| Some people think that you would be crazy to show | | | | Depending on the area where you live and local |
| an interest in starting a cleaning business. It is definitely | | | | regulations you should be able to start a home based |
| not the most glamorous industry to be in. However, if | | | | cleaning business and can thus avoid renting |
| you are prepared to roll up your sleeves, work hard, | | | | commercial premises. For larger operators though, |
| and eventually become a contractor, managing | | | | requiring storage for large volumes of chemicals and |
| cleaning crews then this business can be very | | | | equipment then commercial premises or storage |
| lucrative. | | | | facilities can quickly become a necessity. |
| The cleaning industry in the US is huge and accounts | | | | Depending on how seriously you want to start out in |
| for multi billion dollar revenues each year split between | | | | the business startup costs can be kept to a minimum. |
| the many companies involved. | | | | A lot of entrepreneurs are attracted to the cleaning |
| By some estimates, 10% of American homes | | | | business for this reason. |
| frequently use a residential cleaning service with staff | | | | No qualifications are required to get started, though |
| usually visiting once or twice a week. The cleaning of | | | | you may need a business license to start a legal |
| commercial office space is also huge and accounts | | | | business operation in your state. The cleaning market |
| for approximately one third of the industry. | | | | does have many illegal operators and some serious |
| Many say that the cleaning business is immune to | | | | market participants are pushing for more regulation in |
| recession and this is true to some extent and in some | | | | the industry. |
| market sectors such as office cleaning. While some | | | | Cleaning effectively is not always as easy as it |
| consumers in the residential market may cut back on | | | | seems. The best way to get started would be to look |
| cleaning during a downturn, a large part of the clientele | | | | for some opportunities to learn from experienced |
| are affluent and can afford to continue with their | | | | cleaners such as work experience or a mentoring |
| service during a recession. Cleaning would be one of | | | | arrangement. |
| the least affected industries during an economic | | | | For those looking for a turnkey solution to learn about |
| downturn anyway. | | | | and get started with a cleaning business, then there |
| The industry can be divided into two basic areas, | | | | are many franchise options available. Many decide that |
| commercial (janitorial services) and residential cleaning | | | | a franchise is not for them though and end up opening |
| (maid service). There are also many smaller niches | | | | their own independent business. |
| within the industry with residential carpet cleaning being | | | | Other areas that you will need to investigate include |
| one of the larger market segments. | | | | market research, pricing, insurance, marketing, basic |
| Cleaning is a service business and if you want to be | | | | small business management and bookkeeping. The |
| successful you have to focus heavily on serving your | | | | cleaning industry offers so many opportunities to |
| customers well. Good service can result in 'word of | | | | entrepreneurs wanting to start their own businesses. |
| mouth' business or referrals and this is invaluable to | | | | The market is so large that anyone who works hard in |
| small businesses lacking in time and funds to put | | | | the cleaning business is basically assured a certain |
| towards marketing. | | | | level of success. |