business and the services you offer. In addition, make your ad a simple one yet it can catch people’s eyes. When customers enter your store, make sure that you give a calling card before they go so that they’ll know how to get in touch with you in case they need your services. Advertising in the internet is greatly suggested since some websites offer it for free. Availing free advertisement is also a great help since it will lessen your expenses.</p>
<p>Partnerships<br />
Having a business partner is also suggested if you want someone to aid you in the business world. It is very important that you choose your partner intelligently. Make sure that you and your business partner share the same vision and goals for your house cleaning enterprise. It is also important that you and your partner trust each other and are in very good terms since the both of you will be working together in the course of your business. It is also beneficial if you get a partner who will compliment your skills. For example, if you are not so good in keeping a track of your records, you can have a partner who does. As partners, the both of you should help each other for your business to be successful.</p>
<p>Operations<br />
When your business becomes stable, you ought to focus on maintenance. You have to make sure that everything is done on the scheduled time. You should know whether or not you already met the maximum load of work for the day so that you will always be on schedule. This will make your business run for a longer time since you will gain your customers’ trust. Also, always have available materials for cleaning. You wouldn’t want to stop working immediately in order to purchase the cleaning materials that you need. Having complete cleaning materials will not make you deviate from your schedule. So always manage your time wisely and execute your plans efficiently.</p>
<p>Bearing in mind all these things as you venture on house cleaning service will guide you as you go along the course of your business. You can read about other people’s businesses and how they became successful in order for you to be motivated and start your own business properly. Take time to reflect on these things and you will have a successful business in the future.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.startcleaningservice.com">How to start a house cleaning business</a></p>
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		<title>Information Packet For A House Cleaning Business</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/information-packet-for-a-house-cleaning-business</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/information-packet-for-a-house-cleaning-business#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:47:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff W</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ccleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[packet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=132</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
American families are overworked, especially in this period of an extended economic recession. They have to work hard, really hard, leaving them with very little time to feed the put their children to bed. Then they wake up the following morning to follow the same ritual again.  Weekends are normally spent with grocery trips [...]]]></description>
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<p>American families are overworked, especially in this period of an extended economic recession. They have to work hard, really hard, leaving them with very little time to feed the put their children to bed. Then they wake up the following morning to follow the same ritual again.  Weekends are normally spent with grocery trips and whatever time is left is devoted to spending quality time with family members and friends.<br />
<span id="more-132"></span><br />
This is where a house cleaning business will come in. As more families find no time at all to clean their houses, house cleaning business will take over such very important task in the household. While in the past housekeepers were considered as maids or hired help, we now see the professionalization of the business. House cleaners are no longer the 18th century maids; they are now professionals who had attained a well-deserved respectability in providing service to households.  They are now in the level of electricians, plumbers who are classified as independent contractors.  Indeed, a lot had changed in the way house cleaners are now regarded in the community.</p>
<p>House cleaning business is a type of business that is very easy to start because it does not require a large amount of start-up cost. You can start with whatever cleaning tools and supplies you have in your house and off you go with your house cleaning business. If you will put your heart into this new venture and you will be willing to put up a number of hours per day, this small start-up business can turn into a huge venture that can employ so many cleaners.</p>
<p>In order to get your clients, you must market your business.  You need to advertise and make your business known in the community where you intend to operate.  There are various types of marketing campaign that you can use to in order for your business to get a share of the market.  But whatever marketing strategies you use, you must be ready with an information packet that you will give out to your prospective clients.  This information packet will give the prospective clients idea on who you are as an independent contractor, what makes you different from other house cleaning businesses and what kind of services you can offer them.  </p>
<p><em>A good information packet should include the following:</em></p>
<p><strong>1.  Copy of your policy and procedures. T</strong>his will give your prospective clients an idea of how you do business and how you are going to carry out the cleaning of their houses.  This will provide them information on the days and hours that your business is operating. A market study will give you a good picture of the hours your business should be in operation.  Most often, homeowners will be out most of the day so it is necessary that your business will be able to operate on those hours as they will feel uncomfortable going home tired only to find a housecleaning crew working around.  On the hand, some people do not want strangers to be cleaning their homes in their absence and they may require you to clean their houses in the evenings or during weekends.  Your policy and procedure must also spell out the manner how the house is to be cleaned and what kind of cleaning materials you are going to use.  A good piece of advice that you can use is that many home owners are now turning to ecologically friendly cleaning materials.</p>
