tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24346287951923749932024-02-20T12:45:05.114-08:00Janitorial Services and Janitor ServiceAll about janitorial services. This includes how to pick a janitor service company and how to start a janitor service business. Make the next janitorial service business you start a success.Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-35739845028498216112011-08-11T09:24:00.000-07:002011-09-08T16:09:38.483-07:00How to Start a Janitor Service Part-TimeWhen it comes to starting a janitor service business, don't quit your day job. Most businesses can be very risky. One of the most important things you can do when you are starting, is to be honest with yourself and have realistic expectations. You want to be optimistic, but you do not want to plan to do more work then you will actually do. Most of the time businesses work best, if you can start them part-time on the side. Also there is less risk to starting a business this way and you can actually make more money per hour. <br /><br />Having a janitorial business works really well as a side business, because it is something that you can do this after regular business hours. Most of the time janitorial work is done very early in the mornings. It is fairly easy to get around paying other full-time job, at least for the first few months. After you get your business going, you can always hire people to work the night shift for you. If you start your janitorial business this way, will require less investment capital or start up capital to begin your business. You want to also plan on having enough money to cover six months worth of expenses. Not all of your customers will pay you up front. In fact most of them, will want to pay you after you have finished the service or even 1 to 2 months after you have finished it. You will need to have your money in savings, so that you can buy your equipment to begin your business, and so that you can pay your employees while you are still waiting to get your customers will. Plus it is always good to have a financial reserve, because you have to close the business down immediately, you will not be having to pay off credit card debt or business debt in this sort of a situation.<br /><br />Create a business model for your janitor service business, one that will work. Decide how quickly you want to grow your business. And whether or not you want it to be a small or a large business. I have found that the two most profitable businesses to own our small and large. Medium-size businesses do not make much money as small or large business models and are not worth the investment, unless you are planning on making them a large business eventually. Small business models allow you to streamline your business and make it run as efficiently as possible. You don't want to schedule another employee for work until you absolutely need you. If you want to make the most money per hour that you work, like $60-$80 an hour, a small business model is probably just what you need. This will allow you to hire one or two employees, and always keep them busy. With a large business model, the goal is that you will not have to work in the business for more than one or two years. Then you will be able to make enough money to hire a manager, and you will be able to learn how to play golf. To make a large business successful, it takes a lot of planning, and being able to train a very competent manager. Not everyone is capable of creating a large business. Usually, more people are effective at creating small profitable businesses, and that is why so movies exist today.Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-89956033986147283062010-09-23T11:57:00.000-07:002010-09-23T12:02:15.230-07:00Starting a Janitor Service From HomeStarting a janitor service is an excellent way to make money working from home. Although it is a low tech business you can make a pretty good income if you are willing to work nights and weekend. There is a high demand for people who are willing to work hard and provide their customers with great service. Another benefit of this business is that it does not take a lot of materials to get started. Often you can finds the materials you need right around you house.<br /><br />Step- 1 Do you research. Before you begin a janitorial services business you should know what to expect. You need to understand the types of services offered by other janitorial companies and the level of local competition. You also need to know what tools you use and what the expected hourly rate is in your area. This is the rate other janitors are making. You want to remember to charge by the job and not by the hour. Doing this, you will normally make more money.<br /><br />Step 2- Start the business. You probably don't want to spend a lot of money to get started. I started my first window cleaning business with a spray bottle and a towel. After the fourth job, I had the squeegies, the extension poles and all the other equipment I needed to do a professional job. I do suggest you have start up capital to cover basic business expenses, marketing materials (fliers, business cards, and a little extra to supplement your income while you are getting started. With low budget advertising you could do this comfortable on $20,000. ( I have done it on as little as a 1,000 but I did the first 50 customers for a very low initial price because I had to start making money immediately.<br /><br />Step 3- Start simple and get licensed. Getting a license is easy. Most state and cities require a license. It unusually costs 50 to 100 dollars for each. It may help you to be licensed and bonded too, it just depends on the market. It is important for you to start simple- the basics include mopping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning bathrooms and emptying garbage cans. The alternative to this would be to find an under serviced niche in your market and start with that. (You can make more per hour offering specialty services.) Best luck starting you janitor service business from home!Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-76402846568063582162010-02-23T19:47:00.000-08:002010-02-23T19:54:32.323-08:00Starting a Janitor Service: Seven Tips to Help you Get StartedStarting a janitor service is an excellent home business opportunity. It is a relatively low-tech profession with minimal overhead. All you really need to get started is a strong work-ethic and some basic cleaning supplies. However, to get your business off the ground, you will need to employ some smart business strategies. Here are seven tips to help you get started: <br /><br /> 1. Do Your Research – Before you begin your janitorial business, you should have a thorough understanding of the services typically offered by janitor services, the tools needed to complete these services, and the going hourly rate. You should also find out how many other janitorial services there are in your area, the services they offer, and the markets they target. Try to determine if there are any markets where the demand is higher than the supply and if you could reasonably enter said markets. <br /><br /> 2. Establish Start Up Capital – As you do your research, determine your startup costs. These should include buying supplies and tools for the job, investing in marketing materials and business cards, paying for business licenses and insurance, and hiring employees, if you plan to do so. Remember that you will not usually get paid right away, so you will need enough money to get you through at least the first month of business, possibly longer if it takes a while to establish several clients. Take the time to build up your capital before you start your business so that you have a cushion if things do not go well at the beginning. This may mean delaying the start of your business, or only operating on a part time basis at first while maintaining a full time job.<br /><br /> <br /> 3. Start Simple – It might be tempting to offer all possible janitorial services right at the start so that you can reach the largest market. Instead, start with the basics – mopping, vacuuming, dusting, emptying garbage cans, cleaning bathrooms – and target a defined group to begin with. Choose tasks that require relatively low-cost supplies and tools that require no additional training to operate. Doing a few things really well will earn you a better reputation right from the start. You can always expand your services once your business has been established.<br /><br /> 4. Get Liscensed, Bonded and Insured – It may seem unnecessary at first to shell out the money for a business license and for insurance, but these are critical elements to having a professional business. Not only do you protect yourself from potential liabilities, you also appear more professional to clients.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> 5. Invest in Quality Products – It will be tempting to buy a cheap vacuum and the cheapest cleaning products you can get your hands on to increase your margin of profit. Instead, research your options and invest in products that will offer the best results. Put some money into a high-quality, industrial vacuum. Buy a few different floor cleaners and mops and figure out which ones work best. Using high quality supplies will not only improve the work you do, it will also make you more efficient, allowing you to do more in less time.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> 6. Focus on your Reputation – Make your customer service a top priority. Janitorial businesses are built around repeat and long term clients so make sure that you not only do an excellent job cleaning, but that you present yourself and your employees as professional, honest, hard-working, and client-centered. Clients want to hire people they trust to be in their facilities after hours, without having to worry about things getting broken or stolen. Make your business policies client-friendly and try to resolve any disputes with future business in mind.<br /><br /> 7. Don’t Rely on Fliers – Or newspaper adds, for that matter. Those are passive methods of advertising – you post something and wait for the clients to come to you. Instead, employ some active marketing strategies. Take note of newly opened businesses in your area and give them a call – better yet, stop by and introduce yourself. You can also offer to clean for free the first time, or offer a discounted rate for signing up for several months at a time. To encourage word of mouth referrals, offer incentives to current clients for every new client referred. <br /><br /> <br />Following these easy tips will help your new janitor service find success quickly.Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-68454069802186572352010-02-12T20:49:00.000-08:002010-02-12T20:51:23.133-08:00How to Find a Reliable Janitor Service in Your AreaWhen you need a local janitor service that you can count on to be timely, professional and do a quality job, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to go about it. Try these quick and easy ways to find just what you are looking and enjoy your quality service sooner than you think.<br /><br />1. Word-of-Mouth. Referrals from people you know and trust are the best way to locate a good company. Try to get as much specific information as they can. Focus on details and perspectives you would have a hard time getting anywhere else. Besides letting you know about their good experience, they can also tell you about any bad ones and steer you away from unreliable services or ones with poor work performance.