When meeting face to face with your cleaning business prospects, you have to prepare and make a list of probing questions to get you prospect talking about their concerns and for you to show your expert problem-solving skills.

You have to be more of a listener than a talker at this meeting, so to help your prospect find a solution to their problems; you have to get as much information from them as possible. When making your list of questions, think of questions that will get your prospect thinking. Some questions could be:

What are the reasons why your company is looking to change your cleaning service? (ask this one when they contracted you.)

Why are you placing the contract out for bid?

It could be because they’re required to cleaning service out for bid once a year. Or they’re not satisfied with the current contractor. Or it’s because they are cutting costs and are looking for someone who can offer a lower price. If their reason is the latter, then it should serve as a warning for you. Prospective clients that are looking for the lowest bidder are not usually the best customers for your cleaning business.

What types of challenges are you having right now?

What other concerns do you have?

With this information, you will be able to know how to solve their problems. If you are talking about the current contractor, don’t talk badly about them. Your prospective clients may feel that you are criticizing their poor judgment when they hired the current contractor.

What improvements would you like too see?

What do you expect for your cleaning service?

What does your current cleaning company do to guarantee you the quality of work you require?

When I talk about “value” in term of cleaning service, what comes to mind?

What do you think about this topic?

If your prospective client voices a concern about the price, ask them: What would you do when you’re current cleaning service doesn’t show up or complete the job to their satisfaction, would they feel that they’re getting value for their money?

After asking them more probing questions, your next step is to ask your prospective client if you can have a tour of the building you’ll be bidding on. If it’s not possible at the moment, then you have to get another appointment so you can have the tour.

Before going on with the tour, set your next appointment. You have an appointment to make so that you can come back and present your completed bid to your clients and close the sale.

Though your clients may have the measurements for the floor surfaces, it is recommended that you make your own measurements of the building and the different floor surfaces such as the tile, carpet etc. You may also ask the prospect if you can be allowed to go back after the tour to initiate your measurements without taking up any more of his time. When you are done, check back in with the prospect and let them know you’re done. Remind then of your next appointment and thank them for the time.

See: How to start a cleaning service

A customer service business, like the office cleaning venture does not necessitate exceptional skills especially in the prime service being offered –cleaning. However, running the business does take skills, commitment, and the will to persevere. After all, you will be entrusted a major business concern – its image. You should be able to take care of your customer’s office space as this area – no matter how big or small – will create a lasting impression on that particular business’ clients. Because of the importance of cleanliness and orderliness in the workplace, office, or store that your office cleaning business may be servicing, you have found the perfect sales pitch for your small business.

Selling the clean vision is easy; reminding prospective clients of the impact of a sparkling and organized office can make your customer pay attention. Not only can a clean working environment encourage their employees to perform their jobs better, it also makes the business owner very comfortable in bringing in clients to the office. Now, with you in their team, the business owner can rest, assured that the next business meeting with potential investors or big clients can take place in an immaculate space.

The potential market you can tap for your cleaning service is enormous. Companies realize that a clean office is essential to the success of their businesses. Stores, for example want their spaces to be inviting to buyers. What person would want to purchase from a place that cannot keep their aisles and shelves spotless anyway?

Selling cleanliness is such a huge market that there is an abundance of competition in the field. This is quite healthy; and the better news is that no matter how bad the economy gets, no company would fire out a cleaning service unless they want to do the cleaning themselves which is impossible. The worst thing that can happen is that clients start asking for discounts.

If you establish your own cleaning business, you can easily earn about $500 a week if you are working about 10 hours. Moreover, you do not have a high overhead cost since you do not need to rent out a space, you can work at home, keep your cleaning tools in your garage and use your home phone and internet connectivity for your marketing, advertising and scheduling tasks.

For a cleaning service owner, knowing who your customers will be is a big decision. There has to be a client that will require regular cleaning to ensure that you always have profits coming in. The profits that you earn allow you to have a steady salary plus the ability to save up towards improvements in your business.

Selling the clean vision does not end at just getting the client to sign the dotted line. The next step is to make sure that they stay with you, satisfied and happy with the cleaning service you render. For this, you should also strive to improve your cleaning skills by attending seminars or learning more about cleaning. You can also save up money to buy better tools and cleaning equipment.

