If you are looking for ideas for a business you can start yourself, with a minimal amount of equipment and only small initial investment, have you considered carpet cleaning? Carpet and upholstering cleaning businesses can be very profitable and it is easy to get started. You just need some basic equipment and to advertise your services and you will soon be on your way to making a decent profit in no time at all. You can choose to target businesses or individuals and either start up your own business or buy a franchise.
Before you can start, you will need to make sure you have the right carpet cleaning equipment. If you decide to start a franchise, then this equipment will usually be provided for you, but if you are setting up your own business, you will need to buy your own cleaning supplies. The basic equipment you will need includes an electric carpet and upholstery cleaning machine with different hoses and attachments, a carpet rake, an upholstery tool or attachment, a spot cleaning kit and suitable carpet cleaning detergent.
You can buy this equipment from janitorial supplies stores or from specialist cleaning companies. Sometimes these companies will offer a bundled ‘starter kit’ with everything you need, intended for people who are starting their own businesses. Expect to pay from $3000 for everything you need to buy. Carpet cleaner machines can vary from around $1000 to over $5000 depending on their power rating. You will also need various attachments and accessories ranging in price from $10 to over $100. Professional cleaning detergent is usually around $20 per gallon and you will be using a lot of it.
If you are thinking about buying a franchise then you will probably want to consider joining one of the top three companies. Heaven’s Best has been rated number one by Franchise Business Review for the last 5 years. They offer carpet and upholstery cleaning available to the residential or commercial markets with their unique promise being that carpets will be dry in one hour. Oxi Fresh is another franchise opportunity that has won several awards. Their cleaning technology utilizes oxygen to break down stains and also offer services to both residential and commercial clients. Finally, for a company that offers an environmentally friendly cleaning service, consider joining Cleanpro, which is endorsed by the largest hotel chain in the world and several other commercial clients. All these companies will provide you with their own carpet cleaning equipment.