One of the great things about the cleaning business is that startup costs are generally low and it is even possible for new players to enter the market with no up front costs at all. Getting a business license is something that you should do as soon as possible but many people work ‘under the table’ for a short period when they start out to see if cleaning is for them or not. This article looks at how you can get started in the cleaning business on a tight budget.

Firstly, you can avoid costs associated with cleaning products and equipment by using your customer’s supplies. This practice is quite common in the residential house cleaning business and most households have, or can arrange everything that you will need quite easily.

Transportation costs are the other big expense that you will face. If you don’t have your own vehicle you can try to pick up work within walking or biking distance of your home.

Look into ways of promoting your services cheaply. Organizing business cards or a flyer doesn’t have to be expensive and you can also try posting free advertising on community notice boards.

Let your friends, family and neighbors know that you are available for cleaning work. If you plug into networks of people around you it is surprising how fast word can spread. Go for a walk around your neighborhood and talk to people who just happen to be outside their homes in their yards or on their driveways and ask them if they currently hire a cleaner, hand out your business card, and let them know that you are available.

One great way to win customers is to offer to do a free house clean. This can be difficult as you won’t be familiar with their house the first time round. But you may get a nice surprise and find that they reward your generous offer by giving you permanent work or letting others know about your services.

Once you manage to win your first few customers and start cleaning their properties you should start to benefit from ‘word of mouth’ referrals, if they tell others about you. Acquiring your first few customers is always hard, but once you have them it is easy to grow your client base from there. And once you have some income coming in from your first clients you can then afford to scale up your business and go for a more professional image and some paid advertising.

While it is tough to get started in any business on an extremely tight budget, don’t let this put you off. Don’t use your lack of funding as an excuse anymore. Get started in the cleaning business today!

For more information on how to start a cleaning business visit -

http://www.cleaningforprofit.com