Setting up a carpet cleaning business can be a great way to earn extra money or even become your own boss.
However, like any new business venture, you must consider several important factors to ensure the success of your business.
In this article, we will cover everything a beginner should do to start a carpet cleaning business. Read on to find out more.
Why Should You Consider Starting a Carpet Cleaning Business?
Before we go into the specifics of starting a carpet cleaning business, let’s discuss why you might want to consider this business venture in the first place.
Carpet cleaning is an essential service for both residential and commercial properties.
In fact, the market size for professional carpet cleaning services in the United States is estimated to be around 5.8 billion US dollars in 2022.
Here are a few of the reasons starting a carpet cleaning business can be a great idea:
- There are numerous opportunities available. A large number of buildings, whether commercial or residential, have carpet covering at least one-third of the square area. Since these carpets must be cleaned frequently, carpet cleaning business owners have a major market opportunity.
- It can be profitable. Strong Carpet Cleaning Systems’ industry research shows that, depending on the services provided, carpet cleaners can earn anywhere from 0.35-0.50 US dollars per square foot of carpet cleaning.
- It offers versatility. When you own your own carpet cleaning business, you are in control. You have control over the number of clients you deal with, the hours you work, how much you bill for your services, and more.
How to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business?
Beginning your own business is a path that can lead to professional and financial success and wealth accumulation.
If you’re looking for advice on starting a profitable business that will provide you with both time and financial freedom, follow these steps to start a carpet cleaning business:
1. Start Solo Or Franchise
Starting one’s own business and joining an established franchise both have their own advantages.
People afraid of the inherent risks involved in starting a business may find success through franchising.
On the other hand, starting a carpet cleaning business from scratch is more beneficial for an entrepreneur who likes a more hands-on approach to their business.
Consider the financial commitments and potential dangers associated with operating a cleaning service before deciding whether to start your own business or buy a franchise. Take your time, do some market research, and make an informed decision.
2. Develop A Business Plan
Once you’ve determined the type of carpet cleaning business you want to start, it’s time to develop a business plan.
This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and the steps you need to take to achieve them.
Look at your business plan as a map. It not only shows you how to go from where you currently are to where you aim to be, but it also outlines the steps you should follow to get your business up and running.
Include the following in your business plan:
- Who are your target customers, and what kinds of services would you offer specifically to meet their needs?
- What kinds of supplies and tools do you need?
- How do you intend to fill the positions?
- How do you plan to go about marketing your services?
- Where do you want to get to financially?
- What rates do you have in mind for your services?
Developing a business plan requires time and work, but this will pay off in the long run.
A comprehensive business plan with clear direction on beginning, maintaining, and expanding your carpet cleaning business can go a long way in ensuring your success.
3. Get Training And Certification
You’ll need to have enough professional cleaning experience under your belt before you can advertise your services and take care of your client’s property.
Better yet, enroll in a legitimate program and get certified. This will give you the edge over your competition and show potential customers that you’re serious about your business.
You can become certified as a carpet cleaning technician, a commercial carpet management technician, a rug cleaning technician, and other related specializations by taking a course from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
You can also consider TMF Academy’s online-only training programs. Certain equipment vendors, including Jon-Don and Rotovac, also offer training courses and educational resources for prospective carpet cleaning business owners.
Regardless of the training you choose, make sure any potential hires are also properly trained and certified to operate the equipment you’ll be using.
4. Organize The Logistics Of Your Business
Now that you know what’s required to start a carpet cleaning business, it’s time to get organized and set up the logistics.
In order to establish your company’s legitimacy when you launch any new firm, including one in the carpet cleaning sector, there are some logistical steps you must do, including:
- Get the proper business licenses for your area
- Choose a catchy, professional name for your company
- Invest in quality equipment
- Hire reliable, trustworthy employees (or train them yourself)
- Develop an advertising campaign to market your services.
It’s also important to keep the funds of your business and your personal life completely separate.
Hence, opening a business bank account is important before you begin making purchases for your company or collecting payments from customers.
5. Secure Commercial Insurance And Liability Coverage
One of the most critical things to do when starting a carpet cleaning business is to make sure you’re properly insured.
Accidents are always possible in this line of work, so you need to be prepared with the right insurance coverage.
Your business should at least have general liability insurance, which will protect you from lawsuits in the event that someone is injured while you’re working on their property.
You should also consider getting product liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and commercial auto insurance.
Some clients may require that you have a certain amount of insurance coverage before they hire you, so it’s important to be familiar with the requirements in your area.
You can find out more about the insurance requirements for businesses in your state by contacting your local chamber of commerce or business association.
6. Stock Up All The Equipment
Carpet cleaning can seem like an easy business to run, but it actually requires a lot of effort. Setting the foundation of your business is just one part of the puzzle.