<br /><br />2. Local businesses. Go into businesses near yours and ask about who does their cleaning. If they hire a janitor service and love how the work gets done, they will be sure to rave about them. Chances are they use a local service that will also work well for your business.<br /><br />3. Google maps. If you are unable to get a good referral from a friend or local business, the internet has some great options for finding services. On the Google maps site, first put in your location, then type in “janitor service.” Up will pop a map of several locations and a list of some of the companies near you. Included will be addresses, phone numbers and websites. You can get directions will a click of the mouse. If anyone has reviewed the company, you can read that, which will let you know a little more about a company you are considering. When you find one that looks good, be sure to ask for references when you contact them in addition to discussing what services they offer and what their rates are. Go look at some of the businesses they clean to see what kind of job they are doing.<br /><br />4. Yahoo local. Similar to Google maps, you just type in “janitor service” and your city and you get a map of companies with a list that includes all their information. It is a good idea to try both sites because there are usually some companies listed on one that are not on the other.<br /><br />5. Yellow pages. While the phone book may seem a bit outdated now that the internet is so easy to access and has so much information, it is still a great source for finding companies. It is quick to call several services with their information all on the page. Sometimes there are coupons or special deals in their advertisements. It is a good idea to ask plenty of questions, get references and do a little research on your own, as you would regardless of how you find the business. Always check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if there are unresolved claims or a history of poor performance or customer service.Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-8423927844685177892009-08-06T20:48:00.000-07:002009-08-06T21:41:14.389-07:00How to Boost Janitorial Service Income in a Down EconomyThe easiest ways to boost your business income for your janitor or janitorial service business in a down economy is to increase your product offering. Find out what services your current customers are already paying someone else to do and see if you can give them a competitive quote for these services.<br /><br />Two of the easiest side jobs to add to any janitor service business are carpet cleaning and window washing. To start the janitorial window washing part of the business, all you need is a couple of squeegees, rags, a razor blade and a ladder. You can usually charge between 2 and 3 dollars pane and can do interior and exterior. Start up costs are 200 to 300 dollars if you have to buy a ladder.With interior and exterior window you will be making $25 to 30 dollars per hour per employee. Windows should be washed 2 to 3 times per year. <br /><br />The next business add on you could do is janitor carpet cleaning. You can also do this a regular basis 2 to 3 times per year. You can charge 5 to 15 cents per foot. It will require you to invest in a carpet cleaner, but you can find a nice heavy duty portable unit used, for less then $500. Another option is to sell that job and then hire and contractor to come in and do the job and make money on the difference. Don't forget to charge extra for drapery and upholstery cleaning and spot removal when this services are also needed.<br /><br />Best of luck doing these things. Hopefully they will work to increase your margins on employee per hour of labor. You may also be interested in up-selling external services like <a href="http://www.guttercleaning101.blogspot.com">Gutter Cleaning</a><br /><br /><br />Visit this site, if your are interested in learning <a href="http://www.howtomakeeasymoneynow.com"> How to Make Extra Easy Money</a>.Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-7896022439026660112009-06-12T00:03:00.000-07:002009-08-03T23:08:52.532-07:00What I wish I had know about starting a Janitor Service BusinessJanitorial Service; Things I wish I had Known When I was Starting Up.<br /><br />When it comes to janitor service start ups, everyone has a different comfort level for how much money and time they are willing to commit to get things started. Be sure you are honest with yourself, lack of start-up investment capital or lack of time to invest in a new start-up can sink even some of the best new ideas before they become profitable.<br /><br />1) If you do not have the time to invest, either do the business part-time or don’t start. Chances are you will need to put in even more time then you planned on initially. Working a janitor or janitorial service part time is a great idea because you still work a regular job and in your ‘off-hours run your business. This will give you stability and you can use the money your business generates to upgrade your equipment and grow your business. It helps you learn the ropes and learn how to walk before you run. Plus you are probably going to be slower and make some mistakes when you start. Wouldn’t it be easier to make them on a smaller scale.