<p><strong>2.  Copy of your insurance policy.</strong>  Insurance is a necessity as it will give peace of mind to your clients who will not feel at ease knowing that an uninsured person will be coming to their houses and clean the different rooms handling the personal and valuable articles all the while that they are out.  Insurance will also give you a feeling of security knowing that your personal assets and savings will not be seized in a lawsuit in case a client accuses you of stealing from his house while you were cleaning.  The insurance will cover the cost of litigation and any, if at all, damages that you will have to pay as a result of a litigation. Just like in any profession, there are dishonest persons in the house cleaning business so having an insurance will put you ahead of other cleaning businesses who are not insured.</p>
<p><strong>3.  Copy of your background check or criminal record clearance.  </strong>Your prospective clients may not directly ask you if you are &#8220;clean&#8221; but it will be to your advantage if you  voluntarily offer them a copy of your criminal record clearance.  A prospective client will be very much impressed if you give them voluntarily information that you have no criminal record.  This will give them confidence to let you enter and clean their houses while they were away in their work. With the alarming rise on the number of crimes against property committed on a daily basis, a clean background records is sure guarantee that you can close the deal that you have been working for.</p>
<p><strong>4.  References. </strong> House cleaning is a type of business that really requires good endorsement from other people.  References given by respected and reputable members of the community will go a long way as a form of endorsement for the services you are offering.  At the start when you do not have clients yet, even a character reference will do.  If you have a previous work experience that is related to your business of house cleaning, a reference from you previous employer can help a lot.</p>
<p><strong>5.  Sample Work Order.</strong> This will show your prospective clients the kind of services that you are offering.  Include all kinds of service that you feel you are capable of rendering.  It will be to your advantage if you can include special services that other house cleaning businesses do not offer.</p>
<p>Your information packet will introduce you to the market and it will also establish your respectability and advantage over your competitors but only if you do it right.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.startcleaningservice.com">How to start a house cleaning business</a></p>
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		<title>More Tips For Your House Cleaning Service</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/more-tips-for-your-house-cleaning-service</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/more-tips-for-your-house-cleaning-service#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:33:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff W</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Startup Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=127</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Not everyone is into house cleaning services. It you happen to be those few who want to go into this venture, there are certain things you would want to know about. There are some basic guidelines that you need to consider before you actually start your business.  Here are a few things that you [...]]]></description>
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<p>Not everyone is into house cleaning services. It you happen to be those few who want to go into this venture, there are certain things you would want to know about. There are some basic guidelines that you need to consider before you actually start your business.  Here are a few things that you need to accomplish.<br />
<span id="more-127"></span><br />
<strong>Market Study</strong><br />
Before starting your home cleaning service, you need to do a little market research. Find out the needs of your target market and who you competitors are. You need to take time to know the market trends and if the market can still accommodate your business. You do not want to start a business then only find out that you have no clients available. You will just be wasting your time and resources.  Know your profit margins and the current prevailing rates ad your possible investment options. This will make sure that you will be able to keep your business running. </p>
<p><strong>Work Schedule</strong><br />
Once you’ve learned about your market and do decide to start you house cleaning service, you need to decide if this is going to be a part time or full time commitment for you.  Will you be resigning from your job or will you be doing this on your spare time. You need to plan out your schedule since you need to know when you can accept customers. You do not want to be taking customers then cancel with them because you are not able to do the service because of a conflict with your work schedule.  House cleaning service can be time consuming and you would need to prioritize a lot of things. </p>
<p><strong>Capital and Investment</strong><br />
Your capital investment in house cleaning need not be expensive.  Find out where you can purchase your cleaning materials at the lowest cost.  Most often you will get a lower cost if you buy in bulk. You do not need fancy cleaning materials when you are just starting. You can make do with the most basic cleaning materials and when everything is already going smooth and you’ve started earning a bit of profit, then you can start investing in better equipment. </p>
<p>Note that its not only money you will be investing. Time, patience and perseverance is going to be a big investment on your part. Businesses don’t just earn a profit over night. It would take some time before you start getting the results you want. </p>
<p><strong>Legality and Paperwork</strong><br />
