Can anyone owning a cleaning service tell me more....?????

Question

I'm thinking about opening a cleaning service with my friend, can anyone who owns one give pointers on how you charge?? I worked for a cleaning place about 15 years ago, although I remember what was stardard and what was extra, I never knew how it was priced, any info would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

A cleaning business-whether residential or office-is a terrific way to have a stable income. And you're smart to investigate before you try and get clients! Things have changed in 15 years!  Particularly the fact that you need to be perceived as honest and trustworthy-a bond or insurance will do that.

Here's some beginning steps:

1. Check with your city or county clerk's office to see if you need a business license or fictious name license. These are inexpensive ($25-$50) and usually last 3 or more years;

2. Then, call around to insurance companies and compare prices for liability insurance (sometimes called bond). This protects you if something breaks or gets damaged while you're on the job. And, yes, sometimes you didn't so it, but with this you can keep a client! AND, when you can say to potential clients, "I have liability insurance" it not only makes you professional, but adds confidence. It shouldn't cost more than around $100-$300/yr for $100K coverage (you don't need more than that for now);

3. Call existing cleaning companies, pretend to be a potential customer, to find out the going rates and services provided;

4. NOW, make a nice flyer and/or introductory letter about your service and start knockin' on doors, so to speak!  Dress nice, maybe have a t-shirt made up with your company name and/or logo at Cafepress.com, too.

5.  And spend less than $39 on a business cleaning kit that will give you the basic contracts, forms for estimates and book-keeping, intro letters and other valuable tips.  It will save you time and money in the long run!  

This is a general start. There is lots of information available for you below......

Answer 2

Go online and pull up other cleaning services' fees and such.  Good luck with your business