Cleaning Business Guide

# Start Up Cost

The janitorial industry has a low barrier to entry. Meaning that the cost are not very high to get started. There are 2 types of startup cost. The first is Initial Startup Cost. Initial cost is what you need to get your business going even if you don't have any clients. The second is Contract Startup Cost. These cost occur each time you start a new contract.

# Initial Startup Cost

Here is a list of cost that are essential to startup but may vary depending on your business location. This list assumes you are starting off small.

  1. Incorporating - $300 - $800 (depending on the state). The lessor of the cost assumes you do the filing yourself. The middle area is if you use an online service. The higher cost will occur if you use an accountant or lawyer.

  2. Liability Insurance - $300 - over $1000 ( depending on the amount of liability to be covered) Starting out you liability will be small assuming you start start with small to medium size clients.

  3. Web Site - There a few methods to getting a web site up and running. The first is online site builders $15 - $50 per month. The second is hire a free lancer or agency $300 -$3000 for a 5 page site. If you use WordPress or have some coding knowledge you could pay as little as $150 per year for hosting the website.

  4. Business Cards - $15 for 100 - $20 for 500. This is for standard cards. If you want to get fancy they can cost more. Still very inexpensive.

  5. Business License - Many states do not require janitorial companies to have a business license. You will need to check with your state to see if there is requirement and a fee.

  6. Uniform - $15 -$30 (depending on the style and quantity) You will need to get uniform shifts printed with your company logo so you and your employees are identifiable by your clients employees or security.

# Contract Startup Cost

Each contract will have different startup cost depending on the services you will provide. Based on the Business Model you choose it can vary from $500 and up.

# Small Contracts

You will require basic chemicals supplies and equipment. If you are cleaning yourself you can transport everything from location to location. Most small accounts do not have janitors closets.

Standard supplies and Equipment needed (typically 1 of each item. Cloths, mop heads and spray bottles will require larger quantities)

Supplies and Equipment Needed

  1. Vacuum
  2. Lobby Broom
  3. Lobby Dustpan
  4. Mop bucket and wringer
  5. Microfiber Mop heads
  6. Mop sticks
  7. Microfiber cloths
  8. Spray bottles with triggers
  9. Long handle duster
  10. Neutral Floor Cleaner
  11. Disinfectant Cleaner
  12. All Purpose Cleaner
  13. Disposable Gloves
  14. Face Mask
  15. Safety Glasses
  16. Carpet Spotter
  17. Glass Cleaner
  18. Stainless Steel cleaner
  19. Mobile Trash Barrel with Caddy Bag

Cost

$1000 - $2000 (Commercial grade equipment and supplies)

# Medium to Large Contracts

You will need all of the items in in model 1 in larger quantities. You will also need to buy floor care equipment. The other large increase is Wages. You now have a staff and you will hopefully be paid in full in 30 days. You will need to cover payroll until your invoice is paid. You must invoice the client on the first day in order to get paid on time.

Supplies and Equipment Needed

  1. High Speed Floor Burnisher
  2. Low Speed floor Scrubber
  3. Carpet Cleaning Machine
  4. Labor

Cost

$2000 and up depending on the size of the office or building. (Commercial grade equipment and supplies)

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