A commercial cleaning business is a company that provides cleaning services primarily to other businesses, such as offices, stores, and public venues, rather than to residential homes. This type of business is designed to cater to the unique needs of commercial environments, which can vary significantly from those of private homes. For example, commercial spaces often require regular and extensive cleaning to maintain a professional appearance and adhere to health standards, especially in high-traffic areas. Services offered by a commercial cleaning business might include daily janitorial duties like trash removal, vacuuming, and floor mopping, as well as more specialized tasks such as window washing, carpet cleaning, and the sanitization of restrooms. Some commercial cleaning companies also offer additional services like restocking essential supplies in bathrooms and common areas. Typically, the owner of a commercial cleaning business does not need to perform the cleaning themselves but can hire employees to complete these tasks. This aspect makes it a potentially attractive venture for those people looking for a retirement side hustle. Hiring staff can make it so this business is less physically demanding work and a business that can operate with a degree of autonomy.
What Skills Are Needed For A Commercial Cleaning Business
Starting a commercial cleaning business requires a set of practical skills that are straightforward to develop. First and foremost, understanding cleaning techniques and the use of different cleaning equipment and products is fundamental. You’ll benefit from knowing how to efficiently clean various surfaces and spaces, as commercial environments can vary from offices to large retail areas. Similar to other retirement side hustles, organizational skills are also important, as they help in scheduling jobs, managing supplies, and ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. Additionally, people skills cannot be overstated, since dealing effectively and courteously with clients helps in building and maintaining strong relationships. Managing a team also requires good communication and leadership abilities, ensuring that your staff understands their roles and performs them well. Adaptability is another useful skill, as you might need to adjust cleaning methods or schedules based on client needs or unexpected situations. Finally, a basic understanding of safety protocols and regulations will ensure that your services are not only effective but also safe for everyone involved.
Additional Services You Can Offer In A Commercial Cleaning Business
To increase your revenue with a retirement side hustle commercial cleaning business, consider offering additional services that complement your basic cleaning package. One effective approach is to provide specialized cleaning services such as carpet cleaning, window washing, or upholstery cleaning, which are often in demand but require specific skills or equipment. Another option is to include restocking services, where you replenish essential supplies like paper towels, toilet paper, and soap in client facilities. This not only adds convenience for your clients but also boosts your regular income. You could also introduce eco-friendly cleaning options, appealing to clients who are conscious about reducing their environmental footprint. Offering seasonal cleaning services, such as deep cleaning in spring or intensive sanitization during flu season, can also attract more business. By diversifying your service offerings in these ways, you create more opportunities to meet varied client needs and increase your business’s earning potential.
Commercial Cleaning Niches
- Office Cleaning: Regular cleaning of offices, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and trash removal.
- Retail Cleaning: Cleaning services for retail spaces like stores and shopping malls. This includes floor cleaning, window washing, restroom sanitization, and ensuring all public-facing areas are presentable.
- Event Cleaning: Cleaning before, during, and after events such as conferences, concerts, or sports events. This can include litter picking, restroom maintenance, and general cleanup.
- Specialized Services: Some commercial cleaners offer specialized services like carpet cleaning or window washing
- Supply Restocking: In addition to cleaning, they may also offer restocking services for items like toilet paper, hand soap, and other consumables in restrooms and common areas.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Many commercial cleaning businesses now offer eco-friendly cleaning options, using sustainable products and methods to reduce environmental impact.
Commercial cleaning businesses generally have the potential to generate higher overall revenue compared to residential cleaning businesses, an important consideration when looking for a retirement side hustle. This is due to several factors, including the typically larger size of commercial spaces, the specialized equipment and expertise required, and the nature of the contracts which often involve regular, ongoing work.
Should I Start A Commercial Cleaning or Residental Cleaning Business?
Commercial cleaning services represent the largest share in the U.S. cleaning services market, with a value of $64.9 billion, compared to $9.0 billion for residential interior cleaning services. However, it’s important to note that the competition in commercial cleaning is also typically higher than residential, with over 1.2 million cleaning service providers across the country.
While looking for a retirement side hustle, the choice between focusing on commercial or residential cleaning should be based on various factors, such as the local market demand, competition, startup costs, and potential revenue. Commercial cleaning might involve higher upfront investment in equipment and training and could face increased competition and more demanding clients. On the other hand, residential cleaning often has lower startup costs and may offer a more consistent client base, but it can involve lower profit margins and increased marketing efforts to attract and retain customers.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on a thorough assessment of the local market, competition, and the specific strengths and capabilities of the cleaning business. Some cleaning companies even choose to diversify their services to cater to both commercial and residential clients, which can help in maximizing revenue and reducing reliance on a single market segment.
Commercial Cleaning Profit Margins
The profit margin for a commercial cleaning business when you hire employees can vary based on several factors, such as your operational efficiency, the costs of labor and supplies, and your pricing strategy. Generally, the average profit margin for commercial cleaning businesses ranges between 10% to 28%, but it can be as high as 50% or more as the business grows and optimizes its operations.
Finding Commercial Customers For Your Commercial Cleaning Business
Finding commercial customers shouldn’t be too difficult, as long as you spend time either out in the community, on social media or partnering with other local companies. If you are looking for a retirement side hustle using your time effectively is important.
Out in the community ideas:
Attend local business events, trade shows, and chamber of commerce meetings to network with business owners and facility managers. When looking at retirement side hustles, you should look at the possibility of joining local business associations and groups related to property management or business services. Consider partnering with related businesses, like property management companies, who can refer your services to their clients. Sponsor or participate in local community events to increase brand visibility. Engage in community service or charity events to build a positive reputation.
Online Marketing idea:
Use social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) to reach local businesses and engage with your community. Consider running targeted ads on platforms like Google Ads or social media to reach potential clients. Once you have some cash flow coming in invest some money in a quality website, including testimonials from other local businesses. When you are looking for a good retirement side hustle, it’s a good to look at your potential competitors websites to get ideas on how to build your website.
Partnering ideas:
Property Management Companies: These companies manage multiple properties, including residential complexes, commercial buildings, and office spaces. Partnering with them can lead to regular cleaning contracts for the properties they manage and a good retirement side hustle. You could offer them special rates or service packages tailored to their needs, making your service more attractive for them to recommend to their clients.
Real Estate Agencies:
Real estate agents often need cleaning services for properties that are on the market. Establishing a partnership with local real estate agencies can lead to cleaning jobs for homes or commercial spaces before open houses and viewings, or after sales are closed.
Construction Companies: After construction or renovation, buildings usually require thorough cleaning before they are habitable or open for business. Partnering with construction firms can provide opportunities for post-construction cleanup jobs.
In each partnership, it’s beneficial to clearly communicate the value your cleaning business can provide, such as reliability, high-quality service, and competitive pricing. Tailoring your services to meet the specific needs of these partners can also increase your attractiveness as a preferred vendor.
As you consider a retirement side hustle and the possibility of establishing a commercial cleaning business, remember that success hinges on unwavering determination, and a commitment to quality service. With the right approach, your commercial cleaning business is not just about making spaces shine; it’s about building lasting relationships and a reputable brand in the industry.
If you would like more side hustle ideas for either preretirement or retired people, please visit sidehustleforretirees.com.