Starting a cleaning business is a solid way to make a living in India, and there’s always a demand for cleaning services. This is what you need to do to get started.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to get your cleaning business off the ground, and make sure that you’ve got the legal essentials covered.
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Calculating start-up costs for a cleaning business in India
Starting your own cleaning business means having a bit of cash to start off with. how much depends on what cleaning services you offer and how big a company you plan to start: Usually, you need somewhere between ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000 INR to kick things off, but if you’re aiming bigger, you might need up to ₹5,00,000 INR or more.
There are some specific things you’ll have to buy if you’restarting a cleaning business. You need cleaning supplies, but you might also need to get a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner or certain cleaning products that are okay to use in India. And you’ll need a way to get around—having a reliable car or van is essential to get to work.
Make sure to set up a budget to give your business a great start. This will also help you figure out how much you need to charge for your cleaning services to make a profit.
Starting your own cleaning service from scratch
Getting into the cleaning business can be surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a simple guide to help you sweep your way to success.
Step 1: Lay the foundation
First things first, outline your business plan. This isn’t just about how you’re going to provide cleaning services; it’s about who you’ll clean for, how you’ll find clients, and how you’ll convince them you’re the right choice. Think about whether you’ll focus on cleaning houses, commercial buildings, or speciality cleaning operations.
Step 2: Register your business
Once you have your plan, sort out the official stuff. This involves registering your business, either as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company, depending on your business structure. Next, you need to obtain a permanent account number (PAN) for your business and consider whether you need to register for goods and services tax (GST).
Don’t forget about insurance—public liability insurance is a cleaning business essential.
Step 3: Get the right tools
Purchase the right equipment for the job. To start with, just get the basics: a solid vacuum cleaner, mops, buckets, cloths, and a range of cleaning products. Make sure to opt for professional-grade products that will get the job done.
Step 4: Price your services
Decide on your pricing strategy. Are you going to charge by the hour, by the square metre, or a flat fee for each job? Research your competitors to ensure your rates are competitive, but don’t sell yourself short. Remember, quality service demands a fair price.
Step 5: Make it official
Draw up a service agreement to outline what your cleaning package includes, your rates, and what you expect from your clients. This sets clear expectations and gives you something to refer back to if there’s ever any confusion or disagreements.
Step 6: Brand your business
Your brand is important. Choose an appropriate and catchy business name, design a logo, and perhaps set up a business card or a brochure. Ensure your brand reflects the quality and ethos of your service.
See also: How to build a strong brand
Step 7: Marketing matters
Spread the word. Use social media to promote your business, set up an informative website, and consider offering incentives for clients who refer you to others.
Step 8: Keep it clean with software
Admin can be time-consuming; in fact repetitive tasks can take up to 69 days per year.
Consider using software to streamline booking and scheduling, invoicing, and client management (CRM).
The free invoice software from Conta, lets you create, send and manage an unlimited amount of invoices—quickly and easily.
Join 80 000+ businessesWhat licenses are needed to start a cleaning business?
A license is a formal permission, usually granted by a government agency, which allows individuals or companies to carry out certain types of work legally. It is meant to ensure that businesses operate with set regulations and standards, to maintain public health and safety.
Different categories of cleaning—from residential to commercial to specialised services—are covered by different regulations, and it’s important that you comply with these regulations. A license is also a sign of professionalism, and assures clients that the services they are paying for are conducted by trained and approved professionals.
Let’s take a look at the rules for different sectors:
1. Household cleaning services
If you’re cleaning residential spaces, such as private homes, the requirements vary depending on the types of domestic cleaning services you’re offering, although generally, these services do not typically demand a specialised cleaning licence. We suggest you check which rules apply for you.
2. Business premises cleaning
Businesses who serve commercial spaces would benefit from obtaining additional training to better complete these jobs, whether it’s at a factory or an operational site.
3. Vehicle cleaning
This sector often doesn’t require a licence; however, acquiring some auto-mechanical knowledge through training and certification could enhance service offerings and attract a broader client base.
4. Specialty cleaning for carpets, laundry, and pools
It’s essential that operators are adept with the machinery and chemicals used in carpet cleaning. Starting a service focusing on laundry or pool maintenance doesn’t necessitate any formal qualifications, provided you have the necessary skills and experience to execute these services safely and efficiently.
5. Cleaning after crime and trauma
Crime scene and trauma cleaning is a niche area that requires individuals who are not only prepared to handle the cleaning itself, but also the psychological impact.
Moreover, given the nature of this work, further education in mental health and coping strategies is often advised for those employed in this sensitive area. Note that the specialist equipment and substances used here may also call for additional licensing and thorough product training.
6. High-rise and hazardous cleaning
Those considering a career in high-rise window cleaning or in the management of bio-hazardous and chemical waste should reach out to their state or territory’s government department to familiarise themselves with necessary regulations and ensure compliance before commencing operations.
Free invoicing software for cleaning businesses
Managing your finances efficiently from the get-go is critical for success: that means setting up a budget, monitoring your cash flow and promptly sending out invoices to get paid for your services. Conta is a completely free invoice software tailored to the Indian market.
From generating invoices to sending out payment reminders, Conta handles the repetitive tasks so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business. Just add your client details and the services you’ve provided, and send your invoices with the click of a button. We’ll let you know if you need to follow up on the invoice to get paid. Psst, we’ve also written some tips for how to get paid early.
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