Same goes with any other business. You would need to file for license to operate and a business permit. Contact your local community office and find out the necessary permits and license that you will need to start your business. These things will give legality to your business that will also help boost your credentials.  You also need to get insurance for your business and employees.  This will protect you, your employees and your business if there are any untoward incidents that may happen. This also protects you from any liability that may happen. </p>
<p><strong>Marketing and Advertising</strong><br />
Starting your home cleaning service would require you to get clients of course. You can first go to people that you know, friends and family are a good way to start. You can ask them if you can do the house cleaning for them to help you start your business or if they can give you some referrals. Most likely these people will be happy to help you out. Starting with this people you will soon begin to expand your network. You will need to aggressively market your services. Seldom do people just come, you will need to first tell your business exists and what services you offer. </p>
<p>Another option for you is to do some advertising. You can give out fliers or put an ad in the paper or through the internet. Make your advertisements simple but catchy. You can put a picture or a logo so that it would be more attractive for your potential clients. Make them want to inquire about your services. Give away calling card to people who you know may require your services in the future. Advertising allow your business to be known. News paper ads may cost some money however your can try the internet where a lot of websites offer free advertising. </p>
<p><strong>Partnerships</strong><br />
If you are new to the business world you might want to get a partner to help you out. Be sure that your partner has the same goals and objective you want for the business. You may also choose to tie up with other businesses who compliment yours.  This way, if there are services that they can not do and is more in the line of your business they can refer them to you and vice versa. Make sure that your partner is reliable since you two will be working closely together. Be choosy and try not to get just anyone. You can choose a partner based on what he or she can do for example if you are not good with books, you can get one who will be able to monitor all the necessary tracking of inventories and other information. Choose someone who will compliment your skills. </p>
<p><strong>Operations</strong><br />
Once everything is in order, make sure you get to meet your client’s needs. Don’t try to bite more than you can chew. Plan and schedule everything to the last detail. Make sure you have enough stocks for your business. Never ever run out of cleaning materials. You would not want to stop in the middle of work since you ran out of materials. Remember your credibility is at stake. Make sure that your employees stick to their schedule. Most businesses fail because of failure in operations among other things. A well thought of and executed plan will always ensure a good outcome. </p>
<p>These are just some of the things you will really have to think about and plan out when you start your own house cleaning service. There are a lot of resource materials that you can read that will help you start your own business. Take time and don’t rush things. Opportunity only knocks once so make the most out of it. </p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.startcleaningservice.com">How to start a cleaning house service</a></p>
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		<title>Starting A House Cleaning Business On A Tight Budget</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/starting-a-house-cleaning-business-on-a-tight-budget</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/starting-a-house-cleaning-business-on-a-tight-budget#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:51:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff W</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Planning & Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Startup Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[starting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=122</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Before starting a house cleaning business you have to make sure that this is right for you because you do not plunge into something that you are not sure you will be able to give justice to. You do not start a business only to realize later on that you made a terrible mistake.

In starting [...]]]></description>
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<p>Before starting a house cleaning business you have to make sure that this is right for you because you do not plunge into something that you are not sure you will be able to give justice to. You do not start a business only to realize later on that you made a terrible mistake.<br />
<span id="more-122"></span><br />
In starting a house cleaning business, you have to be sure that you have the right attitude, physical condition, and the interest to keep the business going.  This kind of job will require hard work &#8211; hard physical labor, good customer relations, and office and accounting skills. At the outset, you will be the manager, accountant, customer service, driver, and cleaner all at the same time.</p>
<p>It is therefore necessary that before you start your house cleaning business you will be able to research on all the aspects of the business from getting licenses, paying taxes, insurance, charging and a myriad of other related topics.</p>
<p>Getting the first clients &#8211; The most difficult phase of a business start up, especially for a house cleaning business, is getting the first clients as you cannot expect to get a hundred clients overnight.  You do not start your house cleaning business today and wake up the following day with a good number of clients waiting for you.</p>
<p>Most clients are looking for a house cleaner with a considerable amount of experience so being new in the field works against you.  You can overcome this being outright honest to the prospective clients.  Let them know that you new in the field but you have prepared yourself by researching, studying, and training for the requirements of the job.  You can win new clients even if you are just starting up if you can project confidence that you are up to the work you are offering them.</p>
