Start a Janitorial Service

Begin by developing a business plan

This should include a basic list of expected expenses, equipment, chemical needs and marketing costs. For example, you will need a trash barrel, trash bags, a dust mop, wet mop and bucket, towels, dust wand, vacuum cleaner, spray bottles and cleaners. Cleaning products would include: glass cleaner, bowl cleaner, general cleaner, furniture cleaner and a disinfectant. Depending upon the building, there are other miscellaneous cleaners and supplies that you may need. Visit your local janitorial supply store or home products store.

Establish an accounting or bookkeeping system

This should include a method to track your income and expenses and a commercial checking account. Most cities will require an assumed name certificate (DBA) or business license. Determine if you need legal counsel to set up your business properly and the adequate level of insurance coverage. The SBA, IRS, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and SCORE websites have advice for small business owners. Consider purchasing a consulting and training program from an experienced mentor who can coach you on all the right decisions to make.

Develop a marketing plan

What type of account can you best service? Will you offer window washing, floor and carpet care? Assemble your marketing tools with professional brochures and business cards, a presentation manual including a bid proposal package, phone marketing script and a strategy for cold calls. Your image is crucial. Obtain an online prospect list for your local zip codes. Start marketing close to home. Prepare to pass out 100 of your marketing fliers and begin making phone calls to businesses. Network with all of your friends, relatives and neighbors. Ask them to help you gain the opportunity to submit a free cleaning proposal at the place of their employment.

Master the art of janitorial bidding

Start small so you don’t tackle a huge facility that is way out of your league. Janitorial bidding software is your best bet. Make sure it is produced by an industry expert and comes with free assistance on making bids. Learn to rate all the cleaning variables so you can determine the approximate cleaning production rate. Your bid package should contain several professional fliers explaining the scope of your service, a comprehensive cleaning specifications chart, a well-written contract and a list of references (if available). Be prepared to explain how your quality control program prevents complaints and deficiencies. Make sure your bid includes a fair, yet profitable markup.

Pre-plan an overall cleaning system

Make sure you have the best in cleaning supplies and equipment. It makes the job easier and ensures professional results. Develop a HR system to locate, interview, qualify, investigate, recruit and train the best workers. The quality of services you provide will be determined by the work ethic of your crews. Learn how to work-load each job with the proper number of workers. Assign the right amount of cleaning tasks according to desired production levels.

Establish a superior customer service program

On-going quality inspections and communications with employees and clients will ensure longevity of your contracts. A Quality Assurance program should ensure that all of your customers are satisfied with your overall service. With adequate amounts of dedication and hard work, plus a cleaning mentor to help you, your success will soon arrive.

A comprehensive contractor training program is available at:

www.nationalproclean.com