Carpet Cleaning

Income $60,000 $100,000
The range of income for the first year will depend upon how much you market your services and when you begin your business. Spring and holiday seasons will produce more clients than other times of the year. You’ll want to offer your services primarily in upscale neighborhoods. The average home or business fees will range from $300 – $1,500 and the jobs can typically be completed in one day.
Description

The carpet cleaning business is fairly straightforward. However, if you’d like to become more unique, you can offer a cleaning business that doesn’t use harmful chemicals. This will give you a distinct advantage, especially when there are children or people who suffer from allergies.

Clients

Your clients will be located in upscale neighborhoods and will consist especially of new homeowners who would like to keep their carpets looking like new. Restaurants will also be a lucrative target market for you, as well as commercial buildings, which don’t typically possess full-scale janitorial services.
Marketing Plan

It is a good idea to place ads in all of the local classified papers. You’ll generally find the local rag sheets, such as the Classified Flea Market or the Penny Savers, have very reasonable rates. Once you create your ad, make sure it contains a time-based offer with an absolute deadline date. Change the ad every month; the consistency will get people’s attention.

You might also want to develop an effective email campaign, which is directed towards anyone who is in the general vicinity of your location.
Power Partners

Your Power Partners will consist of Realtors, interior decorators, painters and window treatment specialists.

The conversations with these Power Partners should indicate your willingness to include them as you become aware of clients who need their services. It is important you meet with these Power Partners in person the first time, and then keep in touch with them weekly by email or by phone.
Requirements

There are specific carpet treatments, which can be harmful to carpets, pets and children, so you’ll need to do your research beforehand to make sure you will be well prepared.

If you haven’t had any experience with the janitorial industry, offer to work for a company at below market wages in order to gain the experience. You should try to find a company, located far enough away from where you plan to operate your business so they won’t feel threatened by your becoming their competition. You will need reliable transportation.

Resources:

Here are a number of resources I have come across:

http://www.home-based-business-opportunities.com/library/carpetcleaning.shtml

http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol33/breakeven2.htm#6.%20Carpet%20Cleaner

Personality Type: Expressive, Amiable

Total Start Up Costs:            Less than $2,500

(includes equipment, business cards, tools, a phone and advertising)