A janitorial service business is hard work, but if you're willing to put
in the time and effort, it can be a lucrative small business. Before
you open shop, you will need to consider where you will store equipment,
how to find qualified employees and how to attract your first
customers.
Step 1
Find a location. Store equipment and prepare an office at home if possible to keep expenses low until you have established yourself. Check your local zoning laws to make sure a home business is allowed in your neighborhood. Rent an office space if you cannot start at home, but to reduce costs choose a location with just enough space to hold your cleaning equipment.Step 2
Gather your supplies. Visit the cleaning equipment suppliers in your area and get quotes on how much it will cost to buy or rent each piece of equipment you’ll need. Keep in mind that you will need different cleaning supplies depending on your target market. For example, you’ll need different equipment for cleaning a large factory vs. an office building. Only buy equipment that you will use frequently for most jobs, such as brooms, ladders, brushes, vacuums and floor cleaners. Rent less necessary or specialized equipment until your business begins to flourish. Buy cleaning supplies in bulk from local or online wholesalers, but first compare the price and quality to make sure you are getting the most for your money.Step 3
Hire qualified workers. Pay competitive wages to attract the best and most loyal employees. Employee turnover in the janitorial services industry is high, so offer perks to keep employees. Consider working with a staffing agency on a job-by-job basis if your projects will vary in size and length. This will prevent employees from becoming disgruntled during slow times.Step 4
Market yourself. Determine whether you will specialize in cleaning specific types of businesses, such as restaurants, or offer a wider variety of cleaning services. Research services other local janitorial companies offer and consider how you can differentiate your business from your competition by offering specialized services, lower prices or other perks. Design marketing materials that clearly lay out your services and communicate the uniqueness of your business. Drop off fliers, door hangers and business cards to new businesses in your area as well as other businesses within your target market. Introduce yourself to managers of these locations in person or by phone and ask if you may bid on upcoming cleaning jobs.Step 5
Present proposals to potential clients. When a potential client contacts you about bidding on a job, write a professional proposal. Visit the establishment or call the building’s contractor to learn about the location. Determine all of the location’s specifics, including size, carpet and flooring types, and other materials used in the space. Research how best to clean each aspect of the space, determine how many employees you will need for the job and how long it will take. Provide the client with an estimate and emphasize why your business will do a better job than local competitors. Research competitors' rates when first starting out to make sure you don’t overbid.
Things Needed
Tips
- All janitorial businesses need to have a registered business name and a license. Visit your local city hall to acquire the necessary forms and materials.
- Start your business small. Offer simple or specialized services, and expand your offerings as your business becomes more lucrative.
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