A commercial cleaning business is a company that offers cleaning services to businesses, organizations, and other commercial establishments. These services typically include cleaning and maintaining various facilities such as offices, retail stores, warehouses, factories, and other commercial spaces.
Commercial cleaning businesses may work on a contract basis, providing regular cleaning services to their clients on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They may also provide one-time cleaning services for special events or after a construction project.
The scope and frequency of services provided by a commercial cleaning business will depend on the needs and preferences of its clients. The revenue from cleaning services in Florida is expected to be around 3.395,3 million US dollars by 2024.
Steps on How to Start a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida
Table of Contents
Conduct Market Research
Market research is the process of gathering and analyzing information about a market, including potential customers, competitors, and industry trends. For a commercial cleaning business, conducting market research involves identifying the target market and understanding its needs, preferences, and behavior.
It also involves analyzing the competition, their services, pricing, and marketing strategies. The results of the research can help the business to develop a marketing plan, set pricing, identify opportunities for growth, and differentiate itself from competitors.
a. Who is the Target Market for Commercial Cleaning Businesses in Florida?
- Offices and corporate buildings
- Healthcare facilities
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Educational institutions
- Hotels and resorts
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities.
b. Is Commercial Cleaning Business a Profitable Business in Florida?
Yes, a commercial cleaning business is quite profitable in Florida, as it has a large and growing market with a strong demand for commercial cleaning services. Florida is home to many businesses, including offices, healthcare facilities, retail stores, educational institutions, hotels, and industrial facilities, all of which require regular cleaning and maintenance.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of janitors and cleaners, including commercial cleaners, is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for cleaning services from both businesses and households.
c. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?
No, there are no existing niches when it comes to the commercial cleaning business.
d. Who are the Major Competitors?
- Jan-Pro of Tampa Bay
- Executive Cleaning Services
- Anago Cleaning Systems
- Sunshine Cleaning Systems Inc.
- Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services
- Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Central Florida
- Commercial Cleaning Corp.
- Jani-King of Miami
- Jani-King of Orlando
- Prestige Janitorial Services
- Commercial Cleaning Concepts of Florida
- Jantize America
- Stratus Building Solutions
- Pride Cleaning & Restoration
- Florida Green Cleaning Services
- Clean Florida
- Coverall North America, Inc.
- Enviromatic Corporation of America
- Bravo! Cleaning & Restoration
- Advanced Commercial Cleaning.
e. Are There County or State Regulations or Zoning Laws for Commercial Cleaning Businesses in Florida?
There may be county or state regulations and zoning laws that apply to commercial cleaning businesses in Florida, depending on the location and the services offered. For example, commercial cleaning businesses that use certain cleaning chemicals may need to comply with environmental regulations or obtain permits from the state or local government.
Additionally, zoning laws may restrict where a commercial cleaning business can operate, depending on the zoning classification of the area. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the local county government websites can provide information on licensing and regulatory requirements for commercial cleaning businesses.
f. Is There a Franchise for Commercial Cleaning Business?
Yes, there are franchise opportunities for commercial cleaning businesses and here are some of them;
- JAN-PRO Cleaning Systems
- Coverall North America, Inc.
- Vanguard Cleaning Systems
- Anago Cleaning Systems
- Stratus Building Solutions
- Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services
- OpenWorks
- Image One Facility Solutions
- Buildingstars International
- System4 Facility Services.
g. What Do You Need to Start a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
- A Feasibility Report
- Business and Marketing Plans
- Business Licenses and Permits
- Office Facility
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)/Federal Tax ID Number.
- A Corporate Bank Account
- Employees
- Startup Inventory
Choose a Memorable Business Name
When looking to start a business, before you can begin to file the necessary documents with the constituted authorities or start your website, it is necessary that you come up with a name that you will be recognized with. It is essential that the name you come up with can easily be pronounced, is unique and easily memorable.
Some of the catchy business name ideas suitable for a commercial cleaning business are;
Creative Commercial Cleaning Business Name ideas
- Clean Sweep Services
- Spotless Solutions
- Sparkle Clean Co.
- The Clean Machine
- Brighter Days Cleaning
- Cleanest Spaces Co.
- Top to Bottom Cleaning
- Clean Haven Services
- Clean Slate Co.
- Fresh Start Cleaning
- Prime Shine Services
- Clean Cut Co.
- Clean Dream Team
- Neat & Tidy Co.
- Supreme Sweep Services
- Immaculate Impressions
- Clear Choice Cleaning
- Green Clean Co.
- Dapper Cleaning Services
- Pristine Spaces Co.
