Starting a Cleaning Business or Not

[gunther4817]

Hey Everyone!
I am really thinking of starting my own cleaning business (sick of the 9-5 office job), but have no real idea of what to charge (residential/business clients). I live in the Pittsburgh, Pa area, but have no idea what others are charging. I have heard $100-$140 per first clean for residential...anyone care to give me their thoughts on these prices? Also, I am getting ready to print out a ton of brochures, and am not really sure how to "wow" potential clients to pick my company over another. Thank you all for any ideas you can give me!!

[jonzjan]

I have had to get a firm rate/ hour and let the estimate reflect my time and expense. Try to stick with a predetermined rate and use your accumulating experience to adjust this rate to varying circumstances. What I'm saying is every jobs different so it is hard to umbrella a price. Maybe I'm wrong though. Thanks for your time,

Josh

[everclean]

I would first read the first two post on this forum ( the 24 steps to starting a cleaning business plus the next one) for starters. for pricing call other businesses in your area and as for over the phone quotes, then you will have a general Idea on it.

[april9291]

Hey, I am new here and planning a cleaning business as well. I noticed two things about your post (experienced people correct me if I'm wrong), you said that you have no idea what to charge and that you're about to print a bunch of flyers. If you have no idea what to charge, you need to do research! You can find a wealth of information on the internet because you're servicing a big city. Also, look up your competition and call them, find out both what they're charging and what services they're providing. As far as the flyers, I would suggest reading more on here...several of the posts talk about newbies and flyers. Best wishes!

[sparklingsolutions]

Residential cleaning is great. I really don't care what the competition charges. I sent a rate and stick to it. For what I have to make. At first I would lower my rates or come in cheaper but trust me it is not were. If the customer want great service then they will pay for it. I usually give a discount on the 1st 2 cleanings but that is it. The only I do different is I don't charge extra for initial cleanings. They take longer but I am trying to built a last relationship with the clients.