A janitorial cleaning service is a business for a person who does not mind getting his hands dirty. It is also one service for which there is a large and growing market. Offices, hospitals, restaurants, schools, banks, shopping malls, to name a few, need janitorial cleaning services.

Start-up costs
A janitorial cleaning service can be started from home. But it is advisable to have an office in a commercial area. This is because image is very important in this kind of business.

All workers, whether they are part-time or full-time, must have uniforms with the company’s logo on them. The same applies to the delivery truck. It needs to be painted and should carry the company’s name address, and phone number. Similarly, the equipment — vacuum cleaners, brooms, chemicals, dusters, mops, sponges etc. — should be well maintained.

The customer must get a clear idea that he is dealing with a well organized and efficient company. You should also factor insurance, including liability and workers’ compensation while doing the costing. Equally important is the work area. The office should have a small reception, an area to stock equipment and cleaning material, and a place to park the cleaning vehicle.

A second hand mini van or a small truck is an ideal vehicle to have for janitorial cleaning service. It can be used to stock equipment and cleaning material and transport employees.

Staff

In the initial days, you should limit the number of staff. Try to perform the work with part-time help. Later, as the business grows add full-time employees. This should include an administrative person who can handle records and answer the phone. The last step should be to hire a marketing/salesperson, a customer service manager, and crew supervisors, as well as additional cleaning personnel.

Working hours
Unlike maid services, the janitorial cleaning service works in odd hours. This is because hospitals, restaurants or companies want the cleaning to be carried out when the premises are clear of customers or employees. As a result, you or your staff should be ready to work late in the evenings or early mornings.

Financing
A good way to fund a janitorial cleaning service is from your own savings. You should buy or rent equipment and perform the first few assignments yourself or with some part-time help. Later, as the business grows you can reinvest profits to fund growth. You can also seek the help of your family and friends to provide seed capital. This should not be difficult since the initial expenditure is not very high.

You can always take advantage of local, state or federal programs designed to support small businesses. The US Small Business Administration is one such program that can come in very useful. Women can seek help from non governmental organizations; so can the underprivileged and the minorities.

Pricing
It is difficult to arrive at pricing. The pricing can be on the basis of per square foot area cleaned or on a flat rate. Check with some janitorial cleaning service employees, and find out the market rate. Peg your rate below this rate. Check at the end of the project and see how much money you have made. If need be, revise your rates; otherwise continue with the same.

You need to follow sound billing procedures, especially if you are dealing with corporations. Your invoice must list the terms and conditions clearly. It should also mention payment dates and should make a provision of penalty if the payment is delayed beyond three months. This will give businesses a feeling that they are dealing with a professional, who knows how to run a business.

Publicity
In the initial years you must tap all your resources. Take the help of your friends, neighbors and relatives in spreading the word about your business. Visit as many offices, hotels and commercial establishments as you can. Leave your business cards, business address and cleaning rates. Out of ten calls, you are sure to get at least one query. Make full use of whichever assignment comes your way. Also, list your company in the yellow pages and in online janitorial cleaning service directories.