Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business
Many people like the idea of working for themselves, and enjoying the advantages that go along with that. If you enjoy cleaning, and want to do something other than sit in front of a desk, operating your own carpet cleaning business may be an option. The service industry is one of the country’s fastest growing sectors, and the carpet cleaning business specifically is an estimated $5 billion industry. It’s something that’s always in demand, whether you choose to focus on residential or commercial customers. We recommend https://www.fantasticcarpetservices.com/carpet-cleaning-katy/ if you are looking for cleaning services.
Writing a business plan and making sure you have the financing required are the first steps. You’ll also need to make sure you and any employees are properly trained and certified; many customers are going to ask for this reassurance. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification has various certification options, including those in rug cleaning and carpet cleaning. Obtaining whatever licensing and insurance required in your state is also an important part of the process. You can also find training courses online, and it’s worth contacting a local carpet cleaning company to see if you can spend a day with them to get a feel for the business.
Of course, you’ll need to have equipment and the applicable cleaning materials, which is where much of your initial outlay may be spent. To start with, an industrial vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner may be all you need to successfully operate a carpet cleaning business; once you are more established, other equipment and accessories may be useful. You may have to decide whether to focus on providing service to residential customers or to commercial clients. Commercial customers can definitely be more lucrative, but can also have stricter cleaning requirements and of course, the work often takes longer.
Keep in mind there are different types of carpet, and the appropriate cleaning products and method must be used. Increasingly, today’s customers are demanding that environmentally friendly cleaning products be used, and that trend is something it pays to be aware of. And of course, you’ll need transportation too in the form of a reliable vehicle that’s roomy enough to hold everything. First impressions count and you don’t want to pull up to a client’s door in a rusty van that won’t start.
Marketing and promoting your carpet cleaning business may just be the hardest part of the venture, especially if you work in an area where you have established competition. Promote yourself any way you can, including having your own professionally designed website, distributing flyers, direct mail campaigns and social media. Referrals from other customers may be a big part of your business once you are established. You’ll also have to be organized enough to keep track of appointments, reply to emails or phone calls and file your taxes every year.
Starting any business can be overwhelming, and the carpet cleaning business is no exception. However, the financial rewards can be significant, and that feeling of being your own boss is something that many people say is priceless.