Register Your Business
a. What Type of Business Structure is Best for Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
The best type of business structure for a commercial cleaning business in Florida depends on factors such as the number of owners, liability protection, tax considerations, and management flexibility. Some common business structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.
Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consult with a legal and financial professional to determine the best option for the specific needs and goals of the commercial cleaning business.
b. Steps to Form an LLC
- Choose a Name for Your LLC.
- File Articles of Organization.
- Choose a registered agent.
- Decide on member vs. manager management.
- Create an LLC operating agreement.
- Comply with other tax and regulatory requirements.
- File annual reports.
c. What Type of License is Needed to Open a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
- General Business License
- Chemical Handler’s Certificate
- Fire and Safety Permit (Fire certificates)
- Zonal Permits
- Signage Permit
- State Occupational Licenses
d. What Type of Certification is Needed to Open a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
You don’t need any certifications to start a commercial cleaning firm; it’s a business that anyone can start.
e. What Documents are Needed to Open a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
These are some of the basic legal documents that you are expected to have in place if you want to legally run a commercial cleaning business in Florida;
- DBA
- EIN
- Business and liability insurance
- Federal Tax Payer’s ID
- State Permit and Building Approval
- Federal Export Licenses
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business License
- Business Plan
- Employment Agreement (offer letters)
- Operating Agreement for LLCs
- Insurance Policy
- Online Terms of Use
- Online Privacy Policy Document
- Contract Document
- Company Bylaws
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
f. Do You Need a Trademark, Copyright, or Patent?
A commercial cleaning business may need a trademark to protect its name, logo, or slogan, copyright to protect its original content, or a patent to protect its unique processes or inventions. It is important to consult with a legal professional to determine the best course of action for your specific needs and goals.
Cost Analysis and Budgeting
a. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
The cost to start a commercial cleaning business in Florida can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on your specific needs and goals. It is important to create a detailed business plan and budget to ensure that you have the funds necessary to start and sustain your business.
b. What are the Costs Involved in Starting a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida
Here’s a list of common costs involved in starting a commercial cleaning business in Florida:
- Business registration and permits: $50 to $400 or more depending on the type of business structure and permits required.
- Equipment and supplies
- Insurance
- Marketing and advertising
- Labor costs
- Transportation (Costs for transportation can include gas, maintenance, and repairs on vehicles or vans used for transporting cleaning equipment and employees)
- Rent or lease
- Legal and accounting fees (Cost for legal and accounting services may include fees for business incorporation, tax filings, and ongoing bookkeeping services.)
- Training and certifications.
c. What Factors Determine the Cost of Opening a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
- The size of the commercial cleaning business
- The choice of location
- The required licenses and permits
- The cost of hiring and paying a business consultant and attorney
- The cost of branding, promotion, and marketing of the commercial cleaning business
- The cost of furnishing and equipping the commercial cleaning business
- The cost of insurance policy covers
- The cost of registering the business
- Source of your supplies and ongoing expenses
- Cost of recruiting and training your staff
- The cost for the purchase and customizing of uniforms, shoes, and caps for your employees
- The cost of the grand opening of the commercial cleaning business
d. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?
Building a facility is not always necessary for a commercial cleaning business, as many businesses operate out of their own homes or out of a small rented space. However, if you need to build a facility, the cost can vary widely depending on the location, size, and construction materials.
e. What are the Ongoing Expenses of a Commercial Cleaning Business?
Here are some of the common ongoing expenses of a commercial cleaning business:
- Cleaning supplies and equipment (cleaning supplies such as mops, brooms, and cleaning solutions, as well as maintaining and replacing equipment such as vacuums and floor machines).
- Labor costs (wages, taxes, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time).
- Insurance premiums
- Transportation costs
- Rent or lease payments
- Marketing and advertising
- Office expenses
- Taxes and legal fees
- Training and certifications.
f. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?
- Manager (Owner) – $55,000 Per Year
- Accountant (Cashier) – $35,000 Per Year
- Commercial Cleaners – $30,100 Per Year
- Utility Truck Driver -$30,000 Per Year
g. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Commercial Cleaning Business
- Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
- Raising money from investors and business partners
- Sell shares to interested investors
- Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
- Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from, the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
- Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.
Write a Business Plan
a. Executive Summary
Dapper® Cleaning Services, Inc. is a commercial cleaning business based in St. Petersburg, Florida, that provides a wide range of cleaning services to businesses of all sizes. Our mission is to provide high-quality cleaning services that exceed our client’s expectations and to do so with professionalism, reliability, and integrity.
Our management team has over 30 years of experience in the commercial cleaning industry, and we have built a reputation for providing outstanding customer service and delivering excellent results. Our employees are trained, certified, and fully insured, ensuring that our clients can trust us to handle their cleaning needs with care and attention to detail.
