by Susan Kliebenstein

Created on: February 08, 2008

Starting a business of any kind requires hard work and persistence. Cleaning houses is not easy, but starting a house cleaning business is easier than many other businesses. The entire operation can be carried out from a vehicle with a cell phone.

First you need to make sure that you, and anyone you hire understands how to clean a house or apartment. Make a check list and go over the items with each person who will be working with you. Understand that getting new business requires many finishing touches that will make the home feel clean. You should view your self as a "house therapist" who is able to put everything right and bring comfort to the home owner. Details such as polishing the back side of the refrigerator door handle and cleaning the light switch plates make a difference. Never missing the fan blades, window sills, and door frames makes an impression. Make sure the vacuum lines are all in the same direction and not tracked across when you leave, and every mirror and glass door is absolutely free of streaks. These are the details that will get you recommended from one customer to another and make your business grow.

Additionally every individual should know how to be clean courteous and respectful to every employer. Call each customer by name. Never say "OK honey," or "yes darling." Appear in generic clean jeans or slacks and a generic clean shirt with tattoos and body piercing covered and minimal make-up. You must appear as clean cut people who can be trusted to respect the home owners privacy and belongings. I-pods and blue tooth devices hanging from the ear should be avoided. Cell phone should be confined to essential business calls which should be taken outside unless you are calling for more help or supplies at your current location. If the patron asks that you use his or her cleaning products, don't protest, just do it. If they want you to use three different vacuum cleaners in three different rooms, don't question it, just do it; and make sure to put in clean bags before you put them away! These things are necessary to continue to have a good reputation as service personnel.

Becoming bonded as soon as possible is important in helping people to trust your organization. A $5000 to %10000 Janitorial bond for up to 6 employees should cost less than $200/year. Consult a local insurance agent, or check out some of the sources listed at the end of this article.

Experiment with cleaning products in your own home. Chemicals purchased from a janitorial

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>