<br /><br />2) Understanding small, medium, and large business models. Which business model makes the most money? Which business model has the highest margins? Which one is the hardest to operate? <br /><br />You may be surprised at the answers to these questions. For the purpose of mutual understanding lets define exactly what we think small, medium and large businesses are. <br /><br />Small businesses have 1 to 4 employees at a time. Usually this means one to two crews working and the owner of the janitor service usually works in the business as a crew manager. The owner bids the jobs, talks to clients and participates in helping to do the work. Usually you do smaller jobs (with higher per hour margins) and you don’t need a lot of work to stay busy. Your overhead is small and normally you run the office out of your home and have a dedicated business line or one or two business cell phones. You have a lot of control in the quality of the work and you typically don’t get very many complaints. A lot of owner operators find they can make a decent living and are quite comfortable to remain at this stage,<br /> <br />Medium businesses model (employees 8 to 16; 3 to 6 crews)<br /> Thia is called the molting phase of business development. This is because you outgrow your previous stage, but you become more vulnerable as you try to adjust to the next phase. The honest truth is that this is the worst structure for a janitor service business unless your ultimate goal is to have a large business. In hiring a lot of new people you take on the risk that some of these employees may not perform to a high standard. The owner has a lot of responsibilities including customer management, human resource training, marketing, growing the business and keeping the company making a profit. You also have to increase your overhead, getting an office and hiring office help to do the scheduling and paperwork. Your per job margins may also dip as you scramble to find enough work to keep your employees busy. Remember you are the last one to get paid so typically you have to work the hardest. <br /><br />Large business model (Over 25 employees more then 10 crews)<br /> You know you have achieved a large janitorial service business model when you can take a day off, and still make the same amount of money. In a large business model you are no longer the manager. You have a manager that handles everything and is capable of running the office. You have structured your business so that things go smoothly without your intervention. Even though margins per employee per job may not be as high, you get really big accounts and you make a lot more money on each job. Plus you have more employees and you make a little bit off of each one. At this point, your janitor service business is well established, you have loyal large clients and a reputation. You also know what methods of advertising work and how to attract new business.Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-76868447212708427542009-06-10T20:21:00.000-07:002009-06-11T23:01:59.602-07:00Marketing your Janitorial ServiceMarketing your Janitorial Service: From Homespun to Number 1<br /><br /> Unfortunately,this article will not teach you everything you need to know about marketing a janitorial business. That will come only from a lot more study and years of experience. This article will show you how to get your business off to a great start and how to save a lot of money on your advertising costs. <br /><br />1) The more creative you are with your marketing, the further you can stretch your advertising budget and the more likely you are to succeed. To be successful you need to do what everyone else is doing and what they are not. If you are on a shoe-string start-up, you have to be even more creative. One thing you could do is go to several business networking groups or a rotary clubs. When you are there, try to see if anyone in the group is looking for your janitor service. The more fiends you make, the more potential clients you have. Keep in mind that only friends will refer you to friends. A larger professional network is a great way to get jobs. Whey you use advertising always offer something for free or something unique. I knew a lady the successfully started a house cleaning business simply by offering to clean the first time for free. Clients had a risk-free way to evaluate her and her potential clients felt more obligated to give her a chance. This could also include a free evaluation or $100 off of the first 6 months or service. <br /><br />2) Online advertising is also a very effective way to generate business. I have successfully generated 1000s of dollars of additional monthly income for several service businesses just by getting ranked on google and also putting up a free add on Google maps. I want to develop a separate section devoted to this soon because it is really a lot of fun and an effective way to make money if you know what you are doing.<br /><br />3) Quantify the value of each lead, especially with paid advertising. If a new add costs $200 a month and generates 4 leads, this type of advertising costs $50 a lead. Conversions are what you are really shooting for, but taking leads is a good way to know quicker whether or not a particular method will work. <br /><br />4) Customer referrals are great. You will normally have a higher percentage of these sales close and you will often not be bidding in a competitive atmosphere. <br /><br />5) Help others, exchange leads, and get as close to referral centers as you can. One example of a referral center is a commercial real estate leasing broker. He has access to 100s of potential clients which could virtually help you get your business up and running in very little time. Since he meets knew business owner that are either moving or moving up, there is a lot of opportunity to get good janitorial leads. Also return the favor by referring the broker to your clients if you know they are looking to move or upgrade their facilities. <br /><br /> More to come. Wife is having a baby . . .Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-41514919852610602282009-05-13T20:35:00.000-07:002009-06-10T12:30:26.102-07:00Upgrading your Janitor Service and UpsellingOnce you have established a loyal base of customers with your janitor service business and you feel confident that you know what you are doing, it is a good time to expand the number of services you offer.