You CAN'T Start a Business for $100...Don't Believe the Hype - Page 2 - Cleaning Talk - Professional Cleaning and Restoration Forum

ClnUpWoman · 02-03-2008, 08:59 PM

Each individual is different. So business have been and can be started for $100. I began with my vacuum and less than a $100 bucks. After I had more clients, seeing that I started cleaning by myself in the beginning, I then secured the insurances I needed to hire employees and cover my liabilty. However, the business paid for all these things. So starting out, if you're by yourself, you don't need to have certain things, and the things you'll need, you'll obtain as your business grows.

Good luck to everyone. That's why it's great that we all share how we began our business 'cause we're all so different.

Cat · 02-03-2008, 09:24 PM

I would caution newbies not to go into anyone's home without insurance. If you get seriously hurt, the home owner would then be responsible. OR, if someone in their home gets hurt as a result of your equipment or slipping on water you put down, etc., it just gets complicated.

And if you break something of theirs that is worth a good deal of money, without insurance you would have to either agree to pay out of your own pocket or again, the home owner would have to take that hit---or sue you.

Hmmmm.....be patient, everyone. Please wait until you are insured before you start going into homes. There is no rush.

TailoredMaid · 02-03-2008, 09:34 PM

My insurance billed me for my premiums and I had 30 days to get my first payment out. Gave me plenty of time to get more clients, work my arse off cleaning toilets, and all starting with less than $200.00.

Some people do have a rush. It's called survival in some people's situations.

ClnUpWoman · 02-03-2008, 09:55 PM

Oops, all the red is my post. Some of it fell out of the box.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TailoredMaid

While I agree that a foundation must be made on a legitimate business, it can be done in increments, which for me started with just a couple hundred bucks.

Within the first month of cleaning, I was insured, bonded, licensed, etc. and kept reinvesting my "profits" to continue building a business.

Now this was my similar situation as I began the commercial (apartment cleaning) side of my business. Within 3 weeks of my starting I was licensed, bonded and insured. So does that mean I was a "scab" for 3 weeks.

LOL! So be it then. Darn it.

I have far exceeded the 6K mark with what I've earned and reinvested.
Isn't it great! The income potential is awesome.

Ah but the headache of employees and overhead. I know several share my pain.

There are more ways to build a business than to have an immediate infusion of funds before proceeding further. Some of us had to start small for many reasons.

That is so true. Now individuals who frequent the board will see the different ways in which each company was started. And they will have to decide what they will implement in their business. They should, however, do their own research. I think it's great that we can all share our opinions and stories openly on the board without feathers getting ruffled.

I think the main point is cover your bottom and get/be licensed, bonded and insured.

Pressure Cleaning · 02-03-2008, 10:15 PM

Stop by your local library and set out 10 books on starting a business.

You may be shocked at what is suggested about starting a business.

TailoredMaid · 02-03-2008, 10:26 PM

I mean no disrespect...but HOW 'BOUT THEM GIANTS!

Wooo hoooo! They did it!

TailoredMaid · 02-03-2008, 10:30 PM

Angela,

I, too, was a scab at one time.

The fact is, I didn't intend on staying one. I had to do what I had to do. The person I was then is the same person I am now. I just made sure I kept ahead of the game and got my ducks in a row as I built my business.

Torrey

Pressure Cleaning · 02-03-2008, 10:35 PM

I would love to see everyones actual business image.

TailoredMaid · 02-03-2008, 10:39 PM

Pressure...

What do you mean by "business image"? Not sure if I am following correctly.

Pressure Cleaning · 02-03-2008, 10:40 PM

It's not just insurance how about driving up in that hoopty. Or having the hatchback open with the mop hanging out.

Pressure Cleaning · 02-03-2008, 10:50 PM

Talk is cheap I wonder how some conduct, look or even if they act professional when with a customer.

TailoredMaid · 02-03-2008, 10:51 PM

Oh, NOW I get it! LOL

Within two months of startup, we bought a black Chevy Tahoe for the business and paid it off in full. It's very sleek. Though it may not be as environmentally friendly as my business is, it does the trick when we drive up.

Next on the list is full vehicle lettering, which is already designed and ready for installation.

