To start a remote cleaning business:
This guy shared he started a remote cleaning business after he got laid off. He started by creating a website and flyers with Canva. Next, he messaged Airbnb hosts to partner with them. He found three recommended cleaners on Craigslist. A third of the hosts he messaged asked for a quote. The next thing he did was he personally handed flyers to local businesses. So far, the business is doing well.
This article shares a detailed 10-step guide on how to start a remote cleaning business. How to set-up online payment processing is also explained. I'll also discuss how to find cleaners and how much to pay them.
10-Step Guide To Starting a Remote Cleaning Business
How Do You Set Up a Payment Processor for a Remote Cleaning Business?
Use a dependable payment gateway such as Stripe, PayPal, Helcim, and Square to set up online payment. After selecting a provider, the business owner sets up an account. He/she provides the necessary details, like the business licenses and permits, banking information, and tax identification numbers.
Next, integrate the payment processor into the website. Add payment buttons on e-commerce platforms. Use credit card readers for on-site payments. An efficient payment system streamlines the booking process. As a result, you get increased bookings and sales.
Fees of Top Online Payment Processors: Stripe, Helcim, Square, and Stax
PAYMENT GATEWAY | associated fees |
|---|---|
Stripe | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction |
Paypal | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (for online payments) |
Helcim | Starting at 2.38% + $0.25 per transaction |
Square | 2.6% + $0.10 per swipe |
How To Find Cleaners For Your Remote Cleaning Business
How Much Do You Pay Remote Cleaners?
Cleaners are paid hourly rates ranging from $15 to $25. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for cleaners is $13. Bigger cities like San Francisco or New York City pay higher wages because of the higher cost of living. Entry-level cleaners make from $10 to $12 per hour. Cleaners who offer specialized services make from $15 to $25 hourly.
What is a Remote Cleaning Business?
A remote cleaning business offers cleaning services to clients without a physical office. The business structure is decentralized. Cleaners travel directly to clients' locations to complete the cleaning tasks. Booking is also done completely online. They make payments and communicate using online platforms.
The business operates primarily through digital platforms. It uses technology to manage operations and communicate with clients. A scheduling software, communication app, and payment gateway are used to manage a remote cleaning business.
What Type of Cleaning Service is Most Profitable?
Specialized cleaning services are the most profitable. This niche has a high demand in both residential and commercial sectors. Specialized cleaning services have higher prices because of the needed expertise. Profit margins are also higher. It can range from 30% to 50% because of the low competition. Residential cleaning also has good margins. However, with the tight competition, you may need to lower your prices. Residential cleaning has a profit margin between 20% and 50%. Commercial cleaning is most in demand but has the lowest margins. It typically ranges from 10% to 28%. It’s also the easiest one to mis-estimate. The varying area size and scope of work will affect your profit.
How Profitable is a Cleaning Business?
Cleaning businesses in the U.S. make from $25 to $50 per hour. The actual price depends on the service type and location. Typically, cleaners are paid 50% of the cleaning fee. Your profit is the other 50% minus other expenses.
Sample profit calculator for a small cleaning business with 50 clients:
Total Monthly Expenses:
$3,000 + $150 + $300 + $75 + $50 + $150 = $3,725
Monthly Profit: $6,000 - $3,725 = $2,275
Remote Cleaning Business Course
Home Service Academy by Johnny and Sergio is a remote cleaning course. Johnny and Sergio teach how to start a remote home cleaning business. This covers setting up the business, finding contractors, and generating leads. Their main strategy is to find leads for cleaning services and outsource them to subcontractors. The course costs $2,600, and it was launched in 2021. There are 90 days of 1 on 1 training and a forum-style community.
Local Lead Generation Agency is Better Than Remote Cleaning Business
I prefer running a local lead generation agency rather than a remote cleaning business. Local lead gen builds simple websites for local businesses and ranks them on Google. These sites generate leads I can sell at 85% margins. Unlike a cleaning agency, I have full control of my lead gen biz. Remote cleaning involves outsourcing tasks to cleaners. As a result, it’s hard to maintain the quality of the cleaning jobs.
Another problem with remote cleaning is you constantly need to meet customer expectations. Running a cleaning business entails a lot of hard work. You need to constantly coordinate with the cleaners and provide top-tier service. Local lead generation is better because you don’t need to do all these management roles. You have full control of the business and your clients. The business is also easier to scale since they’re digital assets.