See: Start a cleaning service

Along with the skills you should have to learn in starting up a professional maid cleaning service is knowing how to wash windows properly. It will not be enough to just use the skills you use in your won homes or the things you learned from your parents to clean other people’s houses who will be paying for the cleaning service. The will be much more impressed if you are going to take the time to learn how to house keep appropriately and to make sure that you existing or future cleaners learn the same skills too.

Windows are said to mirror the characteristics of the home owners. Therefore, it is really essential to make sure that your clients’ homes are properly cleaned by making sure that the windows are cleaned in an appropriate manner. Traditionally, windows are cleaned using spray cleaners; old towels and newspapers that really don’t work; doing all these only keep on moving the grime and dirt build up to different spots of the window, most particularly – at the edges. This will lead you to having dirty edges, spotty windows and unsatisfied customers. Moreover, too much window rubbing will just create static electricity that will attract more dirt, pollen dust on to it.

When cleaning windows, you have to make sure that you are equipped with the proper tools – cloth strip applicator, squeegee, chamois, hand held sponges and rags. You can use a bucket of warm water and dish washing liquid mixture but try not to have too much suds or bubbles foaming out.

To clean windows, apply the cleaning solution using the strip applicator so that there won’t be any scratches on the windows. A squeegee with be helpful in wiping from top to bottom and at the end of each wipe, the squeegee’s edge should be cleaned with a rag. If the squeegee still makes squeaking noises while you’re wiping the windows, add a little more soap in the mixture. Use the chamois for the remaining water on the edges and wring dry before soaking up the remaining water.

Multi-paneled windows would need a squeegee that fits the panes. If you have many clients, you will certainly have to clean and deal with different window sizes so it is advisable to buy a set of squeegee. There is actually no need to custom-fit the squeegees but if you can suggest to your client, recommend that they buy one that you could fit to their windows. You may even actually trim a squeegee to the appropriate size you need.

For cleaning panes, you can use the same cleaning solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid mixture. Make a system of cleaning so you won’t forget which pan you’ve finished already – it could be right to left or top to bottom.

For dirt build up and tougher window stains that is caused by the build up of hard water running off from the rain gutters, you may clean the window with the above procedures prescribed. Then, remove the stains gently using cleansing powder with oxalic acid in it. And then wash the window once more.

See: Start cleaning service

One of the skills that you need to practice when establishing your own commercial cleaning business is presenting your services to a client and making him want to hire you. The challenge in making a sales pitch to a company that has already hired some other cleaning company maybe greater than pitching to a company that is actively seeking a cleaning service provider.

Nevertheless, the best way to create an impression is to be different in approach from other cleaning service companies. Here is a guide on getting that cleaning long term contract that you want.

1. Shop around and look for companies that hold office in and around the vicinity you would like to work at. You should be able to get hold of a name and fax number or phone number of the person in charge of outsourcing a cleaning service.

2. Prepare a smart looking company profile, proposal, bid estimate and a few business cards that you can give out before or after an appointment. You should be able to send in a copy of your company profile, proposal and your bid estimate before asking for an appointment.

3. Make sure that you catch the attention of the person in charge by incorporating a no-strings-attached clause in your proposal letter. Let them know that your intention is just to pitch your cleaning service to them and if they find it to their liking, then that is the only time that a formal business contract agreement will be made. You can send them a draft or sample of a contract with your company if you want to.

4. In the proposal, highlight your strengths and be sure to include any past cleaning jobs that you have done or any current clients that you have. If you still do not have any experiences, put all the cleaning seminars that you have attended as this will most probably catch their attention. Remember, they are looking for a professional cleaning service.

5. Give your prospective client an easy way to contact you for an appointment by adding a reply box in your proposal:

Yes, I’m interested! We can schedule a meeting on ___________ (date) at _____________ (time) in_________ (place). Contact _________ (name of contact person) at ____________ (tel.no.) for confirmation.

I might be interested but _____________ (reason for hesitance). However, I am willing to hear you out on ___________ (date) at _____________ (time) in_________ (place). Contact _________ (name of contact person) at ____________ (tel.no.) for confirmation.

I am not interested at the moment but I can refer you to _______________ (referral) which might be interested in your service.

Including these boxes will cover everything, gives the client a choice, and if they are not ready to hear you out, still gives you the possibility of getting a good referral.

6. On your appointment, make sure that you arrive on time (not too early, and never late). Keep your introduction short as you should have already covered everything in your proposal. Make sure that you get the client to talk about what they need instead.

