The majority of upholstery and carpet cleaning businesses begin as home based operations and those that are successful might end up moving into a brick and mortar location. Most also initially target the residential sector which costs much less in start up costs. These businesses, as a rule, start up as carpet cleaning businesses and branch out to other services. Some of the services that could be incorporated with a carpet cleaning business are:
- Upholstery cleaning
- Spot and stain removal from upholstery
- Fire restoration
- Drapery cleaning
- Smoke damage cleanup
- Carpet restoration
- Wall cleaning
- Carpet dyeing
Who are your Customers?
Potential customers are everywhere and will embrace companies that offer multiple domestic cleaning services. For you, this means that your company growth will be more successful when offering a variety of related services but it also means that your initial costs will be inflated. Those that enter this niche will find that it is very productive and rewarding.
Upholstery and carpet cleaners are necessary at places such as:
- Apartment buildings
- Condos
- Offices
- Schools
- Banks
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Churches
- Bowling alleys
- Transportation terminals
Financing your Business
Most people that are starting a cleaning business rely on personal money or family loans to begin their venture. After a period of being in business most will reinvest profits to expand their future growth but some will be able to rely on financing options once you can show the bank that you have been using some of your own finances to fund your business.
When it comes to finding capital to further fund your business there are some options such as:
- Credit cards
- Liquidating assets
- Borrow from a friend or family member
- Find a partner
- Government programs
- Be home based
Image
There is no doubt that a commercial location will allow you to portray more of a professional image but when you think about it, how often will your customers actually visit your office? The truth is that they normally don’t. So, if in the event that you choose to fund a brick and mortar building you should not find something elaborate since in the long run it will be over priced and unnecessary.
What might be a bit more important when it comes to displaying professionalism is what your customers will see which is your equipment and your vehicle. If your equipment and your vehicle are run down and shoddy looking then that will display a reflection of you.
When it comes to image keep in mind that it is made up of several components:
- Appearance
- Neat and organized invoices and statements
- Clean and organized equipment
- Integrity
- Insurance
- Your vehicle(s)
In the event that you do have to use your own vehicle or that you hire employees and they have to use their own vehicle you should purchase some magnetic signs to put on the vehicle that display your company name and phone number. These look professional, are affordable, and are a form of advertising.
