How To Start An Airbnb Cleaning Business?
An Airbnb cleaning business can be a rewarding full-time job. Here are some tips to help you get started.
A cleaning business could be an option if you are looking for a low-cost business to start, with low operating costs and reliable demand. With the growth of buying short-term rentals, the demand for high-quality cleaners will only become more in need.
Airbnb Cleaning Business Overview
Cleaning services have lower upfront costs than other ventures. This is one of the few businesses where you can quickly start with very little capital. However, you must be willing to work hard to make modest profits and steady gains.
Most cleaning jobs require the same products and equipment as your household chores, except for specialized chemicals and equipment. Although it is not necessary to have formal training or certifications for common home and office cleaning tasks, this doesn’t make the job any less difficult. There wouldn’t be a huge market for domestic cleaners if it was easy. Cleaning can be a rewarding and lucrative business for those who have a strong work ethic and a high level of customer service.
If you’re just starting in the cleaning industry, a friend or family member who is involved in the industry can be a great resource. A track record of quality service and satisfied customers is the key to running a successful cleaning company.
Continue reading to find out everything you need about starting a short term rental cleaning service company.
Start By Doing Your Research
Individual cleaners only work in private homes and for a limited number of clients. This means that you will spend less on house cleaning. Independent contractors may have weekly appointments and a set schedule for clients and jobs. Others are available to provide one-time or short-term services by the hour or day.
Consider also contacting current Airbnb cleaning businesses and asking to contract for them if they are ever in need. This could help supplement your income while you are building your cleaning business.
5 Tips For Starting An Airbnb Cleaning Business
So you’ve decided to focus your cleaning business on the vacation rental industry. This is very smart with the high demand for cleaners in the industry and the growth projection in the industry. The upfront investment depends on how big your team is, the equipment cost, and the competitive rates in your area. A home-cleaning business that employs more than one person will require more structure than a service that is run by one person or as a side job.
You can begin to plan your business and arrange for transportation and supplies. Once you are ready to take on clients, it is important to spread the word about your service. You might begin with your friends and acquaintances and then expand online to reach a wider market.
1. Fund Your Airbnb Cleaning Service
When you are starting a business in cleaning, financing can be the hardest part. Entrepreneurs may need to borrow money from family or friends, obtain a loan or use credit. The startup costs of a cleaning service may vary depending on its size. This allows you to keep your debt down when you start a cleaning service. You can then increase revenue and expand operations as you make it more profitable.
2. Create a Budget for Your Business
Basic cleaning services primarily have expenses from transportation and supplies categories. Your cleaning costs will vary depending on the size of your company. They can be very low for an individual cleaner or much higher for a company with multiple employees and a vehicle. Once you have established a plan, you can begin to estimate other costs associated with starting your business.
Transportation
Car costs are significant for any mobile business, such as a cleaning service. One of the most important prerequisites to a job is to be there before you start. Budgeting the appropriate cost for gas, and car maintenance are essential.
Supplies
The services you provide and the number of clients you have will determine how much and what supplies are required. You can purchase supplies in bulk from retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club if you only clean a few private homes each week. An alternative is Amazon and get all supplies delivered to you.
If your business gets big enough you will benefit from wholesale vendors, who may require proof of your company’s legality, if you are offering a larger service, it shouldn’t pose a problem to find discounted prices from suppliers once you have registered the business.
Equipment
Basic cleaning services will cost you transportation and cleaning supplies. However, equipment and other rentals can add up. If you don’t have the equipment or are unable to rent it, renting special cleaning machines and agents for flooring and carpets is a good option. This is primarily if you are doing extra services of deep cleaning on a rental.
3. Register Your Company
It can be confusing to understand the legal requirements for domestic services such as house cleaning or babysitting, especially when only one person is providing the service and clients pay in cash. The extent of your business (i.e. your revenue) will determine the amount of income reporting and registration you must do.
If you wish to separate your personal and business finances, which you should, you have the option of operating a cleaning company as a sole proprietorship or partnership. It is very simple to start an LLC in any state and this will protect your personal assets.
A local business may be interested in contracting your services on an ongoing basis depending on what services you provide. Individuals who receive services over $600 per year must be provided with a 1099 contract by a business.
You will also need to choose a business name when you register your business. It is important to choose a name that will reflect your company’s values and be recognizable. You should choose a name that reflects the services you offer, your company’s values, or a combination of both.
4. Maintain and Find Clients
Online forums and service platforms are becoming more popular, but word of mouth still plays an important role in the domestic services sector. Ask clients who are happy with your cleaning services to share your Facebook pages, or hand them your business card to pass along to other interested friends.
Many home cleaners find new clients through their existing clients. Although you shouldn’t rely on your clients for new work, building a relationship with them can help you gain confidence and let them know about possible opportunities.
Prices you charge can be affected by where you are located, how competitive your services are, and many other factors. There are three options for pricing cleaning services: hourly, per square footage, or flat.
It doesn’t matter what pricing model you choose. Market research is a great way to make sure your rates are competitive. You may also wish to invest in Square or another payment processor to accept credit card payments. Accepting credit card payments will result in fees. To research, you can go on Airbnb.com and select different types of rentals in your area. Then see what each cleaning fee is for the different types of rentals to price your service.
5. Invest in Marketing and Expanding
Even if your clients are the ones who find customers, having an online presence will benefit your business over time. Even if your website isn’t complete, potential and current customers must find you online. Make a Facebook business page and keep your contact information current.
After you have established your service and a client list, you can sign-up for a platform such as TaskRabbit to make it easier to help clients find your business. A registered business and customer reviews will help you build your online reputation.
Cleaning Business For Airbnb Summary
Although cleaning may appear like an easy business, it is hard work. It’s worth spending a few days on the job before you start cleaning your full-time job.