<p>References, good references, can work in your favor if you can show some to your prospective clients.  But since you are just about to start, the best references can be obtained from family members, friends, and neighbors to whom you can offer free house cleaning service in exchange for testimonials.  When cleaning these houses for free, you have to forget about the income that you gave up.  You have to concentrate on giving the best quality work you can muster, regardless of the amount of time you spent cleaning the house for free.  The testimonials you will get from the house owners will be worth the time and efforts you spent because they could translate into many clients for your business.</p>
<p><em>Advertising</em> &#8211; Advertising will sell your business so spending money, time, and effort for letting the market know that you are around will be worth it. You have to decide on the company name, logo, and image that you will have to portray in all your advertising mediums. You can do your advertising in the following manner:</p>
<p>•	<strong>Advertising in the local newspapers. </strong>Exert efforts to come up with an attention-getting text ad in your local newspaper.  Do not attempt to get clients by advertising very low rates as it could be interpreted as coming from an inferior company.  You should emphasize rather on the quality of services that you offer which the competitors don&#8217;t have.  You should stand out from the rest.</p>
<p>•	<strong>Magnetic signs on your vehicle. </strong>Driving around the community with your business name and contact number in your vehicle is a good advertisement in itself.  While your vehicle is parked in front of the house you are cleaning, passersby and neighbors will take notice.</p>
<p>•	<strong>Flyers. </strong>You can ask a local printer to make your flyers or you can print them using your home computer and printer but make sure that they appear professionally done. You can distribute flyers at Laundromats, grocery stores, community centers and other public places.  They can be put on car windows in grocery stores and businesses parking lots or even at the front doors of the houses in the neighborhood where you intend to do business.</p>
<p>•	<strong>Door Hangers.</strong> Flyers and ads in the mailbox are usually thrown away but door hangers are usually looked at.  Put door hangers in the neighborhood you want to work into.</p>
<p>•	<strong>Business card.</strong> A professionally designed business card that provides that name of your business, the contact information, your name, and a brief list of services you offer can be distributed first to your family members and friends.  Then you can request permission from local businesses in your area to let you leave cards on their counters.</p>
<p>•	<strong>Referral Program.</strong> New clients can be obtained through a rewarding referral system.  Offer family members and friends free cleaning service if they can refer clients to your house cleaning business or offer existing clients discount if they can refer their friends to you.</p>
<p>•	<strong>Website.</strong> People had learned to utilize the convenience offered by the internet in looking for anything they need.  When people are in need of cleaning service, they look for house cleaning businesses online.  Having a professionally designed website can attract clients to your start up house cleaning business.</p>
<p><em>Cleaning Products</em> &#8211; You have to consult your clients as to their preferences for cleaning materials to be used in their homes. More and more people now go for natural cleaning products so you must be familiar with them and must be ready to use them when requested.  Most clients expect you to bring your own cleaning supplies as they do not have the time to go out buying them.  Some clients have special cleaners for their homes and most often they have them available for you to use.</p>
<p><em>Pricing</em> &#8211; You will be making a big mistake if you think charging very low fees will make your clients happy.  On the contrary, they will entertain doubts on the quality of your work if your rate is too low.  Don&#8217;t be afraid to charge the fee which you think is worth your efforts if you can show top quality in your work.  Clients, on the other hand, will not hesitate to pay you a top price if they are satisfied with the outcome of your work.</p>
<p>Starting a house cleaning business is never easy but you will be rewarded with success if you will work hard to make your business stand out in a highly competitive market.  All the efforts you put into your business will come back to you in the form of a successful and highly profitable house cleaning business.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.startcleaningservice.com">How to start a house cleaning business</a></p>
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		<title>Starting Your Own Residential Cleaning Business</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/starting-your-own-residential-cleaning-business</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/starting-your-own-residential-cleaning-business#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:11:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff W</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Residential Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[businesses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[busy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[commercial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[messy]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[paying]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=87</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
There are two types of cleaning businesses, residential and commercial. Residential cleaning is becoming a sought after skill and for some a profession. In today’s busy world some people don&#8217;t have time to clean and end up coming home to a messy house night after night. For some of these people who make a little [...]]]></description>
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<p>There are two types of cleaning businesses, residential and commercial. Residential cleaning is becoming a sought after skill and for some a profession. In today’s busy world some people don&#8217;t have time to clean and end up coming home to a messy house night after night. For some of these people who make a little more, paying you $50 dollars a day to clean their house is a good deal.<br />
