Home Based Cleaning Business

A home based cleaning business is one of the most simple and inexpensive home businesses to start. There is a growing demand for cleaning services and this small business can generate income very quickly.

These are important issues that need to be addressed when starting your own cleaning business.

• Licenses and permits Check any rules and regulations in your area that may govern a home based business. Find out which permits and licenses your home based cleaning business may require. Not only do you need to keep your business legal but a home business license helps in getting a business bank account and in getting liability protection. It is generally easy and inexpensive to get licensed. Find out about home business licenses and permits at Small Business License.
• Insurance You will be working in people's homes when they are most likely not there. You should be insured and bonded. Basic business insurance usually covers general liability insurance, vehicle insurance and equipment insurance. You need to check that the following are covered by your insurance package: lost keys and new locks, coverage for equipment and property in your care such as a vacuum cleaner, damage to client's home or property, and injury to the client themselves or a third party as a result of your cleaning activities such as slipping on a polished floor. Having insurance will definitely enhance your marketability. Customers may ask for proof of insurance and you will be expected to produce your certificate of insurance to verify that you have business insurance. Find out more about home business insurance options at Insurance Home Business Help
• Bonding Bonding protects the home owner against dishonest acts by the service provider. If a cleaning service provider is found guilty of theft the bonding company immediately reimburses the home owner up to the value of the bond and the cleaning service repays the money to the bonding company. Many potential clients are concerned about having a stranger in their home with access to their things. To dispel their anxieties you can get bonded. You can purchase your bond through your local insurance company.
• Background check If you really want to set your customer's mind at rest you can obtain a background check and a police check. You can apply for a police check from your City Hall or local police station and usually for less than $20 you get an official police check that verifies that you have no police record. You can order a background check online from a number of professional companies. Providing copies of your background check to potential customers sets you apart from the competition.
• Draw up a cleaning policy and agreement This is an important document for your home based cleaning business. Problems arise with customers when there is a lack of clarity about the cleaning duties you are responsible for and payment details. Your agreement or policy should include a list of duties, hours and days you will clean, who supplies the cleaning products and equipment, your rates for the house cleaning job and how you should be paid. Spell it all out in black and white and prevent any misunderstanding. If some extra cleaning is requested at some point then you can create a special work order for this and charge an additional amount.
• Find out about tax payments To find out what tax regulations apply to your home cleaning business you can visit the Internal Revenue Service website at www.irs.gov which provides industry and state-specific information for small business and self employed individuals.

What can you charge? Find out at House Cleaning Rates

All about a House Cleaning Business

Find out about Starting a Cleaning Business

How to find your first cleaning jobs at Starting a Cleaning Service

Finding a good business name helps to successfully brand your cleaning service. Get inspiration at Cleaning Service Names

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Earn income with a home based cleaning business

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