House Cleaning and Stain Removal Forum

[Silverdot]

I just started a cleaning business. I'm 23 and a former Marine. I know what clean is. I've been passing out fliers in my local apartment complexes as I want to do residential cleaning. There are 12 complexes on one street. I live in Austin, TX. I've passed out about 200 so far with no responses. I have no money for advertising that's why i started cleaning in the first place.

I know i need to revise my flyer. I need to build a website so people can see what services I offer. Coupons on the fliers etc. maybe post a craigslist ad. I basically will clean anything for $40 no time limit, and I'll clean till your happy. I have a checklist that I do that I got from another cleaning company. Basically a cleaning slave for $40.

I researched that my target audience is either the elderly or medium income families that just don't have time to clean, or lazy people. So I think i need to start advertising houses instead of apartments.

People who have or have had a cleaning person. How did you find your cleaning person, what would be the best way for someone like me to spread the word?

Just looking for some help so I can support my family. I'm not afraid to work, however I don't want to buy some $100 e-book. Thoughts?

[mrscleannw]

Hi Silverdot,
I'm happy to give you a few tips to get started.

A great way to get clients is customer referrals. Don't be shy in asking your clients to spread the word. If you are doing a great job, people would be happy to help you out this way.

In my opinion, a website is a must. After a customer has referred your services, many will go online to check you out. There are many great website hosting services out there, we use Blue Host. They have free website building tools made just for beginners. You can even have an automated quote request where potential clients can input their home specs so you can prove an estimate. Take a look at my quote page for example.

Craigslist is an excellent resource. We use it to advertise cleaning services, and you can't beat the price. Refer craigslist leads to your website so they can learn more about you before hiring you.

Trust is a big issue. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous individuals offering cleaning services.

At the end of the day, the cleaning was not such a great deal as it results in either damage or items missing from their home. People hiring someone sight unseen to access their home should make people cautious.

Start up money might be tight for you, but seriously consider getting licensed, bonded and insured. You don't say where you are from, but a business license is cheap, and insurance including bonding is inexpensive and is based on total sales. (e.g. A $1,000,000.00 policy costs more to a company with higher sales, vs an individual with very low sales)

I agree with your assessment of targeting homes. Ideally people who value their surroundings and understand the time and expense required in maintaining their home.

And last but not least- Do NOT undervalue your services. I believe you are a hard worker and are serious about pleasing your customers, but honestly $40 for unlimited time is ridiculous. If you do such a great job and know you will please your clients set a fair price per hour. If you don't value your time and the great job you do, why should your clients? Considering your target audience, people do not want to hire a "slave" they want a "professional".


Consider offering a guarantee to your clients that if they are not satisfied with the job you do, AND they call you with in 24 hours after the cleaning you'll come back and re-clean the area for free.

I have a few pages that may help you- They are not specific to starting a cleaning business, but the points made in them might be helpful as to the pro's and con's of being licensed vs unlicensed. You can at least address some of the points raised to alleviate any customer concerns on your website regarding trust, guarantee, etc.

Questions to ask before hiring a Cleaning Service
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Cleaning Company
Risk of Hiring Cleaning Subcontractors
House Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions


Best of luck to you. I wish you much success. Stop back in and let us know how you are doing!

Mrs. Clean