<span id="more-87"></span><br />
When you first start up a cleaning business you need to create a registered company in your state. Taking in income without paying taxes is illegal and people do get caught every year by cheating the IRS, play by the rules and you&#8217;ll come out ahead. When you register your company make sure to list it as an LLC company to protect your current assets. By shielding yourself behind a limited liability company you are in fact protecting yourself from a lawsuit just in case something should happen at your cleaning account.</p>
<p>The next thing you need is to be insured and bonded. Being insured and bonded can protect you from mistakes that you might make like ruining someone’s counter top, or staining their new hardwood floor by the toilet with an acid bowl cleaner. Call around your local insurance companies and ask for quotes, make sure to let them know you&#8217;re shopping around and the best price is needed.</p>
<p>A great way to set up your cleaning plan is to make a list of the cleaning chores you do around your own home and type the list up neatly so you can present it to your clients as an ala carte cleaning menu that they can choose cleaning tasks from. Everyone is different and every client will expect extra detail in some cleaning task or another depending on how clean they like their house.</p>
<p>Advertising is easier than most people think. The easiest way to advertise is to network and tell others about your cleaning company endeavors. It usually always works out that some body knows someone who is looking for a part time cleaner for their own home. Another good way to advertise is to run a small local ad in a weekly shopper newspaper or have magnetic signs made for your car, this can cost as little as $75 and is well worth the investment.</p>
<p>After you have gotten yourself one or two clients it’s time to set a price. Meet with your clients and present the list of cleaning services you can provide. Get a good idea of how large the area you would be cleaning actually is and how well they want the cleaning task done. Come up with a fair price and write down their cleaning expectations for each cleaning task you are to perform.</p>
<p>After you’ve got your client and your list of cleaning tasks you&#8217;ll need some basic cleaning supplies. When running your own small cleaning business keep you’re cleaning supplies down to the basics. Don&#8217;t buy more than you need and check your cleaning duties list to see if you really need it.</p>
<p>Once you&#8217;ve got your cleaning supplies and you&#8217;ve set up a schedule with your clients it&#8217;s time to go to work. With your first cleaning account you&#8217;ll want to do an extra good job. Word can spread fast if you do a good job and more accounts could come your way quickly. The same goes for if you do a bad job, word can spread quickly and you could be out of business before you know it.</p>
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		<title>Professional House Cleaning Service</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/professional-house-cleaning-service</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/professional-house-cleaning-service#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:46:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff W</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[families]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[neighbors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[own]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[potential]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[start]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=91</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Most people who start their own cleaning business primarily start small and then they later on expand when they have proven the potential of their business and have gained clients beyond their immediate families, neighbors and friends.

It takes time and a great deal of patience before you can actually see the growth of your cleaning [...]]]></description>
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<p>Most people who start their own cleaning business primarily start small and then they later on expand when they have proven the potential of their business and have gained clients beyond their immediate families, neighbors and friends.<br />
<span id="more-91"></span><br />
It takes time and a great deal of patience before you can actually see the growth of your cleaning business. If you are able to maintain regular clients, consider your self lucky. You have some amount to spare to further promote your services through promotions and advertising. </p>
<p>If you plan on expanding your cleaning business, you have to spend some time to think this decision through. A lot of professional house cleaners are struggling in their business. They wonder why they don&#8217;t get more of the jobs they bid on. They ask why people won&#8217;t pay their rate and instead want to negotiate the price down. </p>
<p>If you&#8217;re not presenting yourself as a professional cleaning business, your prospects assume you just need to make some extra money; you don&#8217;t have their respect and they think you&#8217;ll be happy to take whatever they offer to pay. </p>
<p>First impressions last and this probably holds especially true with your cleaning business. Therefore you have to see to it that the moment you answer your client’s call, you already know what to say and what to offer. Not only are they judging you before they hire you, but they judge you again when you arrive on the scheduled service date. </p>
<p>Document each of the services you will provide with your every client. Use the Service agreement form to define your terms of doing business. This form will serve you great deal of time in effort during your in-home or telephone bidding. You will discuss the content with your prospect and then have them sign it, not as a contract, but to provide both parties with an understanding of your terms and the service start date. </p>
<p>The Customer Checklist records all the cleaning services you can provide your clients with as well as an estimate on how much you will charge your clients for your cleaning services. This form alone can get you the job immediately or even later after your prospect has tried other services. </p>