We are committed to sustainability and use environmentally friendly cleaning products and methods whenever possible. We also offer flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of our clients, including after-hours and weekend cleaning services.
b. Products and Service
Our services include general cleaning, floor care, window cleaning, and specialized cleaning services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. We use the latest cleaning techniques and equipment to ensure that our client’s facilities are clean, healthy, and safe.
c. Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide exceptional commercial cleaning services that exceed our client’s expectations. We strive to maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity in everything we do and to create a safe, healthy, and clean environment for our client’s employees and customers.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to become the premier commercial cleaning company in our area, known for our outstanding customer service, exceptional cleaning results, and commitment to sustainability.
d. Goals and Objectives
Here are some sample goals and objectives for our commercial cleaning business:
- Increase the number of clients by 20% in the next year by expanding our marketing efforts, offering promotions, and improving our customer service.
- Increase customer satisfaction ratings to at least 90% within the next six months by implementing a client feedback program, conducting regular quality control checks, and providing ongoing employee training.
- Increase revenue by 15% in the next year by offering new services, improving efficiency, and maximizing productivity.
- Reduce operating costs by 10% in the next year by implementing cost-saving measures, negotiating better pricing with suppliers, and improving inventory management.
- Increase employee retention rates by 25% in the next year by providing ongoing training and development opportunities, offering competitive compensation and benefits, and creating a positive work environment.
- Expand our service offerings by adding new cleaning services that meet the needs of our clients and by keeping up to date with the latest cleaning techniques and equipment.
- Improve our sustainability practices by reducing our environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly products and by minimizing waste and energy consumption.
e. Organizational Structure
- Manager (Owner)
- Accountant
- Commercial Cleaners
- Utility Truck Driver
Marketing Plan
a. SWOT Analysis
Strength:
- Strong reputation for delivering high-quality cleaning services
- Experienced management team with extensive industry knowledge
- Skilled and reliable workforce
- Use of eco-friendly cleaning products and methods
- Flexible scheduling options to meet clients’ needs.
Weakness:
- Reliance on a limited number of large clients for a significant portion of revenue
- Limited marketing and advertising efforts
- High competition in the industry.
Opportunities:
- Expansion into new geographic areas or industries
- Offering specialized services to meet specific client needs
- Increasing demand for eco-friendly cleaning services
- Increasing awareness of the importance of a clean and healthy environment.
Threat:
- Economic downturns that lead to decreased demand for commercial cleaning services
- Entry of new competitors into the market
- Increasing costs of labor and supplies
- Changing regulations related to cleaning products and methods.
b. How Do Commercial Cleaning Businesses Make Money?
Commercial cleaning businesses make money by providing cleaning services to commercial clients and charging a fee for these services. The fee can be charged in different ways, depending on the business model of the cleaning company and the specific needs of the client.
c. Payment Options
- Apple Pay and Google Wallet
- Gift cards and store credit
- Credit and debit cards
- PayPal
- Installment payments
- Cash on delivery.
d. Sales & Advertising Strategies
Here are some sales and advertising strategies for a commercial cleaning business:
- Implement a referral program that rewards existing clients for referring new businesses. Word-of-mouth marketing can be very effective in the cleaning industry, and incentivizing existing clients to spread the word can help attract new clients.
- Establish a strong online presence by creating a website that showcases the business’s services and expertise. Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to make sure the website appears at the top of search results for relevant keywords. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential clients and share updates on the business.
- Use direct mail campaigns to reach potential clients in the local area. This can include sending postcards or flyers that highlight the business’s services and value proposition.
- Use targeted advertising on platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, or LinkedIn Ads to reach specific groups of potential clients, such as businesses in a specific industry or geographic area.
- Attend trade shows and networking events to meet potential clients and showcase the business’s services. This can be a great way to build relationships with decision-makers and generate leads.
- Set competitive pricing that reflects the value of the services provided. Consider offering promotions or discounts to new clients to encourage them to try the business’s services.
Financial Projection
a. How Much Should You Charge for your Product/Service?
Commercial cleaning services in Florida typically charge based on the type and frequency of cleaning required, as well as the size and complexity of the facility being cleaned. For example, monthly square footage rates can run anywhere from $.05 to $.25+ per square foot depending on the type of building and the frequency of the service.
b. How Much Profit Do Commercial Cleaning Business Owners Make a Year in Florida?
The amount of profit that commercial cleaning business owners make in Florida can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, such as the size and scope of the business, the number of employees, the level of competition in the area, and the types of services offered.
