Originally Posted By: Garak
That's the best suggestion, chevyboy. I don't know what's all needed to start a business in the States, but I assure you, it won't be terribly difficult.
I do, since I've started several successful businesses. It's not difficult, but there is a lot of ground work that goes into it before it can actually be a business. Insurance and bonding (pretty much required for janitorial work) isn't cheap. Start-up initial supply costs can be at least a couple thousand dollars, and credit needs to be established before any supply company will extend credit or offer the lowest available price. A janitorial bond for less than 5 employees can run around $4,000-$5,000. Insurance can be $1,000 or more annually, and since he'll be using his vehicle as a commercial vehicle it may very well change his auto insurance costs.
Realistically once could easily spend close to $10,000 before even mopping the first floor.
Of course, one could skimp on the insurance, bonding, etc. But there's an integrity factor-if you were a business owner, would you want an uninsured, unbonded service cleaning your facility? Not a chance.
Originally Posted By: chevyboy14
back to topic, how would i go about starting my own janitorial business? i really dont know.
To do it right is a bit more detailed than others have implied, and there are some start-up costs involved. Most of the steps are the preliminary steps for starting up any business.
1. Select the name for your business that you will legally operate under. Select something that shows you offer cleaning services but still stands out from the many other janitorial service companies in your area.
2. Register your business locally and federally. File an Assumed Name Certificate (which will allow you to open a bank account under your business name) at your local County Clerk’s Office if you are going to operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Then obtain your Employer Identification Number for free from the IRS either online (
www.irs.gov) or by calling 800-829-4933.
3. Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit from the State Comptroller.
4. Write a business agreement that specifies which items or areas you will be responsible for cleaning for your clients. Sign this contract with each client, adding any additional services that you both agree upon.
5. Get a janitorial bond and purchase liability insurance. Liability insurance will add credibility to your business and protect your company if you or one of your employees were to destroy or damage customer property while cleaning.
6. Determine the size and scope of cleanings you will offer. Don’t make the mistake of extending yourself too far when starting out. Tackle small offices or businesses first, expanding as you gain experience and become more efficient.
7. Set your prices by determining whether you’ll charge per square foot, per hour or just set a base price per cleaning job. You will have to estimate the cost of labor and materials until you've cleaned enough buildings to know exact figures. You'll also need to know how and what the competition charges so you don't over or under price yourself in the local market.
8. Design a checklist that you and your employees use during or after a cleaning to ensure you have met your contractual obligations to your client. Detail each task to eliminate confusion and reduce oversights.
9. Purchase supplies based on the type of cleanings you will do. Determine whether you’ll need heavy-duty brooms and mops, industrial strength cleaners, or household products and environmentally conscious cleaners. Consider opening an account with a specialty supplier of janitorial items or a bulk seller.
10. Look for customers. Cold call or visit businesses in your area to market your services. Leave fliers at apartment complexes since they may require move-in or move-out cleanings. Put ads in the paper and on free online directories.