<p>The Work Order is created from the important notes you recorded on the Service Agreement during the walk through or telephone interview. It specifies the client, the address and phone number, information pertaining to pets in the home, client specific requests and directives, including important notes you documented about the home. </p>
<p>The Service Checklist is used by you or your team on the scheduled service date. It is a reminder of the regular service tasks that are to be performed and is used to maintain quality. One of the biggest complaints from clients is that quality of service deteriorates over time. If you&#8217;re not using a Service Checklist, you&#8217;re not instilling trust in your clients, especially new clients. They will automatically check your work on every appointment to make sure you didn&#8217;t miss anything. </p>
<p>When you start to use business forms for your existing clients, they will probably ask you why the sudden change. This provides you with a chance to tell them that you&#8217;re expanding your business and would appreciate referrals. This leaves them impressed knowing that you are serious about running a professional business and will be more likely to make referrals. </p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.startcleaningservice.com">How to start a house cleaning service</a></p>
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		<title>House Cleaning Services Prices</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/house-cleaning-services-prices</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/house-cleaning-services-prices#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:34:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff W</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amount]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[certain]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=81</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Truth be told, starting your own business entails a certain cost or amount of money. But if you do not have enough money to start a business with, you might want to consider starting a cleaning service business. This type of business does not require a huge sum of money and you can therefore put [...]]]></description>
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<p>Truth be told, starting your own business entails a certain cost or amount of money. But if you do not have enough money to start a business with, you might want to consider starting a cleaning service business. This type of business does not require a huge sum of money and you can therefore put it up easily and be successful with it in no time.<br />
<span id="more-81"></span><br />
The most logical thing to do when it comes to buying your supplies, is to buy wholesale items. Buying wholesale supplies can save you money if you look at the bigger picture. However, it isn’t advisable to purchase cheap supplies as sometimes cheap supplies can be more expensive because they are not of good quality. Remember, you need quality products to do quality cleaning job. Doing quality work can impress your customers, which makes them come back to you and they can also recommend you to their family and friends. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that there are different types of cleaning services. Initial cleaning and maintenance cleaning differ in nature. It will take you much time and effort cleaning a messy place than to a place that is being cleaned on a regular basis. If you are asked to do initial cleaning, you can price it about 50% above your normal rate for the same job. If you charge about $75.00 for a home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, if you are asked for initial cleaning for the same type of home, you have to charge about $125.00.</p>
<p>Check out the rates of your competitors before you set up your own rates. That way you will be able to know the ideal charge that will also be acceptable to your clients. It would also be advisable to get information about your competitors, the services and prices they provide. You have to set up your own price list for different houses’ sizes and you can base it with your competitors’ prices as well. Per additional 1000sqft, you have to add $10.00 or $20.00, in order to cover your time and your expenses. </p>
<p>Remember, with standard house cleaning jobs, window cleaning, refrigerator cleaning and oven cleaning are not included. So, if they ask you to clean it up, you have to put additional prices. You can charge $5.00 per normal sized window and about $15.00 to $20.00 for oven and refrigerator.</p>
<p>Actually, prices will really differ depending on the types of cleaning your clients will require of you. All you have to make sure is to provide them with reasonable prices in order for you to establish your niche with them and in order for you to be able to make sure that you will have them as regular clients.</p>
<p>Don’t ever think of increasing your rates if your business does not do good at the beginning because this will even make your business fail. Make sure that you maintain a reasonable pricing for your services at all times and at all costs.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.startcleaningservice.com">How to start a house cleaning service</a></p>
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		<title>Start A House Cleaning Business Venture Now!</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/start-a-house-cleaning-business-venture-now</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/start-a-house-cleaning-business-venture-now#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:49:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff W</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Cleaning]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[carpet]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[janitorial]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=49</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
So why start a house cleaning business in your area? Here’s one good reason why you should look at it the nice way- opportunities for income. Opportunities for income will be yours plus you get to help friends and acquaintances who are looking for jobs. When you say that the business is a house cleaning [...]]]></description>