The next step is stocking up on all the equipment you need to get started, which can be costly.
The following are some of the necessary tools you’ll need to purchase:
- Portable or truck-mounted carpet cleaning machine
- Solutions and detergents
- Stain removers
- Disinfectants
- Cleaner for mildew
- Descaler
- Degreaser
- Bleach
- Sanitizer
- Cord
In addition, the market for cleaning products is highly diverse in terms of available options, so you’ll need to do some research before making any purchasing decisions.
You will be able to provide the utmost quality of service to your clients only when you have the best equipment with you.
There are many examples of businesses that have been successful by investing in high-quality products and solutions.
7. Fund Your Business
Obviously, it requires money to buy equipment, obtain a business license, and pay other startup expenses for a carpet cleaning company.
Thus, it’s important that you set aside enough money to pay for these startup expenditures and your daily expenses after your firm is up and running.
Ideally, you should determine the exact amount of money you need when planning your original business budget.
This will help ensure that you spend wisely and take on less debt in the early stages of your company’s development.
Startup funding typically originates from your own resources. New business owners usually take out private loans for business, draw from their savings, or get a loan from friends and relatives since getting a business loan can be challenging for startups without the financial track record lenders require to make a credit decision.
However, if you’re determined to get business finance as soon as possible, start by using a business credit card to cover your smaller, more frequent expenses.
This can help you establish business credit so you can eventually qualify for a small business loan.
8. Develop A Pricing Strategy
Pricing your services competitively is crucial when starting your carpet cleaning business. However, it’s important to remember that the lowest price isn’t always the best option.
You need to find a balance between charging too little and too much for your services.
If you underprice your services, you may not be able to make a profit or cover your costs. On the other hand, if you overprice, you may price yourself out of the market.
To determine a competitive price for your services, start by researching the average cost of carpet cleaning in your area.
You can use this information to develop a pricing strategy that aligns with what other businesses are charging.
Once you have an idea of what you should be charging, start experimenting with different prices to see what works for your business. For example, you could charge a flat rate per room or square footage.
9. Market Your Business
After you’ve taken care of all the logistics, it’s time to start promoting your business. Unless you market your company, it’s unlikely that you’ll get many customers.
You can start by providing services to your friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses. If they are pleased with your work, ask them to recommend you to their network.
Word-of-mouth marketing is how most service-based firms get traction, so it’s important to focus on providing quality services.
You can get valuable input about your work and methods by starting with your close network, which will allow you to adjust your services later.
In addition to word-of-mouth marketing, you should also invest in some form of online marketing. This could include creating a blog, designing a website, or creating a social media profile for your business.
When promoting your business online, it’s important to focus on providing quality content that will help you attract new customers.
For example, you could write blog posts about carpet cleaning tips or create videos demonstrating your cleaning methods.
You can also visit local real estate agents, house cleaners, interior designers, and home goods and hardware retailers to promote your business.
By forming relationships with these businesses, you can get referrals and access to a wider range of potential customers.
10. Keep Your Customers Coming Back
The best way to guarantee the success of your carpet cleaning business is to focus on providing quality services that will keep your customers coming back.
If you provide quality services at a fair price, your customers will be happy to use your services again in the future.
To build relationships with your customers, start by staying in touch with them after they’ve used your services.
You can do this by sending thank-you notes or cards, as well as following up with them to see how they’re enjoying their clean carpets.
You should also consider offering loyalty programs or discounts to customers who use your services on a regular basis.
How To Price Carpet Cleaning?
Is Owning a Carpet Cleaning Business Worth It?
As we mentioned earlier, the market size for the carpet cleaning industry is around 5.8 billion US dollars, and company owners stand to make large profits.
Since practically every house, business, and higher learning institution, among others, has carpet flooring, they will ultimately need to hire a professional to clean it.
Professional carpet cleaning helps people’s allergies and breathing, improves the quality and appearance of the flooring, and removes dirt, dust mites, and other allergens.
Therefore, starting a carpet cleaning company might be a profitable move. You can achieve cleaning success by gathering reliable research and higher-quality tools.
Equipment and Cleaning Agents needed For Carpet Cleaning Business
Final Thoughts
Despite the competition in the carpet cleaning industry, there’s still room for new businesses to succeed.
If you’re thinking about starting a carpet cleaning business, use the tips and information in this guide to get started.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success and build a thriving business that provides quality services to customers.
Daleyza knows a lot about carpets! She has worked with carpets for over 7 years and can help with things like putting them in, keeping them clean, and replacing them. She really likes carpets and spends most of her time learning about new ways to work with them. When she’s not learning about carpets, she enjoys reading books. She’s really good at helping people choose the right carpet for their homes and making sure they’re happy with it. If you want to know more about carpets, Daleyza is the person to talk to!