See: How to start a cleaning service

There are a million and one ways for you to profit from your skills without having to be an employee. Having your own business gives you these opportunities; what you need to do is to assess your skills to make sure you venture into something that can give you success.

If you want to start a business that does not need a large capital and can give you instant and easy profits, you can look into the virtues of the cleaning industry. If you decide to start your own cleaning business, the potential is limitless. You can initiate by just offering one-man/woman services wherein you personally clean for the clients or you can have a partner or if you aim to be bigger, then a team.

The smartest decision would be to practice first. You can start a cleaning service at home and be your own cleaning man. You can use the vacuum you have at home for cleaning appointments with clients who require you to bring your own cleaning equipment.

If you start a home based cleaning service, you should look into the zoning regulations in your area for rules on using your property to create income. Other than that, you might be required to register a business name to acquire the necessary permits and/or license to operate. Since you will be in contact with other people’s property, see to it that you are bondable and insured. This does not only protect your clients but your person and equipment too.

Basically, the cleaning requirements your clients will have include disposing trash, vacuuming, and mopping, sweeping, washing windows (sometimes just the interior since outside windows would be left for specialized window washers that can handle cleaning windows for structures), cleaning and dusting desktops, bathroom maintenance.

With regards to time schedules, an office space would normally enter into contracts with you. The contracts stipulate how many times the cleaning would be required. This varies from office to office. Some would require twice or thrice a week clean ups and vacuuming, others would require daily cleaning, while others may require a person who can be in the office all day and then finish cleaning after office hours.

The cleaning requirements can also be affected by the type of industry the office is involved in. Most business offices have a ton of paperwork that you need to especially take care not to throw out anything important or those that may contain sensitive information. Other commercial spaces may need specialized cleaning like schools, where children are most likely to get virus and diseases from, and hospitals and laboratories that may expose you to chemicals and other hazardous elements.

Aside fro all that was mentioned above, there may be occasions that you need to finish tasks that are more complicated than the cleaning and tidying up mentioned above. Theses chores would include washing exterior windows, dusting the ceiling and light fixtures, maintain HVAC equipment, cleaning parking spaces, carpet cleaning, floor waxing, tile grouting, and Q-tip cleaning. These tasks are longer and more tedious but are special cleaning services that you need to offer your clients once in a while.

See: How to start a commercial cleaning service

Pricing your Cleaning services comes with practice – in your own home that is. Practicing your cleaning skills at home is advantageous in a lot of ways. For instance, you can correctly list down how much time you need to finish clean up tasks that you will be offering to your clients. Aside from that, you can also make a list of how much cleaning products you will be using up for a single cleaning. Additionally, you can create a detailed list of the chores you need to offer. And more importantly, you can estimate how many hours you can keep on cleaning in a day without overly exhausting yourself.

All of these can be used you create your own bid estimate sheet. A bid estimate is a form your client fills out for you to know exactly what cleaning services they require. Residential and commercial cleaning have a lot of similarities but you may want to create separate bid estimate sheets for the two for specialized cleaning unique to each.

Generally, you will need a letter head of your business for the bid estimate sheet. This gives it a more professional look. Put in your business name on top of the page, and then you can put your name, contact numbers, physical address, an electronic mail address, or maybe your own website address at the bottom. Have your logo printed on your bid estimate sheet also; you can place it on the upper left corner or watermark it in the middle. You can do all of these through software in your personal computer.

Have blanks or boxes for the customer to fill out their name, address, mobile, home and office phone numbers, their e-mail address and the person you will be speaking with for the cleaning service. For residences, it may be the spouse or any other person living in the home; for offices it could be the manager.

You will also need to have the cleaning schedule cleared out, whether it is a one time cleaning task or a regular one. Just put in boxes for weekly, monthly or every fortnight cleaning schedules. The day in the week should also be specified and the exact date of the start of the cleaning. You should also put in a blank for the exact time you can start and end the cleaning.

Next, you will need a detailed table of the tasks involved for each area of the house or the office.

For houses, create a section for all the rooms of the house and the cleaning chores to be performed in each area. Have a space or a blank beside each task wherein the customer can tick off the chores they want done. For the office, it is almost the same except you will need to have an area designated for cubicles and private offices.

Both of the bid estimate sheets should have the hourly rates you will charge for each section or area of the space that needs cleaning. Bid estimates should be discussed with the client before and after a job is done to ensure agreement between both parties.

