Free info to help you become a success and earn
lots of money doing things you love.
CLEAN UP IN CLEANING
Growing Fast - Earning Big!
Examine business growth rates over past years - and, without
doubt there is one easy opportunity that ranks with the most
profitable. A business that is unusually simple to start and
succeed in. Yet, a service that can grow into a considerable
operation. All from almost nothing!
That business comprises a huge and vital industry. Offering
a service that is more and more in demand. Quite simply -
it's cleaning.
Cleaning is a truly unique opportunity - In that almost
anyone can start such a service. You already have the
know-how to clean! Yet, for such an accessible opportunity
there is scope to build a really big business. You could
start now and be very successful, very quick!
And - cleaning is no longer the lowly, poor paid venture it
once was. It's really quite a futuristic, high technology
business. Quite respected - and in many cases, very highly
paid.
If you thought cleaning wasn't the right sort of opportunity
for you - think again! It may well be the right sort of
opportunity for your bank account!
A No Capital Start?
In some circumstances it would be possible to start in the
cleaning industry with virtually no capital! You need no
special training, and often there's no equipment to buy. Either way,
you will do best by setting up properly -
cleaning is simple, but never underestimate any business!
Cleaning is ideal for an owner-operator business, or a
partnership. You can succeed full or part time. Never
forget though that it is a business - and you must organise
in a business like way. Use proper records and consult
business exports as necessary.
A trading name looks good. It is not necessary to register
this - just declare your own name on business documents, etc.
One way of approaching cleaning is to do all the work
yourself. Ideal for a low cost start up - but does restrict
your earnings. Progressive cleaners just concentrate on
getting the work themselves. Then, employ (usually part
time) staff on a modest hourly rate. This allows you to
build an enormous business!
Decide from the start what types of cleaning you will offer
(see later). Then, organise your resources to provide the
service. The next important step is to advertise your
service.
Use every established and original advertising technique you
can think of. Press advertising is a must. Leaflets can be
good in some situations. Mailshots to potential customers
can grab big contracts. And, a really great way to get
business is to telephone or visit potential customers. This
increases your 'sales' rate considerably.
Throughout all advertising/negotiations project yourself as a
professional, competent and careful business. People want to
employ thorough cleaners. In line with this it is usually
better to charge high prices for a good job, rather than low
prices for a budget one. Earnings could be in the region of
£20-£30 per hour, depending on the service. It's up
to you.
When getting work it is best to aim for contract cleaning.
Where you provide your service on a regular daily, weekly or
monthly basis. Obviously more lucrative than one off work. Despite the
name it is usually not necessary to sign a
contract for most customers.
If you give considerable effort to selling at the start,
things will be much easier later on. You only need a handful
of regular jobs to produce a regular income. If you employ
staff to do the 'hard' work you'll have the ideal 'absentee
owner' business.
Contrary to what you might think, cleaning is quite a
sophisticated, although easy to start, operation. There's
only so much theory though! Following, you'll find
suggestions for services you can offer. Either offer these
individually - or together for a really big business:
Daily Office Cleaning
One of the most popular services. Some competition but good
demand for an efficient, confidential and 'low profile'
service. Cleaning is easy, mostly comprising dusting,
vacuuming and the like! Customer provides equipment.
Approach all possible office customers in your area. Local
councils/authorities may also put such services out to
contract. Offer to do the work on a regular e.g. daily or
2/3 times weekly basis. Employ part time staff mornings or
evenings to do the work.
Home Cleaning
A little exploited area, offering considerable scope for
future growth. More and more people need a few hours daily
help with household duties. But, it is very difficult for
them to find good staff independently.
One good idea is to employ full time household helps - then
divide their time between many household customers. This
solves the staff problem, and still leaves you a considerable
profit margin!
Specialised Cleaning
In the cleaning industry there are forms of specialised
cleaning that most firms don't undertake. So you can corner
the market in these specialised areas. Often no experience
is needed.
One major area of 'spec.' cleaning is kitchen cleaning, in
restaurants, hotels, etc. Washroom cleaning/servicing is
another area. Cleaning services to specific industries, e.g.
food, processing, computers, electronics, chemicals,
cosmetics, are also possibilities, where you will find little
headquarters. In many cases the customers will train you to
the standard required.
Special/Initial Cleaning
Here you offer a year round 'spring' clean service to homes
and business customers. Special cleans are undertaken on a
one off basis to give a cleaning 'facelift' to the customers
premises. Initial cleans are needed prior to occupation of
newly built buildings.
Both these services can provide very big jobs for very big
incomes - Cleaning everything in sight. Ideal for making use
of part time or temporary staff. As with types of cleaning
already mentioned get customer to provide equipment and
materials needed if you don't want to buy.
Floor Cleaning
Commercial premises have vast areas of solid (e.g. tiled or
lino) floors. It all needs regular cleaning and there's a
huge sub-industry set up to do this. All that is needed is a
special cleaning/polishing machine - can be hired if purchase
prices are too high.
Window Cleaning
This is not the lowly paid activity you might think if
properly organised. Most areas are short of good, reliable
cleaners. Your only requirements? - a bucket, cloth and
ladder!
Domestic windows offer good potential - offer to clean inside
and out for extra profit. Commercial windows offer lower
prices, but huge jobs and regular work. Look out for council
contracts etc.
Acoustic Ceilings
One of the very latest cleaning opportunities - cleaning
millions of square yards of acoustic 'suspended' ceilings in
commercial premises. They can only be cleaned with a special
machine spraying a suitable chemical which causes the dirt to
drop from ceilings.
Although equipment is required this is quite a new, exclusive
service that the newcomer can dominate in their areas. Consult
specialist suppliers for equipment.
Pressure Washing
A high pressure washer delivers a powerful jet of water to
clean many things - from vehicles to builders plant - and
farms to buildings. Equipment is expensive (but could
lease/hire) so there is much demand for a mobile service.
Industrial Cleaning
Cleaning of factories, industrial machinery is a possible
'big business' service. A pressure washer would be a
valuable tool here.
Car Valeting
Cleaning of new and used cars is potentially big business
with millions on the road. Equipment not always necessary
and could offer a mobile service. Offer to the public - or
get motor trade contracts. Can employ unskilled staff at
modest rates - but charges can be £40-£60 a car!
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning
A proven money maker cleaning these items for homes and
businesses. Ideal owner operator concern with very high
charges. Special equipment is required. Some competition,
so operate at the 'quality' end of the market to do best.
Exterior Cleaning
Contract cleaning of outside areas e.g. shopping centres, car
parks, office/factory grounds is a reasonably new opportunity
offering potential for all to start. Comprises mainly litter
collection and sweeping - but the new type tractor mounted
'jumbo' vacuum cleaners are set to revolutionise the service!
Definitely one of those services that could be tomorrow's big
business success!
To Conclude
You may well discover many more cleaning opportunities,
because new services are being invented all the time! Most
of them quickly become 'essential' - something people want. Good
selling/organisation can get you started.
Cleaning is a humble enough opportunity for you to start and
succeed in. But, the takings can be those of a much more
impressive concern.
