How to Start Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business

Have you ever considered starting your own carpet cleaning business? If not, you should give it some thought. In this article we provide some top tips for developing your own.

If you’re ready for a career change, carpet cleaning might not be the first industry that springs to mind. But it should. When you own a carpet cleaning business, there should never really be a shortage of new customers. The majority of people have a carpet somewhere in their home that will need cleaning at some point. And, with people living increasingly busy lifestyles and not wanting to fork out on the cost of their own carpet cleaning machine, they turn to the professionals to make sure their home is looking its best. The great news is that a carpet cleaning business is easy to start, run, manage and maintain.

Reasons why starting a carpet cleaning business is a great idea

There are plenty of compelling reasons why starting a company offering carpet cleaning services could be the ideal fit for your financial ambitions and your lifestyle.

1. It’s low risk

Firstly, it’s a pretty low-risk business. OK, there are risks involved in starting any business, but as long as you do your research, the investment versus potential returns can be very positive.

2. It offers flexibility

Running a carpet cleaning services business can also tick the box when it comes to the flexibility it can offer too. Unlike a company that requires a physical store to operate, you'll have the freedom to work the hours you choose to fit around other commitments.

3. You don’t need any previous experience

As long as you’re prepared to learn and work hard, you can build your own reputable business on a limited budget with little or no prior knowledge or experience of carpet cleaning.

Top tips for starting a carpet cleaning business

1. Decide whether you want to invest in a franchise or start from scratch

Of course, the idea of starting an independent business from scratch can be daunting and not for everyone. Thankfully, there are lots of franchise opportunities available that offer carpet cleaning services. Here are just a few of the many benefits of investing in a franchise rather than going into business alone:

• It's a tried and tested business model with a proven track record of success
• You’re much more likely to succeed as a franchisee compared to an independent business owner
• All the training you need is provided, and ongoing support is available as and when you need it

2. Make sure you can afford it

As with starting a business in another sector, it’s incredibly hard to pinpoint one amount when tackling this question. Depending on the scale of your business and the equipment you buy, it could cost anywhere from £1,000 to £100,000. In order to get a better idea of the price tag, you need to understand your costs. Expenses will include most, or all, of the following:

• Staff wages
• The services of professionals, e.g. accountants and lawyers
• Offices or any other physical premises e.g. storage facility for your products and equipment
• Equipment purchases or lease
• Cleaning products
• Website
• Insurance
• Taxes
• Vehicle-related costs

3. Develop a business plan

One important step to starting a business in any sector is developing a successful franchise business plan. This will include crucial information like how your business will earn a profit, who your target customer is, what your short and long term goals are, and more.

4. Get training (if you want)

It isn’t a necessity for you or your staff to have received any particular qualifications or training. But you might want to invest in certain certifications that can reassure customers that you are knowledgeable and capable of providing an exceptional cleaning service. For instance, a Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning, or an NCCA approved carpet cleaning course.

5. Choose your equipment

One of your most substantial costs is equipment. You need to find a balance between the price of equipment and its durability and performance. If you buy more expensive equipment, getting your business off the ground will, of course, be more costly. However, you might save money in the future by delivering professional work in less time.

Decide which carpet cleaning machine you want to buy. Your options include a walk-behind machine, a machine with a wand and a truck mount machine. Another important decision is which carpet cleaning solutions you are going to use, as well as any carpet cleaning accessories you need. These might include a bucket, a handheld brush, carpet rake etc…

6. Decide on your prices

This is a difficult question to answer, as it depends heavily on the state of the carpet, the location if the customer has pets etc. But as a rough guide, for carpets in an average condition, you might charge between £20 and £30 per bedroom. For bigger rooms, you could charge between £40 and £50.
Remember to never guarantee customers that their stains will be completely removed. It’s a better approach to under-sell and over-deliver.

7. Market your business

If you operate under an established franchise brand name, you don’t have to worry so much about marketing on a national level. However, you will need to advertise your services within the local community. Approach local businesses and see if they already have a contract with a carpet cleaning service – if not, jump on the opportunity. A good place to start is businesses or buildings that have only just opened or are in the process of opening.

In terms of marketing materials, you can create a website, advertise in the local newspaper and on a radio show, hand out flyers etc. Create a strong social media presence where you can communicate with existing and potential customers. A blog is a great way to do this. For instance, cover ‘top ten cleaning tips’ or ‘why it’s important to keep your carpet clean’.

Carpet cleaning franchise opportunity

If you’re convinced that starting a carpet cleaning franchise is for you, then here is some information about one of the exciting opportunities on offer.

Zero Dry Time

The unique quick-drying processes that Zero Dry Time apply, along with the safe, chemical-free products used, make this franchise one of the leading domestic and commercial carpet cleaning businesses in the UK.

• Becoming a Zero Dry Time franchisee: You won’t need any training on business skills, as Zero Dry Time will take care of all the paperwork and business administration for you. You do need to be ambitious and highly motivated to be accepted onto the franchise programme, though. Head over to its client page for further details.
  
• How much you need to invest: A minimum investment of £24,950 is required to become a Zero Dry Time franchisee. The franchise package that you’ll receive in return includes rights to an exclusive postcode territory, seven professional machines, products and uniform. You’ll need to cover the cost of purchasing or leasing a suitable vehicle yourself, but this will be branded as part of your franchise package.
  
• What you get for your investment: As a franchisee, not only will you benefit from a tried and tested business model with a proven track record of success, but you’ll also be in control of your own work schedule. This will enable you to achieve a healthy work/life balance, offering you the freedom of being a business owner with the flexibility of being a franchisee.

Start a carpet cleaning business today

This article should have provided you with a better idea of how to start your own carpet cleaning business. If you would rather save some time and reduce the risks that come with starting a new business, you could choose to invest in an existing franchise. We have lots to choose from on Point Franchise. Just head to the ‘carpet cleaning franchises’ section of our website to get browsing.