When word of your reputable cleaning service business gets around, you may find yourself taking on more and more clients everyday. However happy you might be feeling because of the assured profits you will gain; this also means you will be tested on your time management skills.

Getting more clients is a good sign, this means you are doing a good job and your clients have started to do advertising and marketing for you. Your responsibility now is to make sure that you turn out the same quality cleaning you have done in your previous clients’ homes or office spaces. If one of the new customers reports any complaints about you, you would not only lose one customer, you will lose all his/her other friends or acquaintances.

Here are some guidelines you can follow to make sure that you plan your day well.

1. Always answer phone calls. If you cannot answer the phone call, make sure that you check your voice messages and your answering machine. You will never know if a client decides to cancel or move his schedule with you. If the client moves the schedule to a different time or day, check your appointments and call the client back immediately. If for example the schedule is clear, then confirm the new schedule with the client and then explain to him that you may not be able to move schedules every time. If the new schedule the client wants is already unavailable, then call the client and apologize. Offer the next open schedule to him and then explain that you would have gladly moved the schedule but you already have made previous arrangements.

2. Keep your schedule book with you at all times. It is very hard to keep track of a cleaning schedule that is not written down. Have a big calendar at home where you can write down your schedules and put it in a conspicuous spot. This way, you can be reminded of your schedules easily and can make adjustments with clients accordingly. Its also important for you to easily offer other open schedules to the clients you talk to over the phone.

3. Allow breaks in between cleaning schedules. Aside from the fact that you need to rest, you also have to allow for travel time, especially if the houses or office spaces are far from each other. You do not want to be late for any cleaning appointment. This would reflect unprofessionalism on your part.

4. If possible, schedule to clean spaces that are geographically close to each other so you have more time for rest. Addresses are very important to note down not only for you to know where to go but how to get there and which other spaces can you clean while you are still in that area. This is an efficient strategy so that you would not get tired easily or lose too much time traveling.

An organized scheduling system is essential for your success in the cleaning industry. Make sure to follow your system to avoid losing the clients you already have.

See: Start a cleaning service

A part of the skills you will need to learn in putting up a professional maid cleaning service is learning how to wash windows properly. It is not enough for you to just use all the skills you utilize in your own home, and the things you learned about cleaning from your parents in other people’s house who are paying you to do the cleaning. They will be more impressed with you if you take the time to learn how to do housekeeping properly, and making sure that your existing, or future staff of cleaners learn these skill too.

As eyes are windows to our souls, windows mirror the characteristics of the homeowners. It is essential for you to make sure that your clients’ homes look good by cleaning the windows in an appropriate manner. The traditional way of cleaning windows via spray cleaners, old towels, and newspapers do not work; all this practice does is to keep on moving the dirt and grime build up to different spots in the window, particularly the edge. You will end up with spotty windows, dirty edges, and unsatisfied customers. Aside from that, rubbing the window too much will just cause it to have static electricity that attracts more dirt to it.

When doing windows, make sure that you have the proper tools; cloth strip applicator, squeegee, chamois, hand held sponges and rags. For the cleaning solution, you can use a bucket full of warm water mixed with dish washing liquid. Try not to have too much suds foaming out.

In cleaning the window, use the strip applicator to apply the cleaning solution to avoid putting scratches on the windows. Use a squeegee in wiping from top to bottom and at the end of each wipe; clean the squeegee’s edge with a clean rag. If the squeegee makes squeaky noise while you are wiping the window, add a bit more soap into the solution. For the remaining water on the edges, use the chamois and wring dry before soaking up the rest of the water.

Windows that are multi-paned would need a squeegee that fits the panes. If you have a lot of clients to service, you will inevitably have to deal with different window sizes so buy a set of squeegees. You do not need to custom-fit each squeegee but if you can suggest to the homeowners, recommend that they buy a squeegee which you can fit to the size of their windows. You can actually trim a squeegee to the appropriate extent.

Use the same cleaning solution of warm water and dish washing liquid to rub the panes clean. Have a system so that you do not forget which pane you have already done; from right to left, top to bottom if you will.

For tougher stains on the windows that are a build up of hard water run off from the rain gutters, clean the window first with the procedure described above. Then, use cleansing powders with oxalic acid in it to gently remove the stain. Wash the window once more.

See: How to start a residential cleaning service