How to Start and Run a Small Business: Carpet Cleaning Example!

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Start a Successful Carpet Cleaning Business

Carpet cleaning is one of the most profitable businesses today. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook , published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for carpet cleaning will rise approximately 14% through 2016. In addition to demand and an hourly rate that ranges from $75 to $150, carpet cleaning businesses are easily started and maintained According to business professionals and business research companies, carpet cleaning is recognized as one of the top 10 businesses to pursue. And let’s face the hard facts: carpets will never go out of style. Thus, this is a recession-proof possibility!

How To Start A Carpet Cleaning Business

Only a deep, professional cleaning can preserve the life and beauty of a carpet. Carpets hold dust mites, allergens, and other contaminants that impact the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home or work space. Carpets also trap smoke, heating fumes, oil from cooking, pollen, and bacteria.It’s important then that carpets are cleaned regularly to maintain the carpet and a healthy environment. The prospect of cleaning a carpet, however, is daunting to many people and may be expensive if one decides to purchase the advanced equipment for themselves. Because carpets are a popular household and workplace amenity, starting a carpet cleaning business is a highly sensible career path. However, there are several things to consider before starting your carpet cleaning business.

Am I A Certified Carpet Cleaning Technician?

If you don’t intend on purchasing a franchise, the first step in starting your own carpet cleaning business is to obtain the proper businesses licenses and insurances. No special licensing is required for the carpet cleaning business, though a business license is essential and a certification will only help you. With over 6,000 firms, the Institute of Inspection of Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, is an international institution that provides carpet cleaning certification classes all over the world.

Do I Understand My City’s Regulations?

Contact your clerk’s office to learn about the regulations that apply to cleaning businesses in your city or county. Some states enforce environmental and chemical rules for use and disposal if you intend to use chemicals during your cleaning procedure.T he proper insurance is vital, too, to protect yourself, your employees (if you’re not a one-man show), your equipment, and your business in the case that someone is injured, something breaks, or a client decides to sue for any particular reason.

Will My Client Base Be Residential, Commercial, Or Both?

Deciding whether your client base will be residential, commercial, or a combination of the two will impact the amount of employees and equipment you will need.Cleaning commercial businesses will require a significant amount more of each, but the market is booming.After all, everyone from doctors to retail shop owners want their property to shine.

How To Run A Carpet Cleaning Business

Another question is to ask yourself is, Do I have the equipment to begin?’ If the answer is no, buy cleaning equipment not limited to: a truck-mounted carpet cleaner, steam cleaners, crevice and stair tools, carpet rakes, and cleaning and restoration solutions. If the answer is yes, keep reading!

Now That I Have The Tools, Where Do I Start?

Start your carpet cleaning business by reaching out to the people closest to you: friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, former employers, and religious and social groups that you may affiliate with. Offering cleaning services to a community organization free of charge is a good opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and gain credibility. Your giveaway is likely to lead you directly to paid work.

How Do I Sell My Service?

First and foremost, always offer free estimates and be fully knowledgeable and able to answer customers’ questions. When operating a carpet cleaning business, hold a strong emphasis on IAQ and the health benefits of maintaining clean carpets. Focus, too, on the certainty of quality assurance and the prolonged life of properly maintained carpets. Connect with them. Get big attention from them! (Perhaps even utilize an informational brochure here.)

I Have A Customer Base, Now What?

Once you have a steady customer base in a concentrated area, cultivate that area to expand your business. Set yourself apart from competitors by offering green products and additional household services. Always respond to your customers promptly and courteously, and give thank you and reminder cards annually. Reward your customers, too, who use your services religiously with special discounts and promotional offers toward their next cleaning.

What If My Customers Are Unhappy?

If your customers are dissatisfied with your services, always offer a no hassle money back guarantee and re-cleaning of the areas that are of concern. Be aware that mistakes are sometimes made, but are great opportunities to learn and better your services.

The carpet cleaning business is business, and not necessarily a piece of cake always. However, it can be equally rewarding after just the first bite.

About the Author

Phil Kearnyis a COIT expert and passionate writing about the latest in carpet-cleaning techniques. He recommends the professional services of COIT Carpet Cleaning for the best professional carpet maintenance in the industry.

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