Not too long ago, payday was one of the happiest experiences of the week. Opening that flirty, windowless envelope with a check inside, admiring all those lovely zeros behind a set of nice, stiff numbers was the stuff dreams were made of: a new car, a family vacation.
Today, however, the paycheck is increasingly being replaced by severance pay, the year-end bonus by a pink receipt and a cardboard box.
However, there is some good news. In these times of layoffs and economic uncertainty, the janitorial cleaning business is alive and well, attracting a fair number of ambitious, hard-working people to grab a bucket and mop, roll up their sleeves, and hang up a tile or scrub brush. above your door.
Few companies have shown such strong growth in recent years as the janitorial cleaning business. Due to the economic downturn in recent years, companies continue to outsource much of their services, including commercial cleaning and janitorial services. According to the International Association of Building Service Contractors, the business of keeping America’s office buildings, schools, and even parking lots sparkling and spotless is booming, worth approximately $128 billion in 2008 at a rate of average annual growth of 7%.
Obviously, nowhere is the entrepreneur more welcome than in the office cleaning business. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are more than 56,000 commercial cleaning and janitorial businesses, most of these small family-owned and franchised businesses.
Janitorial cleaners are one of the few businesses where the potential profit in the first year can exceed $40,000 net, with very little investment. Overhead costs are low with relatively inexpensive cleaning supplies and equipment. Working outside your home also helps keep costs down. And because elbow grease is their main product, it’s relatively easy to start the business on your own or with a trusted friend or family member.
When starting a business, it’s always a good idea to have a year’s worth of income in the bank. Its amount may vary, depending on your economic obligations and expenses depending on where you live. Fifty thousand dollars is often cited as a good starting number. Since most contractors bill at the end of the month, this is another good reason to have enough cash in reserve so you can continue to live a reasonable lifestyle.
What remains is deciding on a business name and registration, obtaining the appropriate licenses, viable business slogan and marketing plan, and you are well on your way to owning your own business, without the threat of a pink slip ever again. .