How to Run a Successful Cleaning Business

So, you’ve decided to start a cleaning business? According to Entrepreneur magazine, you’ve made the right choice considering the economic climate. Apparently, cleaning companies are some of the most recession-proof businesses around. Don’t let your guard down though—once the buzz gets out, there will be no shortage of entrepreneurs looking to get in on the gig. Follow these basic guidelines to ensure that your company sweeps up the competition:

• Brand wisely.There’s a reason that branding is a hot topic amongst marketing circles. No matter what business you’re in, your brand is your ticket to a hefty customer base and thus, a substantial profit. You need a brand that is simply, memorable, and reflective of what your company stands for. Once you’ve established a brand, stick with it, and make it as visible as possible.
• Select the right equipment or materials.The exact resources your company will need depends on whether you are a maid service, residential cleaning company, or janitorial business. Whatever your situation, you need to ensure that you invest in high-quality, efficient, and durable equipment. Yes, it will be a big investment, but consider the fact that good, long-lasting equipment will make you more productive and effective and may prevent costly replacements in the future. You may also consider the types of cleaning solutions you use. Environmentally-friendly cleaners, though they may be slightly more expensive, may be a wise choice considering the trend-factor as well as the health concerns that have arisen over some of the more traditional cleaning solutions. If you go with green cleaners, use it as a selling point.
• Hire and train professionals. Just because the cleaning business is a dirty job, that doesn’t mean your employees have to be. Make it a practice to select individuals who present themselves professionally, and then train them to provide excellent customer service. Direct them to put forth the effort to not only clean, but treat furniture, equipment, and other items in each facility with care and respect. Be sure to let them know that they are representatives of your company and that they should act—and clean—accordingly. To be sure you’re getting the best workers available, require that they undergo drug testing and submit references before signing on with you.
• Be flexible. Although you do need to have some solid guidelines and procedures, you also need to be flexible enough to cater to the individual needs of your clients. Start by making sure that you have the necessary staff to cover a variety of shifts. Although some clients won’t mind if you work during their business hours, others may prefer that you wait until closing time to start cleaning. Offering a number of different options can help you widen your customer base. Considering the equipment and skill set at your disposal, you may want to consider offering as many different related services as possible. For example, can you offer window cleaning and carpet cleaning in addition to your current services? If that’s the case, then you will be more attractive to potential clients, and they’ll be more likely to hire you for special work rather than seek out another contractor.
• Offer a satisfaction guarantee. By guaranteeing your services, you’re making the decision to hire your company a fool-proof one for potential clientele. You don’t necessarily have to offer a full refund for unsatisfactory service; you could guarantee a replacement cleaning or a partial credit for any less-than-quality work.

One of the best things you can do for your commercial cleaning business—or for any business for that matter—is to put yourself in your prospective customers’ shoes. If you were them, what would you expect from your company? How would you want the job to be performed? What would you prefer in terms of communication? What other things would you consider when looking to hire a commercial cleaning company? After you’ve answered these questions honestly, you’ll have a solid understanding of what your company needs to do in order to earn customers. Make a commitment to provide the best possible service, pass this mission on to your employees, and then be sure you have a clean track record of service and professionalism with each client you come in contact with. Soon, you’ll be sweeping in the business—and the profit!