Home Based Business Janitorial Services

Janitorial cleaning services are always in demand. Commercial cleaning is one of those recession proof businesses. Although the business is very competitive, it is possible to find you own home based business niche. You can provide a range of services or specialize in one area.

The key to succeeding in this business is the quality of service you provide. If you look in the Yellow Pages, you will find a number of businesses offering various types of cleaning services. The beauty of the cleaning business is that there is room for quality service.

Home based cleaning businesses can be started part-time. This business can be very profitable if you work hard and provide quality service. You determine how much you want to make.

If you decide to start part-time and build your home based janitorial business into a full-time venture, you will have to add employees. Employees make the difference in this business. There is a high turnover among employees in the cleaning business. As you add employees, you will need to develop incentives to keep them.

You can maintain a low overhead by keeping your janitorial service as a home based business.

Stay in touch with your customers, resolve issues, and this can be a highly profitable home based business.

What does it take for this business?

The basic requirement is honesty. When you cleaning a building or an office, there may be papers lying around. Your customer wants to be sure that their business remains confidential.

Depending on the services and the type of businesses you clean, you will need a basic knowledge of cleaning supplies and which ones work in a given situation. If your service requires special cleaning solutions or equipment, you may need some training.

In this home based business, you should have the ability to build and maintain good relationships with your customers and later with your employees. You should be willing to provide the best possible service to your customer.

What do I need to operate this business?

You should set up a separate space for your home based business office. If possible, you should have a separate entry if employees come to your office.

The start-up cost for a home based business janitorial service can be low, especially if you are starting a one-person operation.

Basic equipment and supplies include:

• Upright vacuum
• We/dry vacuum
• Feather duster
• Brooms
• Carpet cleaning machine
• Wheeled trash cans
• Mop
• Brushes
• Floor sign
• Squeegee
• Floor scraper
• Cleaning cart
• Spray bottles
• Dust pan
• Mop bucket with wringer
• Extension cord
• Floor buffer
• Cleaning solutions
• Cleaning powder
• Dust cloths
• Glass cleaner
• Soap
• Wax applicator
• Scrubbing pads
• Buffing machine pads
• Vehicle - Van or Truck

The amount of equipment and supplies needed depends on the number of contracts you have and the number of employees. Starting as a part-time home based business, you will probably want to purchase only what is needed to get started with your first contract.

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

Routine Services

• Dusting
• Vacuuming
• Removing trash
• Cleaning restrooms
• Cleaning lunchrooms

Additional Services

• Cleaning windows
• Buffing floors
• Shampooing carpets

What are my potential earnings?

$45,000 to $75,000 annually

How much do I charge for my services?

The amount you charge depends on the tasks you will perform and the size of the space you are cleaning. Some of the items to be included in your estimate are:

• Square footage of the area to be cleaned
• Material to be cleaned (carpeting, tile, glass)
• Number of rooms to be cleaned
• Where electrical outlets are located, type, and how many
• How often the service should be provided
• The hours during which you can clean

Hourly rates for this home business range from $25 to $50 and fixed monthly rates range from $500 to $2,500.

How do I bill for my services?

You present your customer with an itemized invoice. Check with your customer to determine when they pay invoices so you can ensure prompt payment. Ask your customer what is required on the invoice.

If you purchase bookkeeping software, invoices may be included. If you create your own, make sure detail the information your customer is expecting. Clearly indicate when payment is due. If an invoice is not paid on time, indicate what the late charge will be. You should specifically state what the past due date will be.

How do I market my business?

Offline

• List your home based business services in the Yellow Pages.
• Purchase classified ads in your local and community newspapers.
• Make cold calls on businesses in your community.
• Write direct mail pieces to send to businesses in your community.

Online

• Create an information Web site and list your home based business services and offer estimates for basic services.
• Develop a newsletter offering helpful cleaning tips.
• List your Web site in the online directories related to janitorial services.
• Link your Web site to local Web sites in your community.
• Publish customer testimonials on your Web site.

A janitorial cleaning service can be a profitable home based business. Review resources for this home based business here.