How to Start a Commercial Carpet Cleaning Business

Commercial carpet cleaning is one of the easiest to start, as well as lucrative businesses that an entrepreneur can start. This type of business, however, requires the same type of dedication and persistence than any other type of business will require.

Commercial carpet cleaning is easy to start because it does not require some of the things a traditional business does. Such as fancy office spaces, a store, or inventory. If you are considering going into this type of business the following are some consideration and recommendations.

Learn From Experience

As with any other business,  it is recommended that you get started by getting some experience in the field. This includes working with someone involved in the commercial carpet cleaning business.

In this way, you will learn the tricks of the trade before taking the plunge into the business. You can see what the needs are in your area, pricing, levels of service available and you can learn what clients are looking for in a commercial cleaner.

Getting to know the needs of the people in your community

If you get a chance to speak with the client, don’t be afraid to ask them WHY they choose the company you are working for.

• What made the company you are working for stand out above anyone else
• How did they do their research when they decided they needed professional carpet cleaning
• Did they use a coupon? Or some kind of discount
• Was it word of mouth or online reviews that helped them make their decision

CAUTION: DO NOT try to steal your employers’ clients. You are there to learn, and you are doing it on THEIR dime!

Be respectful.

Also, you don’t want the bad karma that will follow you for doing that! You can also get a mentor who has started a carpet cleaning business before to guide you, however, it is always best to work with someone already doing it and learn while doing.

Do You Want To Buy A Commercial Carpet Cleaning Franchise?

The next major decision that has to be made is whether to purchase a franchise or start your business from scratch. They both have their advantages and disadvantages and it will depend a lot on the amount of money you have to spend.

Buying into a franchise is more expensive but to some its worth it.  They help you with things like:

• They have a PROVEN blueprint of how to run a commercial carpet cleaning business.  They have  helped 100s if not 1000s of people to start their own business
• They have a brand name.  People recognize it and it makes them feel more comfortable with your business
• Full training.  Many of them will send an instructor to your location (or you go to theirs) for an intensive training regime.
• Mentoring
• Ongoing support
• Higher rate of success because of all the training, mentoring and ongoing training
• Telling you which kind of equipment is needed and if you have good credit, they will usually help you finance it too!   If you have bad credit then we can help you get started with an equipment lease for bad credit.

When starting your business from scratch, it’s best that you have prior experience in the industry. If you don’t, nor have you had any experience running a franchise, you may want to consider joining a franchise.

Not Going Going With A Franchise? What You Need To Know To  Start Your Commercial Cleaning Business?

First, you need to think about how you are going to finance your business.  You need money for:

• Marketing
• Equipment
• Working Capital
• Inventory / Supplies

Too many businesses start out being financed 100% by their owners using multiple credit cards.  This is a quick way into uncontrollable debt!

You need to save some money so that you have enough liquid working capital to buy your inventory and supplies.  You also want 3 – 6 months of operating expenses.

Don’t Cheapen Your Commercial Carpet Cleaning Business

Next, there is the cost of the equipment to start this business. A lot of people start off with cheap equipment from Costco.  But that limits how many big jobs you can take on.  And if someone is hiring you to come and professionally clean their carpets….it doesn’t look that professional that you have the same equipment they have in their utility closet!

Instead of seeing your business as something unique they will start thinking they can save money by going to Costco themselves and buying the same equipment!

Without the right equipment, there can be no business. The cost can be a hindrance, however, there is an easy way to get the equipment needed for your commercial carpet cleaning business and that is through equipment leasing.

Why Equipment Leasing

With equipment leasing, you have a much smaller down payment requirement than with a loan. Also with leasing, there are companies that can work with start-up business and with credit problems.

As an entrepreneur, this is always one of the easiest and best ways to get into a business that requires a lot of equipment to run.

For best results, you will want to look into truck mounted carpet cleaning equipment. This will give you an edge over competition that maybe using cheaper and less efficient equipment. It will help you stand out from the crowd and give your customers a deeper longer lasting clean. Which usually means a lot of repeat business!

Buying supplies for your business

In order to start such a business, you will also need cleaning solvent. Though these are not very expensive, you will need them in order to remove stains and spots in order to do a good job.  Again you want to use professional grade solvents!

Legal matters

No business can be started without taking the legal aspect and a commercial carpet cleaning business is no different. You need to get the required liability insurance to cover any damages that may occur and avoid lawsuits of any kind. You need to look into what your state, city or county require. Make sure you get the proper license, whether it’s your business license or other types of license.

Advertising Your Business

Today with the internet it is much easier to build a brand, you can use the internet and Social Media to get the word out about your new business. But don’t stop there! Look into ways to advertise locally.

• Sponsor a sports team
• Advertise in your church’s newsletter.
• Join the chamber of commerce and BBB.
• Reach out to local business and see if you can come in and do a demonstration.
• And don’t forget to advertise on your company truck!

Did you do a market analysis before you decided to start your business? If you worked with another carpet cleaning business in the area, keep in mind:

• Their rates
• Their cost of doing business
• How they advertised.

You don’t need to re-invent the wheel! Just do it better and smarter then they are doing right now! Use every outlet available to advertise your business.

Be Professional At All Times

Finally, to be successful in your commercial carpet cleaning business, you should make sure you run it like a business! Take your time and choose the right business name, business bank account, and most importantly, setting your rates!

Make sure you follow up on all customer calls and inquiries. Train yourself and your staff to be able to answer customer questions on the spot. Become the person everyone goes to when they have a question about cleaning carpets!

Follow these steps and you will be on your way to having a successful commercial carpet cleaning business.

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