If you want to make the housecleaning service as your business, many things will follow it. You can advertise in the local newspaper, put a business card at the supermarket, and, if you have access to the bulletin boards at any companies, leave your card there as well to market the service to public. In tourist areas leave your business card and references with real estate or rental agencies. And for the expenses, you’ll need to purchase an arsenal of cleaners, sanitizers, deodorizers, polishes, and other products. Then there are mops, dusters, and the biggest investment: an industrial-strength vacuum cleaner. You’ll also need a traveling case for your products and equipment and a vehicle to transport the whole kit and caboodle. As a commercial cleaning contractor, you should be able to purchase supplies at a discount or from a wholesaler. Warehouse stores also offer good deals on extra-large containers. Other costs include advertising and promotion.
Housecleaners generally charge by the hour, with the rate including the cost of the supplies you use and a portion of the cost of the vacuum cleaner and other capital expenditures. For regular clients, you could work out an arrangement whereby they provide all of the cleaning supplies to meet your needs; in that case, you would charge a lower hourly rate. You can expect to be asked to give an estimate of how long it will take you to complete the job. Make sure you take into consideration unusually large homes or apartments and unusually messy abodes. The frequency of cleaning will also make a difference; dust and dirt accumulate over time and make for more work. You could offer a discounted rate to clients who agree to schedule frequent visits.