How To Start A Lucrative Domestic Cleaning Business

Self employment can be very fulfilling and, if done properly, rewarding. When you are contemplating a new business venture it is human nature to give some thought to a variety of different ideas. One business worthy of consideration is that of a professional domestic cleaning service. Notwithstanding the recession and the general economic climate, the demand for home services, including domestic cleaning, is booming. As the trading position hopefully improves in the future this demand is predicted to increase. The number of families where both parents are working along with the increase in the elderly population are both important drivers behind this demand. Both these demographic groups, for different reasons, have neither the time nor the inclination to tackle a mountain of domestic chores, so there has never been a better opportunity to enter this market.



But if you are starting off from nothing, how do you build a sustainable, profitable business?


The first decision you have to make if you are considering starting up a domestic cleaning business is whether you want to be in the business for the long term. There are an endless number of one-man-bands operating in this market and they are often here today and gone the next. To be profitable, you have to have a good number of customers who will use your services regularly, every week or fortnight, and acquiring them takes time. So if your idea is to find a business where you can make some money quickly, without much effort, the domestic cleaning business is probably not what you should be looking at.



You then need to decide how you will trade, either as a sole trader, limited company or perhaps as a partnership. These are all distinct legal entities in their own right with their own tax and finiancial considerations, which are outwith the realms of this discussion. For good sound advice on these issues you should consult an accountant before you commence trading.



To be successful in domestic cleaning you need to develop a trusting relationship between yourself and potential clients. After all they will be allowing you into their home to handle and care for their precious belongings. So it is essential that you do everything in your power to gain the trust of any potential new customers. This means, for example, you must invest in proper business insurance from the outset. It can often be tempting to cut out or avoid expense when you are just starting out in business but when it comes to insurance this really is a false economy. Always remember your intention is to establish a business which will be profitable for years to come - if you are looking to do business with homewowners who are willing to pay a little more in exchange for having their cleaning done by a reliable professional outfit, then you must impress them with your professionalism at every opportunity and part of that means having the correct insurance cover in place.



An equally important consideration is staff. The people you employ in your business will be providing your service first hand to your customers, so you are entirely reliant on them not only to do a good job, but also to make a favourable impression. Interview job applicants carefully – never delegate this task. Make sure you check all references and ensure that before you employ any member of staff you have obtained a clear police check on them. This will only cost a few pounds but will give you and – just as importantly - your clients peace of mind, knowing they do not have someone with a criminal record cleaning their home. It is just another way of demonstrating to potential customers that you are running a serious, reputable business and not some fly-by-night operation.

Once you have your staff in place you must then set about the task of getting (and hopefully retaining) some customers. To do this you must devise a marketing plan. There are any number of ways to acquire new business, from leaflets, press or radio advertising, online forums and a host of others besides. Sit down and work out a marketing plan for the first 10 weeks of your business – then follow it to the letter. Do not expect to receive a massive influx of enquiries or business straight away. Your marketing plan will take some time to work - patience is essential. You must stick with it and you will eventually get the desired results. Too many people start out full of enthusiasm but when the phone doesn’t ring after a few weeks they get disheartened and abandon their marketing plan completely. The crucial thing when dealing with the marketing of your new business is to work at it consistently.

Stay focussed and you could soon be on your way to a rewarding new career.

The author is the owner of Proclean Domestic Cleaning Glasgow which provides a range of specialist cleaning services including domestic cleaning and carpet cleaning in Glasgow