I saw an article about a local service and it had a picture of the owner loading up her hatchback with a string mop. I giggled SO hard that it actually turned to laughter. It was one you can buy at Food Lion...can't remember the brand but you know what I am talking about.

We have uniforms with our company name.

It's what we do IN the uniform that counts though.

PressurePros · 02-04-2008, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pressure Cleaning

Talk is cheap I wonder how some conduct, look or even if they act professional when with a customer.

You should come to a round table. You'll get a better idea of what people are about meeting them face to face. We're having one in Michigan and there is another one in PA.

Pressure Cleaning · 02-04-2008, 10:30 AM

It wasn’t enthusiasm more like a hum. We have chosen not to support any power wash organization or groups but thanks for the offer. I’m sure if you guys where able to enunciate my arrival it would be a big event. We do understand the value of team work however it may be construed by some as an endorsement. If at a later date we decide to offer such a event everyone is welcome.

PressurePros · 02-04-2008, 01:27 PM

Oh it would be huge, . I know guys that would pay triple the admission price knowing you were coming.

These things are your opportunity to present yourself up close and personal and let your peers decide what they think you are made of. Because, you know, like you keep mentioning, internet talk is cheap.

Cat · 02-11-2008, 05:17 PM

T,

I mentioned that I would come back from time to time to give an update on the business. I was not expecting to return so quickly!

Great news. We don't start "officially" until March but the marketing plans of course kicked off this month and the calls have started.

Already we have landed a contract from a nonprofit organization that owns five houses. They hired my company to do "move in, move out" cleaning of all five houses.

Hooray!

Cat

**t.peterson** · 02-11-2008, 08:22 PM

CONGRATULATIONS

Cat · 02-14-2008, 01:55 PM

Thanks, T.

Okay, advice for those who are lurking but who never sign.

My two ladies cleaned the first home today. I'm proud to say that everything went extremely well but I had some nail biting leading to the cleaning.

In my case, I had hired two women and explained to them that the official work start date is in March. So....with bills to pay, one of them decided of course to keep working her present job. Who can blame her? I did not expect her to wait for my March job. She's not rich.

But...in the interim, the phone started to ring and people started finding me via internet searches and other marketing. Long story short, business took off much faster than anticipated. I was all set for March but did not expect any work in February. And I only had one employee 'cause the second one had not yet quit her other job!

I then discovered that the organization that hired my service had multiple homes, all a minimum of 1,500 s.f.----so I definitely needed more than one cleaner. And they dropped a bomb by telling me that they needed the first home cleaned right away because they needed to turn over the key!

The nail biting

Okay, so I was not hardly going to turn down the first group of houses. But I only had one worker available 'cause the other one still has her regular job. Looking through my batch of applications, I started nervously making calls for someone to quickly interview and work for me on short notice.

As fate would have it, a young lady (in her early 20's) agreed to an interview. She indicated that she had experience in the cleaning industry (they did not have enough work to keep her busy) and so I went with her (I was not in a position to be picky at that point to be honest with you).

I want you to know that that young lady worked her butt off! She was outstanding. And of course, the original house cleaner that I hired was also very good. But the young lady just stood out as phenomenal, actually. She worked hard, fast, and just exceptionally. She has agreed to become a regular employee, so I'm excited.

Advice

I want to leave you with some advice, cause I gain joy from sharing with others and helping others.

1. Have a "Plan B" ready in situations where you are targeting the start date for your business for a planned date but the work starts coming in early! That is soooooo important. I had no Plan B because I had March in mind and did not think anyone would book me in February because my ads literally did not start running until February.

2. For your first job, be sure to have "too many" wash cloths available. I packed up a boat load of cloths for the ladies and they used every one. In hindsight, I should have packed a few more. I buy cloths in bulk.

3. Be sure to have a professional looking website. I just booked a home to clean and the family said that they found me via an internet search.

4. As much as possible, go out personally and look at homes before you agree on a price. Quote forms complete with square footage will get you close to accurate but nothing beats on-site estimates.

5. If you are a new business, I would advise you to try your best to hire experienced cleaners and I'll tell you why. They know what they are doing! They have acquired tricks and short cuts, some of which you possibly never had heard of---and they bring that expertise to your establishment.

