With the economy in shambles, many people are looking for small business ideas that they can do either for a living outright, or for a side business in their time off. Starting a garage cleaning service is a business that you can actually come out pretty good with if you take the time to put some thought into it and do it right. Here are some things that you will want to remember when starting a garage cleaning business, as well as some tips to get started:
The first thing you will want to do is to check out the landscape for your new garage cleaning business. If you live in an area that is heavily populated with apartments and things of that nature, you may find the jobs tough to come by. Conversely, if you live near large subdivisions where every home has a garage, then you will come out much better.
Next, you will want to gather the supplies you will need in your garage cleaning business. Aside from the common sense cleaning materials, you will also need a pickup truck, a ladder, and some industrial strength brooms. These are vital aspects to your garage cleaning business, and finding a great pick up work truck is a big part of the process. You will need this to haul off debris, as well as any gems you come across that are donated.
Once you have these things in order, then you will want to apply for any permits and so on that you need to operate a small business in your town. If you are doing this full time, then this step can not be bypassed. If you are doing it for extra money on occasion, then you may be able to get by. Ask your local county office what is needed.
Now that you have the legalities and the supplies needed, it is time to go out and find some jobs. After a short period of time, your business will grow through word of mouth if you do an excellent job. In the beginning, however, you will need to drum up some business. One good way to do this is through the local newspaper classifieds. You can also use Craigslist, as well as other online venues. Put out some fliers in your area advertising your services as well. The main way to drum up business however, is by talking about the service. Sooner or later, you will come across some jobs just by doing this. Let everyone you know in on the fact that you clean garages, and that you are looking for jobs. Ask for their help in finding some work, and you might be surprised at how many people will do so.
Once you get some jobs, do not discount the fact that some folks will give you the opportunity to work in exchange for keeping whatever you come across. Many Ebay businesses were started in this manner, and you can often find far more things to sell than money you could earn charging a straight rate with no fringes. If you are working for cash only, then make sure you are very specific on the things you do and do not perform.
As with every job, you should put every last job on paper and keep meticulous records. Just because it is a garage cleaning business, it does not make it any less important to the IRS. Money is money, and you need to be sure to spend quality time with your books and taxes. Keep all receipts, and document every single thing that you do.
A garage cleaning business can be very lucrative once you have your name out there and start getting referrals. If you stick with it and are flexible in the tasks you will do, then you will quickly make a name for yourself in the business. Nothing is more important than your name in this business, and you should be sure to take care to protect it. Do every job as though it was being done for your own garage, and you will be just fine.
Image Credited To Wikipedia User Les Chatfield