According to various industry reports and surveys, the average profit margin for a commercial cleaning business in the United States is around 6-10% of annual revenue. However, this can vary widely depending on the specific business and market conditions.
For example, a small commercial cleaning business in Florida with one or two employees might generate an annual profit of $30,000 to $50,000, while a larger business with several employees and a more extensive service offering might generate profits of $100,000 or more per year.
c. What Factors Determine the Amount of Profit to Be Made?
- The capacity of the commercial cleaning business
- The location of the commercial cleaning business is covering
- The management style of the commercial cleaning business
- The business approach of the commercial cleaning business
- The advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the commercial cleaning business.
- The number of years the commercial cleaning business is in business
d. What is the Profit Margin of a Commercial Cleaning Business?
The actual profit margin of a commercial cleaning business can vary depending on a number of factors. Some businesses may have profit margins as low as 2-3%, while others may have profit margins of 15% or more.
e. What is the Sales Forecast?
Below is the sales forecast for a commercial cleaning business. It is based on the location of the business and other factors as it relates to such startups in Florida;
- First Fiscal Year: $380,000
- Second Fiscal Year: $440,000
- Third Fiscal Year: $500,000
Set Up your Shop/Office
a. How Do You Choose a Perfect Location for Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
- The demography of the location
- The demand for commercial cleaning services in the location
- The purchasing power of businesses and residents of the location
- Accessibility of the location
- The number of commercial cleaning businesses in the location
- The local laws and regulations in the community/state
- Traffic, parking, and security et al
b. What City is Best to Open a Commercial Cleaning Business in Florida?
- Miami, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Bradenton, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Saint Cloud, Florida
- Pompano Beach, Florida
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Pensacola, Florida
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Riverview, Florida.
c. What Equipment is Needed to Operate a Commercial Cleaning Business?
- Vacuum cleaners
- Mops and buckets
- Brooms, dustpans, and brushes
- Microfiber cloths and towels
- Window cleaning tools
- Cleaning chemicals
- Trash bags and liners
- Pressure washers
- Carpet extractors
- Floor buffers and polishers
- Auto scrubbers
- Safety equipment
- Cleaning carts
- Ladders and scaffolding
- GPS tracking devices.
Hire Employees
The fact that you plan to operate a commercial cleaning business means that you will require employees to work with you. When it comes to hiring employees for a commercial cleaning company, you should make sure you hire people that are experienced and ready to build a new business with you.
Launch the Business Proper
Launching a commercial business properly is no doubt one of the ways of marketing your new business to people and businesses in your city. In other to get it right, you must make sure you organize a grand opening party for stakeholders in and around the area where your commercial cleaning business will be located.
a. What Makes a Commercial Cleaning Business Successful?
There are several key factors that can contribute to the success of a commercial cleaning business:
- Providing high-quality cleaning services that meet or exceed client expectations is essential for building a strong reputation and attracting new clients.
- Showing up on time, completing work as promised, and being responsive to client needs are all important factors in building a loyal client base.
- Setting reasonable prices that are competitive with other cleaning services in the area is important for attracting and retaining clients.
- Effectively promoting the business through online and offline channels, including social media, email marketing, and targeted advertising, can help attract new clients and build brand awareness.
- Streamlining business processes, managing expenses effectively, and investing in technology and equipment that improves efficiency can help reduce costs and increase profitability.
- Responding promptly to client inquiries and concerns, being respectful and professional in all interactions, and taking steps to address issues or complaints can help build trust and loyalty among clients.
- Hiring and training skilled employees who are reliable, trustworthy, and committed to providing high-quality service is essential for the success of a commercial cleaning business.
- Regularly evaluating and improving business operations, service offerings, and customer satisfaction can help ensure long-term success and growth.
b. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Commercial Cleaning Business?
A typical day at a commercial cleaning business can vary depending on the size of the business, the services offered, and the number of clients. However, here is an overview of some of the tasks that might be involved:
- Planning and scheduling
- Preparing equipment and supplies
- Traveling to job sites (The cleaning crew will travel to the job sites, either in a company vehicle or personal transportation.)
- Cleaning tasks (At each job site, the crew will perform the cleaning tasks as outlined in the service agreement with the client. This might include vacuuming, mopping, dusting, window cleaning, trash removal, and disinfecting surfaces).
- Communication with clients
- Quality control
- Record-keeping and billing.
- Equipment maintenance.
c. What Skills and Experience Do You Need to Build a Commercial Cleaning Business?
- Attention to details
- Customer services skills
- Interpersonal skill
- Accounting and bookkeeping skills
- Business management skills
- Bargaining and bidding skill
- Work experience in a commercial cleaning business environment
- Experience in managing people
- Experience in business administration.