<br /><br />Often the key to expanding you janitorial services business is services your customers already need such as carpet and drapery cleaning, heating and air conditioning, plants and landscaping, laundry, window cleaning, lighting, herbicides and pest control. Some clients will only be interested in one or two of this extra services, other will want you to do many of them. One easy way to expand is to offer these services on you business card or on your invoice. Often the easiest way to do it is to be vigilant, if you notice they need another service, such as carpet cleaning ask them if you can give them a bid.<br /><br />Expanding your janitorial service base will do three things to increase you revenues or your bottom line. The first thing it will do is increase you average revenue per customer. The next thing it should do is increase the average dollar per hour you or your employees can make at a job. The third thing it will do is decrease your advertising expense since you will not need to advertise as much because you are making more money per client. If you are still in the growing phase, keep advertising the same amount. The last benefit is that the client sees you as more reputable and they know that you can help them do other things. <br /><br />Janitorial Services outlook<br /><br />The breakdown of large corporate America and the creation of many new smaller businesses have made outsourcing janitorial services today cheaper alternative for many companies. These companies don’t want to spend their time staffing high turn over janitor positions or providing health benefits and pension plans for these employees. They would rather let some one else take care of it. These companies wish to use their resources to do what they do best and let you do what you do best.<br /><br />The janitorial business is steadily growing and according to some experts, it has recently surpassed the 100 billion dollar mark about 5 years ago and by 2008, experts predicted it to be worth about $128. (http:// www.bscai.org/about/default.asp). Industry demand they predict will continue to grow at a rate of 7%. There is a lot of room for new start ups in this industry and there are a lot of successful franchises.<br /><br />Anyway you look at it now is a great time to start your next janitor service business.Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-36388511887558358312009-05-12T08:15:00.000-07:002009-06-10T12:27:14.899-07:00Starting Janitor Service Business that Makes MoneyAlthough you may think that a janitor service business isn’t full of excitement, I find this business to be very fun, lucrative and down to earth. This business is perfect for someone who wants to work hard, make money and be independent. In addition, a janitorial service business is always going to be needed, both in good economic times and otherwise. A janitor service business could be the perfect fit and even if you have been to college, we hope to help you get a generous raise.<br /><br />By Spencer Arnold <br />Experience Janitor and Owner of multiple service businesses. <br /><br />1st of all, a janitorial service business is not about cleaning. It is not maid service although somewhat related. It is about providing a quality service and a competitive price and marketing yourself effectively to other businesses and commercial facilities.<br /><br />Believe it or not smaller accounts typically bring higher margins. When my grandfather couldn’t find any work for his four sons during hard economic times, he decided to start his own janitorial service business. They cleaned offices for doctors and lawyers for a large profit. The money he was making allowed his sons to pay for their own college. It ran as an after hours business, so it was a business that he could run at the same time he was working a regular job. My grandfather ran this business quite successfully until his four sons graduated from college.<br /><br />What does a Janitor Service Clean?<br /><br />Janitorial services typically clean businesses, hospitals, law offices, dental offices, doctors offices, schools, retail store, warehouses and most type of commercial buildings. A lot of times, it is not worth it for a small business or company to hire, keep, and train their own janitors. If they could hire out the janitorial service it is one less thing they have to worry about. Most janitorial services are either late at night or early in the morning when no one less is working.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Important Articles</span> (coming soon)<br /><br />Janitorial Service (Start Up Costs): Things I wish I had known Starting Up. <br /><br />Marketing your Janitorial Service: From Homespun to Number 1<br /><br />Hiring the Best Employees: Your Employees are you Janitorial Service Business.<br /><br />Upgrading your Janitor Service and Up selling: Midas’ Golden Touch<br /><br />Finding Janitorial Service Supplies class="MsoNormal">Hiring the Best Employees:<span style=""> </span>Your Employees are you Janitorial Service Business.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Upgrading your Janitor Service and Up selling:<span style=""> </span>Midas’ Golden Touch</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finding Janitorial Service Supplies</p>Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434628795192374993.post-31102065150623577912009-05-07T20:02:00.000-07:002009-05-07T20:18:04.550-07:00Janitor Service WelcomeInterested in starting your own janitor service? We will go over all janitor services. Everything you need to know to start your own janitor service plus tons of marketing ideas for janitors. Please comment if you have any ideas or questions. Good luck on your new janitor service business!Spencer Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03177960283675158049noreply@blogger.com0