My two employees took a residence that was run down and obviously never really cleaned well and left it looking practically like a new house. When the agent that hired my company came in to check it out, he immediately handed me his business card, took mine, and said he'd be calling within the next week to schedule for several other homes to be cleaned.

So that's my experience up to now. I just wanted those who have followed this thread to know that we are up and running and all is going well thus far.

I'll be back in about 6 months to let you know whether or not I achieved my next goal----to have 4 full time employees total and booked to the gills! And to have an actual work space/office.

Why do I share this new-business "diary"? To inspire someone that you can do anything within reason that you set your mind to.

Cat

**t.peterson** · 02-14-2008, 10:09 PM

LOL - CAT I like your style

Sounds like your off to a good start. I hope your success continues

Cat · 02-19-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t.peterson

LOL - CAT I like your style

Sounds like your off to a good start. I hope your success continues

T,

I'm soooo excited it's difficult to contain myself. My ladies are going out to clean a residence tomorrow to prepare it for an open house on Sunday. If I were truly bold, I'd ask the home owner if it's okay to leave some of my business cards out so folks at the open house can pick them up if interested. LOL! Hmmm.....

Ironically, the people who have booked my company thus far are people who found us via internet searches! My company only uses natural products, and so people are finding us by doing searches for cleaning companies that use all natural, eco-friendly products.

Of course, I'll leave a few pointers with newby companies who are lurking:

1. When a person searches you out via internet, it means the person is serious---very serious about finding someone to clean their property right away---within 24 - 72 hours. And I'm having a good success rate thus far getting these folks on the schedule.

2. Having a website is a must. An absolute must for reasons listed above.

3. For initial cleanings, consider giving a little extra that's not included in the quote (such as cleaning the inside of stove or refrigrator at no extra cost to them, and make them aware that you did so). People appreciate that----and in turn, will give your company's business card to friends and coworkers and neighbors. Referral business is free advertising and will grow your company.

4. Stay clear of "boo birds" and stay focused on success. I remember someone telling me that she "guarantees" me that some tragic emergency would happen in my business the first week that we got up and running. Can you imagine telling somebody something like that?

She based that on the fact that it happened in her situation. Keep in mind that you are not responsible for someone else's Karma or poor planning. Just make sure that your own situation is set up right with checks and balances so that any problem you encounter will be worked out to your company's benefit.

By the way, last week was our first official work week and Heaven could not have been kinder to us. No tragedy occurred. My only problem was that I had to find a second cleaning tech in a hurry. But I found her and she was beyond magnificent! I hired her on the spot. It's going to get even better this week and next week and the week after.

As mentor Debbie Sardone (owner of a million dollar cleaning business) said on one of her tapes, "Have FUN in your business". I agree with that. And meditating on what could go wrong is not healthy in any aspect of your life. Actually, your cleaning crew could have a horrible car accident on the way to a residence but why would you sit around thinking about that possibility? What a morbid waste of energy.

5. Final tip. Read, read, read everything you can get your hands on about starting a business in general and cleaning company in particular. Read books, newsletters, articles and listen to tapes. Educate yourself. When I get the money, I am going to invest in Debbie Sardone's consulting because I'm not in this to be a mediocre company. My husband and I plan to take this all the way. And Debbie has the type of expertise that I desire to acquire.

6. Final tip regarding equipment: Some of the properties you clean will be commercial or a huge residence so invest in a janitorial bucket. You know, the kind that you stick the mop down into, and then pull a lever to strain the water out of. You will need such a bucket for commercial properties. And it's not a cheap bucket. You'll also need commercial mops. Home Depot carries these products, as do janitorial stores.

The first residence that my ladies cleaned was a "home" but it also was commercial in a sense. It had been occupied by four men who all were in wheel chairs. So the place was all on one floor but had been converted to look similar to a hospital, though it was a ranch house. The techs cleaned it as though it were a commercial space and they really needed that janitorial bucket. I had just purchased it the night before the cleaning and it's a good thing I did. When you can, invest in one!

I'll see you all the next time a good tip comes to me to share.

T, I think I'll write a book. LOL!