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<p>So why start a house cleaning business in your area? Here’s one good reason why you should look at it the nice way- opportunities for income. Opportunities for income will be yours plus you get to help friends and acquaintances who are looking for jobs. When you say that the business is a house cleaning service, then what are being called as services here are the janitorial services, maid services, carpet cleaners, window cleaners and a variety of other cleaning activities. These activities are all done in order to bring back the lost glory of one house taken over by dirt or has been forgotten by its owner. The house cleaning business venture that you can actually start from scratch is what is known as the consumer-type of cleaning business.<br />
<span id="more-49"></span><br />
The other type is the more serious and extensive one, the commercial venture that targets commercial establishments and businesses. In the consumer venture like the house cleaning business, you get to handle simple jobs yet earn serious money. Some of the tasks that can be included here include window cleaning, carpet cleaning and, maid services. These are services that require minor investment, thus giving you more opportunity for income and growth. But remember that though this may look and sound easy, a house cleaning business may be labor intensive as well. Technology plays a role and makes cleaning easier yet there will be times when you cannot depend on technology and what you need to do is to go down to basics. But this will be nothing compared to what you can earn in this kind of venture.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.startcleaningservice.com">Start house cleaning business</a></p>
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		<title>Marketing Your Cleaning Business</title>
		<link>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/marketing-your-cleaning-business</link>
		<comments>http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/marketing-your-cleaning-business#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing & Branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Startup Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boss]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.startcleaningservice.com/blog/?p=6</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
			
				
			
		
Having a house cleaning business on a full or part time business can be an immensely rewarding job with minimal start up costs and amazing benefits. You can choose your own work hours, earn thousands of dollars for very little capital and best of all, you get to be your own boss.

One of the things [...]]]></description>
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<p>Having a house cleaning business on a full or part time business can be an immensely rewarding job with minimal start up costs and amazing benefits. You can choose your own work hours, earn thousands of dollars for very little capital and best of all, you get to be your own boss.<br />
<span id="more-6"></span><br />
One of the things that most new entrepreneurs confuse is the difference of marketing and advertising. Simply advertising your product isn’t enough—in fact, advertising is just a little bit of the giant pie of marketing. Marketing your product gives you an edge simply because you are presenting your service or product in a uniform way that people can relate to and remember.</p>
<p>So how to you market your house cleaning business? It’s so easy; you’ll never know why you didn’t think of it in the first place. You already know your target audience: homeowners who are too busy to clean their own homes and are willing to pay you to come in and clean for them. But where? Figure out how far you’re willing to drive or commute to clean their homes. Remember, the less you spend initially, the more you’ll make later on.</p>
<p>Figure out where you want to market your business. Are you willing to clean any house for any price? Or would you rather have a set list of prices and hours that you’re willing to stick to (no matter how hard the job is). Are there any special considerations you want? (For example, is there an extra fee for cleaning out someone’s garage?) An easy way to determine price ranges is to check out other cleaning businesses in the area. This should give you a rough idea of what your options are. When you’ve decided your price ranges, then you can move on to your marketing materials.</p>
<p>An easy way to market your business is to create a uniform look for all your marketing materials. This doesn’t necessarily mean that ALL your ads and brochures have to be the same…they just have to be similar, so that people will remember you. This is the part where you decide to how to promote your business: are you using flyers? Brochures? Word of mouth or recommendations? Will you have promotions? Like, I’ll clean your house once for free every time you pay me for 7 cleaning sessions? Things like that. If you’re having a hard time deciding, here are a few tips:</p>
<p>• Stick with a budget, this will keep you from going nuts over things you can’t really afford or shouldn’t spend for<br />
• Keep your target client in mind. Are you going to create elegant, expensive flyers when your target client is the average stay at home mom with an average budget? Being too expensive might make your client consider another cleaning service<br />
• Be as creative as you like, but be professional. Don’t be remembered for the wrong reasons.<br />
• Always be available for an emergency call. Some clients have regular cleaning services that are not available, so they will resort to your business in case of emergency. Don’t turn them down if you can help it—they might become your regulars in the future.</p>
<p>The fantastic thing about owning your own house cleaning business is you don’t have to go consult with your boss or manager when things aren’t working out. If you feel like your marketing campaign is going belly up, change it! You make all the decisions and marketing isn’t one of the harder choices. It’s so easy, you’ll be fending off those calls in no time and hiring new employees to fill in the orders.</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.startcleaningservice.com">Start a cleaning service</a></p>
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