People want to keep their workplace and their home tidy and clean. But some people do not want to do the cleaning themselves. This is not bad because it presents opportunities for business-minded individuals who have the knack for cleaning to start as cleaning service providers.
While the cleaning business owner can build a good reputation by providing excellent service and competitive rates, it is vital that the owner also protects their business, employees, and customers by purchasing cleaning liability insurance that has several features, which you can learn more from here.
Insurance coverage
A cleaning liability insurance (general liability insurance) will cover common business risks such as property damage, customer or third party injury, and injury from advertising. For example, a client, vendor, or delivery person slips and falls at office premises or trips over cleaning equipment; the cleaning service can be liable for the injury. In addition, if the injured person sues your business, the insurance will pay for the legal fees and the injured person’s medical expenses.
It will also cover the cost of replacing or repairing equipment on a loan that your employee unintentionally damaged. If you accidentally copy another company’s slogan or logo, the insurance policy will cover slander, libel, and copyright infringement.
Ensuring the success of your cleaning business
Now that you know how to protect your business with cleaning liability insurance, you should learn to make your cleaning business a success. Here are a few tips from experts.
1. Learning should be continuous
There is always something to learn as you provide services to different clients. For example, there are technological advances that improve the functions of the cleaning equipment you use. In addition, the government and healthcare authorities may issue new regulations regarding various cleaning solutions. Likewise, there are modern managerial and operational techniques and procedures that you can learn to improve your business.
2. Know more by working yourself
While you received training in business management and the cleaning business itself, it is vital to have hands-on experience. You will learn new, practical, and better ways to do things as you work. You will also have first-hand experience regarding the job’s demands and how you can exercise your judgment depending on the situation, which, of course, your staff undergoes while they are on the job each day.
It is also one way to reduce overhead while building trust among your customers and promoting your business. Your customers will appreciate your attention to detail and your willingness to learn, ensure the quality of your service, and fulfill your promises.
3. Clean like you’re cleaning your own
Your employees should provide consistent cleaning services. But, at the same time, they should clean like they are cleaning their own office or home, whatever type of cleaning service they render.
4. Stay safe
Your employees need to work consistently and methodically. However, they should be safety-conscious. Train your employees not to rush when doing their job. Even if you have cleaning business insurance, it is better to prevent third-party injuries or damage to equipment or property.
5. Look after your employees
Your best assets are your employees, and they are instrumental to the success of your business. Therefore, give them appropriate and adequate training, exercise their judgment, treat them with respect, and give them incentives and bonuses for exemplary performance.
6. Find your niche
You will be more successful when you concentrate on a type of cleaning service. While there may be many customers, it is better to choose the market you can serve best. Excel in a specific niche and build consistency in the services that your niche requires.
7. Do market research
There will always be new competition, innovative cleaning techniques, and new products and equipment. Naturally, you want to use the available new products, as long as they are safe for your staff and clients. Investing in cleaning equipment is not cheap, so ensure that you know everything about the new gear before you decide to purchase. Moreover, it is vital to check if the equipment will make cleaning easier and more efficient for your staff.
Your research will likewise give you opportunities to check areas where there is an increasing demand for cleaning services your company can fill.
8. Learn about your competition
You should regularly monitor your area of operation and know your competition. There could be too many of you vying for a limited number of customers. Find out what your competitors are doing, the services they offer, and the promos they run. Build rapport with people in the local business community to get an overview of the local market situation. There could be some customers’ needs that other cleaning services fail to fulfill. Adding it to your list of services could benefit your business exponentially.
9. Determine if you can diversify
Most cleaning services start their operations as domestic cleaners within their community. Determine if your business is large enough to serve other locations outside your original service area. Another thing to consider is if you are ready to branch into commercial cleaning. There could be small offices or buildings that want to outsource cleaning services. With research and careful study, you may be able to add it to your service roster. You do not have to venture into cleaning large buildings and offices. There is no harm in starting with smaller commercial clients initially and taking in new customers as your business grows bigger.
10. Offer something unique
Understanding your customers helps you improve your business and make it successful. As competition gets fiercer, you should offer something unique to your clients. Examples of unique selling propositions could be:
- Extended hours
- Offer additional services like ironing or dry cleaning
- Offer more competitive prices
- Offer discounts to loyal customers
You can find out what your client wants by talking with them or running a survey. It is also essential to know what your competitors are offering and what they fail to deliver and see if you can offer these services while maintaining a competitive price.
A professional cleaning service can be profitable if you know the proper steps to start. Aside from learning what the service requires, you should monitor the economy, as economic changes such as increased oil prices will affect your transportation cost. Likewise, a rise in the price of timber will affect the cost of disposable paper products that you provide to your clients.
