Home Based Business Maid Services

Residential cleaning for homeowners and apartment residents is generally know as maid services. In days gone by, these services were performed for the most wealthy families. This is a profitable home based business.

Individuals pursuing careers and households where both spouses work do not want to spend their weekends cleaning. They usually pay someone to do it for them. Statistics show that every one in six households in the United States employ a maid service. The demand for quality cleaning services is high.

A one-person operation will not earn as much as a home based business with employees. There is a high turnover of employees in the cleaning business.

An advantage to owning your own home based business maid service and being the only employee is that you can work a regular 40 hour week and have holidays off. You arrange your working hours with your customers. Usually they are at work while you clean so you should consider a fidelity bond as insurance. Staart-up costs are low for this home based business.

If you decide to grow your business and add employees, you will want to have them bonded. You can retain your home office if the zoning regulations in your area allow you to have parking spaces for them. With employees, you will need to keep supplies on hand so you will need a space to store these. if you do not have the space and/or parking requirements, you may want to consider moving your office to a commercial space.

You can offer your services to individuals or create a profitable home based business opportunity niche by cleaning apartments when tenants move out or clean new homes when construction is completed.

What does it take for this business?

You need to be organized. Your clients will be depending on you to perform the requested service as scheduled. You need to have a basic knowledge of cleaning techniques and supplies.

You have to decide if you will clean apartments, single-family residences or both. As the only employee, you may want to start with single-family residences or individual apartment owners.

You should have the ability to build and maintain good relationships with your customers and later your employees. You should be willing to provide the best possible service to your customer.

What do I need to operate this business?

If you maintain your home business as a solo operation, you do not have to set up a separate office. You can use your current computer set-up to maintain your Web site. Having a separate space for your home business office can qualify as a tax deduction.

The start-up cost for a maid service is low, especially if you are a one-person operation.

Basic equipment and supplies include:

• Window/glass cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Furniture polish
• Dishwashing soap
• Abrasive and non-abrasive tile cleaner
• Furniture oil
• Wood floor cleaner
• Sponges
• Dust cloths
• Rags
• Paper face masks

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

Basic Services - Whole House

• Dusting
• Vacuuming
• Cleaning bathtubs/showers
• Cleaning sinks/faucets
• Cleaning bathroom and kitchen countertops
• Collecting and disposing of trash
• Wipe down cabinets and appliances
• Sweep and mop floors
• Change and make beds

Extra Services

• Cleaning inside of appliances
• Washing windows
• Cleaning attic
• Cleaning basement
• Cleaning patios and porches

What are my potential earnings?

$25,000 to $50,000 annually

How much do I charge for my services?

Hourly rates range from $12 to $15 hourly for general housekeeping services. Extra services may be charged at a flat rate. If occasional services become routine, the higher rate should be charged. You should have a list of basic services at the time your meeting with a customer as well as any extra services for which an additional fee is charged.

How do I bill for my services?

You can request to be paid in advance. Usually payment is made when services are completed. If the homeowner is not at home, a check is usually left for service.

How do I market my business?

Offline

• List your home based business services in the Yellow Pages.
• Purchase classified ads in local and community newspapers.
• Distribute flyers.
• Place flyers and business cards on bulletin boards in grocery stores.

Online

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

A maid service is a profitable home based business. Review resources for this home based business here.